Failure to Discard Outdated Medications and Label Multi-Dose Vials
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to appropriately discard outdated medications and ensure proper labeling of multi-dose vials and insulin pens. During observations of medication storage areas, including two medication carts and one medication room, surveyors found open insulin pens (Lispro, Basaglar, and Lantus) and an open vial of Tubersol that were not labeled with the date they were opened. Facility policy and manufacturer guidelines require that multi-dose vials and insulin pens be labeled with the date opened and discarded within a specified timeframe (28 days for insulin pens and 30 days for Tubersol), but these requirements were not followed. Staff interviews confirmed that the open insulin pens and Tubersol vial lacked open dates, making it impossible to determine appropriate discard dates. LPNs present during the observations acknowledged that the medications should have been discarded due to the absence of labeling, in accordance with both facility policy and manufacturer instructions. No information about specific residents or their medical conditions was provided in the report.