Failure to Properly Store, Label, and Dispose of Medications and Medical Supplies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications and biologicals were properly stored, labeled, and disposed of in accordance with professional standards and facility policy. During observations in two of three medication rooms and two of five medication carts, surveyors found multiple instances of expired or undated medications and medical supplies. Specifically, vials of Aplisol and cyanocobalamin were found open and undated, and a bottle of liquid gabapentin was also open and undated. Numerous vacutainers, IV start kits, IV catheters, and a Huber infusion set were found with expired dates. Staff interviews confirmed that these items were either expired or not properly labeled as required by policy. Additionally, on two medication carts, containers of MedPlus Vanilla nourishment shake were not handled according to policy. One container was unopened but not labeled with the date it was opened, while another was opened, partially used, and still present on the cart beyond the 24-hour usage window specified by facility policy. Staff interviews further confirmed that the required procedures for labeling and disposing of these items were not followed. The Nursing Home Administrator and Assistant Director of Nursing acknowledged that expired and undated medications and supplies were not properly stored or disposed of in the affected medication rooms and carts.