Improper Storage and Expired Medications Found in Medication Carts and Storage Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored and labeled according to accepted professional principles, as evidenced by multiple observations of improper medication storage and the presence of expired medications and supplies. On several occasions, nurses left medications unattended and unsupervised on top of medication carts, including blister packs, over-the-counter medications, and a bottle of Metamucil. Additionally, expired blood culture vials and expired topical creams were found in medication storage rooms, with staff confirming their availability for use. Medication carts were also found to contain expired medications, a pill cutter with visible medication debris, and a container of food items, all of which were confirmed by staff interviews. Further observations revealed that some medications had missing or illegible expiration dates, and expired medications were present in multiple medication carts. Staff interviews consistently confirmed the presence of these expired or improperly stored medications and supplies. The report does not mention any specific residents affected or their medical conditions at the time of the deficiency, but the findings indicate a systemic failure to maintain proper medication storage and labeling practices throughout the facility.