Improper Medication Storage and Labeling on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to properly label and store medications on three of five medication carts inspected. Observations revealed that new insulin pens were being stored in medication carts instead of in the refrigerator as required by the manufacturer's label instructions. Additionally, an eye drop bottle was found without an opened date, and staff confirmed that opened medications are supposed to be dated. Multiple staff interviews confirmed awareness of the correct procedures for insulin pen and eye drop storage and labeling, but these procedures were not consistently followed during the inspection. A review of facility documentation indicated that safe and secure storage of medications includes proper temperature controls. Despite this, unopened insulin pens were found outside the refrigerator, and opened medications lacked appropriate dating. The facility's administration and nursing leadership were informed of these findings during the end-of-day meeting.