Improper Storage and Labeling of Medications and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of drugs and biologicals in both the medication room and the treatment cart. In the medication room, expired Covid-19 testing products and vaccines with unclear expiration dates were found. The Covid-19 vaccine syringes were stored in the refrigerator with labels that did not clearly indicate the beyond use date or when the product was thawed, and the storage instructions were inconsistent. Additionally, a plastic drawer contained expired swabs for throat infection and supplies for IV use, including items for residents no longer in the facility, co-mingled with other supplies. The treatment cart, located in the main hallway, contained multiple opened wound care products that were labeled as sterile and for one-time use only. These included opened sterile Iodoform Packing strips, non-adherent pads, calcium alginate dressings, and comfort foam dressings, all marked as sterile and not for reuse. Expired swabs for throat infection were also found in the cart's active storage area. These items were accessible in areas where they could be used for resident care. Interviews with the Director of Staff Development and the Director of Nursing confirmed the findings. The DON acknowledged the need for continuous re-organization of the small medication room and stated that monthly checks by nurses and the pharmacy consultant were not detailed enough to catch these issues in the active storage areas. Facility policies reviewed indicated requirements for safe, secure, and orderly storage of medications and supplies, as well as proper labeling and removal of outdated or deteriorated items.