Expired Insulin Vial Found in Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure all drugs and biologicals were stored and labeled in accordance with accepted professional principles, specifically regarding insulin vials in one medication cart on the 200 hallway. During an observation, an insulin vial was found in the cart that had been opened beyond the recommended 28-day period, with the opened date documented as 3/9/2025. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that insulin vials should be discarded after 28 or 30 days from opening, and that expired insulin could result in reduced potency or adverse reactions if administered to residents. A review of the facility's policy indicated that insulin vials are to be stored at room temperature for 30 days, while the manufacturer’s guidelines for Novolog insulin specify a 28-day usage period after opening. The facility's failure to remove the expired insulin from the medication cart demonstrates noncompliance with both internal policy and manufacturer recommendations for medication storage and labeling.