Improper Storage and Expired Medications Found During Inspection
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medications and biologicals were not stored in accordance with professional standards and the facility's own policies. During an inspection of the medication room, a mini refrigerator was found with significant ice buildup in the freezer compartment, which prevented the freezer door from closing properly and made it difficult to open. Additionally, a yellowish-brown streak was noted on the right shelf bracket inside the refrigerator. The DON confirmed these findings and acknowledged that the refrigerator could be cleaned better. The facility's policy requires medications to be stored in a manner that ensures proper sanitation and environmental control. In a separate inspection of the Central Supply Room, five expired over-the-counter medications and an opened bottle of medication labeled for a discharged resident were found. The DON confirmed the presence of these expired items and the medication belonging to a discharged resident, stating she was unaware of why they were still stored there. Facility policy specifies that discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated medications should be routinely removed and destroyed according to established procedures.