Improper Storage and Disposal of Medications and Biologics
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure proper storage and disposal of medications and biologics according to facility policy and procedures. A partially used Lantus insulin pen for a resident was found discarded in a container labeled for medications to be destroyed, rather than being placed in a sharps container as required. Staff interviews confirmed that insulin pens should be disposed of in sharps containers to prevent access to the medication, and facility policy specified that syringes and needles must be placed in puncture-resistant, one-way containers. Additionally, the medication destruction bin was observed to be overflowing with medication blister packs, with several packs protruding above the rim and the lid unable to close securely, leaving medications exposed and unsecured. Staff acknowledged that the bin should not be overflowing and that medications should be destroyed before the bin reaches capacity. Further, two 100 ml 0.9% Normal Saline IV bags were found in a medication cart with partially opened manufacturer overwraps and no dates, contrary to facility expectations that opened items be dated with both the open and expiration dates. Staff interviews confirmed that this practice is necessary to prevent administration of expired medications. Facility policy indicated that certain medications, such as IV solutions, require an expiration date shorter than the manufacturer's date to ensure medication purity and potency.