Unopened Insulin Vials Improperly Stored Outside of Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that unopened vials of insulin Lispro, a medication used to control blood sugar, were stored improperly in a medication cart on the 3rd Floor East, rather than in a refrigerator as required by the manufacturer's instructions. This was confirmed during an observation and interview with an LVN, who acknowledged that unopened insulin should be refrigerated to maintain its effectiveness. The LVN stated that nurses are responsible for ensuring unopened vials are stored in the medication refrigerator and confirmed that the observed vials would be relocated accordingly. Further interviews with the Interim Director of Nursing corroborated that facility policy requires unopened insulin vials to be refrigerated and that failure to do so could affect the medication's effectiveness. A review of the facility's policy and procedures indicated that medications requiring refrigeration must be stored in a designated refrigerator, separate from food, and properly labeled. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, staff interviews, and review of facility policy.