Expired Medications Found in Multiple Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were discarded prior to their expiration dates, as required by both professional standards and the facility's own policy. During observations, expired medications were found on one of nine medication carts (Harbor Side) and in two of six medication storage areas (Central Supply and Ocean Breeze). Specifically, a bottle of Allergy Relief with an expiration date of January 2025 was found on a medication cart, two bottles of aspirin with a June 2025 expiration date were found in central supply, and two boxes of COVID-19 antigen rapid tests with a use-by date of April 2025 were found in a medication room. Staff interviews revealed that nurses and aides did not consistently check for expired medications, especially when working outside their usual assignments or after returning from days off. Some staff acknowledged that checking for expired medications was their responsibility but admitted to oversights. Further interviews indicated that the central supply manager was responsible for auditing and rotating stock in the supply closet, but was unsure if expired items were returned to her area by nursing staff. The Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that all nurses were expected to dispose of expired medications immediately and that the pharmacy conducted monthly checks. However, the presence of expired medications in multiple locations demonstrated that these procedures were not consistently followed, leading to the deficiency.