Expired Medications and Unsecured Medication Cart Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that expired medications and enteral feeding containers were not removed and discarded as required. Specifically, an open bottle of Meclizine with an expiration date of 02/2025 was found in a medication cart on the third floor, and four containers of Glucerna enteral feeding with an expiration date of 04/01/2025 were found in the medication storage room. Staff confirmed that these items should have been discarded after expiration and acknowledged that expired medications and feedings should not be available for resident use. Additionally, a medication cart on the second floor was found unlocked and unattended while the responsible RN was out of sight. The RN admitted that the cart should have been locked when unattended and stated that she may have been rushing at the time. Facility policy requires that all medication storage areas be locked when not attended by authorized personnel and that expired medications be immediately removed and destroyed.