Improper Refrigeration of Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medications requiring refrigeration, including multiple insulin pens and other drugs, were stored in a medication refrigerator with temperatures consistently above the facility's policy range of 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. On one occasion, the thermometer inside the refrigerator read 50 degrees. The temperature log for the month showed repeated instances of temperatures ranging from 46 to 50 degrees, with some days missing documentation entirely. Additionally, the freezer compartment was found to be almost completely filled with dried ice, except for two ice bags, indicating poor maintenance of the refrigerator. During interviews, a Registered Nurse was unsure of the exact required temperature but believed it should be around 40 degrees, while the DON stated it should be below 50 degrees but did not know the specific range. The facility's policy clearly stated that medications requiring refrigeration must be kept between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The improper storage conditions and lack of staff knowledge regarding correct temperature requirements led to the deficiency in medication storage.