Failure to Secure, Label, and Remove Expired Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where the facility failed to ensure the proper labeling, dating, and secure storage of medications and biologicals. On several occasions, medication carts were found unlocked and unattended, and medications such as insulin pens were not labeled with resident names or dates of opening. Additionally, expired medications, including aspirin, Systane eye drops, Dulcolax pills, melatonin, artificial tears, lidocaine jelly, and epinephrine auto-injectors, were found in both medication carts and the emergency medication kit. These findings were verified by various staff members, including a Certified Medication Aide, a Licensed Nurse, and an Administrative Nurse, who acknowledged the presence of expired and unlabeled medications and the failure to secure medication carts as required by facility policy. The facility's policies, dated February 2023, required that all medication storage areas be locked when not in use, that medication labels include the resident's name and expiration date, and that insulin pens be labeled and dated when opened. Despite these policies, staff did not consistently follow procedures for medication security and labeling, resulting in the presence of expired and improperly labeled medications accessible in the facility. No specific residents were identified as directly affected in the report, but the deficiencies were confirmed through direct observation and staff interviews.