Failure to Properly Label and Remove Expired Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored according to professional standards in one of two medication rooms observed. Specifically, an insulin pen in the medication room refrigerator lacked a resident label, and another insulin pen was found to be expired. Additionally, review of a resident's Medication Administration Record revealed that an insulin pen had been discontinued but was still present in storage. Multiple medications and biologicals on medication and treatment carts were found to be stored beyond their labeled expiration dates, including oral medications, eye drops, normal saline vials, dressings, and skin protection wipes. Some items also lacked required documentation of opened or expiration dates. Interviews with nursing staff, the DON, and the Administrator confirmed that facility policy required regular checks for expired medications and immediate removal of outdated or discontinued drugs. Staff acknowledged the importance of discarding expired medications to ensure effectiveness and resident safety. Despite these policies and expectations, expired and improperly labeled medications and supplies were observed in active storage areas, indicating a failure to follow established procedures for medication management.