Expired Medications and Improper Storage of Controlled Substances
Penalty
Summary
Expired medications were found available for use in one of the facility's medication rooms. Specifically, an opened and used tube of Hydrocortisone cream and a tube of Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% cream, both past their expiration dates, were observed in Med Room B. The LPN present at the time confirmed that these expired creams should have been disposed of but were not, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that expired medications should not be available for use in the medication room. Additionally, controlled substances awaiting destruction were not stored in accordance with facility policy and regulatory requirements. The narcotic destruction locked box, which contained multiple medication cards and bottles of controlled substances, was found on a shelf in a shared office and was not permanently affixed to any surface. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the box was not secured as required and that other employees had access to the shared office where the box was stored.