Expired Medications and Unsecured Narcotics Identified in Medication Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies related to the storage and labeling of drugs and biologicals during observation rounds, record review, and staff interviews. Expired medications and medical supplies were found in several medication storage areas, including a pack of Oxycodone tablets for a resident with an expiration date that had passed, as well as expired intravenous catheters, a sterile IV start kit, and a package of ArgiMent AT with Bimuno Prebiotic. In each instance, staff confirmed the items were expired when questioned by the surveyor. Additionally, surveyors observed that the narcotic lock box within the medication refrigerator, as well as the refrigerator padlock itself, were found to be open and unlocked in the medication supply room. Staff, including the unit manager and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the expectation and policy is for these compartments to remain locked at all times. These findings were discussed with facility leadership during the exit conference.