Failure to Label Multi-Use Medications with Open and Expiration Dates
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that multiple insulin dial-up pens and inhalers on the transitional care unit (TCU) medication cart were not labeled with open dates or expiration dates. During the review, an LPN confirmed that these medications lacked the required labeling and was unable to state when the medications were opened or how long they remained effective after opening. The LPN also did not know the appropriate duration for use of opened insulins or inhalers and indicated the need to consult a supervisor. The director of nursing stated that the facility's expectation was for medications to be labeled with both open and expiration dates to ensure staff were aware of their usability. No facility policy on dating and disposal of multi-use medications was provided when requested.