Failure to Label Opened Inhalers with Required Dates
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medications, specifically inhalers, were not labeled with open or expiration dates on two of three medication carts inspected. During the inspection, multiple opened inhalers belonging to several residents were found without the required labeling, including Incruse Ellipta, Breztri, Spiriva, and Trelegy inhalers. Licensed Practical Nurses present at the time confirmed that these inhalers were opened and not labeled as per manufacturer instructions. A review of the manufacturer's instructions for each inhaler indicated that labeling with the date opened and discard date is required to ensure proper use and disposal. The facility's own policy also mandates that medications and biologicals be stored according to manufacturer or pharmacy recommendations to maintain their integrity and support safe administration. The failure to label these medications as required constitutes a deficiency in following professional standards for medication storage and labeling.