Failure to Properly Label, Date, and Discard Insulin Pens
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that staff failed to properly label and date insulin pens on two medication carts. On Medication Cart #3, a glargine insulin injection pen was found open and dated but not labeled with the resident's name. Additionally, an insulin lispro injection pen was found opened and dated over 30 days prior, contrary to manufacturer instructions that require discarding after 28 days. Medication Aide #2 was unaware of the required discard timeframe and could not explain why the glargine pen was not labeled. On Medication Cart #5, a degludec insulin pen was found without a date indicating when it was opened. Nurse #2 stated she typically dates insulin pens when opening them but had not noticed this pen was undated and had not used it. Interviews with the DON and Administrator confirmed that insulin pens should be labeled with the resident's name and the date opened, and that expired insulin should be discarded per manufacturer guidelines. The staff involved were either unaware of the labeling and dating requirements or had not noticed the deficiencies, resulting in improper storage and handling of insulin pens on the medication carts.