Failure to Label and Date Opened Multi-Dose Medications on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that staff failed to properly label and date multi-dose oral inhalers and eye drops on three of four medication carts reviewed. Specifically, multiple opened bottles of eye drops and inhalers were found without opened dates or resident names, despite manufacturer recommendations to date these medications upon opening and discard them within specified timeframes. Some medications were also found unlabeled, lacking the resident's name. These observations were made in the presence of medication aides, nurses, and the Assistant Director of Nursing, who confirmed that all opened medications should be labeled with the date opened and the resident's name. Interviews with staff, including medication aides, a nurse, the DON, and the Administrator, revealed a lack of awareness or oversight regarding the requirement to label and date opened medications. The DON stated that third shift staff were responsible for checking medication carts nightly to ensure compliance, and the Administrator confirmed the expectation that all medications be labeled and dated at the time of opening. Despite these expectations, the deficiency was observed across multiple medication carts.