Failure to Properly Store and Label Medications in Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of medications in two of three medication carts, as required by facility policy and professional standards. During an observation of the Second floor Low Cart, surveyors found three opened packages of ipratropium nebulizer medication and one Ellipta inhaler that were not dated as required. An LPN confirmed that these medications were opened and lacked the necessary dates. On a separate observation of the Third floor Low Cart, a vial of Ketotifen Fumarate eye drops was found opened and dated January 28, 2025, which was past its use-by date. Another LPN confirmed that this eye medication was opened and expired. The DON acknowledged that the facility did not properly and securely store medications in these two medication carts, in violation of facility policy and state regulations.