Expired Insulin Medications Found on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to follow its own policy and manufacturer guidelines regarding the storage and use-by dates for multi-dose insulin medications. During an inspection of a medication cart on the first floor, surveyors found a Humalog KwikPen, a Humalog Insulin vial, and a Basaglar KwikPen that had been opened beyond the manufacturer's recommended 28-day discard date. These medications were still available for resident use, despite being expired according to both facility policy and manufacturer instructions. A review of the facility's policy confirmed that discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated drugs should not be used and must be returned to the pharmacy or destroyed. Staff interviews, including with an LPN present during the observation, acknowledged that the insulin medications were past their use-by dates and should have been removed from the cart. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the facility had not adhered to the required procedures for medication storage and use-by dates.