Failure to Properly Label and Discard Multi-Dose Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper labeling and timely disposal of multi-dose medications in accordance with its own policy and manufacturer guidelines. During an observation of the second-floor medication room, a multi-dose vial of Tuberculin was found in the medication refrigerator that had been opened and dated July 2, 2025, but had not been discarded within the required 30 days, remaining available for use 36 days past the recommended discard date. The manufacturer’s instructions specify that vials in use for more than 30 days should be discarded, and this was confirmed by a Registered Nurse Unit Manager at the time of observation. Additionally, in the third-floor medication room, another multi-dose vial of Tuberculin was found opened and available for use, but it was not dated when opened, making it impossible to determine if it was within the safe usage period. An LPN confirmed the vial was opened and not dated. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and DON confirmed that facility policy requires medications to be dated upon opening and removed upon expiration, but these procedures were not followed in these instances.