Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and management of medications and biologicals in multiple medication rooms and a medication cart. Observations revealed expired medications, such as a bottle of stool softener and niacin, were present in the medication storage cabinet. The medication refrigerator was found unlocked and operating above the recommended temperature range, and there were no temperature logs maintained for the refrigerator during specific months. Additionally, the medication room refrigerator on the third floor had missing temperature recordings for several days, and another medication refrigerator was noted to be operating below the recommended temperature range. Staff interviews confirmed these findings, including the lack of temperature monitoring and failure to secure medication storage areas. Further deficiencies were identified on a medication cart, where expired insulin pens and medications without documented open dates were found for several residents. Staff confirmed that these medications were not properly stored or labeled according to facility policy and professional standards. These actions and inactions demonstrate a failure to comply with regulations regarding the secure storage, labeling, and temperature control of medications and biologicals within the facility.