Expired and Improperly Stored Medications and Supplies Identified
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that drugs, biologicals, and medical supplies were properly stored and disposed of in accordance with facility policy and professional standards. During observations in two medication rooms (Two South and Two North) and two medication carts (Two South Long Hall and Two South Short Hall), surveyors found multiple expired medical supplies, including debridement trays, oxygen tubing, safety needles, urinary catheter securement devices, sterile gloves, luer access devices, dressing change trays, ostomy lubricating deodorant, blood collection needles, and IV catheters. Additionally, expired or undated medications, such as Lantus and insulin lispro injection pens, Fluzone High Dose influenza vaccines, and tuberculin solution, were found in use or available for use. Staff interviews with the DON, RN, and LPNs confirmed the presence of these expired or undated items. The facility's policy required that medications and biologicals be stored properly and that outdated, contaminated, discontinued, or deteriorated medications and supplies be immediately removed from stock and disposed of according to procedures. Despite this, surveyors observed that expired items remained in medication rooms and carts, and some insulin pens were either undated or past their in-use expiration period. Facility leadership, including the DON and Administrator in Training, acknowledged the failure to ensure proper storage and disposal of these items.