Expired and Improperly Stored Medical Supplies Found in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medical supplies and medications were properly stored and disposed of on one of its nursing units. During an observation of the Second-Floor Nursing Unit medication room, multiple expired medical supplies were found, including IV administration sets, central line dressing change kits, Sterilux AMD gauze, winged IV catheters, IV catheters, Luer Lok access devices, and syringe tip caps. Additionally, some Sterilux AMD gauze was found outside of its packaging, and a package of non-sterile gloves was opened when sterile gloves were required. These findings were confirmed by a registered nurse during the observation. The facility's policy requires that medications and biologicals be stored safely, securely, and according to manufacturer or supplier recommendations. However, the presence of expired and improperly stored supplies in the medication room indicated non-compliance with this policy. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility did not ensure proper storage and disposal of medical supplies on the affected nursing unit.