Expired Biologicals and Medical Supplies Found in Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to discard expired biologicals in both a second-floor nursing unit storage closet and the central supply storage area. During an observation, multiple expired medical supplies were found, including IV start kits, oil emulsion dressings, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and Foley catheters, all with expiration dates that had passed. These items were stored on shelves and were available for use. A family member expressed concerns about expired supplies following a change in the medical supplier. Staff interviews revealed that the central supply coordinator was responsible for ordering, restocking, and rotating supplies, and claimed to check supply rooms twice daily and remove expired items during restocking, particularly on Fridays. Nurses on each unit also had access to the central supply room and were expected to check for expired items, but in practice, they relied on the central supply staff to manage expiration checks for most items except medications. The facility's policy on clinical supplies outlined procedures for maintaining supply levels and reordering but did not provide guidance on the disposal of expired supplies. During interviews, staff acknowledged that expired items found in the storage areas should not have been available for use. The administrator and director of nursing were informed of these findings, and no further information was provided prior to the survey exit.