Improper Storage of Medications and Expired Supplies in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medication and medical supplies were not stored according to accepted professional standards in the East medication room. Specifically, a large plastic bag labeled with a resident's name containing an IV solution of liquid nutrition, two vials of infuvite, and an infusion kit was found stored in the resident's food refrigerator instead of the designated medication refrigerator. Additionally, multiple expired medical supplies and equipment were found in cabinets, including universal viral transport kits, ECOLAB peroxide test strips, cleansing towelettes, and a gel/wound vac therapy system package, with expiration dates ranging from November 2022 to March 2025. During interviews, both an LPN and the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that medications should not be stored in the food refrigerator and that expired supplies should not be kept in the medication room. Both staff members acknowledged that these practices did not meet facility expectations. The findings were based on direct observation, staff interviews, and record review, and were cited as not being in compliance with regulations regarding the proper storage and labeling of drugs and biologicals.