Improper Storage and Labeling of Medications and Supplements
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that drugs and biologicals, including supplements, were not consistently stored in accordance with accepted professional standards. An opened bottle of biotin, a vitamin supplement, was repeatedly found on a resident's nightstand during multiple observations. The resident reported self-administering the supplement daily. Staff interviews confirmed that supplements are considered medications and should be stored in a locked medication room or cart, or, if self-administered, in a locked drawer at the bedside. However, the supplement remained unsecured on the nightstand, and staff expressed uncertainty about the proper storage requirements in this situation. Additional deficiencies were identified in the storage and labeling of medications on treatment and medication carts. An opened urea cream on a treatment cart lacked an open date, despite labeling indicating it should be used within 24 months of opening. Staff confirmed that an open date was expected. Furthermore, an expired medication (Gabapentin) was found in a medication cart, and staff acknowledged that expired medications should not be stored and should have been discarded. These findings demonstrate failures in proper medication storage, labeling, and removal of expired drugs.