Medication Storage, Labeling, and Disposal Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies related to the storage, labeling, and disposal of medications and biologicals. On two medication carts, an opened bottle of atropine sulphate ophthalmic medication was found with an open date but had not been discarded after the required 28 days, as confirmed by both the LPN and the Director of Nursing. Additionally, a blister pack containing expired oxycodone tablets was found in another medication cart, and staff acknowledged that expired medications should not be present and should have been destroyed. In the medication storage room, an opened multi-dose vial of Tubersol was found in the refrigerator without an open date. The Resident Care Manager confirmed that any opened medication should be dated, and the Director of Nursing stated that staff are expected to label multi-dose vials with the date they are opened. For one resident with a diagnosis of asthma, surveyors observed that prescribed medications, including an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler and Biotene oral spray, were kept on top of the bedside table and not secured in a locked drawer as required for self-administered medications. Staff interviews confirmed that these medications should have been kept in a locked drawer or box when not in use.