Medication Storage, Labeling, and Temperature Monitoring Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and separation of medications, as observed during an inspection of the medication room. Orally administered medications were stored together with externally used medications, such as suppositories and eye drops, without any physical separation. This was confirmed by staff present during the observation, who acknowledged that these medications should be stored separately to prevent errors in medication administration. Additionally, the facility did not consistently monitor and document the temperature of the refrigerator used to store medications requiring refrigeration, such as insulin pens and PPD test bottles. Although a daily monitoring sheet was present and the temperature was within the required range at the time of observation, there were missing temperature records for two consecutive days. Staff verified these omissions and acknowledged the requirement for daily temperature monitoring and documentation. The facility also failed to monitor the storage conditions of enteral formulas and oral nutritional supplements. Multiple bags and bottles of enteral formula and supplements were stored in a utility room without any temperature monitoring in place. The product provider's guidelines specify that these products should be stored at room temperature and not exposed to excessive heat or freezing. Staff confirmed the lack of temperature monitoring and verified the storage conditions at the time of inspection.