Failure to Label and Store Inhalation Medications per Manufacturer and Facility Policy
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly label and store certain inhalation medications in accordance with manufacturer requirements and facility policy. Specifically, an open budesonide inhalation solution foil pouch for one resident was found in a medication cart without a date indicating when the pouch was opened, and three inhalation solutions remained inside the open pouch. Manufacturer guidelines require that once opened, the foil pouch should be stored at room temperature and the contents used or discarded within two weeks. The lack of labeling made it impossible to determine if the medication was still within its effective period. Additionally, an open and used budesonide and formoterol inhalation aerosol for another resident was found stored at room temperature without a date indicating when the inhaler was removed from its foil pouch. According to manufacturer instructions, this inhaler should be used or discarded within three months of opening. The absence of an open date meant staff could not verify whether the medication was still effective or had expired. Interviews with the LVN and DON confirmed that facility policy requires multi-dose products to be labeled with the date opened to track expiration, and that failure to do so prevents staff from determining the beyond-use date. Review of facility policies and manufacturer instructions further supported the requirement for proper labeling and timely use or disposal of these medications. The observed deficiencies were limited to the medications found in one medication cart and involved two residents receiving inhalation treatments for respiratory conditions.