Medication Storage and Temperature Monitoring Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that medications and biologicals were not stored according to manufacturer specifications and facility policies. Specifically, Bisacodyl and Acetaminophen suppositories were observed stored at 80°F, exceeding the manufacturers' recommended maximum of 77°F. Additionally, inhalant medications such as Levalbuterol, Budesonide, and Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol were found in opened foil packaging without being dated, contrary to both manufacturer instructions and facility policy, which require these medications to be used or discarded within specific timeframes after opening. Further review revealed that the facility failed to consistently monitor and document medication room temperatures. Temperature logs were incomplete, with only a few days recorded for April and May, and no logs available for June, July, or the beginning of August. The Infection Preventionist and DON confirmed the missing documentation and were unable to provide the required records, despite facility policy mandating daily temperature monitoring within a specified range.