Failure to Label Opened Medications with Open Dates
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were labeled in accordance with accepted professional principles. Specifically, on two separate occasions, opened insulin vials and pens (Humalog and Novolog) were found on a nurse's medication cart without open dates labeled. Additionally, an open vial of Aplisol Tuberculin solution was found in the medication room refrigerator without an open date. These medications require labeling with the date they are opened to ensure proper tracking and timely disposal. Interviews with nursing staff, the DON, and the Administrator confirmed that it was the responsibility of nurses to date medications when opened, and that both insulin and tuberculosis solutions are considered good for 28 days after opening. The facility's own policy also required multi-dose vials to be dated and discarded within 28 days unless otherwise specified. The lack of open dates on these medications meant staff could not determine when the medications should be discarded, as acknowledged by the staff during interviews.