Expired Medications and Supplies Not Removed from Medication Room and Carts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services by not ensuring the timely removal of expired medications and supplies from the medication room and nursing carts. During observations, three expired intravenous antibiotic solutions intended for a resident with a history of sepsis, muscle weakness, type 2 diabetes, urinary tract infection, and hypertension were found in the medication room after the medication had been discontinued. Additionally, an expired germicidal wipe and an expired bottle of Senna-Plus were found in the medication room and a nursing cart, respectively. Staff interviews confirmed that these expired items were not in use, but there was no clear explanation for why they remained accessible. Record reviews indicated that the resident had severe cognitive impairment and had received the antibiotic as ordered, with the medication discontinued prior to the survey. The Director of Nursing and nursing staff acknowledged that expired medications and supplies should have been removed but were not, and also noted the absence of a specific facility policy regarding the handling of expired medications and wipes. The facility's existing medication administration policy did not address the removal of expired items.