Expired IV and PICC Supplies Not Removed from Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the safe and appropriate administration of IV fluids by not removing expired IV and PICC supplies from the only medication room. During an observation and interview, multiple expired supplies were found, including Insyte Autoguard IV Catheters of various gauges and expiration dates, Invision Plus Needleless IV Connectors, and Stat Lock PICC Plus Stabilization Devices. These expired items were discovered despite the facility's stated procedures for regular auditing of the medication room by the ADON, Central Supply Personnel, and oversight by the DON. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies and lapses in the auditing process. The LVN present acknowledged that expired supplies should have been disposed of daily, and the DON, ADONs, and Central Supply Personnel each described different frequencies and responsibilities for auditing the medication room. Central Supply Personnel stated that a monthly clean sweep was performed, with additional twice-weekly checks, but was unaware of the expired supplies present. Additionally, it was reported that the facility did not have a specific policy addressing expired medical supplies.