Improper Storage Temperature for Refrigerated Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored at the proper temperature in one of two medication rooms reviewed. Specifically, the refrigerator in Medication Room [ROOM NUMBER] was found to have temperatures below the required 36 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 out of 27 days in May, with recorded temperatures ranging from 30 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. This was identified through observation and review of the refrigerator temperature log. The facility's policy requires refrigerated medications to be stored between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their integrity. Interviews with the DON and Administrator revealed that night shift nurses were responsible for checking and documenting refrigerator temperatures, but the use of PRN staff may have contributed to the failure to consistently monitor and address out-of-range temperatures. The DON stated that the process was to notify Maintenance if temperatures were out of range, and medications could be moved if necessary. The Pharmacist indicated that, in his professional opinion, the low temperatures did not adversely affect the medications. However, the facility did not ensure compliance with its own policy for medication storage.