Medication and Biological Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in medication and biological storage and labeling practices across two units. Expired medications, such as Mucus Relief and Albuterol inhalers, were found in medication storage cabinets, and some bottles had unclear or missing open dates. Additionally, biologicals like glucose test solutions and strips were found to be expired and had not been removed from storage. Staff interviews confirmed that these expired items should have been removed but were not. Medication cart audits revealed loose pills of various types at the bottom of drawers, and one organizer tray contained dried sediment. Staff acknowledged that loose pills should not have been present and should have been destroyed. Furthermore, controlled medications, specifically lorazepam, were stored in removable plastic containers within medication refrigerators rather than in permanently affixed, separately locked compartments as required. Staff confirmed that the storage method for controlled medications did not meet regulatory requirements.