Failure to Properly Label and Store Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly label and store medications and biologicals in accordance with professional standards. Specifically, opened multi-dose inhalers for two residents were not dated, despite pharmacy labels indicating a required discard date after opening. Multiple inhalers were found opened without dates, and staff interviews confirmed that inhalers should be dated upon opening to ensure proper tracking of expiration. Additionally, a vial of Tubersol solution, labeled as house stock and requiring refrigeration, was found stored in a medication cart at room temperature rather than in a refrigerator. Staff were unsure of the delivery date and acknowledged that the solution should be refrigerated to maintain potency. Record review showed that the affected residents had physician orders for the medications in question, and facility policies required dating of opened medications and proper storage according to manufacturer and pharmacy guidelines. The facility's own policies specified that medications with shortened expiration dates after opening must be dated, and that certain biologicals, such as Tubersol, must be refrigerated whether opened or unopened. These deficiencies were identified during inspection of medication carts and rooms, and were confirmed through staff interviews and review of facility policies.