Expired and Improperly Stored Medications and Supplies Found in Facility
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure medications and biologicals were properly labeled, unexpired, and stored according to policy and professional standards. During inspection of two medication storage rooms, two treatment carts, and two medication carts, multiple expired medications and medical supplies were found, including a bottle of Children's Flonase, Zyno Medical administration sets, Monject filter needles, ICU Medical sterile caps, and Assure blood glucose control solutions. Additionally, opened and unsecured wound care supplies such as DermaRite xeroform gauze, hydrogel gauze, and DermaGinate/AG dressings were present in the treatment carts. These findings were verified with the Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing at the time of observation. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that expired or unsecured medications and supplies are to be removed and destroyed according to procedure. However, the presence of expired and opened items in medication storage areas and carts indicated non-compliance with these policies. The deficiency had the potential to affect all residents served from the affected storage rooms and carts, as these areas are used for medication and treatment supply storage throughout the facility.