Failure to Properly Label and Date Multi-Dose Insulin Pens
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to comply with accepted standards for labeling and storing multi-dose insulin pens on one of two medication carts inspected. Specifically, on the 1 East Hall medication cart, one multi-dose insulin pen of Insulin Aspart and three multi-dose insulin pens of Insulin Glargine were found to be opened and in use without documentation of the date opened or the expiration date. Manufacturer-provided labels on the pens, which included designated spaces for this information, were left blank. Additionally, one Insulin Glargine pen had a blank sticker affixed, indicating it was in use but not properly dated. A review of the facility's policy and the manufacturer's instructions confirmed that opened multi-dose insulin pens must be dated and discarded within 28 days unless otherwise specified. Interviews with an LPN and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the pens were in use and not dated as required by both facility policy and manufacturer guidelines. The failure to document the date opened and expiration date for these medications constituted noncompliance with pharmacy service regulations and resident care policies.