Failure to Label and Discard Open Medications per Policy
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medication storage practices on two medication carts failed to comply with facility policy regarding the labeling and disposal of medications. Specifically, multiple open bottles of ophthalmic solutions and an insulin pen were found without open dates or expiration dates recorded. In some cases, open dates were present but indicated the medication had surpassed the 28-day expiration period as outlined in facility policy. Interviews with nursing staff confirmed that it is the responsibility of the nurse who opens a medication to label it with the open and expiration dates, but staff were unable to explain why this was not done for the medications observed. The Director of Nursing confirmed that both ophthalmic solutions and insulin pens are to be labeled with open and expiration dates and discarded after 28 days, in accordance with facility policy and manufacturer instructions. Policy reviews further supported these requirements, directing staff to record the date opened and the date to expire on containers of medications with shortened beyond-use dates. Despite these clear policies, the observed failure to label and discard medications as required constituted a deficiency in pharmaceutical services and medication management.