Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple failures in medication management and storage practices within the facility. Medications, including Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray, were found left at a resident's bedside rather than being secured on the medication cart as required. An LPN confirmed that the nasal spray should not have been left at the bedside. Additionally, a bottle of Aspirin EC was observed unattended on a medication cart, and a yellow gel capsule of benzonatate was found dispensed in a cup on the cart, with the RN stating it was being considered for another patient. Insulin (Lantus) that required refrigeration was found stored in a medication cart instead of a refrigerator, and multiple opened multi-dose medications, such as Acetaminophen suspension, Multivite suspension, and Timolol ophthalmic solution, were not dated as required by policy. Further deficiencies were observed in the storage conditions of refrigerated medications. The medication room refrigerator on the third floor was found to have a temperature of 15°F, which is within the freezing range, and significant ice buildup was noted. Numerous medications, including insulins and suspensions, were stored in this refrigerator. Additionally, ophthalmic solutions for a resident were found to be opened and dated beyond the 30-day discard period, with staff acknowledging that these should have been discarded. Facility policies require medications to be stored securely, labeled with open dates, and refrigerated within specified temperature ranges, but these procedures were not consistently followed.