Failure to Remove Expired Supplies and Secure Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly store and manage medications and biologicals, as well as remove expired medical supplies from storage. Specifically, two residents were found with medication administration cups containing tablets and capsules left on their bedside tables. Interviews with the residents and nursing staff revealed uncertainty about how long the medications had been left at the bedside, and there was no documentation indicating that either resident was authorized to self-administer medications. Both residents had significant medical histories, including chronic respiratory failure, tracheostomy status, and mental health conditions, but were assessed as having no cognitive impairment. Further observations in the medication storage rooms on two separate units revealed multiple expired tracheostomy care kits, wound dressings, enteral feeding formula, and dietary supplements stored for potential use. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed the presence of these expired items. Facility policies required that all drugs and biologicals be stored securely and that expired or discontinued items be removed from storage, but these procedures were not followed, resulting in the cited deficiencies.