Improper Labeling and Storage of Insulin Medications
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to properly label and store insulin medications in accordance with facility policy and accepted professional standards. During an observation of the Blue medication cart, several insulin vials and pens were found to be either undated upon opening, lacking expiration dates, or not disposed of after expiration. Specifically, one Aspart insulin vial was found with both open and expiration dates, two Aspart vials were missing expiration dates, one Lantus vial was opened but not dated, and three Lantus flex pens were opened, undated, and not stored in individual bags, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, the medication cart was left unattended in a resident lounge with medications accessible to residents, guests, and visitors. Staff interviews confirmed these findings, with both an LPN and the Assistant Director of Nursing acknowledging that the medications were not stored or labeled according to policy. Facility policies require that insulin vials be marked with the resident's name, the date opened, and an expiration date, and that all medications be stored in a locked, organized, and sanitary manner. The observed deficiencies included failure to date insulin vials upon opening, failure to dispose of expired vials, and improper storage of medications, all of which were confirmed by facility staff during the survey.