Improper Storage and Labeling of Eye Drops and Inhalers
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a failure to properly store and label medications in one of two medication carts reviewed on the 100/200 hall. During observation with an RN, a bottle of Latanoprost eye drops prescribed for dry eye syndrome for Resident #35 was found in the medication cart with a label indicating it needed refrigeration, an open date, and a statement that it expired 42 days after opening, but no actual expiration date was written. The Latanoprost was a bedtime medication that should have been refrigerated rather than kept in the cart. The Medication Administration Record showed the resident had been receiving the Latanoprost nightly during the review period. In the same medication cart, surveyors also found four bottles of prescribed eye drops and nine prescribed inhalers that were not labeled with an open date. The RN present acknowledged that the Latanoprost should be refrigerated and stated she did not know how long eye drops and inhalers were good for after opening. The DON reported the facility did not have a policy for expiration dates on medications after opening and stated they would follow pharmacy recommendations. A faxed document from the pharmacist indicated that Latanoprost expires 42 days after opening, and the facility’s Medication Storage Policy instructed that all medications requiring refrigeration are to be stored in refrigerators in each medication room.
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