Improper Refrigerated Medication Storage Due to Elevated Refrigerator Temperature
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in medication storage when a medication refrigerator in one medication room was observed with an internal temperature gauge reading 66°F, despite the attached temperature log indicating 38°F earlier that day with no time documented. At the time of observation, 52 refrigerated medications were stored in this refrigerator, including multiple types and brands of insulin pens and vials (such as Humalog, Lantus, Toujeo, Basaglar, Novolog, Humulin, Novolin, Levemir, Tresiba), Ozempic, Procrit, ophthalmic solutions (Lumigan and Latanoprost), Formoterol Fumarate, and Alteplase with diluent. United States Pharmacopeia standards require these medications to be stored at controlled refrigerated temperatures between 36°F and 46°F prior to use. During interviews, the DON reported that the medications in this refrigerator were overflow and stock medications and that one medication had become stuck in the door, preventing the refrigerator from closing properly. The DON also stated that corrective action was considered necessary any time the refrigerator temperature exceeded 41°F and that the refrigerator temperature had been checked earlier that morning and documented as 38°F, though the exact time of that check was unknown. The Administrator stated that the refrigerator temperature should be checked multiple times throughout the day and that staff should be more careful when removing medications from the refrigerator.
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