F0761

E

Failure to Properly Label and Timely Discard Opened Insulin and Ophthalmic Medications

Chillicothe, Ohio Survey Completed on 02-26-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure medications were labeled and stored according to professional standards and facility policy, specifically regarding dating when opened and timely discarding of insulin glargine. Surveyors reviewed records for multiple residents with conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, COPD, and other chronic illnesses. Physician orders showed that several residents were prescribed insulin glargine, ophthalmic solutions (Brimonidine and Latanoprost), and an inhaler (Budesonide-Formoterol). During observation of the C-Hall medication cart with an LPN, surveyors found that one resident’s insulin glargine, another resident’s Latanoprost eye drops, and another resident’s Brimonidine eye drops were open but not labeled with the date opened. The LPN confirmed that eye drops and insulin were supposed to be labeled with the date when opened.

On the B-Hall medication cart, surveyors observed with another LPN that a vial of insulin glargine pulled from the emergency drug box and placed in the cart for a resident was not labeled with the date opened, and an inhaler for another resident was open and not labeled with the date opened. Additionally, insulin glargine for another resident was found in the cart labeled as opened 34 days prior, exceeding the 28-day expiration period after first use as specified in the facility’s Storage of Medications policy. The LPN confirmed that insulin and inhalers were to be labeled with the date opened and acknowledged the insulin glargine had been opened 34 days earlier. The facility’s policy stated that discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated drugs must not be used and that insulin glargine expires 28 days after first use or removal from the refrigerator.