HospitalInspections.org

Based on policy review, observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to remove expired medication and supplies in the Emergency and Surgery Departments.

The findings included:

1. Review of the facility's "Outdated Drug Control" policy documented "...1. The Pharmacy personnel will constantly check all medication physically for dated items and remove all outdated packages..."

Observation of the Adult Emergency cart in the Emergency Department on 4/30/12 at 10:35 AM, revealed 1 box of Sodium Bicarbonate with an expiration date of 3/1/12.

During an interview in the Emergency Department on 4/30/12 at 10:35 AM, Nurse #1 confirmed the Sodium Bicarbonate was expired.

Observation of the Recovery Room Emergency Cart on 4/30/12 at 11:35 AM, revealed 2 boxes of Sodium Bicarbonate with expiration date of 3/12.

During an interview in the Recovery Room on 4/30/12 at 11:35 AM, Nurse #2 stated "yep" when asked if the Sodium Bicarbonate was expired.

Observation of the Respiratory box in Emergency Room 1 on 5/1/12 at 10:30 AM, revealed 1 container of Sodium Chloride with an expiration date of 10/06, 2 containers of Sodium Chloride with an expiration date of 6/07 and 1 container of Sodium Chloride with an expiration date of 12/7.

During an interview in Emergency Room #1 on 5/1/12 at 10:30 AM, Nurse #1 confirmed the Sodium Chloride was expired.

2. Review of the facility's "OUTDATED SUPPLIES" policy documented, "...C. Outdated supplies are removed from stock and replaced..."

Observation of the supply shelf in Emergency Room #1 on 4/30/12 at 10:35 AM, revealed (2) 1000 milliliter [ml] bags of Dextrose 5% Lactated Ringers [D5LR] with expiration dates of 3/12, (1) 1000 ml bag of Dextrose 5 % Water with an expiration date of 3/12, (2) Evacuated Vacuum Bottles 1000 ml with an expiration date of 3/11, (1) Fleets enema with an expiration date of 1/08 and (1) Mineral Oil laxative with an expiration date of 11/11.

Observation in Emergency Room #1 on 4/30/12 at 10:40 AM, revealed (1) package of Pediatric Plus Multifunction electrode Pads with an expiration of 5/11, (2) #20 Gelco Intravenous [IV] catheters (1) expired 10/10, (1) expired 12/10 and (1) #22 Gelco IV catheter with an expiration date of 1/11.

During an interview in Emergency Room #1 on 4/30/12 at 10:35 AM, Nurse #1 stated "you're right" when asked about the expired supplies.