HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review, and staff interviews, the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) staff failed to remove outdated supplies from 1 of 1 Medical/Surgical Unit (Med/Surg). Failure to remove outdated patient supplies from the CAH's Med/Surg Unit supplies, available for use in patient care, could potentially result in staff using the expired items for patient care after the manufacturers' recommended expiration date, after which the manufacturer will no longer guarantee the safety and quality of the supply. Indicating the staff should not use the supplies for patient care. The CAH staff reported average patient daily census of 6, upon entrance on 01/11/2021 at 12:15 PM.

Findings include:

1. Observations on 01/11/2021 at 2:00 PM, during a tour of the Medical/Surgical Unit, revealed the following expired supplies:

a. 2 of 2, Secure P.A.D.S. Chair Sensor The Personal Accident Deterrent System (pads that sense patient movement off a chair, triggering an audible alarm), indicated a 12 month limited warranty. 1 was dated with an initial purchase date of 08/2010 and 1 was dated with an initial purchase date of 09/2017.
b. 2 of 10, Secure P.A.D.S. Chair Sensor The Personal Accident Deterrent System (pads that sense patient movement off a chair, triggering an audible alarm), indicated a 14 day limited warranty. 2 were void of any date showing the initial date of patient use.
c. 2 of 2, Syrtenty Chair Sensor Pad (pads that sense patient movement off a chair, triggering an audible alarm), indicated to replace the pad after one year of use. Both were dated 12/2015.

During an interview on 01/11/2021, at the time of the tour, the Hospital Administrator and Med/Surg/OB Director confirmed the outdated supplies on the Med/Surg unit and reported nursing staff should be checking the supplies monthly.

During an interview on 01/11/2021 at 2:30 PM, the Hospital Administrator communicated a policy was not available to directly address the use and outdates of the pads.

Review of Personal Safety Corporation manufacturer's recommendation revealed in part: " ...warrants this product ...for a period of 14 days from date..." and "...warrants this product ...for a period of 12 months from date..." Pad should be replaced on or before their warranty period expiry date ...On first use, record the expiry date (180 days from in-use date) on the transmitter ..."

Review of Syrtenty manufacturer's recommendation revealed in part: "...the effectiveness of this monitoring device relies... Replace pad after one year use."