HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations, review of facility policy and interview with staff (EMP), it was determined that the facility failed to discard expired medications in order to maintain a safe setting for patient care.

Findings include:

Review of facility's policy "Expired Goods," dated August 2011, revealed "Policy: A documented survey for expired goods will occur monthly ... Purpose: To eliminate the potential threat that expired goods pose to the safety of patients ... "

Review of facility's policy "Subject: Expired Drugs," dated November 4, 2013, revealed " ... Purpose: To define the process of handling expired medications and ensure full potency of medications available for use ... "

Observation on September 22, 2014, of the ED's (Emergency Department) Expedited Treatment Area nurses station revealed nine Rapid Rhino Epistaxis Nasal Pac's, marked expired August 2014, contained in a storage cabinet.

Interview on September 22, 2014, at 11:40 AM, with EMP2 confirmed the above supplies were expired.

Observation on September 22, 2014, of the ED's Center Area Medication Room revealed a wall mounted alcohol based hand sanitizer that was marked expired December 2013.

Interview on September 22, 2014, at 12:00 PM, with EMP2 confirmed the above supply was expired.

Observation on September 22, 2014, of the ED's Medication Room revealed the following expired medications: one Phenylephrine 25 mg in Sodium Chloride 0.9% 250 ml IV bag, marked expired September 12, 2014; four Phenylephrine 25 mg in Sodium Chloride 0.9% 250 ml IV bag, marked expired September 13, 2014; two 10 ml Sodium Chloride Injections, marked expired April 2014; and 24 10 ml Sodium Chloride Injections, marked expired June 2014.

Interview on September 22, 2014, at 12:15 PM, with EMP3 confirmed the above medications were expired.