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Based on review of the facility policy, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure expired medical supplies were discarded in 1 of 7 (laboratory) departments reviewed.

The findings include:

Review of the facility policy titled, "Expired Medical Supplies," dated 9/8/2015, showed "...ensure outdated supplies are purged from various storage areas..."

Observation of a cabinet in the laboratory and interview with the Laboratory Manager on 1/13/2020 at 2:20 PM showed a container of disinfectant wipes with an expiration date of 12/11/2019. The Laboratory Manager stated the wipes were expired and were available for patient use.

Observation of a drawer in the laboratory and interview with the Laboratory Manager on 1/13/2020 at 2:30 PM showed twenty-four 23 gauge safety needles with an expiration date of 11/3/2019. The Laboratory Manager stated the needles were expired and were available for patient use.



41291

Based on review of the facility policy, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure expired medications were discarded in 1 of 7 (medication room) departments reviewed.

The findings include:

Review of the facility's policy titled, "Medication Stock and Unit Inspections - Pharmacy Services," dated 8/3/2019, showed "...medications stocked and administered to patients are in date, not deteriorated...stored in appropriate locations..."

Observation of the medication room and interview with Registered Nurse (RN) #1 on 1/13/2020 at 1:20 PM showed 1 bottle of ibuprofen (mild pain reliever) containing seventy-five 200 milligram (mg) tablets expired on 2/2016 and one bottle containing fifty 500 mg extra strength acetaminophen tablets expired on 4/2014. RN #1 stated the ibuprofen and acetaminophen were expired and were available for patient use.

Interview with the Director of Clinical Services on 1/15/2020 at 10:40 AM confirmed the facility failed to follow the facility policy and failed to discard the expired medications.