HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and review of documents, the director of dietary services failed to ensure facility's dietary policy on tracking formulas for expiration dates was implemented and that policy of first-in first-out principle had been followed.

Outdated formula was available for nursing staff to obtain from the formula shelving/pantry for patients. Finding include:

1. A tour and inspection of the facility's physical environment was conducted on 3/3/2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

At 11:00 a.m., the facility's treatment room was inspected where dietary formula was stored on open shelving and available for use.

The following formulas had expired:
a. Vivomix 10 (powder formula): 17 packages had expired on January 11, 2011.
b. Vital (liquid formula)- one box of 24 eight ounce cans had expired February 11, 2011.

2. The facility's policy entitled "Ordering, Receiving, Recalls, & Storage: Nutrition Services" issued 04/99 and revised 08/10 stated under "II Policy" and at "C-Storage, #4" the following:
"Formula will be tracked by expiration date to ensure that stock is in date and current".
"Foods are stored using the FIFO principle (first in, first out)".

3. Administrative staff #51 and #52 present during the inspection of the formulas confirmed findings.