HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, policy review and staff interview the facility failed to ensure outdated and non-labeled medications were not available for patient use. This had the potential to affect all current patients in the hospital. The current census was five.

Findings include:

Observation of the medication room in the nurses station was conducted on 11/20/18 at 1:20 PM. Approximately 35 five milligram tablets of Bisacodyl were noted as expired "10/18". An open vial of Novolog 100 units per milliliter was noted as opened but not labeled with the date of opening or the initials of the staff who opened it. An open vial of Novolog 100 units per milliliter was noted as opened and dated 10/20.

Review of policy "Medication-Administration" effective date: 10/2017 was reviewed on 11/20/18. Section 8: Multi-dose Vials, item b reads, "All multi-dose vials shall be labeled with the initials of the person opening the vial and an expiration date that is 28 days after opening or per the manufactures recommendations." Section I, Medication Administration a. reads, "Prior to administration, the nursing staff member administering the medication shall ensure that the following steps are accomplished: iii Verify the medication has not expired."

The above findings were confirmed with Staff D on 11/20/18 at 1:30 PM.