Improper Sharps Disposal and Infection Control Breach
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices when staff did not dispose of used disposable razors appropriately and allowed a sharps container to become overfilled in the resident shower room at nursing station seven. During observations, multiple uncovered disposable razors were found placed on top of an overfilled sharps container, and the shower room door was left open, allowing resident access. Both a licensed nurse and a CNA confirmed the sharps container was full, the razors were not properly discarded, and the room was accessible to residents, which was acknowledged as a safety concern for both staff and residents. Interviews with the Infection Preventionist and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the sharps container should have been replaced when full and that staff should not place used, uncovered razors on top. The facility's policy required sharps containers to be sealed and replaced when 75% to 80% full, but this was not followed. The improper disposal of contaminated razors and failure to secure the shower room created a risk of exposure to sharps and contamination, as confirmed by staff interviews and policy review.