Failure to Maintain Sanitary Linen Management in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and sanitary environment for one of three sampled residents by not ensuring that the linen bin in a resident's room was properly managed. Specifically, the linen bin in Room A was observed to be overflowing with used white linen and was not lined with plastic, as required. The bin was also left open, contrary to facility policy and infection control standards. Both the Director of Nursing and the Registered Nurse Supervisor confirmed during interviews that the linen bin should have been lined with plastic, kept closed, and not allowed to overflow to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of bacteria. The resident involved had a history of falling, adult failure to thrive, was bed-confined, and had severely impaired cognitive skills, making them particularly vulnerable. The facility's policy and procedure on resident room environment emphasized the importance of providing a safe, clean, and homelike atmosphere, with attention to cleanliness and order. The failure to properly manage the linen bin in the resident's room resulted in an unsanitary environment, as directly observed and confirmed by staff.