Repeated Infection Control Deficiency Due to Uncovered Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility's Quality Assurance and Assessment (QAA) committee failed to implement an effective plan of action to correct a previously identified quality deficiency related to infection prevention and control. During a recertification survey, it was observed that respiratory equipment, specifically a nebulizer and tubing, was stored uncovered on a bedside table next to a live plant for one resident. This storage practice did not comply with infection control procedures and was previously cited as a deficiency under F 880-Infection Prevention & Control. The facility's records confirmed that the QAA committee met monthly and included a range of interdisciplinary team members, such as the Administrator, Medical Director, DON, ADON, Infection Control Preventionist, and others. Despite these regular meetings and the existence of policies aimed at monitoring and improving care quality, the same infection control issue was observed again, indicating that the committee did not effectively address or resolve the previously cited deficiency.