Failure to Prevent Accident Hazards and Control Access to Hazardous Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where the facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards. On one medication cart, an unpackaged syringe with an uncapped needle was found lying on top of a biohazard container, rather than being fully disposed of inside the container. This was confirmed by the RN, Unit Manager, DON, and Administrator, all of whom acknowledged that syringes and needles should be completely placed inside biohazard containers to prevent potential resident access and injury. Additionally, hazardous chemicals were found accessible in three residents' rooms. An aerosol disinfecting spray was left on a bedside table within easy reach of a resident, and a multi-purpose cleanser was found on top of a toilet tissue dispenser in another resident's bathroom, reportedly brought in by a family member. In a third instance, a container of disinfecting cleaner was located under the sink in a resident's bathroom, also brought in by family. Staff interviews confirmed that such chemicals should not be accessible to residents, and the DON and Administrator were unaware that family members had brought these items into the facility.