Failure to Maintain Cleanliness of Oxygen Concentrator
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when an oxygen concentrator in use by a resident in room A-21-W was observed to be soiled with multiple dime-sized, light brown dried substances on top and a two-inch streak of a similar substance down the front. The soiling was confirmed to be formula from the resident's tube feeding. Facility policy requires that resident-care equipment, including durable medical equipment, be cleaned and disinfected according to CDC recommendations. During interviews, housekeeping staff stated they do not clean medical equipment currently in use, citing concerns about interfering with device settings, and indicated that the Nursing Department is responsible for cleaning such equipment. Nursing staff verified the soiling and acknowledged that it should have been cleaned to prevent attracting pests. The DON confirmed that it is the expectation for nursing staff to clean the oxygen concentrator if it becomes soiled.