Failure to Maintain Sanitary Conditions and Equipment for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program for a resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, legal blindness, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and a contracture of the left hand. The resident was dependent on staff for care, had moderately impaired cognitive functioning, and was always incontinent of urine and bowel movements. Observations revealed that the floor in the resident's room was not kept clean, with food remains, utensils, and ants present next to the bed. Additionally, the resident's bedside commode was found with dried fecal residue and had not been properly cleaned or disinfected. Interviews with staff, including a CNA, the MDS Coordinator, and the DON, confirmed that the room and equipment were not maintained in a sanitary condition, which was inconsistent with the facility's own policies and procedures for cleaning and disinfection of resident-care items and equipment. The staff acknowledged the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent infection and recognized that the failure to do so could jeopardize the resident's health.