Infection Control Breaches in Linen Handling and Equipment Cleaning
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) was observed exiting a resident's room while wearing soiled gloves and carrying unbagged, soiled linen into the hallway. The CNA acknowledged the breach, stating that the facility's process is to bag soiled linens before leaving a resident's room and to avoid wearing soiled gloves in the hallway. The CNA explained that the presence of the survey team caused him to act quickly and not follow proper procedures. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the facility's expectation is for linen to be bagged prior to exiting a resident's room and acknowledged awareness of the incident. Additionally, a certified medication aide (CMA) was observed using a reusable blood pressure cuff on two residents consecutively without cleaning or sanitizing the device between uses. The CMA stated that she typically cleans the device every two to three residents and was unsure of the facility's policy regarding cleaning between residents. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), who also serves as the Infection Preventionist, stated that equipment should be cleaned between every resident and that sanitizing wipes are available and should be stored in the medication carts. However, no cleaning agent was found in the medication cart during the observation. Facility policies reviewed indicated that reusable equipment should not be used for another resident until appropriately cleaned and that gloves should be removed promptly after use, with soiled linen handled in a way that prevents contamination.