Failure to Enforce Food Storage Policy for Resident Brought-In Foods
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and enforce its policy regarding the use and storage of foods brought in by family and visitors for residents. During an observation of a resident's personal refrigerator, a small plastic cup containing food was found without a date or label. The facility's policy requires that perishable foods be stored in resealable containers with tightly fitting lids, labeled with the resident's name, the item, and a use-by date. However, this policy was not followed in this instance. The resident involved was an older female with multiple diagnoses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal obstruction, and dysphagia. She was cognitively intact and independent with eating. Interviews with staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed that night nurses were responsible for monitoring the resident's refrigerator daily, but the required labeling and dating of food items were not performed. This lapse in procedure was directly observed and acknowledged by facility staff.