Failure to Ensure PPE Availability and Proper Linen Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available for staff use when providing care to residents requiring enhanced barrier precautions and transmission-based precautions. Observations revealed that enhanced barrier precaution signs were posted on several residents' doors, but no PPE was accessible outside these rooms. Staff confirmed the absence of PPE, stating they would be unable to provide care without it. In multiple instances, isolation bins for residents on contact precautions were found to be missing gloves and hand sanitizer, with staff having to search for or relocate the last available box of gloves from other locations, leaving other areas without necessary supplies. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that PPE containers had been removed for refilling, resulting in their unavailability at the point of care. Additionally, the facility failed to maintain proper linen handling practices, as a linen cart was observed uncovered on the first floor. A nurse confirmed that the cart should always be covered to keep linens clean and reduce exposure to germs, and subsequently covered the cart upon observation. Review of facility policies confirmed requirements for PPE use and linen handling but did not specify procedures to ensure PPE availability at the point of care.