Failure to Clean Mechanical Lift Between Resident Uses
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to clean a mechanical transfer lift (EZ stand) after use with a resident who was cognitively intact, dependent on staff for toileting, and required substantial assistance with transfers. The EZ stand, which had visible debris, was used by two nursing assistants to transfer the resident from bed to commode. After the transfer, the equipment was placed in the hallway without being cleaned. Later, another nursing assistant used the same EZ stand with a different resident without cleaning it before or after use. Interviews with staff, including a nursing assistant, an LPN, and the DON, confirmed that standard precautions and facility policy require cleaning and disinfecting reusable equipment after each use. Staff acknowledged the expectation to clean equipment and confirmed that infection control training is provided at hire and annually.