Failure to Maintain Sanitary Environment in Resident Bathroom
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment in one of its resident bathrooms by not adhering to established infection control measures. During a facility tour, surveyors observed three visibly soiled towels hanging on the towel rack, as well as a used coffee cup with residue and a water pitcher and cup placed on a shelf above the bathroom sink. These items were not supposed to be present in the bathroom according to infection control protocols. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) 1 confirmed that the dirty towels, coffee cup, and water pitcher should not be in the bathroom due to infection control concerns, but was unaware of who left them there. Further interviews with the infection prevention nurse (IPN) and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the presence of dirty towels, cups, and water pitchers in the bathroom constitutes an infection control issue, as it can expose residents to disease-causing microorganisms. A review of the facility's infection prevention and control policy indicated that the program is designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. The policy applies to all staff, who are trained on these procedures upon hire and periodically thereafter.