Failure to Educate on and Ensure Safe Handling of Outside Food Brought by Families
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide education on safe food handling to residents and visitors, as required by its own policy regarding food brought in from outside sources. Multiple staff interviews revealed that there was no consistent process for educating residents or their families about safe food storage and handling. Staff members, including the Admissions Coordinator, Activities Director, LVNs, CNAs, and others, either did not provide such education or were unaware of who was responsible for it. The facility's admission packet did not include information on safe food handling, and staff had not received in-service education on this topic. Observations showed that food brought in by family members was being stored in a refrigerator located in the employee lounge, which was not designated for resident use. The Administrator confirmed that there was no refrigerator available for residents' food and that residents were not supposed to store food in the facility. Additionally, a resident was observed keeping unlabeled, cooked sweet potatoes and peeled oranges at bedside at room temperature, which had been brought in by family the previous night. The resident stated that neither she nor her family had received education on safe food handling from the facility. Medical record reviews confirmed there was no documentation that education on safe food handling was provided to the resident or her family. Facility leadership, including the DON and ADON, acknowledged the lack of education and documentation. The Unit Manager also verified that food brought in by family should be consumed immediately or discarded, and not stored at bedside, but this practice was not followed.