Failure to Label and Properly Store Food Brought in by Family
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its policy regarding the labeling and storage of food brought in by family or visitors for a resident. During an observation in the resident's room, a shopping bag containing three unlabelled zipped bags with food items, including crackers, a ham sandwich, and tortillas, was found on the floor. Additionally, unopened cups of applesauce and yogurt were observed on the nightstand, and more food items were found in the side drawer. None of these items were labeled with the resident's name, date, or expiration information, and perishable items were not stored in the refrigerator as required by facility policy. Certified Nursing Assistant 1 confirmed that all the food in the resident's room had been brought by the family and lacked proper labeling. The CNA stated that it was not possible to determine if the food was still safe to consume and acknowledged that perishable items like yogurt and applesauce should have been refrigerated. The CNA also noted the risk of illness if expired or improperly stored food was consumed. The Registered Nurse Supervisor stated that dietary staff are responsible for checking outside food to ensure it is appropriate for the resident's prescribed diet and to prevent choking hazards. The supervisor also confirmed that outside food should be labeled with the date it was made, the resident's name, and room number. A review of the facility's policy indicated that food brought in by family or visitors must be labeled and stored in resealable containers in a refrigerator, with clear identification and a "use by" date, especially for perishable items and residents with cognitive or swallowing difficulties.
Plan Of Correction
On 6/11/25, CNA threw open food away with resident 54's permission. Plan /Process to Identify other Residents potentially affected by same deficient Practice and Corrective Action(s) to be taken; On 6/11/25, DSD conducted rounds and found no other deficient practice. Facility Measures and Systemic Changes to ensure the deficient practice does not reoccur; On 6/11/25, the DON sign placed in Staff Lounge in English and Spanish to include "Any Food brought into facility must have a name, opened date and expiration date." In-service done for CNAs on 6/15/2025 regarding Personal Food Policy. CNA1 had a 1:1 on 6/15/2025 in-service with DSD and educated on any food which is brought into facility and opened must have a name, opened date and expiration date of 3 days and will be thrown out. Facility Plan to Monitor Corrective action(s); and Sustain Compliance: Starting 6/30/25, DON or designee will review performance and report to the Administrator and report to QAPI monthly meetings for compliance for 3 months.