Failure to Properly Handle and Dispose of Soiled Gowns
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure proper handling and disposal of soiled gowns, as evidenced by a soiled gown being observed on the floor of a resident room near the trash can, rather than in the designated soiled linen bins. During observation, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) acknowledged that the gown may have fallen from a plastic bag and confirmed that all staff are expected to place soiled gowns in plastic bags and then into the appropriate barrel. The CNA also stated that housekeepers should be called to clean the area whenever soiled gowns or linens are found on the floor. Additionally, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) was observed leaving the resident room without picking up the soiled gown, and confirmed that staff are not supposed to leave dirty gowns or linens on the floor due to infection control concerns. The Director of Staff Development (DSD) stated that nurses receive regular in-service training on infection control and that dirty linens or gowns should not be left on the floor, but instead placed in a bag and then in the barrel. Review of the facility’s policy and procedure confirmed that soiled linen should be collected at the point of use, placed in a linen bag or lined receptacle, and not kept in resident rooms or bathrooms.