Failure to Maintain Homelike Environment Due to Improper Disposal of Soiled Briefs
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain a homelike environment for one resident who was always incontinent of bowel and bladder and had significant medical conditions, including a vegetative state and acute respiratory failure. Observations revealed that soiled briefs saturated with urine were disposed of in the resident's room trash can, resulting in a noticeable urine odor. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that nursing assistants had disposed of soiled briefs in the resident's trash can instead of the soiled utility room, as expected. Some staff members were unaware of the proper disposal procedure, and at least one CNA stated she had not been trained to remove soiled briefs from the room during her orientation. Family members and housekeeping staff also reported noticing the improper disposal of soiled briefs and the resulting odors. The facility's staffing coordinator acknowledged that while incontinence care competencies were provided, they did not specifically address the disposal of briefs. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both stated that soiled briefs should be disposed of in the soiled utility room, but there was no homelike environment policy in place at the time of the incident.