Failure to Maintain Infection Control Standards in Laundry and Soiled Utility Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain infection control standards in the Laundry Room and Soiled Utility areas, as evidenced by multiple observations and staff interviews. During a tour, one of two commercial dryers (Speed Queen) was found with its inner drum covered in thick, caked-on rust-colored and whitish substances, as well as melted debris, all of which came into direct contact with residents' clean clothing. Additionally, the Fagor dryer's lint trap filter basket was observed to be full, ripped, and caked with lint, with a broken metal bar hanging down, creating a potential fire hazard. Staff members, including laundry aides and the Housekeeping Director, were unable to provide information or documentation regarding the cleaning schedule for the dryer drums and lint traps, and acknowledged that these areas had not been cleaned regularly as required by facility policy. Further observations revealed that one of two commercial washing machines (Speed Queen) was non-functional and had been out of service for approximately thirty days, with visible rust and chipped areas. The facility had been operating with only one washing machine for over 100 residents during this period. Staff interviews confirmed the extended downtime of the washing machine and the lack of documentation or timely communication regarding its repair or replacement. The Housekeeping Director and Maintenance Director both acknowledged awareness of the malfunction but could not provide records of maintenance or cleaning activities. In the Soiled Utility Room, soiled linen was found improperly bagged and uncovered, exposing it to the environment. Interviews with staff and a resident confirmed delays in laundry services, with the resident reporting that it took more than a week to receive clean clothing and that she was told the delay was due to the broken washing machine. The facility's failure to follow its own infection control policies and procedures for laundry handling, equipment maintenance, and documentation led to the observed deficiencies.