Improper Storage of Linens Exposes Linens to Contamination
Penalty
Fine: $35,265
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the proper storage of linens in three out of three observed linen carts. On the day of the survey, four residents were under transmission-based precautions for conditions including COVID-19, MRSA, ESBL, and Shingles. During multiple observations, linen carts in the [NAME] Wing, East Wing, and North Unit were found to be either torn, opened, or not fully covered, resulting in exposed linens. Additionally, a glove was found on the floor next to one of the linen carts. The Infection Preventionist acknowledged that the linen carts were torn and uncovered, which exposed the linens to potential contaminants.