Infection Control Lapses in Trash Disposal, Linen Storage, and Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices as evidenced by several observed deficiencies. During an initial walkthrough, a clear bag of trash was found left on top of a PPE cart in the 300 halls, and a clean linen closet was observed propped open in the same area. In the laundry room, there was no visible handwashing sink or PPE available. Staff reported that handwashing required retrieving soap from the dirty laundry area, using a laundry soaking sink, and then returning to the dirty area to dry hands, indicating a lack of accessible hand hygiene supplies. Additionally, gloves were not available in the dirty laundry area, and staff were not consistently aware of the location of the handwashing sink in the laundry room. Interviews with staff confirmed that trash should not be left on PPE carts, linen closets should not be propped open, and it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure proper disposal of trash and maintenance of infection control standards. The facility's infection control policy requires the provision of necessary supplies and oversight to ensure hand hygiene, but observations and staff statements indicated lapses in these practices. These deficiencies were identified among a census of 35 residents, including seven on Enhanced Barrier Precautions.