Inadequate Infection Control in Laundry Services
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to implement adequate infection control practices in the laundry services area. Observations revealed that clean resident clothes were transported uncovered down hallways and placed in resident rooms, contrary to infection control protocols. Soiled laundry was found stored in open containers and left exposed on transport bins. The soiled laundry storage area also contained a housekeeping cart and dirty mop buckets placed on drainage grates behind washers, indicating improper separation of clean and soiled items. Additionally, the clean laundry folding counter was cluttered with non-laundry items such as a dryer sheet box, a dumbbell, a stuffed dog, large totes, a binder, a laptop, speakers, and a refrigerator used for staff personal food. Staff interviews confirmed that only clean laundry should be on the folding counter and that soiled items and cleaning equipment should not be stored in laundry areas. It was also noted that the facility lacked a policy specifically addressing clean laundry storage and delivery, despite having a general infection management process policy.