Failure to Maintain Infection Control in Laundry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by multiple observations and staff interviews. The laundry area was found to be in an unsanitary condition, with overflowing trash bins, dirty laundry obstructing sinks, and cleaning equipment stored improperly. The handwashing sink and eyewash station were blocked, and there was no personal protective equipment (PPE) available for staff handling contaminated laundry. Clean and dirty items were stored together, and the floors and surfaces throughout the laundry and dryer rooms were visibly dirty and cluttered with debris, further compromising the sanitary environment. Staff were observed handling both clean and contaminated linens inappropriately. One housekeeper was seen carrying a bag of contaminated linen slung over her shoulder and against her body, and another transported clean linen against her person and through areas designated for dirty laundry. Both staff members acknowledged during interviews that these practices could lead to cross-contamination and stated they had received infection control training. However, they did not consistently follow proper procedures for handling and transporting linens. Interviews with facility leadership, including the Assistant Manager of Environmental Services, the Housekeeping Account Manager, the Infection Preventionist, the DON, and the Administrator, confirmed awareness of the facility's infection prevention and control policies and the importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Despite this, the contracted housekeeping and laundry service staff did not adhere to established protocols, and oversight was insufficient to prevent the observed deficiencies. The facility's failure to maintain a clean laundry area and ensure proper handling of linens created conditions that could contribute to the development and transmission of communicable diseases among residents.