Infection Control Deficiencies in Linen and Equipment Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices in several key areas. Clean mop heads were observed stored in open containers next to dirty mop heads and adjacent to dirty laundry within the contaminated laundry area. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that this was the usual storage practice, and the Housekeeping Supervisor acknowledged that clean mop heads should not have been stored in this manner. The facility administrator was unable to provide an explanation for this storage practice. Additionally, clean linen was not stored in a sanitary manner, as open carts of clean linen and supplies were placed next to, and sometimes touching, containers of contaminated linen in various hallways. Staff interviews revealed that it was common practice for CNAs to place clean and contaminated linen next to each other during linen changes, and that contaminated linen should have been covered and separated from clean linen. Furthermore, two residents who required suction canisters had canisters that were not changed according to the facility's schedule, with canisters dated several days prior and containing white and yellow liquid. The Respiratory Director confirmed that the canisters should have been changed on specific days, but this was not done.