Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Medication Administration and Laundry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure staff adherence to infection control protocols during medication administration and laundry services. During medication administration, an LPN was observed not performing hand hygiene before entering the rooms of two residents to administer medications. Additionally, the LPN did not disinfect shared medical equipment, specifically a blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter probe, between use on the two residents. The LPN acknowledged these lapses in infection control practices during an interview with the surveyor. In the laundry area, clothing intended for resident donations was found hanging on a rack in a dirty hallway, exposing the items to potential contamination. Although an attempt was made to cover the clothing with blankets, the items remained partially exposed and at risk for contamination due to the unclean environment. The Account Manager confirmed the clothing was for residents and understood the concern after it was explained by the surveyor.