Failure to Remove Razors from Shared Bathroom Creates Accident Hazard
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure the resident environment was free from accident hazards for one of nine residents reviewed. Specifically, two disposable razors and an unlabeled electric razor were found in the shared bathroom of a semi-private room. One resident in this room had multiple sclerosis, COPD, and tachycardia, was cognitively intact, and required set-up assistance for personal hygiene. The roommate had Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder, and COPD, with severe cognitive impairment and required supervision for personal hygiene. Despite these conditions, razors were accessible in the shared bathroom on multiple observations. Interviews with staff confirmed that razors should not have been left in the bathroom, as staff are responsible for shaving both residents. The LPN acknowledged the risk of residents using the razors to harm themselves and indicated the razors would be removed. The DON stated that personal belongings, including razors, should not be left in shared bathrooms for infection control reasons and due to the risk posed to residents, especially those with mental health issues or who are ambulatory.