Failure to Provide Clean Smoking Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide clean and sanitary smoking equipment for a resident who was admitted with nicotine dependency and visual impairment, and who required staff supervision and the use of a smoking apron while smoking. On the day of the incident, staff reported that no clean smoking aprons were available, and the only remaining apron was visibly moldy. Staff expressed reluctance to use the moldy apron but ultimately attempted to clean it with an alcohol-based wipe before placing it on the resident. The apron still smelled of mold and alcohol after cleaning, and staff acknowledged that residents should not be wearing moldy smoking aprons. The lack of clean equipment and the use of a moldy apron were confirmed by multiple staff members, including the Maintenance Director, as an infection control concern.