Failure to Ensure Proper PPE Use During Soiled Linen Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper handling and processing of resident laundry in accordance with its infection prevention and control policies. During an observation, the Housekeeping Supervisor was seen handling soiled linen while wearing goggles and gloves, but did not don a gown as required by facility policy. The soiled linen was separated, the clear bags were discarded, and the soiled linen cart was pushed to the washing machine, where the linen was loaded without the use of a gown. The facility's policy specifies that personnel must wear gowns and gloves when handling soiled linens to prevent contamination. In an interview, the Housekeeping Supervisor acknowledged forgetting to wear a gown, stating nervousness as the reason and recognizing the requirement to always wear a gown when handling soiled laundry. The Administrator confirmed that the expectation is for laundry staff to apply and wear the correct PPE as outlined in the policy. No residents or specific patient conditions were mentioned in relation to this deficiency.