Failure to Ensure Proper Cleaning and Storage of CPAP Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that two residents who required the use of CPAP machines did not have proper infection control practices in place for cleaning and storing their equipment. Both residents had brought their own CPAP machines upon admission and were using them nightly. Observations revealed that one resident's CPAP mask was left on top of the machine, while the other's was on her pillow. The cognitively intact resident reported that she previously cleaned both her and her roommate's CPAP equipment daily at home but was unable to do so in the facility due to physical limitations and lack of supplies. She also stated that staff only assisted with adding distilled water and appeared unaware of the need to clean the CPAP equipment, which had become noticeably smelly. Review of both residents' medical records showed no documentation of CPAP mask or tubing cleaning, and there were no nursing orders for this task on their treatment administration records. Interviews with the DON and administrator confirmed the absence of such orders and acknowledged that the facility's policies did not address CPAP cleaning. Manufacturer instructions for the CPAP equipment specified regular cleaning to prevent germ growth, but the facility had not provided cleaning instructions or included CPAP care in their respiratory or aerosolized care policies.