Unsecured Sharps Left Accessible to Resident with Cognitive Impairment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards by leaving two uncapped disposable razors unsecured and unattended in a resident's restroom. Facility policy required that contaminated sharps be discarded into a designated container, but during two separate observations, the razors were found on the back of the sink in a red cup, accessible to the resident. This was confirmed by staff during the survey, who acknowledged that razors should not be left out and accessible. The resident involved had a history of Bipolar Disorder, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Delusional Disorders, Dementia, and Cognitive Communication Deficiency. The resident's most recent assessment indicated moderately impaired cognition and a need for supervision and assistance with activities of daily living. The care plan addressed cognitive loss and behavioral concerns, but the unsecured razors presented an accident hazard given the resident's condition.