Infection Control Deficiencies in Water Testing and Laundry Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program as evidenced by lapses in water testing and improper handling of soiled laundry. Specifically, the facility was unable to provide documentation of Legionella testing of the water supply since 2021, despite the Water Management Program plan requiring biannual internal testing. Interviews with the Infection Preventionist, Director of Maintenance, and Administrator confirmed that there was no documentation of water testing for Legionella from 2022 onward, and the only available records were from 2019, 2020, and 2021. Additionally, staff were observed collecting and transporting soiled linens in uncovered bins through resident hallways, and loading soiled laundry into washing machines without wearing aprons or protective gowns. Interviews with laundry staff and the Director of Maintenance confirmed that laundry bins should be covered when transporting soiled linens and that staff should wear aprons when handling soiled laundry, but these practices were not consistently followed.