Resident Access to Unsecured Biohazard Containers
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide a safe and sanitary environment by allowing a resident with no cognitive impairment to access unsecured, dirty biohazard containers located outside in the rear of the building. The resident was observed ambulating in a wheelchair, opening, and reaching into a large lidded 55-gallon red biohazard bin, which was clearly labeled for hazardous materials such as needles and blood. There were twenty unsecured, dirty biohazard containers in the area at the time of observation. Clinical record review revealed that the resident had a history of rummaging in trash and hazardous waste areas outside the building, despite multiple staff interventions and education about the dangers of sharp objects and medical debris. Progress notes documented repeated attempts by staff to redirect and educate the resident, but the behavior persisted. The resident had previously worked as a maintenance man and demonstrated understanding of the risks when spoken to by staff, but continued to access restricted areas. The facility's failure to secure biohazard containers and restrict resident access to hazardous areas resulted in a situation where a resident was able to repeatedly enter and interact with dangerous materials. This deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and review of clinical records and facility documentation, leading to a finding of Immediate Jeopardy in the area of infection control.