Specimen Refrigerator Improperly Stored in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow infection control procedures by storing a specimen refrigerator, containing biological samples such as stool and urine specimens, in the medication storage room directly below the medication refrigerator. This arrangement was observed during a visit with an LVN, who confirmed that the specimen refrigerator had been in the medication storage room for an extended period, though she could not recall when it was first placed there. The presence of biological specimens in the same area as medications was directly observed, with both types of refrigerators in close proximity. Further observation and interview with the DON confirmed the continued storage of the specimen refrigerator in the medication room, with the DON acknowledging the risk of infection spread due to the potential for contaminating medications with resident specimen samples. Review of the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program policy indicated that the program is intended to prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections, but the observed practice did not align with these requirements.