Failure to Disinfect Glucometer Between Resident Uses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices during blood glucose monitoring for three residents. Observations revealed that LVN D performed blood glucose checks on multiple residents without cleaning or disinfecting the glucometer between uses. Specifically, after checking the blood glucose of one resident, LVN D did not clean the glucometer before using it on another resident, and this pattern was repeated with additional residents. These actions were directly observed by surveyors during their visit. Interviews with LVN D, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed awareness of the negative outcomes associated with not disinfecting equipment between residents, including the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Review of facility policies, including those on obtaining fingerstick glucose levels and blood sampling, indicated clear requirements to clean and disinfect reusable equipment between resident uses, following manufacturer instructions and infection control standards. The observed practices were not in compliance with these established policies.