Failure to Timely Clean Resident Room After Regurgitation Incident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident's bedroom floor was not cleaned of regurgitated food for nearly three hours, from 11:50 AM to 2:40 PM. The resident, a male with diagnoses including Parkinson's Disease, encephalopathy, prostate cancer, unspecified dementia, and a psychotic disorder with hallucinations, was observed to have dried regurgitated food on both sides of his bed. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had dysphagia, reported feeling 'nasty' due to the presence of the regurgitated food, which had been there for an extended period. Staff interviews revealed that the CNA assigned to the hallway was unaware of the mess and stated that CNAs were responsible for ensuring resident rooms were kept clean and free from food or liquids on the floor. The LVN confirmed that both CNAs and housekeeping were responsible for maintaining cleanliness, with housekeeping making morning rounds and being available on a PRN basis. The DON and Administrator both stated that staff were expected to report and address spills or debris promptly, with the Administrator specifying that debris should not remain on the floor for over an hour. A review of facility records showed a recent complaint regarding room conditions, and the facility's policy emphasized the right of residents to a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. Despite these policies and expectations, the regurgitated food remained on the resident's floor for several hours, indicating a failure to maintain a sanitary and homelike environment as required.