Failure to Ensure Safe Storage and Monitoring of Resident's Personal Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to have an adequate policy regarding the use and storage of foods brought in by family and visitors, and did not ensure safe and sanitary storage, handling, and consumption of these foods for a resident with a personal refrigerator. Observation and interviews revealed that the resident's refrigerator contained expired milk and whipped cream, and food items were not labeled or dated. The refrigerator was not clean, and there was no consistent process for checking and removing expired food items. Staff interviews indicated confusion about responsibilities, with some staff believing they were not allowed to touch food in residents' refrigerators, while others stated it was their duty to clean and check for expired items. The facility's policy only required weekly checks, but staff practices varied, and expired items were missed. The resident involved was a cognitively intact male with diagnoses including cellulitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and nonrheumatic mitral valve insufficiency. He was able to ambulate independently and required some assistance with activities of daily living. The resident was unaware that expired food was present in his refrigerator. Staff interviews confirmed that checks for expired food were not performed as required, and there was a lack of clarity regarding who was responsible for cleaning and monitoring the contents of personal refrigerators.