Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocol for Soiled Linen Handling
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) failed to follow proper infection control procedures while handling soiled linen. The LVN was observed exiting a resident's room wearing one glove and carrying a large, soiled towel in her hand, which she then transported up the hallway and placed directly into a soiled linen barrel. The LVN admitted during an interview that she was aware of the requirement to transport soiled linen in a bag for infection control purposes but stated she forgot to do so because she was moving too quickly. The facility's infection control preventionist confirmed that soiled linen should be bagged to prevent cross-contamination, in accordance with facility policy and national standards. The resident involved was an elderly female with multiple diagnoses, including heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and major depression. The incident was documented through observation, staff interviews, and record review, which revealed that the facility's established infection prevention and control program was not properly implemented in this instance. The failure to follow standard precautions and facility policy for handling soiled linen created a risk for cross-contamination and infection transmission among residents, staff, and visitors.