Failure to Properly Handle and Store Wet Linen and Resident Clothing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly handle, store, process, and transport linens in accordance with infection prevention and control protocols. During an observation, two laundry bins containing wet white linen and wet resident clothing were found in the dryer area after laundry aides had left for the day. The laundry supervisor confirmed that it was common practice for staff to leave wet linen and clothing overnight to be dried or rewashed the next day, and that she did not routinely check the laundry room after staff left. Both laundry aides involved admitted to leaving wet items overnight on multiple occasions, with one stating she would typically dry them the next day without rewashing, and the other initially drying them before being instructed to rewash by the supervisor. Facility policy requires that linens and personal clothing be dried immediately after washing to prevent mildew, and if immediate processing is not possible, wet items should be stored in a bin with a plastic, airtight cover. The assistant director of nursing was unaware of the issue and acknowledged that leaving wet linen and clothing overnight could result in mildew and odor, which could affect resident dignity. The facility's failure to follow established procedures for handling wet linen and clothing was directly observed and confirmed through staff interviews.