Improper Storage and Labeling of Personal Care Items Creates Infection Control Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that in a shared room, an open, unlabeled toothbrush and an open, unlabeled tube of toothpaste were stored together in an unlabeled kidney basin on top of the room's shared sink. Additionally, an unlabeled open tube of triad paste was stored together with two open, unlabeled tubes of toothpaste in another kidney basin in the same location. Staff present, including an LVN and a CNA, were unable to identify the owners of these items and acknowledged that oral care products should be labeled and stored separately. The LVN also stated that triad paste, used for treating skin conditions, should not be stored with oral care products. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that toothbrushes should be stored in clean, labeled plastic bags within residents' drawers to prevent contamination, and that co-mingling oral care and skin care products is not appropriate. The Director of Nursing also acknowledged that improper storage of these unlabeled items had the potential to spread infection among the residents sharing the room. Review of the facility's infection prevention and control policy indicated the requirement to maintain a safe and sanitary environment to prevent disease transmission.