Failure to Remove Soiled Items and Maintain Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices for one resident who required assistance with activities of daily living. On the specified date, a soiled washcloth used by the resident was left on the bedside table, and a urinal bottle filled to the top was also left on the bedside table. The resident, who had diagnoses including congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and hypertensive heart disease, reported using the call light early in the morning to request assistance from a CNA to remove the soiled items. The CNA responded initially but did not return to complete the tasks, leaving the soiled washcloth and full urinal unattended for several hours. Interviews with the CNA, DON, and ADM confirmed that it was the expectation for staff to remove soiled washcloths and empty urinals promptly to maintain infection control and prevent potential hazards. The CNA acknowledged forgetting to return to the resident after being called away to assist others. Facility policy required maintaining a safe and sanitary environment to prevent the transmission of infections, but these procedures were not followed in this instance, resulting in a failure to meet infection control standards.