Failure to Ensure Clean and Sanitized Eating Utensils
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement infection control measures by not ensuring clean and sanitary eating utensils for a resident. The resident, admitted with diagnoses including unspecified epilepsy, immunodeficiency, and essential hypertension, had intact cognitive skills and was independent with eating. The resident reported receiving a breakfast tray with a dirty spoon that had dried food residue on it and stated that the spoon appeared used and not properly washed. The resident expressed concern about the possibility of acquiring a bacterial infection from using the dirty spoon and reported the issue to the Social Service Director. Interviews and record review confirmed that the dirty spoon was observed by both the Dietary Supervisor and the Social Service Director, who each acknowledged seeing dried food residue on the utensil. The Dietary Supervisor stated that the Dishwasher Staff should have checked the utensils after washing, the Dietary Aide should have inspected the spoon before placing it on the tray, and the CNA distributing the tray should have checked the utensils before delivery. The DON stated that the CNA did not notice the spoon was dirty and reiterated that the Dietary Aide and CNAs were responsible for ensuring utensils were clean and for removing dirty utensils before providing them to residents. The facility’s sanitation policy required all utensils and food contact surfaces to be cleaned and sanitized, but this was not followed in this instance.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.