F0880

E

Unsanitary Laundry Practices and Contaminated Ice Machine

Cambridge, Ohio Survey Completed on 02-24-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a sanitary laundry room and properly manage soiled linens and hazardous laundry, as well as failure to maintain a clean ice machine. Surveyors observed the laundry room, which had a dirty side with washers and a clean side with dryers, and found only one of two washers functional, with 11 barrels of dirty clothing and linens present, one containing a red hazardous bag on the floor. Eight of the barrels were uncovered, contained unbagged linens, and were overflowing, and there was a leak from the washer that left only a narrow walking path to the clean laundry area. Later observation showed 12 full barrels, and a subsequent interview with a laundry aide revealed there were 15 barrels of laundry, including four in the hallway, one without a lid, and multiple barrels in the laundry room without lids, with unbagged, overflowing clothing and linens. The laundry aide reported that second shift had been eliminated, nightshift aides were expected to help but often could not due to other duties, and she could complete only about eight loads per shift, leading to a backlog and frequent complaints. She also stated that red hazardous bags were not accompanied by information about the type of infection, so all items, including personal belongings, were bleached. These practices conflicted with the facility’s infection prevention and control policy, which required soiled linen to be bagged at bedside, securely closed, and placed in the soiled utility room, and specified that environmental services staff should not handle improperly bagged soiled linens.

In addition, the facility failed to maintain a sanitary ice machine located in a clean utility room. An LPN and the Administrator observed the ice machine and noted white streaks of buildup on the sides, a brown streak on the front, and a black mold-like substance on the upper interior wall. The Administrator confirmed the presence of a black substance and stated that residents should not consume ice from the machine. Review of the sanitation log showed that the Maintenance Director had documented inspection and sanitation of the ice machine twice a month since a specified date, while the manufacturer’s manual indicated the machine should be cleaned and sanitized every six months, with additional procedures for removing algae or slime using a sanitizing solution on specified internal components followed by rinsing with clear water. These findings were cited as incidental non-compliance under a complaint investigation.