Improper Handling and Storage of Trash and Soiled Linens Compromises Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program related to the handling and storage of trash and soiled linens in one hall and two shower rooms. Surveyors observed dirty linens on the floor and a bag of trash in a clear bag behind the door in Shower #4. In Shower #2, dirty linens were also observed improperly stored. Staff interviews confirmed that dirty linens should not be on the floor and should be kept in designated linen barrels or bags, and that gloves should be worn when handling soiled linens. Surveyors further observed two bags of trash in clear bags placed on the floor in front of the shower room on Hall #2. A CNA was seen picking up these trash bags, placing them on top of a gray barrel, and rolling the barrel down the hall toward the outside. Multiple staff members, including CNAs, CMAs, housekeeping staff, the housekeeping supervisor, the ADON, DON, and the administrator, stated that trash should not be stored on the floor in hallways or behind shower doors, should be placed in yellow barrels, and should not be transported on top of gray barrels used for linens. They also stated that dirty linens should be bagged and placed in gray barrels or taken to the laundry, and that gloves should be worn when handling soiled linens. Record review of the facility’s infection control policy, "Fundamentals of Infection Control Precautions," indicated that hand hygiene is required after handling soiled linens and that gloving is used to prevent contamination when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, and nonintact skin. The policy also stated that soiled linen should be handled, transported, and laundered in a manner that avoids transfer of microorganisms, including double-bagging soiled linen at the site where it is generated and transporting it by cart with appropriate PPE. The observed practices of leaving trash and soiled linens on floors, using clear trash bags, placing trash on top of gray barrels, and handling dirty linens without gloves were inconsistent with the facility’s stated infection control policies and procedures.
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