Inadequate Infection Control for Shared Electric Shaver
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program related to the use of a shared electric shaver for multiple residents. During observation in the B-Wing shared shower room, an unlabeled electric razor was seen on a shelf by the bathtub, and a Registered Nurse confirmed that this shaver was used on multiple residents when they needed a shave. Two LNAs further stated that the shaver was used for residents who needed a quick shave after their bath and that they cleaned it between residents using only an alcohol pad. Review of the facility’s Infection Control Policy, issued 3/16/2020, showed that equipment likely to be contaminated with infectious body fluids must be handled to prevent transmission of infectious agents, including proper sterilization before use on another patient. In an interview, the DON reported she was not aware that staff were using this specific shaver or that it was being shared among residents, and she confirmed that cleaning the shaver with an alcohol pad between uses was not an appropriate or effective method, demonstrating a failure to ensure appropriate disinfection of shared resident care equipment. No specific resident medical histories or conditions at the time of the deficiency were described in the report.
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.