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Based on observation, interview and policy review, the facility failed to meet infection control standards of practice.

Findings include:

Upon arrival to the facility on 9/20/11 at approximately 8:30 AM, the surveyors were directed to an outpatient medication room. There was a trash can observed in the room containing a partially bloody plastic liner. Within this liner was observed dirty intravenous dressings and cannulas. The door leading from this room was open, allowing accessibility to visitors and patient in the adjoining hall and waiting area.

An interview conducted with the Director of Nursing on 9/21/11 at 12:50 PM revealed a policy in place for disposal of blood and blood products.

A second tour of the medical surgical floor was conducted on 9/22/11 at approximately 9:00 AM. Room 105 was observed to trash can that contained a bloody intravenous dressing, and a cannula. A clear plastic bag, that contained the used dressing and cannula, was observed inside the trash can. An interview conducted with the Registered nurse during the same time revealed when asked how intravenous cannulas were disposed after use, the nurse replied "we put them in the sharps containers".

Review of the facility's infection control policies revealed the procedure for disposal of biohazardous waste. The trash can in the outpatient medication room and room 105 contained a clear plastic liner and not a red biohazardous bag as per policy. An interview conducted with the emergency room nurse on 9/20/11 at approximately 9:30 AM confirmed biohazardous waste was to be red bagged and other staff were aware.