HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations, interviews, and review of the State of Maine Plumbing and Food Codes, it was determined that the hospital failed to ensure that proper air gaps were in place for 1 of 4 ice machines used for patients and patient food was stored away from a waste water drain pipe for 1 of 1 food storage rooms.

Findings include:

On May 8, 2017, from 11:20 AM to 12:30 PM, during a tour of the area maintained by the Dietary Department with the Food Service Director the following was observed:

1. The ice machine in the Medical/Surgical Unit Kitchenette did not have a proper air gap in place in the drain line.

The State of Maine Plumbing Code, Chapter 238, Section 11.C.2.e, requires that direct connections between potable water piping and sewer connected wastes shall not exist under any condition, with or without back flow protection.

2. A waste water drain pipe was plumbed directly over food stored in the Dry Goods Food Storage Room.

The State of Maine Food Code 2013, 3-305.12 Food Storage, Prohibited Areas, states "Food may not be stored... (F) under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips..."

These findings were confirmed, at the time of the observations, with the Food Service Director. These findings were also confirmed on May 8, 2017 at approximately 1:30 PM, with the Director of Plant Operations.

Based on observations and interviews, the hospital failed to ensure the facility was maintained in a manner to promote cleanliness in 7 of 20 hospital departments observed (Specialty Clinic, Oncology, Laboratory, Medical Surgical Unit, Surgical Services, Millinocket Surgical and White Birch Medical Center).

Findings include:

1. On May 8, 2017, from 10:40 AM to 11:20 AM and from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, during tours of the hospital facility, with the Director of Plant Operations, the following was observed:

a. There was torn leather on a chair in the Specialty Clinic and on a chair in the Oncology Treatment Room.

b. There were rusty casters on two (2) biological waste carts in the Operating Rooms.

c. There was torn vinyl on a chair, used by patients, in the Laboratory.

d. There were broken edges on two (2) antifatigue floor mats in the chemistry area of the Laboratory.

The above findings created surfaces which could not be easily cleaned and sanitized.

The above findings were confirmed, at the times of observations, with the Director of Plant Operations.

2. On May 8, 2017, from 2:30 PM to 3:25 PM, during a tour of the hospital, with the Inpatient Director, the following was observed:

a. There was a significant accumulation of dust in the following locations: on the top edge of the white boards and on the top surfaces of the lights over the beds in patient Rooms 207 and 209, on the top of the lights over the patient beds in Rooms 208 and 211, and on the upper edge of the bathroom mirror in patient Room 205 of the Medical/Surgical Unit.

b. There was torn vinyl on the recliner chair in patient Room 208 on the Medical Surgical Unit.

The above findings created surfaces which could not be easily cleaned and sanitized.

The above findings were confirmed at the times of observations with the Inpatient Director.

3. On May 9, 2017, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM during tour of outpatient locations with the Director of Plant Operations the following was observed:

a. There was torn vinyl in the following areas: on the seat of a chair in Room 1, on a wheel chair in the lobby of Millinocket Surgical, and on a bariatric high-low exam table in the White Birch Medical Center.

b. There were non-intact surfaces on two (2) half rollers (foam devices used during physical therapy to enhance balance) in the White Birch Medical Center.

The above findings created surfaces which could not be easily cleaned and sanitized.

The above findings were confirmed at the times of observations with the Director of Plant Operations.

Based on observations, interviews, and document reviews conducted by Life Safety Code surveyors, it was determined that the Critical Access Hospital was not in full compliance with 42 CFR §483.70(a), the Life Safety Code.

Please see the Life Safety violations cited on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) form 2567, dated May 8, 2017, for the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office Life Safety Code survey.

Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the hospital failed to follow the State of Maine Food Code to ensure a sanitary environment and avoid sources of infections and communicable diseases.

Finding includes:

Section 2-402.11 (A) of the 2013 Maine Food Code states, "Food employees shall wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings or nets, beard restraints, and clothing that covers body hair, which are designed and worn to effectively keep hair from contacting exposed Food; clean Equipment, Utensils, and Linens; and unwrapped Single Service or Single-Use Articles."

On May 8, 2017 at 11:40 AM, two (2) male cooks were observed working in the kitchen with beard restraints that inadequately covered their facial hair, potentially causing contamination to patient food.

This finding was confirmed at the time of the observation with the Food Service Director.