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Based on observation, interview and facility policy review it was determined the facility failed to follow state law 902 KAR 45:005 Kentucky Food Code, in regards to the use of gloves. The regulation states if used, single-use gloves shall be used for only one task, used for no other purpose, and discarded when damaged or soiled, or when interruptions occur in the operation. Hand washing is still required and necessary to prevent food contamination.

The findings include:

Observation on 07/07/10, at 11:15 AM revealed Dietary Aide #1 checked food temperatures with a thermometer while wearing single use disposable gloves. After opening an alcohol swab packet to clean the thermometer, she proceeded to gather the wrapper, lift the trash can lid, dispose of the wrapper and replace the trash can lid all while wearing the same gloves. The Dietary Aide was observed to rinse her hands off in a sink meant for food preparation, while wearing the same single use disposable gloves. The Dietary Aide then proceeded to cross the room to wash her gloved hands with soap and water in another sink. Continued observation revealed the Dietary Aide dried her gloved hands and came back to the patient tray line where she picked up the thermometer and was going to proceed to take temperatures of the prepared food.

Interview with the Dietary Aide on 07/07/10, at 11:20 AM revealed she should have taken the gloves off, washed her hands and put on new gloves. The Dietary Aide stated "I didn't change gloves because it is so hot and my hands are sweaty." She further stated it was important to change gloves and wash hands, "after doing anything away from the tray line because of sanitation." Further interview revealed the Dietary Aide reported she had received in-service on hand washing and the proper use of gloves.

Interview with the Dietary Manager on 07/08/10, at 2:10 PM revealed the Dietary Aide should have taken the gloves off, washed her hands and replaced them with new gloves. The Dietary Manager stated, "If I had seen her do that I would have made her take the gloves off, wash her hands, and put on another pair of gloves." During further interview, the Dietary Manager indicated she had given an in-service on proper hand washing and usage of gloves at least once this year. She further stated, "we will definitely be going over it again."

Interview with the Quality Assurance Manager on 07/08/10, at 2:30 PM revealed the expectations for the Dietary Aide were that she would have taken her gloves off, washed her hands, and re-gloved. The Quality Assurance Manager stated, "our expectations are definitely she would take her gloves off after having touched the trash can, washed her hands and then re-gloved." She further stated policies are facility wide; one policy is the same for all departments.

Review of the facility's policy entitled, "Hand washing", dated November 2000, revealed wearing gloves does not reduce the number of times hands should be washed. The policy provided examples of when hands should be washed, one of which was "after contact with a source likely to be contaminated with micro-organisms."