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Based on policy and procedure review, observation, and interview it was determined the Facility failed to follow standards of practice of maintaining a sanitary environment and to avoid sources and transmission of infection in that there was no implementation of the Arkansas rules and regulations for Hospitals and Related Institutions for Table 9 in that laundry water temperature was found to be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in 2 of 2 washers. The failed practice did not ensure textiles and fabrics were free from contaminants and had the potential to affect all patients and staff. Findings follow:

A. Review of Facility's Policy titled "Infection Control -Laundry" on 12/16/21 at 1:00 PM showed the following:
"Water temperature of least 160 degrees."

B. On 12/15/21 at 10:25 AM, during tour of the Laundry Room showed the following:
Two of two washing machines were running with Facility laundry. Each with separate hot water lines with temperature gauges installed on both hot water lines.
The front washer's temperature gauge read 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rear washer's temperature gauge read 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

C. At 11:00 AM a new load of Facility surgical attire was loaded into the second (rear) washer. As the washing cycle started, the hot water temperature gauge for the second (rear) washer read 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hot water temperature gauge for the first (front) washer read 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

D. During interview with Environmental Services Director on 12/15/21 at 10:45 AM, he stated he did not know how long the temperatures had been running in the 70's for both washers. During interview with Environmental Services Director on 12/15/21 at 10:46 AM, he stated he did not know which washer was being checked for hot water temperature daily on the washer During interview with Environmental Services Employee #1, on 12/16/21 at 1:00 PM, she stated that she only checks one washer, and it varies each day, and she only checks one time per day.
Surveyor asks Environmental Services Employee #1:
"Have you ever noticed either washer with a temperature of 70 degrees or around that temperature?" She stated, "no."

E. The findings in A and B were verified with the Environmental Services Director on 12/15/21 at 11:00 AM.