HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interviews, and policy/procedure review, the facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment for disposal of infectious materials and follow the facility policy to prevent the spread of infection on one (1) of three (3) days of survey.

Findings Include:

Observation of Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) #1 on 07/12/2023 at 10:33 a.m. in patient room 324, performed removal of indwelling urinary catheter for patient #2. The indwelling urinary catheter was removed and placed in regular trash bin with a clear plastic bag in the patient room. Patient #2 was on contact isolation for Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (E.S.B.L.) in her urine.

During an interview with LPN #1 on 07/12/2023 at 10:36 a.m., revealed no red bag available to dispose of contaminated infectious materials.

During an interview with LPN #1 on 07/12/2023 at 10:43 a.m., it was confirmed that contaminated infectious materials for contact isolation should be placed in a red bag, tied up, and taken to the biohazard storage area and no red bags available in room 324.

During an interview with the Infection Preventionist on 07/12/2023 at 10:49 a.m., it was confirmed when a patient is placed on isolation, it is the responsibility of the staff to place red bags in the isolation rooms for proper disposal of infectious materials/waste.

Review of the facility policy, "Waste Management Procedures", not dated, revealed: " ...collect, transport, and dispose of all waste ...Infectious Waste will be identified by a red...trash bag and containers displaying the Universal Bio-Hazard symbol ...all departments will have specific policies and procedures that contain information regarding the identification, safe handling, packaging, transportation, and disposal of these wastes ...".

During exit conference on 07/13/2023 at 12:00 p.m. with the Regional Administrator and the Director of Nursing, survey findings were discussed, and no further documentation was submitted for review.