Inspection Findings:
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure washers had a minimum rinse temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) unless a chemical disinfectant was used when washing soiled linens and soiled clothing. Findings include, but are not limited to:The facility was toured on 10/24/23 at 10:30 am. Each resident apartment had its own washer and dryer. Additionally, there was a room on the second and third floors that contained a hopper sink and a separate room, also on the second and third floors, containing multiple residential-type washers and dryers. None of the washers had a hot water rinse setting option. No chemical disinfectant products were observed in the hopper or laundry rooms.In an interview on 10/25/23, Staff 7 (MT) stated that when she discovered soiled linens or clothing, she bagged the items, rinsed them as needed in one of the hopper sinks and then either washed the items in the laundry room or in the resident's apartment washer, depending on the size of the load. She stated staff used the resident's personal laundry detergent. She did not indicate the facility utilized a chemical disinfectant and stated the residents were not required to provide a disinfectant, though a few resident's had some type of a spray she could use on any stains prior to the wash.In an interview on 10/26/23, Staff 8 (CG) stated that when she discovered soiled linens or clothing, she rinsed the items in the resident's apartment sink, if needed, and washed the items in the resident's apartment washer, unless the load was too large and needed to be washed in the laundry room. She confirmed staff used the resident's laundry detergent. She did not indicate the facility utilized a chemical disinfectant.The interviews were reviewed with Staff 1 (Administrator) and Staff 3 (Maintenance Manager) on 10/26/23. Staff 1 stated staff were supposed to bag soiled items and transport them to a separate building where the items would be laundered in a commercial washer that provided proper disinfection. She acknowledged the staff interviewed were not following proper procedures.
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure washers had a minimum rinse temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) unless a chemical disinfectant was used when washing soiled linens and soiled clothing. This is a repeat citation. Findings include, but are not limited to:The facility was toured on 02/14/24 at 10:30 am. Each resident apartment had its own washer and dryer. Additionally, there was a room on the second and third floors that contained a hopper sink and a separate room, also on the second and third floors, containing multiple residential-type washers and dryers. None of the washers had a hot water rinse setting option. No chemical disinfectant products were observed in the hopper or laundry rooms.In interviews on 02/14/24, Staff 6 (MT) and Staff 7 (MT/CG) stated when they discovered soiled linens or clothing, the items were rinsed in one of the hopper sinks and then either washed in the laundry room or in the resident's apartment. Staff 6 and Staff 7 stated they used the resident's personal laundry detergent and they were unaware of laundry detergent with a chemical disinfectant in the laundry room. In an interview on 02/14/24 at 11:35 am, Staff 1 (Administrator) confirmed the facility did not have laundry detergent with a chemical disinfectant available in the laundry rooms for staff or residents to use with soiled linens or clothing.The need to ensure facility staff used a chemical disinfectant when washing soiled linens and clothing in a washing machine that did not have a minimum rinse temperature of 140 degrees F was reviewed with Staff 1 and Staff 2 (RN Manager) on 02/14/24. They acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:
1.Chemicals will be provided and accesable for cleaning soiled items. 2. Locations will be identified and training will occur now, at time of hire and annually with care team to ensure items are cleaned per the OAR. 3. Monthly QA walk to ensure chemicals are available and team is using it properly.4. Administrator. 1.Chemicals will be provided and accessible for cleaning soiled items. 2. Locations will be identified and training will occur now, at time of hire and annually with care team to ensure items are cleaned per the OAR. Residents who are incontinent will be identified by nurse manager and instructions for handling soiled laundry will be added to the resident's care plan. For residents who typically wash their own laundry, the facility will meet with residents in group or individually to educate them about using the facility-provided disinfecting product. Staff will be trained to provide the disinfecting product to residents for use in their own units upon the resident's request.3. Monthly QA walk to ensure chemicals are available and team is using it properly and monthly report that chemicals have been checked and are available for care team. 4. Administrator.