Observations
Based on client interviews, staff interviews and a review of the daily activity log, the facility failed to ensure the facility was free of rodent and insect infestation.
The findings include:
On September 1, 2010 four clients were individually interviewed. During the interviews it was revealed that the facility had experienced an outbreak of head lice.
Clients verified they either were currently being treated for head lice, had been exposed to or knew another client who had been exposed to head lice during their stay at the facility.
Interviews had been conducted with staff as well. The nurse advised she was aware of the lice situation and the staff and clients took turns inspecting one another for head lice and lice eggs. She described the process as immediate.
The clinical supervisor was interviewed and she explained the process: The women were all inspected for lice and made to wash their hair and their children's hair with the medicated shampoo. She advised all of the bedding was washed in hot water and put in the dryer on high heat. She said the infected women were made to wash their hair on a daily basis. When asked when the outbreak occurred, she replied it was about two weeks ago, which would've been August 18, 2010.
Additionally, the activity log was viewed, which records staff notes throughout their shifts. The first mention of head lice in the facility was on August 15, 2010. It indicates a client has lice and that shampoo was given to the client and her roommate and they were given permission to wash their bedding.
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Plan of Correction
As per facility Policy titled General Safety and Emoergncy Procedures 709.9 states: The residential facility shall be free of rodent and insect infestation.
We currently have a company that comes to the facility monthly or as needed to keep the facility free from rodents and insects.
Unfortunately, there is not preventative spray for head lice. Our current policy is that when a client eneters treatment she and her children (age appropriate) shampoo with lice shampoo.
We will continue to follow this protocol and in addition will:
1) Do periodic head checks
2) If one person gets lice, we will have all residents shampoo immediately.
3) If one person gets lice, we will have all the women wash and dry their linens and clothes in hot water and hot air.
Person responsible: Nurse
Person responsible for monitoring:
Program Director
Full Compliance: 10/5/2010
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