Federal inspectors discovered the violation during a complaint investigation on January 28. The bedpan was neither bagged nor labeled as required by infection prevention protocols.
Licensed Practical Nurse 21 confirmed the improper storage when questioned by inspectors at 11:58 AM. The nurse acknowledged the bedpan should have been properly contained and labeled according to facility standards.
Twenty-two minutes later, inspectors notified the administrator of the violation. The administrator confirmed that facility policy required bedpans to be labeled and stored in protective bags to prevent contamination and maintain infection control.
The 116-bed facility received a minimal harm citation for failing to implement proper infection prevention and control programs. Federal regulations require nursing homes to maintain strict protocols for handling potentially contaminated medical equipment.
The violation was classified as affecting few residents, though inspectors noted it represented a random discovery during their tour rather than a targeted investigation of infection control practices.
Bedpans require special handling because they contact bodily waste and can spread infections if improperly stored. Leaving such equipment exposed on surfaces like trash cans creates contamination risks for residents, staff, and visitors.
The inspection occurred as part of a complaint investigation, suggesting someone reported concerns about conditions at the facility to state health officials.
Dunbar Center operates in a state where nursing home oversight has faced scrutiny. The facility must now demonstrate compliance with infection control requirements to avoid additional penalties.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Dunbar Center from 2026-01-29 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.