Bel Air At Teravista

During an interview on 11/06/25 at 1:45pm, LVN A stated she was the charge nurse for Resident #1, Resident #3, and Resident #4. LVN A stated she was responsible for ensuring the nebulizer masks were in the protective bag.

She stated it was her mistake and she did not ensure the masks were protected from contamination.

She stated it was essential to minimize the risk of infection, especially respiratory infection.

She stated she did not remember attending any in-service on this subject, however, was aware of the importance of it from her professional knowledge.

During an interview on 11/06/25 at 1:50 p.m., LVN B stated she worked with Resident #2 this day.

She stated Resident #2 handled the nebulizer independently and had the habit of keeping it anywhere. LVN B stated she did not know if Resident #2 was supervised at any time to make sure she stored the mask safely or was educated on the importance of storing in a protective cover . LVN B stated the necessity of storing it in protective cover was to protect the mask from contamination and it was the responsibility of the nurse to make sure it was done appropriately.

She stated she did not remember if she received any in service in this regard at the facility.

During an interview on 11/06/25 at 2:40 p.m., the DON stated it was a common practice that the residents used nebulizers by themselves and left them anywhere.

When the investigator informed him that there were no protective bags available in any of the residents' rooms, he stated that was because the usual practice at the facility was storing them in a drawer.

The DON stated one of the practices at the facility to reduce infection was minimizing contamination. He stated technically the nebulizer masks were to be cleaned and safely stored in the protective bags provided, however, in reality, this rarely happened.

The DON stated there was no system in place to ensure the nurses were doing this properly and wanted to make sure the staff were diligent in this practice in the future.

Record review of the facility's policy, titled Oxygen Administration, dated October 2010, had not reflected the necessity for storing oxygen/nebulizer tubing, cannulas, and facemasks in protective bags when not in use.

Record review of web site https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/How-to-Use-a-Nebulizer-21-HL-8163.pdf reviewed on 11/10/25 reflected: .

Between uses: Store nebulizer parts in a dry, clean plastic storage bag. If the nebulizer is used by more than one person, keep each person's medicine cup, mouthpiece or mask, and tubing in a separate, labeled bag to prevent the spread of germs.

Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth as needed.

Cover nebulizer machine with a clean, dry cloth and store as stated in the instructions.

Replace medicine cup, mouthpiece, mask, tubing, filter, and other parts as stated in the instructions or when they appear worn or damaged

Facility ID: