Health inspection·December 16, 2024

F 0880 Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure, cleaning products used by housekeeping staff were effective against Candida auris ([C. auris] a fungus that can cause severe, often multidrug-resistant infections). Residents Affected - Some This deficient practice resulted the facility's use of an ineffective cleaning agent against C. auris during the facility's ongoing C. auris outbreak (two or more linked cases of the same illness). This deficient practice had the potential for C. auris to survive on surfaces in the facility and spread to other residents. Findings: During an observation of the facility's housekeeping closet and a concurrent interview with the housekeeping staff (HK 1) on 12/16/2024 at 1 p.m., two cleaning agents, Virex Plus and One Step Disinfectant Cleaner and Deodorizer were observed in the housekeeping closet. HK 1 stated the two cleaning agents in the housekeeping closet were the cleaners used to clean the rooms on the subacute unit (a unit where a patient requires more intensive licensed skilled nursing care). During an interview on 12/16/2024 at 1:11 p.m., the Infection Prevention Nurse (IPN) stated the cleaning agents found in the housekeeping closet and used by the housekeeping staff were not on the approved EPA list supplied by their local Health Department. The IPN stated he was not aware that the housekeeping staff were using the those cleaning agents to clean the rooms on the subacute unit. The IPN stated cleaning agents on the approved EPA list eliminate the specific organism that cause C. auris, and certain brands do not have the ingredients necessary to eliminate the C. auris organism which could lead to the spread of the organism causing an outbreak in the facility. During an interview on 12/16/2024 at 2:06 p.m., the Housekeeper Account Manager (HKM) stated the cleaning agents were not on the EPA approved list provided by their local public health department and they were not effective against C. auris. The HKM stated if the approved EPA cleaner was not used, there was a chance of the organism spreading in the facility. During an interview on 12/16/2024 at 2:54 p.m., the Director of Nursing (DON) stated cleaning agents used in the facility should be effective against potential or actual organisms present in the facility. The DON stated if cleaning agents were not effective, the organisms could spread throughout the facility. During a review of the facility's local Health Department's guidance related to the C. auris outbreak, dated 12/12/2024, the local Health Department's guidance indicated the facility should confirm disinfectant being used at the facility was on the Environmental Protection Agency ([EPA] a federal Page 1 of 2 056043 056043 12/16/2024 Colonial Care Center 1913 E 5th Street Long Beach, CA 90802

F 0880 Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm Residents Affected - Some agency that protects the environment and human health) Registered Antimicrobial Products list that were effective against C. auris. During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P/P), titled Isolation-Categories of Transmission-Based Precautions dated 9/2022, the P/P indicated when transmission-based precautions are in effect, housekeeping surfaces (e.g. floors, tabletops, walls, windows, blinds/curtains) will be cleaned on a regular basis following guidelines and approved chemicals (EPA approved) by local public health or Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 056043 Page 2 of 2