Infection Control Deficiencies in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to infection control practices during the provision of care to residents, as observed in multiple instances. One resident, who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living, had a urinal with urine left on their overbed tray table during meal times, which was not removed by staff. This practice was observed on multiple occasions, indicating a lack of proper hygiene and infection control measures. In another instance, two therapists failed to wear the required personal protective equipment, such as gloves and gowns, while providing therapy to a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions due to an indwelling catheter. This was despite clear signage and facility policy requiring such precautions to prevent the transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms. Additionally, a nurse administered insulin using a syringe that had been dropped and contaminated, and another nurse handled medications with bare hands after they were dropped, both actions contrary to infection control protocols. Further deficiencies were noted when a nurse failed to change gloves and perform hand hygiene between handling a urinary catheter bag and a PICC line, risking cross-contamination. Another nurse used bare fingers to handle medication and failed to change gloves and perform hand hygiene between resident contact and medication handling. These actions demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance with established infection control guidelines, potentially compromising resident safety.