Infection Control Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper infection control techniques, leading to potential cross-contamination and infection risks for several residents. During medication administration, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) did not disinfect a spacer and mask used for a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure after administering an inhaler. The facility's policy lacked specific instructions for cleaning inhaler administration devices, and the Co-Director of Nursing (DON) expected staff to rinse the mask with water and air dry it, which was not done. In another instance, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) failed to change gloves and sanitize hands after providing pericare and transferring a resident to a commode. The CNA continued to wear the same gloves while handling various items, including a mechanical lift, which was not disinfected after use. The facility's hand washing policy required hand hygiene and glove changes between tasks, which were not followed, leading to potential contamination. Additionally, the facility did not have a policy for insulin flexpen use, resulting in an LPN recapping needles, contrary to the manufacturer's instructions and facility policy. Medical equipment such as carts and blood pressure cuffs were not disinfected between resident use, and staff did not change gloves or sanitize hands between different medication administrations, such as ear and eye drops. These actions violated the facility's standard precautions policy, which required hand hygiene and equipment disinfection to prevent cross-contamination.