Lack of Certified Infection Preventionist for Infection Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the staff member designated as the Infection Preventionist (IP), who was responsible for the Infection Prevention and Control Program, had completed the required specialized training in infection prevention and control. Upon request, the facility was unable to provide documentation of a current certified IP employed at the facility. An administrative nurse confirmed that there was no current certified IP and stated she had only been employed for four weeks, expressing uncertainty about the existence of an infection tracking system prior to her employment. The facility's policy indicated that the IP was responsible for oversight of the infection prevention and control program, including surveillance activities, documentation, and reporting to the Quality Assessment and Assurance committee.