Failure to Provide Mandatory Infection Control and EBP Training to Agency Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an effective infection prevention and control training program, specifically regarding Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), for agency staff. Record review and interviews revealed that four out of five staff members reviewed did not receive or complete required education on EBP prior to working shifts. The Infection Preventionist stated that agency staff were expected to review a binder containing EBP policies at the facility entrance, but there was no process in place to verify or document that this education was completed. Agency staff reported either not being informed about the binder, not receiving any EBP education, or only being asked to review unrelated materials such as the narcotic binder. Additionally, an agency RN preparing to perform wound care was unaware of the need to wear a gown and was not familiar with EBP, stating that she had not received any relevant education from the facility. This lack of training and verification created the potential for cross-contamination and the spread of infection among a vulnerable population, as staff were not adequately prepared to follow infection control protocols.