Staff Entered Kitchen Food-Prep Area Without Required Hair Net
Penalty
Summary
A nursing assistant (NA) entered the kitchen food preparation area without wearing a hair net while the cook was actively dishing up meals onto plates. The NA stood within two feet of the cook, obtained a meal tray, and exited the kitchen, all without a hair net. When questioned, the NA stated she did not believe nurse aides were required to wear hair nets and explained her presence in the kitchen was to retrieve a meal for a resident who changed their mind about dining location. The dietary manager confirmed that staff are only permitted to enter as far as the hand washing sink without a hair net, and that hair nets are required beyond that point in the serving area. The DON also stated that all staff entering the kitchen for any reason are expected to don a hair net. Although the facility did not have a specific policy on hair nets, they provided a protocol indicating that hair restraints or hats are required in the food-prep area to prevent hair from contaminating food or food-contact surfaces.