Failure to Follow Contact Isolation Precautions by CNA
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to follow contact isolation precautions for a resident who had a physician's order for contact isolation due to a urinary tract infection. The CNA entered the resident's room to set up a meal tray without wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and gown, despite clear signage indicating the need for contact isolation. The CNA handled the resident's over bed table and bed remote control without PPE and left the room without performing hand hygiene. During an interview, the CNA acknowledged awareness of the isolation status and training on proper precautions but stated she was in a hurry and forgot to don PPE. The resident involved was an older female with a history of memory deficit following cerebrovascular disease, who was cognitively intact and required supervision with activities of daily living. Facility records confirmed the resident's need for contact isolation and that the CNA had received training on isolation, PPE use, and handwashing. Interviews with facility leadership, including the ADON, DON, and Administrator, confirmed that staff were expected to follow infection control protocols and had been trained accordingly. Facility policy required staff to wear gloves and gowns when entering rooms of residents on contact precautions, especially when handling environmental surfaces or items in the resident's room.