Infection Preventionist Not Present at Least Part-Time
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the infection preventionist (IP) role was conducted by a nurse who worked at least part-time in the facility. The Facility Assessment form did not specify the required number of hours for the IP to be present to implement infection control programs and activities. Documentation showed that a regional registered nurse was designated as the current IP, but she was only present in the building once a month. Interviews with the administrator and the regional RN confirmed that the IP duties were performed monthly on-site, following the departure of the previous staff member who had served as the IP. The facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program policy indicated the existence of an infection control program, but did not address the lack of a qualified, regularly present IP.