Improper Placement of Contaminated PPE Receptacle During Contact Precautions
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure that receptacles for contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) were appropriately placed to prevent the transmission of pathogens. During an observation of medication administration for a resident with a history of methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection of the left hip joint, it was noted that both the LPN and the surveyor donned PPE to enter the resident's room, which was under contact precautions. After administering IV medication, they exited the room and found there was no receptacle available near the exit to dispose of contaminated PPE. Instead, the only available bin for contaminated PPE was located on the opposite side of the room, near the window, requiring staff to walk back through the room to dispose of their used PPE. Interviews with the LPN and the Infection Control Preventionist confirmed that the placement of the contaminated PPE bin was due to space constraints, as the room was small and the bin did not fit by the door. Review of CDC guidance indicated that proper discarding of PPE should occur before exiting the patient room to contain pathogens. The facility's failure to provide an appropriately placed receptacle for contaminated PPE resulted in staff having to traverse the resident's environment with used PPE, contrary to recommended infection control practices.