Failure to Follow CDC Enhanced Barrier Precautions for PPE Disposal
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow CDC Infection Control Guidelines related to Enhanced Barrier Precautions for all 13 sampled resident rooms reviewed for infection control. Specifically, the CDC's guidelines require that a trash bin for discarding personal protective equipment (PPE) be placed inside the resident room and near the exit, so that used PPE can be removed and discarded prior to exiting the room. However, observations revealed that in each of the sampled rooms, the garbage bins for used PPE were placed outside the resident rooms in the hallway, rather than inside as required. Staff were observed donning PPE, entering resident rooms, and then doffing and discarding used PPE in bins located outside the rooms after exiting, contrary to CDC guidelines. Interviews with staff confirmed that they had been instructed by facility management to discard used PPE in garbage bins outside the resident rooms. The RN Infection Preventionist acknowledged that the facility was not following CDC guidelines regarding the placement of garbage bins for PPE disposal. These actions and facility practices resulted in a failure to implement proper infection prevention and control measures as outlined by the CDC, placing residents at risk for exposure to infections and cross-contamination.