Failure to Discontinue Unnecessary Droplet Isolation Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to discontinue droplet isolation precautions for three residents after laboratory testing confirmed that they did not have transmittable diseases. According to facility policy, isolation and transmission-based precautions should be used only as necessary to prevent the spread of infection and should be the least restrictive possible. For the three residents involved, clinical records showed that all relevant tests for COVID-19 and influenza were negative, and the residents remained afebrile. Despite these negative results, droplet precautions were not removed, and the residents continued to be isolated. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness regarding the need to discontinue isolation precautions when no transmittable disease was present. One RN was unaware of any positive test results that would require ongoing droplet isolation, and an LPN confirmed that the residents were kept in isolation, which limited their ability to socialize and participate in activities. The Infection Preventionist also confirmed that isolation should have been discontinued based on the negative test results. The affected residents included individuals with diagnoses such as neuralgic amyotrophy, dementia, anxiety, depression, and dysphagia, and at least one resident expressed dissatisfaction with the unnecessary isolation.