Failure to Use Required PPE for Residents on COVID-19 Isolation Precautions
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to consistently wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when entering the rooms of residents on isolation droplet precautions for COVID-19. Facility policy required the use of masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection for all staff entering rooms of residents with respiratory infections or during outbreak situations. Observations revealed that multiple Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) entered the rooms of residents with active COVID-19 infections wearing gowns, masks, and gloves, but without the required eye protection. Signage posted on the residents' doors clearly instructed that eye protection was mandatory, and staff confirmed during interviews that they did not use eye protection despite being aware of the isolation status. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including chronic respiratory conditions, cognitive impairment, and other comorbidities, and were under active isolation precautions for COVID-19 as documented in their medical records and care plans. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that staff were expected to wear full PPE, including eye protection, for residents on droplet precautions, and acknowledged that the facility failed to follow its own infection control guidelines for these residents.