Infection Control Deficiencies: TB Screening, Device Storage, and PPE Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection prevention and control practices in three separate instances. For one resident, the Infection Preventionist (IP) did not ensure that the annual tuberculin skin test (TB test) was properly completed. The test was administered, but there was no documentation of the result being read after three days, as required by facility policy. Both the IP and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the test should have been repeated if the result was not read, in accordance with the facility's tuberculosis control plan. In another case, a resident's incentive spirometer was observed stored on top of a nightstand rather than in a labeled plastic bag as required by facility policy. The resident stated she did not have a plastic bag for storage, and the registered nurse (RN) confirmed that the device should have been kept in a plastic container. The IP and DON both acknowledged that improper storage of the spirometer could lead to respiratory infection, and the facility's policy specified that the device should be stored in a labeled plastic bag between uses. Additionally, a physical therapist (PT) was observed providing therapy to a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) without wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE). The resident had a PEG tube and was at risk for infection, with orders and care plans specifying the need for EBP and PPE during high-contact care activities. Both the IP and DON confirmed that the PT should have worn PPE in accordance with the facility's infection control policy.