Failure to Educate Staff on Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all 160 staff members were educated on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), which involve the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact resident care activities. This deficiency was identified through observation, interviews, and record review. Specifically, a resident with a gastrostomy tube, who was severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, was observed without any isolation signage or a PPE cart at their room entrance. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and implementation of EBP. A Licensed Vocational Nurse stated he was unaware of EBP and that the facility did not place residents on EBP. The Infection Prevention Nurse confirmed that all staff needed education on EBP, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the need to follow CDC guidance. Review of the facility's policy indicated that all staff should be trained on EBP, with annual refreshers and ongoing audits, but this had not been carried out.