Failure to Adhere to COVID-19 Infection Control Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly implement its infection control program to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as evidenced by staff not adhering to established protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A and Activity Assistant (AA) both entered a room with a resident confirmed positive for COVID-19 without following the required procedures. AA entered the room without wearing a gown, gloves, or eye protection, did not perform hand hygiene upon exit, and took a snack cart into the room, which was not permitted. AA also failed to remove his N95 mask after leaving the room and admitted to forgetting about the COVID-19 status of the resident, acknowledging non-compliance with posted signage and facility policy. CNA A entered the same room and put on a gown and gloves only after entering, did not tie the gown properly, and did not wear eye protection. She did not dispose of her N95 mask or perform hand hygiene upon exit and failed to change her gown and gloves between providing care to multiple residents in the room. CNA A stated she was unaware of the need to don PPE before entering and to change PPE between residents, despite having attended a recent in-service on these procedures. The Infection Preventionist and Administrator confirmed that both staff members did not follow facility policy regarding PPE and hand hygiene for contact and droplet precautions.