Failure to Enforce Proper Mask Use for Covid-19 Positive Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its infection prevention and control program as required by both its own policy and current CDC guidelines. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were observed entering the room of a resident with symptomatic Covid-19 while wearing surgical masks instead of the required N-95 respirators. Both CNAs acknowledged awareness of the policy and the expectation to wear N-95 masks, with one CNA stating a personal preference against N-95 masks due to discomfort. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that staff had been instructed to use N-95 masks when caring for residents with Covid-19. Record review showed that the facility's infection control policy required adherence to CDC recommendations, which specify the use of NIOSH-approved N-95 respirators for healthcare professionals entering the rooms of patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19. The resident involved had been admitted with multiple diagnoses, including rhabdomyolysis, encephalopathy, and dorsalgia, and was symptomatic for Covid-19. Additionally, the Infection Preventionist was unable to provide evidence of staff training on Covid-19 or proper mask use during the investigation.