Failure to Use Required PPE for Resident on Covid Isolation Precautions
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to adhere to the facility's infection prevention and control program by not wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when providing care to a resident on isolation precautions for Covid. Specifically, a nurse aide was observed wearing a gown, gloves, and a surgical mask instead of the required N-95 mask, as indicated by the signage posted outside the resident's room. The signage clearly stated that gloves, a gown, and an N-95 mask were required for entry due to airborne precautions. The resident involved had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and quadriplegia, and was dependent on staff for personal hygiene and mobility. The resident was on isolation precautions for Covid, as documented in the care plan and nurse progress notes. During the observation, the nurse aide acknowledged awareness of the requirement to wear an N-95 mask but stated she had forgotten to use the correct mask. The facility's policy and the infection preventionist both confirmed that staff are expected to follow the posted PPE requirements for residents on precautions.