Failure to Perform Hand Hygiene During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to perform proper hand hygiene during the lunch meal service in the Nursing Unit Main Dining Room, as observed with three residents. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assisted residents with eating without using hand sanitizer or washing hands before or between assisting different residents. The CNA was observed touching her own hair, face, and cell phone, as well as handling utensils and food directly with bare hands, and then continuing to assist residents with their meals without performing hand hygiene. The CNA also distributed meal trays and adjusted the television without washing hands before returning to assist residents with eating. Interviews with the CNA, the Nursing Unit Manager (LPN), the Director of Nursing (DON), and facility administrators confirmed that staff are expected to use hand sanitizer or wash hands before serving or feeding residents, and after touching their face or hair. The facility's policy on hand hygiene requires the use of alcohol-based hand rub before and after assisting a resident with meals. The observed failure to follow these protocols occurred during the lunch meal and involved multiple residents who required assistance with eating.