Failure to Designate Qualified Infection Preventionist
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to designate or hire a full-time infection preventionist (IP) as required by CMS, which affected all 69 residents currently residing in the facility. According to the facility's own Infection Prevention and Control Manual, an IP should be designated who is qualified by education, training, experience, or certification, and who has completed specialized training in infection prevention and control. The manual also requires the IP to work at least part-time and participate in the facility's quarterly assessment and assurance committee. Interview with the Administrator confirmed that the previous IP was terminated and the individual currently assigned to the role has not completed the required training, resulting in the facility being without a full-time, qualified IP since the termination.