Failure to Designate Qualified Infection Preventionist
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to designate a qualified Infection Preventionist (IP) to oversee the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) for its 33 residents. Administrative Staff A, who was acting as the IP, had completed a Nursing Home Infection Prevention Training Course but did not possess a health-related degree, holding instead a bachelor's degree in Aging Sociology. Administrative Nurse D was assisting with IP duties but had not yet completed the required IP certification. Interviews revealed that there was a lack of understanding among staff regarding the qualifications necessary for the IP role. The facility's own infection control policy required the IP to have primary training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or a related field, which was not met by the current designee.