Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and maintain an infection prevention and control program as required, specifically in relation to Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for a resident with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. According to the facility's policy, staff are required to wear gloves and a gown during high-contact resident care activities, such as changing briefs, for residents on EBP. The resident in question had a physician order and care plan in place mandating EBP, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during contact care. On the date of observation, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was seen changing the resident's brief without wearing a gown, despite signage above the resident's bed and facility policy clearly indicating the requirement for both gloves and a gown during such care. The CNA confirmed during an interview that she did not wear the appropriate PPE and acknowledged the resident's PEG tube status. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that staff are expected to wear the required PPE when providing incontinent care to residents with indwelling medical devices.