Failure to Adhere to Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to implement infection control practices in accordance with professional standards for a resident who was admitted with a surgical abdominal wound and an indwelling Foley catheter, both of which required Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). Despite a sign posted outside the resident's room indicating the need for EBP, staff members were observed not wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns and gloves, during high-contact care activities. Specifically, a CNA was seen assisting the resident with ambulation and handling the Foley catheter drainage bag without an isolation gown, and two other staff members entered and exited the resident's room without donning any PPE while providing direct care. Interviews with the involved staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's EBP status and the necessity of wearing PPE during high-contact care. One CNA stated she was unaware of the EBP requirement, while another, who was new and in training, also did not know she needed to wear a gown during care activities. The Infection Preventionist/Staff Development Coordinator confirmed that staff had been educated on EBP, but acknowledged that the staff did not adhere to the posted precautions.