Failure to Implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including autism, anxiety, and a gastrostomy requiring tube feedings. The resident's care plan and physician's orders indicated the need for EBP, and facility policy required gown and gloves to be available and used during high-contact care activities, such as incontinence care, for residents on EBP. During an observation, two certified nursing assistants provided incontinence care to the resident without wearing gowns, despite signage on the door indicating EBP was required. Interviews with the staff involved revealed a lack of awareness and understanding regarding the application of EBP. One CNA was not aware that the resident required EBP and believed that EBP was only necessary for care related to the tube feeding, not incontinence care. A registered nurse also stated that EBP was not required for CNAs since they did not handle the tube feeding. However, facility signage and policy defined high-contact care activities, such as incontinence care and transfers, as requiring gown and gloves for residents on EBP.