Failure to Use PPE for Resident on Contact Precautions
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) entered the room of a resident who was under contact precautions for Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff) without donning the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically a gown and gloves. The resident's room had clear contact precaution signage and a cart with PPE supplies was available outside the door. The CNA entered the room to answer a call light but did not provide direct care. During an interview, the CNA admitted to confusing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with Contact Precautions and acknowledged that proper PPE should have been worn before entering the room. The resident had a recent history of C-Diff, having spent nine days in the hospital prior to admission and continued to experience diarrhea. Facility records confirmed the resident was on contact precautions due to C-Diff, and the care plan included interventions for this diagnosis. Interviews with nursing staff and the Infection Preventionist confirmed that staff were expected to wear gowns and gloves before entering the room to prevent the spread of infection. The resident reported that while most staff complied with PPE requirements, some did not.