Failure to Implement Contact Precautions for Resident with C. diff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its policies and procedures for Transmission Based Precautions (TBP) for a resident on contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Observation revealed that a staff member from the laundry department entered and exited the resident's room, which was clearly marked for Enteric Contact Isolation, without washing hands with soap and water as required. The staff member was unaware that the resident was on contact precautions. Additionally, another staff member, a Licensed Nursing Assistant, believed that the contact precautions had been removed, while a Registered Nurse confirmed that the resident was still on contact precautions due to ongoing loose and/or watery bowel movements that were difficult to contain. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the Infection Preventionist confirmed that the resident had completed treatment for C. diff but remained on contact precautions because of persistent symptoms. Facility policy required all staff and visitors to wear gloves and a disposable gown upon entering the room and to wash hands before entering and exiting. The failure to follow these procedures was confirmed through observation, staff interviews, and review of facility policy.