Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Skin Care
Penalty
Summary
During a survey, it was observed that staff failed to follow enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) while providing skin care to a resident with multiple medical conditions, including hemiplegia, diabetes, and a feeding tube. The resident had a physician's order requiring EBP, specifically the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact care activities such as dressing changes and wound care. Despite clear signage on the resident's door and documented policy, both an LPN and a CNA provided direct care without donning the required personal protective equipment (PPE). They touched various items in the resident's environment and performed skin care without gloves or gowns. When questioned, the staff members incorrectly stated that the EBP signage applied to a neighboring resident and that PPE was not necessary for this resident. The Director of Nursing later confirmed that the resident did have current orders for EBP and that staff should have worn gowns and gloves during the care provided. Review of facility policy and posted signage further supported the requirement for PPE during high-contact care activities to prevent the transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms.