Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions and Hand Hygiene Protocols
Penalty
Summary
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) failed to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) and proper hand hygiene protocols while providing care to a resident with significant medical needs. Specifically, two CNAs repositioned a resident who was under EBP due to conditions including a feeding tube and severe cognitive impairment, without wearing the required gloves or gowns. After providing care, both CNAs exited the resident's room and delivered meal trays to other residents without sanitizing their hands, as observed during a morning shift. Interviews with the involved CNAs confirmed that they did not use the required personal protective equipment or perform hand hygiene after caring for the resident on EBP. The facility's policies require the use of EBP for residents with indwelling devices and handwashing before meal delivery, but these protocols were not followed. The administrator was present during the interviews and confirmed the observations.