Failure to Ensure Staff Competency and Policies for PICC Line Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct and document a comprehensive, evidence-based facility assessment to ensure that licensed nursing staff possessed the required training and competencies necessary to provide care for residents with intravenous (IV) therapy through peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or other central venous access devices. The facility assessment identified that specialized services for residents with PICC lines were provided, including IV medication administration and routine PICC line care. However, there was no documented evidence that licensed nursing staff received initial or ongoing training or competency evaluations in accessing and administering medications through central venous access devices, as required by professional standards and the facility's own assessment. Additionally, the facility lacked documented policies or procedures to guide licensed nursing staff in the safe care and management of central venous access devices, including medication administration, dressing changes, or infection prevention measures. The DON confirmed that there was no contract with advanced PICC services, no established training program for PICC line care, and no documentation of staff competencies specific to PICC line management. As a result, the facility could not demonstrate that its licensed nursing staff had the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe care consistent with regulatory requirements and professional standards of practice.