Failure to Provide Hand Hygiene Before Meals
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to follow standard and transmission-based precautions for infection prevention and control by not providing or assisting with hand hygiene for residents before meals. During multiple observations, both certified nursing assistants and a registered dietitian distributed meal trays to several residents without offering hand sanitizer or handwashing prior to the residents eating. Residents were observed beginning their meals with uncleaned hands, and staff acknowledged that hand hygiene was not offered at these times. Interviews with residents confirmed that staff typically did not offer handwashing before or after meals. Review of the facility's policy indicated that personnel are required to assist residents with hand hygiene before meals, after toileting, and when indicated. The failure to follow these protocols was observed with five of eight sampled residents during meal times.