Failure to Maintain Infection Control Practices and Precaution Signage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to observe proper infection control practices for multiple residents, as evidenced by undated nebulizer tubing, plastic storage bags, urinary catheter bags, and suction canisters for both sampled and unsampled residents. During observations, several residents were found with respiratory and urinary equipment that lacked required labeling to indicate the date of change, contrary to the facility’s own policy and procedure, which mandates labeling disposable circuits and supplies with the date of change. Interviews with staff, including a respiratory therapist, confirmed that all such equipment should be labeled with the date it was changed. Additionally, a resident with a gastrostomy tube, urinary catheter, and colostomy had a physician order for enhanced barrier precautions (EBP), but there was no EBP signage posted outside the room and no personal protective equipment (PPE) available inside or outside the room. The infection preventionist was unaware of the need for EBP for this resident until it was brought to his attention, despite the facility’s policies requiring PPE to be maintained and signage to be posted for residents on transmission-based precautions. These lapses were confirmed through interviews and review of facility policies.