Infection Preventionist Lacked Required Training and Credentials
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the designated Infection Preventionist Nurse (IP) completed the required annual specialized training in infection control. The IP, who had been in the role for about a year, reported spending the majority of his work hours passing medications and only dedicating a small portion of time weekly to infection prevention duties. Review of the IP's training certificates showed completion of a 4-hour infection control course and two additional online courses without listed continuing education units or credit hours. Additionally, the IP held a Licensed Vocational Nurse license rather than the Registered Nurse license specified as a requirement in the facility's job description for the Infection Preventionist. The job description also required participation in continuing education programs, which was not adequately documented.