Failure to Adhere to COVID-19 Infection Control Protocols
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to adhere to infection prevention and control protocols related to COVID-19. One certified nursing assistant (CNA) was observed exiting a COVID-19 isolation room without wearing an N95 mask. The CNA reported that she had removed and disposed of all personal protective equipment, including the N95 mask, inside the isolation room, contrary to facility policy which requires PPE to be removed and replaced outside the isolation room. The resident in the isolation room had a diagnosis of COVID-19 and other medical conditions, with intact cognition, and had recently tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) was observed at a nurse station not wearing the N95 mask properly; the mask was under the chin and not covering the nose and mouth. The LVN also touched the outside of the mask and then used the computer keyboard without performing hand hygiene. Both the Director of Staff Development and the Director of Nursing confirmed that N95 masks should be worn properly in all patient care areas, including nurse stations, and that hand hygiene should be performed after handling soiled masks. Facility policies reviewed indicated that staff must wear well-fitted N95 respirators during respiratory outbreaks and perform hand hygiene after handling soiled equipment or contaminated objects.