Failure to Follow Droplet Precaution Protocols and Infection Control Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program for a resident on droplet precautions due to chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a diagnosis of methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in the lungs. Physician orders required droplet precautions with a respirator, all care and treatments to be completed in the room, and specific instructions for PPE use and hand hygiene. Facility policy also required handwashing before entering and after exiting the resident's room, and sanitizing reusable equipment. During observation, a housekeeper entered and exited the resident's room multiple times wearing a gown, gloves, face mask, and face shield, but failed to remove the face shield and mask prior to exiting the room as required. The housekeeper also did not perform hand hygiene after removing PPE and did not sanitize the mop handle used in the resident's room. These actions were inconsistent with both the facility's infection control policy and the posted droplet precaution instructions.