Failure to Enforce Masking Protocols During Covid-19 Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
Staff on Unit 300 failed to adhere to the facility's infection prevention and control program by not wearing surgical masks as required in an area where residents with active Covid-19 infections resided. During an observation, two CNAs were seen with their surgical masks around their necks, not covering their nose and mouth, while passing nourishments to residents. Additionally, an LVN was observed at the nurse's station without a mask. Interviews with the involved staff confirmed their awareness of the masking requirement, and the Infection Preventionist stated that surgical masks were required on the units, with N-95 masks needed for direct care of Covid-19 positive residents. The facility's mitigation plan, reviewed during the investigation, specified that source control masking is required during a VRI outbreak or surge in cases, which was the current situation with multiple residents and staff testing positive for Covid-19. Despite this, staff, including visiting hospice nurses, were not consistently following the masking procedures as outlined in the mitigation plan. The DON and Standard Compliance Coordinator acknowledged the expectation for all staff and visitors to adhere to the masking requirements during the outbreak.