Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Resident with Chronic Wounds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain its Infection Control Program by not following its own Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy for a resident with chronic wounds. According to the facility's policy, EBPs are required for residents with wounds, and these precautions should remain in place for the duration of the wound or the resident's stay. The policy also requires staff training and the posting of signage outside the resident's room indicating the type of precautions and required PPE. During the survey, it was observed that there was no EBP sign posted outside the room of a resident with chronic right leg ulcers, and a Certified Nursing Assistant confirmed that the resident was not on any type of precautions, despite the care plan indicating the need to follow EBP. Further review of the resident's medical records showed ongoing physician orders for wound care and documentation of wound treatments provided by a Registered Nurse. Interviews with staff revealed confusion regarding the resident's EBP status, with the nurse stating that the resident was previously on EBP but was removed when the wounds improved, and the Infection Preventionist indicating that EBP was not needed if the wound was not draining. These actions and inactions resulted in the facility not adhering to its own infection control policy for residents with wounds, as required.