Failure to Provide Hand Hygiene Supplies for Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper hand hygiene practices for enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) in eight resident rooms with EBP signage. Facility policy required gowns and gloves to be available near or outside resident rooms and access to alcohol-based hand rub in every resident room. During a tour and interviews, it was observed and confirmed that soap and paper towels were missing from dispensers in several resident bathrooms, and wall-mounted hand sanitizers were empty throughout the first and second floors. Staff reported bringing in their own soap and using resident dry wipes to dry their hands due to the lack of supplies. The Environmental Manager confirmed that hand sanitizer was only available at nursing desks and not readily accessible to staff or residents in the rooms, and that paper towels were awaiting delivery. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the failure to provide proper hand hygiene resources for EBP in all eight affected rooms. These findings were based on direct observation, staff interviews, and review of facility policy and documentation.