Improper Mask Use During Influenza Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves staff failure to follow the facility’s infection prevention and control practices for mask use during an influenza outbreak. During an observation and interview on 1/30/2026 at 8:20 a.m., an LVN was seen administering medications while wearing a face mask positioned below her nose and did not adjust it to fully cover her nose during the medication pass. The LVN acknowledged that the mask was worn improperly and stated that it should fully cover both the nose and mouth during resident care, and that not wearing it properly could potentially expose residents to respiratory droplets and increase the risk of infection transmission. At 8:33 a.m. the same day, a CNA was observed wearing a face mask positioned below her nose, leaving her nose exposed. The CNA acknowledged that her mask was worn improperly and stated that wearing the mask below the nose could potentially expose residents to respiratory droplets and increase the risk of infection transmission if she entered a room or interacted with a resident, and confirmed that facility policy requires masks to fully cover both the nose and mouth while on duty. In interviews later that morning, the IP and DON both stated that all staff are required to wear PPE, including masks that fully cover the nose and mouth, while providing resident care, and that improper mask use increases the risk of influenza transmission. Review of the facility’s 2025 PPE policy for face masks indicated that masks must cover the nose and mouth while performing treatment or services for residents.
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