Failure to Implement Scabies Prevention and Control Measures
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its infection prevention and control policy and procedures for scabies when a resident exhibited signs and symptoms consistent with scabies. The resident, who had diagnoses including toxic encephalopathy, ESRD, and type II DM, was cognitively intact and required only setup or clean-up assistance for ADLs. Physician progress notes documented that the resident had significant itching and had been treated multiple times with permethrin and ivermectin for suspected scabies, including during a recent hospitalization. An SBAR dated 1/30/2026 described an unknown generalized skin condition with generalized redness and rash on the body and complaints of itching, with a recommendation for permethrin 5% weekly for four weeks. Despite these ongoing symptoms and repeated treatments for suspected scabies, the facility did not perform diagnostic testing as outlined in its policy. The infection preventionist stated that scabies diagnosis requires skin scrapings sent to a lab, but confirmed that no skin scraping had been done on this resident to diagnose and identify scabies. The resident continued to have diffuse scattered excoriations and generalized rash, with staff describing numerous scratches on the trunk and extremities, red scattered skin rash, and constant scratching. These findings were documented in the medical record and confirmed in staff interviews. The facility also failed to carry out required contact identification and education measures specified in its scabies prevention and control policy. The policy required that as soon as a possible case of scabies is identified, the infection control practitioner develop a contact identification list for all residents, staff, visitors, and volunteers who may have had direct physical contact with the case within the previous month, and to notify and educate employees, family members, and visitors. The infection preventionist acknowledged that no contact list had been started or developed for this resident and that no education or in-services regarding scabies had been provided to staff. These omissions occurred despite the infection preventionist’s acknowledgment that the resident had signs and symptoms of scabies and that scabies is contagious and passed through contact.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.