F0880

D

Failure to Follow PPE and Isolation Precautions for Residents on Contact/Droplet Isolation

Dover, Delaware Survey Completed on 01-23-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified that the facility did not implement its infection prevention and control program for residents on Contact/Droplet precautions. One resident, identified as R2, had a positive influenza diagnosis, and signage at the room entrance directed staff to don a gown, N95 mask, face shield, and gloves before entering. On 01/23/26 at 9:04 AM, LPN6 was observed preparing R2’s medications and entering R2’s room without putting on any PPE, despite the posted Contact/Droplet Precautions. In an interview, LPN8 confirmed that R2 was positive for flu. The facility’s written Influenza Exposure Control policy dated 2024 required that Contact/Droplet Precautions be implemented for residents with suspected or confirmed respiratory virus and that staff follow the facility’s transmission-based procedures while such precautions were in effect.

A similar failure was observed for another resident, R91, who was also positive for influenza. On 01/23/26 at 9:20 AM, LPN6 prepared R91’s medications and entered R91’s room without donning PPE, even though Contact/Droplet Precautions signage was posted at the room entrance. In an interview, LPN8 confirmed that R91 was positive for flu. During an interview at the time of the observation, LPN6 stated he only used PPE when making contact with residents and believed he did not make contact when administering medications. The Infection Preventionist later stated that LPN6 should have donned an N95 mask, face shield, gown, and gloves before entering the rooms and removed the PPE before exiting, consistent with the facility’s policy and the posted isolation precautions.