Failure to Designate a Qualified Infection Preventionist
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors determined that the facility failed to designate a qualified individual onsite who was responsible for implementing infection prevention and control programs and activities. During an interview, the DON reported that the facility had just hired an Infection Control Nurse, but that this person was not yet functioning in the role, and the DON was currently acting as the Infection Control Nurse. The DON stated she had the necessary training but confirmed that the facility had not formally designated a qualified individual or individuals onsite to be responsible for the infection prevention and control program, resulting in noncompliance with state regulatory requirements related to licensee responsibility, management, personnel records, and nursing services. No specific residents or clinical events were described in the report, and no additional details were provided regarding patient conditions or direct care issues associated with this deficiency.
