Staff Personal Belongings Stored in EBP Room in Violation of Infection Control Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program related to the handling of staff personal belongings in the room of a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). The resident was admitted with cirrhosis of the liver, pleural effusion, and muscle weakness, and had an EBP care plan initiated with interventions that included cleaning and disinfecting equipment and high-touch surfaces, performing hand hygiene during direct contact, and posting EBP signage. The resident’s MDS indicated clear speech, ability to express needs and wants, and understanding, with substantial/maximal assistance required for toileting, bathing, and personal hygiene. During an observation and concurrent interview with the Infection Preventionist Nurse in the resident’s room, surveyors observed a black purse, black bag, vitamin water bottle, beige purse, and a clear water container with lemon slices stored on top of the closet. The resident denied ownership of these items and could not recall who placed them there. The Infection Preventionist Nurse stated that staff should not store their personal belongings in a resident room on EBP, as this increased the risk of spreading germs and causing cross contamination among other residents and staff. Review of the facility’s Enhanced Barrier Precautions and Infection Control policies showed that EBP are used to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms and that infection control policies are intended to prevent and manage transmission of diseases and infections and apply to all personnel.
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