Lack of Qualified Infection Preventionist for Infection Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to designate a qualified Infection Preventionist (IP) with the required training and certification to be responsible for the Infection Prevention and Control Program for a census of 29 residents. During the entrance conference, an administrative staff member identified an administrative nurse as the facility’s IP, stating she was a licensed nurse who had been completing continuing education in infection prevention. Documentation provided by the facility showed that this nurse had completed education on Enhanced Barrier Precautions and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship surveillance plan. In a subsequent interview, the administrative nurse confirmed she had been performing IP duties and participating in continuing education but acknowledged she did not hold an Infection Preventionist certificate, and that the facility’s plan was for her to take the course and obtain the certificate. The facility also had an undated antibiotic administration policy describing appropriate use and stewardship of antibiotics, but there was no evidence that a properly qualified and certified IP had been designated to oversee the infection prevention and control program.
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.