§483.80 Infection Control The facility must establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.
§483.80(a) Infection prevention and control program. The facility must establish an infection prevention and control program (IPCP) that must include, at a minimum, the following elements:
§483.80(a)(1) A system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment conducted according to §483.71 and following accepted national standards;
§483.80(a)(2) Written standards, policies, and procedures for the program, which must include, but are not limited to: (i) A system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they can spread to other persons in the facility; (ii) When and to whom possible incidents of communicable disease or infections should be reported; (iii) Standard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infections; (iv)When and how isolation should be used for a resident; including but not limited to: (A) The type and duration of the isolation, depending upon the infectious agent or organism involved, and (B) A requirement that the isolation should be the least restrictive possible for the resident under the circumstances. (v) The circumstances under which the facility must prohibit employees with a communicable disease or infected skin lesions from direct contact with residents or their food, if direct contact will transmit the disease; and (vi)The hand hygiene procedures to be followed by staff involved in direct resident contact.
§483.80(a)(4) A system for recording incidents identified under the facility's IPCP and the corrective actions taken by the facility.
§483.80(e) Linens. Personnel must handle, store, process, and transport linens so as to prevent the spread of infection.
§483.80(f) Annual review. The facility will conduct an annual review of its IPCP and update their program, as necessary.
|
Observations:
Based on facility policy, clinical record review, observations, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to implement COVID monitoring, isolation, tracking, and testing for one of two residents (Resident R31), failed to prevent cross contamination during a dressing change for one of three residents (Resident R86), and failed to ensure enhanced barrier precautions were implemented for one of three residents (Resident R131). The facility failed to implement an infection control program that included a system of surveillance to identify possible communicable diseases or infections for eleven of twelve months (September 2024, thru August 2025).
Findings include:
Review of the facility "Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) Policy" last reviewed 4/1/25, revealed enhanced barrier precautions are intended to prevent transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) via contaminate hands and clothing of healthcare workers to high risk residents during high contact activities. Staff engaging in high-contact activities will don both gloves and gown before initiating the activity.
Review of the facility policy "Hand Hygiene/Handwashing" last reviewed 4/1/25, indicated hand hygiene is the most important component for preventing the spread of infections. Healthcare personnel should use an alcohol-based hand rub or wash with soap and water for the following clinical indications that include but not inclusive to after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces.
Review of the facility policy "Infection Prevention and Control Program" last reviewed 4/1/25, indicated to maintain an organized, effective facility-wide program designed to systematically prevent, identify, control and reduce the risk of acquiring and transmitting infections among employees, volunteers, visitors, and contracted healthcare workers; to conduct surveillance of communicable disease and infectious outbreaks; and to monitor employee health. The infection preventionist responsibilities for infection control include but not limited to: Conducts surveillance of staff and residents for the facility-associated infections and/or communicable disease. Infection prevention and control provide education, based on surveillance findings, outbreak analyses or changes in scientific knowledge/guidelines in the areas of infection prevention and control to employees, residents and families.
During a review of the infection control program documentation on 9/9/25, it was revealed that no surveillance of infections was completed for eleven of twelve months (September 2024, thru August 2025). Upon asking Infection Preventionist Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Employee E5 concerning mapping of infections presented a blank map of the facility rooms and stated we don't use the maps"
During an interview completed on 9/9/25, at 2:00 p.m. Infection Preventionist LPN Employee E5 confirmed that no surveillance of infections was completed for eleven of twelve months (September of 2024 thru August of 2025).
Review of the clinical record indicated Resident R31 was admitted to the facility on 6/12/24, with diagnoses dementia (the loss of cognitive functioning - thinking, remembering, and reasoning, to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems), and high blood pressure. Review of Resident R31's Minimum Data Set (MDS - a periodic assessment of care needs) dated 8/16/25, indicated diagnoses were current.
Review of Resident R31's progress note dated 9/3/25, at 1:03 a.m. revealed the resident was short of breath, with wheezing noted. The residents oxygen saturation was 60-70%. Oxygen was applied, and breathing treatment was administered. Resident continued to have wheezing and rhonchi in bilateral lungs. The physician was notified. There was no evidence the resident was tested for COVID. The facility failed to implement droplet precautions upon identification of any COVID-19 symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. Review of Resident R31's progress note dated 9/3/25, at 7:14 a.m. revealed the resident was observed coughing and wheezing. The residents oxygen saturation was 60-70%. Oxygen was applied, and the resident's pulse saturation went to 97%. The RN supervisor was notified and assessed the resident. The physician was notified. A breathing treatment and cough medication was administered. There was no evidence the resident was tested for COVID. The facility failed to implement droplet precautions upon identification of any COVID-19 symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
Review of Resident R31's progress note dated 9/3/25, at 10:30 a.m. revealed the resident was seen in follow up to recent reported cough and congestion symptoms. Resident was started on DuoNeb three time a day and as needed Guaifenesin (cough medication) along with supplemental oxygen due to hypoxia on room air. It was documented the resident refused labs and nasal swabs. The facility failed to implement droplet precautions upon identification of any COVID-19 symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
Review of Resident R31's clinical record failed to include evidence the resident was tested for COVID on Day 1 (9/4/25), Day 2 (9/6/25), and Day 3 (9/8/25).
During an observation on 9/9/25, at 11:45 a.m. Resident R31 was observed receiving a breathing treatment with the door open. There were no isolation precautions implemented.
During an interview on 9/9/25, at 11:49 a.m. Licensed Practical Nurse, Employee E31 stated "I am unaware" if Resident R31 was tested for COVID. LPN, Employee E31 indicated they were in training, and this was their second day.
During an observation of Resident R31's clinical record on 9/11/25, at 10:10 a.m. failed to include an order for isolation.
During an observation on 9/11/25, at 10:11 a.m. Resident R31's was observed wheeling in their wheelchair throughout the unit. No mask was observed on the resident.
During an interview on 9/11/25, at 10:11 a.m. Registered Nurse, Employee E2 confirmed Resident R31 failed to have an order for droplet precautions. RN, Employee E2 stated if a resident developed COVID-like symptoms such as cough, fever, or fatigue the next steps would be to isolate, notify physician, and test for COVID using the standing order. If negative, then the resident would be tested every two days until Day 5. During the testing period, the resident must stay in isolation and if they come out of the room, they should wear a mask.
During an interview on 9/11/25, at 10:22 a.m. the Director of Nursing confirmed residents should be tested on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 5. The DON confirmed the facility failed to implement COVID monitoring, isolation, tracking, and testing in accordance with state and federal guidance for one of two residents (Resident R31).
Review of Resident R86's clinical record indicated admission to the facility on 8/7/23.
Review of Resident R86's Minimum Data Set (MDS - a periodic assessment of care needs) dated 6/18/25, indicated diagnoses of anxiety, depression and high blood pressure.
Review of Residents R86's physician orders dated 8/12/25, indicate to cleanse sacrum with wound cleanser, pack with quarter strength Dakin's-soaked packing strips and cover with dry dressing daily.
During an observation on 9/10/25, at 10:00 a.m. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Employee E16 entered Resident R86's room to complete dressing change. After completing the dressing change LPN Employee E16 continued on and picked up the bottle containing the packing strip and pushed the packing that was out of the bottle back into the bottle, applied the lid, picked up the bottle of Dakins solution and repositioned it on the over bed tray table. LPN Employee E16 then removed gloves and completed hand hygiene.
During an interview completed on 9/10/25, at 2:30 p.m. LPN Employee E16 confirmed not removing gloves and completing hand hygiene prior to replacing the packing strip into the bottle, applying the lid and repositioning the bottle of Dakins solution on the over bed tray table.
Review of the clinical record indicated Resident R131 was admitted to the facility on 9/4/25, with diagnoses of left femur fracture, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, and flaccid neuropathic bladder (a condition that disrupts normal bladder function due to nerve damage. This can lead to problems with bladder control, resulting in either an overactive bladder or difficulty emptying the bladder). Review of Resident R131's physician order dated 9/5/25, revealed an order for enhanced barrier precautions.
During an observation on 9/8/25, Licensed Practical Nurse, Employee E15 was observed flushing Resident R131's nasogastric tube without a gown.
During an interview on 9/8/25, at 10:38 a.m. Licensed Practical Nurse, Employee E15 confirmed they failed to implement enhanced barrier precautions while flushing Resident R131's nasogastric tube.
28 Pa. Code: 211.10(d) Resident Care Policies. 28 Pa. Code: 211.12(d)(1)(5) Nursing Services.
| | Plan of Correction - To be completed: 10/14/2025
R31 is at baseline. R86 is at baseline. R131 at baseline. Facility will maintain surveillance of infections through the mapping process. DON educated Infection Preventionist on surveillance, mapping and monitoring of facility infections. Current residents that display symptoms of COVID 19, i.e cough and shortness of breath, will have MD notified and tested if ordered Identified residents will be placed in droplet precautions. On 9/29/2025, DON educated E16 on proper handwashing with dressing changes. On 9/8/2025, Infection Preventionist educated E15 on enhanced barrier precautions. All licensed staff will be educated on enhanced barrier precautions All licensed staff will be educated monitoring for symptoms of COVID 19 and on handwashing with dressing changes. DON/designee will complete audits to ensure proper identification of COVID 19 symptoms, testing and isolation weekly X4, monthly X2. DON/Designee will complete audits to ensure appropriate monitoring and tracking of antibiotic is being completed weekly X 4 and monthly X2. DON/Designee will complete audits to ensure Enhance barrier precautions are being utilized on 3 rooms weekly X4, monthly x 2. DON/designee will complete audits on 1 dressing change per day to ensure proper handwashing weekly x4 and monthly X2.
|
|