Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility staff failed to: a. Perform hand hygiene when entering and exiting Resident 5's room.b. Replace Resident 96's tube feeding line when it was found on the floor without a cap. c. Implement and document control measures per water management policy and procedure.d. Monitor, document, and implement contact isolation precautions (infection control measures used to prevent the spread of germs by direct contact) for Resident 131. These deficient practices had the potential to transmit infectious microorganisms (living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye) and increase the risk of infection for the residents. Findings:
a. During a review of Resident 5's admission Record, the admission Record indicated Resident 5 was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including hemiplegia weakness to one side of the body) and hemiparesis (inability to move one side of the body) affecting right dominant side, gastrostomy (g-tube: a surgical opening fitted with a device to allow feedings to be administered directly to the stomach common for people with swallowing problems), and stiffness of right shoulder, elbow, and hand.
During a review of Resident 5's History and Physical (H&P), dated 3/18/2025, the H&P indicated Resident 5 did not have the capacity to understand and make decisions.
During a review of Resident 5's Minimum Data Set ([MDS] a resident assessment tool), dated 9/17/2025, the MDS indicated Resident 5's cognitive skills (the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses) were moderately impaired. The MDS indicated Resident 5 was dependent on chair/bed-to-chair transfer, bathing, upper (above waist) and lower (below waist) body dressing, and required maximal assistance (provide more than half the effort) for oral and personal hygiene. The MDS indicated Resident 5 had impairments on one side of the upper (arms/shoulders) and lower (hips/legs) extremities and utilized a wheelchair.
During a review of Resident 5's Order Summary (physicians order) dated 11/20/2025, the Order Summary indicated there was an order dated 8/31/2025: on Enhance Barrier Precaution (EBP: infection control measure requiring staff to wear a gown and gloves during high-contact activities with residents who have a g-tube and to prevent transmission of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs infectious microorganisms that are resistant to multiple anti-infection medications): G-tube.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 11/20/2025 at 10:23 a.m., Licensed Vocational Nurse 1 (LVN 1), LVN 1 was observed not performing hand hygiene prior to entering (before wearing personal protective equipment (PPE: equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious injuries and illnesses) and exiting (post PPE removal) Resident 5's room. The LVN 1 stated hand hygiene is performed before and after exiting the resident room, prior to interacting with the resident, or prior to providing treatment. The LVN 1 stated he did not do hand hygiene prior to and exiting Resident 5's room and indicated he had contact with Resident 5 when observing her abdominal binder (belt used to support the abdomen after surgery, improve physical function). The LVN 1 stated hand hygiene prevents the spread of infection and cross contamination.
b. During a review of Resident 96's admission Record, the admission Record indicated Resident 96 was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] and was readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses including hemiplegia and hemiparesis affecting left non-dominant side, gastrostomy (g-tube), and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM: a disorder characterized by difficulty in blood sugar control and poor wound healing)
During a review of Resident 96's H&P, dated 8/22/2025, the H&P indicated Resident 96 could make needs known but could not make medical decisions.
During a review of Resident 96's MDS, dated [DATE], the MDS indicated Resident 96's cognitive skills were moderately impaired. The MDS indicated Resident 96 is dependent on all aspects of activities of daily living (ADLs: routine tasks/activities such as bathing, dressing and toileting a person performs daily to care for themselves). The MDS indicated Resident 96 did not have any impairments on both sides of the upper and lower extremities and utilized a wheelchair and walker.
During an observation on 11/19/2025 at 11:16 a.m., in Resident 96's room, the feeding tube that connected to the resident was on the floor with no cap covering the end that is connected to the resident. The tube feeding was dated 11/18/2025 at 9:20 p.m. and the fluids (water) bag was dated 11/18/2025 at 9:30 p.m.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 11/19/2025 at 2:42 p.m. with the Licensed Vocational Nurse 3 (LVN 3), LVN 3 was shown what was observed on 11/19/2025 at 11:16 a.m. (feeding tube on the floor) and confirmed the current feeding observed running into Resident 96 and the feeding tube that was observed at 11:16 a.m. were the same. LVN 3 stated when she arrived at the room if she observed the tubing was on the floor, she would have to replace it to keep the resident safe as the tubing was on the floor exposed to dirt, which increases the risk of infections due to contamination.
During an observation on 11/20/2025 at 9:51 a.m., Resident 96's feeding bag was dated 11/20/2025 at 12:30 a.m.(indicating the feeding was started 9 hours and 21 minutes ago).
During an interview on 11/21/2025 at 12:42 p.m. with the Director of Nursing (DON), the DON stated hand hygiene should be done every time care is provided to the resident, and prior to entering and exiting the resident room to prevent infection. The DON stated if the tube feeding line is on the floor, they will replace the whole thing right away due to infection control.
During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Handwashing/Hand Hygiene, revised 8/2019, the P&P indicated this facility considers hand hygiene the primary means to prevent the spread of infections. All personnel shall follow the handwashing/hand hygiene procedures to help prevent the spread of infections to other personnel, residents, and visitors. Use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 62% alcohol; or, alternatively, soap (antimicrobial or non-antimicrobial) and water for the following situations: before and after direct contact with residents; after contact with objects (e.g., medical equipment) in the immediate vicinity of the resident; before and after entering isolation precaution settings. Hand hygiene is the final step after removing and disposing of personal protective equipment.
c. During a concurrent interview and record review on 11/20/2025, at 9:56 a.m., with the Maintenance Supervisor (MS), the facility's Water Management Program Binder, dated 2025 was reviewed. The Water Management Program (comprehensive plan aimed to prevent waterborne illnesses by controlling germs in the water) Binder indicated, Residents' room water temperature was documented daily, and Boiler and water heater maintenance log was documented on 1/3/2025, 2/14/2025, 3 /20/2025,3/24/2025, 4/22/2025, 5/1/2025, 6/10/2025, 7/22/2025, 8/12/2025, 9/19/2025, 10/14/2025, and 11/12/25. The MS stated, the facility was monitoring and documenting water temperature for randomly selected residents' room daily and maintenance log for Boiler and water. The MS stated, there were no other monitoring logs for control measures (actions taken to eliminate or reduce the likelihood or severity of exposure to a hazard) and limit (a specific, measurable, and quantitative range for a particular parameter that indicates when a water system is operating acceptably). The MS stated, he should have monitored and documented all control measures and limits as the policy indicated to prevent Legionella (a type of bacteria that is naturally found in [NAME] environments) outbreak (two or more linked cases of the same illness or the situation where the observed number of cases exceeds the expected number).
During a concurrent interview and record review on 11/20/2025, at 10 a.m., with the Infection Preventionist Nurse (IPN), the facility's Policy and Procedure (P&P) titled, Legionella Policy: Water Management Program, undated was reviewed. The P&P indicated, Record Keeping: The following records shall be kept on file for a period of five years in a log book .Completed report sheets for: weekly flushing of infrequently used outlets, Monthly hot and cold water temperature checks including flow and return temperature, quarterly shower head cleaning, Annual domestic water tank visual inspection and cleaning, and annual calorifier visual sampling of drain valve water. The IPN stated, the water management program committee should have follow through monitoring and documenting control measures and limit to reduce and prevent the risk of getting Legionella infection.
During an interview on 11/20/2025, at 3:52 p.m., with the Director of Nursing (DON), the DON stated, all control measures and limits should be monitored and documented per policy to prevent Legionella outbreak and to protect vulnerable residents.
During a review of the facility's Policy and Procedure (P&P) titled, Legionella Water Management Program, revised 7/2017, the P&P indicated, Policy Statement: Our facility is committed to the prevention, detection, and control of water-borne contaminants, including Legionella. Policy Interpretation and Implementation: 3. The purpose of the water management program is to identify areas in the water system where Legionella bacteria can grow and spread, and to reduce the risk of Legionnaire's disease .5. The water management program includes the following elements .e. specific measures used to control the introduction and /or spread of legionella. f. the control limits or parameters that are acceptable and that are monitored .h. A system to monitor control limits and the effectiveness of control measures.
d. During a review of Resident 131's admission Record, the admission Record indicated, Resident 1 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including urinary tract infection (UTI- an infection in the bladder/urinary tract ), pseudomonas infection (a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water that can cause a range of infections, including lung infections) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM-a disorder characterized by difficulty in blood sugar control and poor wound healing).
During a review of Resident 131's History and Physical (H&P), dated 11/11/2025, the H&P indicated, Resident 131 had the capacity (ability) to understand and make decisions.
During a review of Resident 131's Minimum Data Set (MDS – a resident assessment tool), dated 11/17/2025, the MDS indicated Resident 131 required maximal assistance (Helper does more than half the effort) from one staff for bed mobility, bathing/shower, toilet hygiene, toilet transfer, moderated assistance (Helper does less than half the effort) from one staff for bed mobility, dressing and supervision or touching assistance (Helper provides verbal cues and/or touching/steadying and /or contact guard assistance as resident competes activity) from one staff for eating.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 11/18/2025, at 10:04 a.m. with Resident 131 in Resident 131's room, there was a signage indicated Enhanced Barrier Precaution [EBP-an infection control intervention designed to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in nursing homes] near the entrance of Resident 131's room. Resident 131 stated, she was recently diagnosed with clostridium difficile (C. diff- a highly contagious bacteria that causes severe diarrhea) and still having active diarrhea even this morning. Resident 131 stated, she had few episodes of diarrhea on 11/16/2025 and 11/17/2025 as well. Resident 131 stated, her nurse gave her the medication to stop diarrhea, but she still having diarrhea due to antibiotics (medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals) use for her UTI.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 11/19/2025, at 9:20 a.m., with House Keeping Staff (HKS) 1, in a hallway near Resident 131's room, HKS 1 came out of Resident 131's room and did not perform hand hygiene. HKS 1 stated, she did not wash her hand because she just went in to check for trash can. HKS 1 stated, she should have washed her hands regardless she touched objects or not to prevent spreading infection.
During an interview on 11/19/2025, at 9:27 a.m., with Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) 5, CNA 5 stated, Resident 131 was on EBP that required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE - clothing and equipment that is worn or used to provide protection against hazardous substances and/or environments) and hand hygiene with hand sanitizer. CNA 5 stated, hand washing with soap and water was not required for after caring Resident 131. CNA 5 stated, Resident 131 had diarrhea this morning and did not know if Resident 131 was having active C-diff infection.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 11/19/2025, at 3:35 p.m., with the Infection Preventionist Nurse (IPN), Resident 131's Order Summary Report (CSR), dated 11/19/2025 was reviewed. The CSR indicated, contact isolation precaution (intended to prevent transmission of infectious agents which are spread by direct or indirect contact with the person or the person's environment) due to stool C-diff was ordered 11/14/2025. The IPN stated, Resident 131 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and was not on contact isolation until 11/14/2025. The IPN stated, Resident 131 was having diarrhea upon admission and stool sample for C-diff was collected on 11/11/2025. The IPN stated, Resident 131 should have placed the contact isolation precaution while waiting for stool C-diff testing result to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 11/19/2025, at 3:45 p.m., with the IPN, Resident 131's Nurse Practitioner (NP-an advanced practice registered nurse who serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to residents) Skilled Nursing Home Progress Note, dated 11/18/2025 was reviewed. The NP Skilled Nursing Home Progress Note indicated, Resident 131 had mild abdominal pain and diarrhea on 11/17/2025. The NP Skilled Nursing Home Progress Note indicated, continue with Vancomycin (antibiotics) and contact isolation. The IPN stated, she did not follow through with NP's progress note. The IPN stated, she was not aware of the episodes of diarrhea. The IPN stated, the staff should have confirmed with physician or NP before discontinuing contact isolation precaution on 11/18/2025 to ensure Resident 131 was free of C-diff infection. The IPN stated, the staff should have washed hands with soap and water after caring for the residents with C-diff because the friction from rubbing removes the C-diff spores (an inactive form of the germ and have a protective coating allowing them to live for months or years on surfaces). The IPN stated, there was no documentation regarding the reason why the contact isolation precaution was discontinued.
During a review of Resident 131's General Acute Care Hospital (GACH) Laboratory Report, dated 11/12/2025, the GACH Laboratory Report indicated, Resident 131 tested positive (confirmation for infection) C-diff stool test on 11/12/2025.
During a review of Resident 131's Bowel and Bladder (B&B) Elimination Task, dated from 11/11/2025 to 11/20/2025, the B&B Elimination Task indicated, Resident 131 had loose stool on 11/16/2025 and 11/17/2025.
During a review of Resident 131's Medication Administration Record (MAR), dated 11/2025, the MAR indicated, Resident 131 received Imodium 2 milligram (mg) by mouth for control of diarrhea on 11/11/2025.
During a review of Resident 131's McGeer's Criteria for Infection Control Surveillance (standardized surveillance definitions used to identify and monitor infections in long-term care facilities), dated on 11/10/2025 and 11/13/2025, the McGeer's Criteria for Infection Control Surveillance indicated, Resident 131 had C-diff infection on contact isolation and had three or more liquid or watery stools above what is normal for the resident within a 24 hours period.
During a review of the facility's Policy and Procedure(P&P) titled, Infection Prevention and Control Manual Guidelines for Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI), revised 2020, the P&P indicated, Isolation Precautions . A. Contact precautions should be used for CDI residents with diarrhea. B. Hands should frequently be washed with soap and water. An alcohol-based waterless hand cleanser is not effective against CDI spores . F. Precautions should continue until diarrhea ceases. (If no episodes of diarrhea are noted x 48 hours, DC Contact Isolation).
During a review of the facility's Policy and Procedure(P&P) titled, Infection Control Guidelines for All Nursing Procedures, revised 8/2012, the P&P indicated, General Guidelines: 3. Employees must wash their hands for ten (10) to fifteen (15) seconds using antimicrobial or nonantimicrobial soap and water under the following conditions . When there is likely exposure to spores (i.e., C. difficile or Bacillus anthracis) (Note: Alcohol-based hand rubs are inactive against spores. For effective mechanical removal of spores, wash hands for 30- 60 seconds with soap and water.
During a review of the facility's Policy and Procedure(P&P) titled, Isolation - Notices of Transmission-Based Precautions, revised 8/2019, the P&P indicated, Policy Statement: Notices will be used to alert personnel and visitors of transmission-based precautions, while protecting the privacy of the resident. Policy Interpretation and Implementation . b. Contact Precautions: (1) A notice at the doorway instructing visitors to report to the nurses' station before entering the room. (2) A sign indicating contact precautions on the door to the resident's room.