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1106 N IH 35

SAN MARCOS, TX null

INFECTION CONTROL PROFESSIONAL

Tag No.: A0748

Based on observation and an interview with staff, the person designated as infection control officer failed to develop and maintain policies govevning control of infections and communicable diseases. Failure to develop and enforce such policies allows the potential for the spread of bacterial and disease.

Findings were:

During observation of the mid-day meal, Staff #1, #2 and #3 served food and drinks to approximately 15 residents present in the patient care dining room. Each of the 3 staff assisting during the meal wore disposable gloves. Each staff member wore the same pair of gloves while performing various activities including pushing a beverage cart, pouring beverages, assisting the patients with positioning in their chairs, cutting up patients' food and assisting patients with feeding. A sink with hot & cold running water, paper towels and an alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispenser were present in the room but not regularly used.

In an interview with staff #5, staff #5 confirmed that the staff wore the same pair of gloves throughout the different tasks, potentially spreading bacteria from patient to patient.

The above was confirmed in an interview with the Administrator and Infection Control Nurse on the afternoon of 3-14-17.