Every finding on record at International Health Solutions

A Recertification survey was conducted at International Health Solutions, located at 319A Allston Street, Brighton, MA, 02135, on March 18, 2026, and March 19, 2026, for compliance with 42 CFR Part 484.102 Emergency Preparedness for Home Health Agencies. As a result of this survey, it was determined the agency was in compliance with these requirements. No deficiencies were cited.

A Recertification survey was conducted at International Health Solutions on March 18, 2026, and March 19, 2026, to determine compliance with the 42 CFR Part 488 requirements for Home Health Agencies. As a result of this survey, it was determined the agency was not in compliance with these requirements. Deficiencies were cited.

Infection Prevention CFR(s): 484.70(a) Standard: Infection Prevention. The HHA must follow accepted standards of practice, including the use of standard precautions, to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable diseases. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on observation, policy review, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) guidelines, and staff interview, the agency staff failed to ensure infection control guidelines were maintained during a home visit observation for wound care for 1 patient ( #1 ), out of a total sample of 3 patient home visits. Findings include: Review of the CMS guidelines indicated it is not recommended to use hand sanitizer on gloves instead of changing them. The use of hand sanitizer on gloves can lead to damage, increased contamination risks, and a false sense of security. Instead, it is best to follow the recommended practices of changing gloves frequently and ensuring proper hand hygiene. Review of the agency policy, titled Hand Washing- Hand Hygiene, not dated, included the following: *Hand hygiene is performed before having direct contact with patients, before preparing medications, putting on gloves, before inserting catheters or other invasive devices, after contact with a patient’s skin (i.e. after taking a radial pulse), after contact with body fluids or excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin and wound dressings, after removing gloves, before and after contact with a patient who has a tracheostomy or any other respiratory device, and entering the clean side of the visiting bag. For Patient #1, Registered Nurse (RN) #1 failed to follow accepted standards of practice while performing wound care. Patient #1 was admitted to the agency in March 2026 with a diagnosis of surgical after care for lumbar spinal surgery. Review of the physician order, dated 3/10/26, indicated the following: *Cleanse coccyx wound and mid spine with NS (normal saline) or warm H20 (water) and antibacterial soap. Pat dry. For coccyx wound apply Calmoseptine/Zinc Oxide (protects skin from wetness) to wound edges then cover with Aquacel Ag (silver impregnated antimicrobial dressing ) and Mepilex (highly conformable dressing that absorbs exudate) dressing. For spine incision, apply Aquacel Ag and cover with Mepilex dressing. Apply skin prep to peri wound/incision skin for protection and dressing adherence. DO NOT apply Mepilex dressing directly on to wound or incision. Aquacel Ag should be directly against wound bed and incision. Change 2-3 times per week and PRN (as needed). On 3/18/26 at 1:15 P.M., a home visit was conducted with RN #1. At 1:43 P.M., RN #1 prepared the Patient for his/her wound dressing change. RN #1 washed her hands and donned (put on) gloves and proceeded to prepare for the treatment. She gathered her supplies and placed them on a clean barrier on a side chair/table. RN #1 removed her gloves, performed hand hygiene, and donned a new pair of gloves. RN #1 then removed the old dressing from the affected body area. Ater removing the old dressing RN #1 performed hand hygiene by sanitizing her soiled gloves with hand sanitizer. She failed to remove her gloves, perform hand hygiene, and donn a new pair of gloves, causing concern for the potential risk for cross contamination. RN #1 then proceeded to cleanse the wound. After cleansing the wound, she performed hand hygiene by sanitizing her soiled gloves. RN #1 failed to remove her soiled gloves, perform hand hygiene, and donn new gloves, causing concern for potential risk for cross contamination. After completing the cleansing of the wound, RN #1 applied the wound ointment, and new dressing. RN #1 then removed her soiled gloves and performed hand hygiene. During an interview on 3/18/26 at 2:30 P.M. with the Clinical Director and Quality Improvement Manager, they were both made aware of the observations. Both the Clinical Director and Quality Improvement Manager said RN #1 should have changed her gloves during the wound dressing change and should not have used hand sanitizer on the dirty gloves.