Every finding on record at Liberty Home Care

An announced, onsite recertification survey was conducted 8/19/25-8/20/25. No deficiencies to the Emergency Preparedness Plan were identified.

An unannounced, onsite recertification survey was conducted 8/19/25-8/20/25. Standard level deficiencies to the Medicare CoP's were identified.

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 agency policy, direct observation, and staff interviews the agency failed to follow proper infection control practices for 1 of 1 patient with a pleural catheter [a small, flexible tube inserted into the space between the lungs and the chest wall to drain excess fluid] [#8]. The findings included: The policy, Bag technique, home care [5-19-25], was provided by RN # 2 on 8/20/25 at 2:07 pm. The policy stated, “...Remove all needed equipment and supplies from the bag and place them on a clean, dry surface...” Patient # 8 had a Start of Care date of 8/5/25 and an admitting diagnosis of acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia [low oxygen level in the blood]. Review of Plan of Care for the certification period 8/5/25-10/3/25 included orders for SN [skilled nursing] 2 times a week for 1 week, 1 time a week for 5 weeks. A supplemental order was written on 8/13/25 to “drain pleural catheter [a small, flexible tube inserted into the space between the lungs and the chest wall to drain excess fluid]. On 8/20/25 at approximately 1 pm a joint visit was made with RN # 1 to observe the pleural catheter procedure. Upon arrival at the home, the patient’s family pet [dog] was noted to be lying on the table. The caregiver removed the pet from the table. RN # 1 completed hand hygiene then removed disposable gloves from the nursing bag and placed on the table where the pet had been lying. [The table was not wiped down prior to this and no barrier was noted on the table]. The RN proceeded with the procedure. She used the disposable gloves on the table to remove the old dressing from the pleural catheter site. After draining the catheter, the RN was noted to remove sterile gloves, complete hand hygiene and don a pair of the disposable gloves [which had been lying on the table near where the pet had been upon entry to the home]. The RN used those gloves to apply the clean dressing to the catheter site. During an interview with the agency director on 8/20/25 at approximately 4 pm, the director confirmed the RN should not have placed and used the gloves where the pet had been lying.