Every finding on record at Affinity Care of Northern Ohio LLC

It is required that the hospice follows accepted standards of practice to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable disease, including the use of standard precautions, such as: Hand hygiene and safe handling of equipment in the patient's care environment if it is likely to have been contaminated with body fluids. This standard was not met as evidenced by a review of document reviews, interviews and observations. 2 of 3 (67%) home visits observed, it was revealed that the agency did not ensure infection control measures were maintained according to agency policy related to hand washing and bag technique. Policy No. 2001 Policy (no date) stated in part, "Supplies taken out of the bag should be placed on a water-resistant barrier." The policy further stated that equipment used for patient assessment will be cleaned prior to returning to the nursing bag. Policy No. 2009 Policy (no date) stated in part, "Hand decontamination using an alcohol-based hand rub should be performed before having direct contact with patients." Home Visit 3: The Registered Nurse (Staff #9) was observed during the provision of care on 10/19/22. The nurse failed to perform hand hygiene prior to applying gloves to perform a head-to-toe assessment. Home Visit 2: The Registered Nurse (Staff #9) failed to follow agency policy related to equipment care. The nurse was observed during the provision of care on 10/19/22. The nurse was observed to remove equipment used for patient assessment and placed directly on the bedside table without the use of a barrier. The nurse was observed to use the equipment for patient assessment and then returned the equipment to the bag without cleaning the equipment. Staff #9 The RN was interviewed during the provision of care of home visit #2 regarding the cleaning of equipment. The nurse stated that she would clean her equipment when she got back to her car. The administrator stated in interview on 10/20/22 that it is the agency's standard practice that they will wash hands prior to donning gloves, use a barrier to place equipment upon, and clean the equipment utilized for patient assessment prior to returning it to the nursing bag.