Every finding on record at Avatar Home Health Care Agency, LLC

Observed in Individual Tracer. During HOS 1, the hospice nurse surveyor observed that when staff cleaned the reusable equipment they used clorox wipes. The agency policy instructs staff to use manufacturer guidelines for cleaning equipment. The nurse cleaned her equipment and immediately placed the equipment in the bag. The manufacturer guidelines instruct to wait 4 minutes for dry time when using the product. This was validated in a discussion with the Administrator. Observed in Individual Tracer. During HOS 1, the hospice nurse surveyor observed staff not using standard precautions when cleaning equipment and implementing hand hygiene guidelines. For example, the agency hand hygiene policy IC .2 instructs staff to perform hand hygiene after contact with the patient and prior to performing another task. The nurse donned a pair of gloves, then, performed the patient assessment, ended at the feet but then went back to the upper part of the body. Once the assessment was complete, the nurse kept the same gloves on and cleaned the equipment. Once cleaned, she placed the equipment immediately in the nursing bag. This was validated in a discussion with the Administrator.