Every finding on record at Redwood Hospice 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; Use of gloves, mask, eye protection, or face shield depending on anticipated exposure; and Safe handling of soiled items in the patient’s care environment. This standard was not met as evidenced by observation, and document review. During 1 of 3 (100%) home visits, hand hygiene was not completed in compliance with agency policy. Record #18147: During home visit, the home health aide was observed to have brought one pair of gloves and no additional supplies to the visit, such as extra gloves and hand sanitizer. Hand hygiene consisted of washing hands, walking with wet hands to another room to retrieve a paper towel for drying, then proceeded to put on gloves. The aide washed the patient's face and did not change gloves or sanitize their hands in between touching inanimate objects, such as the patient's bed, and continued bathing of the patient. Agency Policy, "Hand Hygiene", stated in part: "Hand decontamination using an alcohol-based hand rub should be performed: After contact with body fluids or excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and wound dressings, if hands are not visibly contaminated and, After contact with inanimate objects (including medical equipment) in the immediate vicinity of the patient". During interview with the Administrator and DON on 02/25/2022, the finding was reviewed and both were in agreement that agency policy was not followed.