Every finding on record at Silver Linings Hospice Colorado Corp.

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. This standard was not met as evidenced by document review, interview, and observation. Agency policy, "Standard precautions 3.13," stated in part, "hand washing with liquid soap and a paper towel or freshly laundered cloth towel is required before and after all patient contact." In 1 of 3 (33%) home visits observed, the hospice did not ensure staff performed hand hygiene as per agency policy. Home Visit 1/Clinical Record 1: During the home visit with the Chaplain [Personnel Record 7] on 12/28/2023, the Chaplain held the patient's and spouse's hands to pray with them. The Chaplain was not observed performing hand hygiene before contact with the patient or during the visit as per the agency policy. During an interview on 12/28/2023, the Administrator agreed the staff did not follow the standard precautions policy on hand hygiene.