Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Facility staff are not taking measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

The details of the complaint alleged that facility staff are not taking measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

During the records review, LPA observed the Facility’s Residential infection control plan and the Emergency and disaster plan for residential care facilities for the elderly; both plans are current and updated. Also, LPA observed guidelines regarding how to prevent infection by COVID-19. In addition, LPA reviewed the In-services done by the facility to the staff from January to November 2023. LPA observed in the in-service topics such as Universal precautions for infection control, COVID-19 plan, COVID-19 testing sites and kits, Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when handling COVID-19-positive residents, and Bloodborne pathogens and PPE.

During a physical tour of the facility, LPA observed sanitation stations distributed in the common areas and signs regarding washing hands at all times.

During an interview with the Administrator (A#1), he stated that as of today, there is no outbreak at the facility, and when it comes to following proper infection precautions, LPA asked the Executive Director what the protocol is. He responded ‘’When we have an infection precaution happening with the residents. First, we isolate the possible positive resident; we do contact tracing to see how many people the resident has been in contact with, and then we disinfect common areas and surface areas. For the resident in isolation in their apartment, we used PPE and have a station outside their room for the staff. When we have a positive case, we serve food in their apartment and use disposable plates. We do have 24/7 nurses at the facility, and we check frequently the positive resident.’’ In addition, LPA asked the Executive Director if the facility was following PIP (Proper Infections Precautious). Does the facility have an emergency plan in place for an infectious outbreak? Is your staff trained to follow PIP? Would your staff follow PIP (Proper Infections Precautions) during an outbreak? He answered yes to all the questions.