Embedded Files
hazards approach, and includes emerging infectious disease - 42 CFR §483.73(a) Page | 40 Hand hygiene - Reinforce the importance of hand hygiene among all NF staff, including any contract staff. Facilities can increase the frequency of hand hygiene audits and implement short in-service sessions on the proper technique for hand hygiene. Ensure that supplies for performing hand hygiene are readily available and easily accessible by staff. Consider keeping alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) bottles in easily accessible areas and mounting ABHR to the sides of carts (dining tray carts, wound care carts, medication carts, etc.). Hand sanitizer is permitted and can be carried in a pocket. Permitting hand sanitizer use improves staff’s adherence to hand-hygiene requirements. CMS indicates a preference for ABHR in their core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention in QSO-20-39. The CDC also states that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the preferred method for cleaning hands in most clinical settings. However, healthcare personnel should wash hands with soap and water whenever they are visibly dirty, before eating, and after using the restroom. Ideally, the NF will have an adequate supply of ABHR dispensers AND soap and water at handwashing stations throughout the NF. This ensures that there are a couple options to sanitize hands in all parts of the NF at all times. Read the CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings for more information and specific scenarios where ABHR or soap and water may be more appropriate. Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Ensure the NF maintains an adequate supply of PPE and that all required PPE is easily accessible to staff entering resident rooms. For residents with COVID-19, CDC recommends staff adhere to standard and transmission-based precautions. Follow the CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Residents with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings, which includes detailed information regarding recommended PPE. A well fitted KN95 respirator can be used by the healthcare personnel providing care for residents who are COVID-19 negative. KN95 respirators may also be used in nonresident areas, i.e., while in all areas of the facility outside the Isolation (COVID-19 positive) zone and Quarantine (Unknown COVID-19) zone. Additionally, the CDC guidance states when used solely for source control (i.e. outside Isolation and Quarantine zones) the KN95 respirator could be used for an entire shift unless they become soiled, damaged, or hard to breathe through. Full PPE is required (NIOSH-approved N-95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection) for healthcare personnel working inside the Isolation (COVID-19 positive) zone and Quarantine (Unknown COVID-19) zone CDC guidance. KN95 respirators should not be used as a part of the PPE while working in Isolation or Quarantine zones. Please read the information from the FDA at: Revoked EUAs for Non-NIOSH-Approved Disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirators. The use of all models listed on the FDA website has been revoked. Page | 41 Consider designating staff to steward these supplies and encourage appropriate use by staff and residents. [While it is generally safest to implement universal use of source control for everyone in a healthcare setting, a nursing facility may permit HCP who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses in healthcare facilities located in counties with low to moderate community transmission, to not to wear source control or physically distance when they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from resident access (e.g., staff meeting rooms, kitchen). HCP should wear source control when they are in areas of the healthcare facility where they could encounter residents (e.g., cafeteria, common halls/corridors).] PPE and Infection Control Education and Training - Ensure staff are educated and trained on which PPE they should use, proper procedure for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) PPE, and how to determine if the PPE is contaminated or damaged. NFs must identify whether the following concerns exist and specifically address them through education and training: • Improper use of PPE • Lack of understanding of proper use of each type of PPE • Lack of fit-testing (read PPE Use When Caring for Residents with COVID-19)
Google Sites
Report abuse