KAHCF: F-441 Citations on the Rise

According to an article in the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities' Members Only newsletter, there has been  a trend in F-441 (Infection Control) citations. F-441 requires that facilities "establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection," according to the article.

The article adds that the  most frequently cited deficient practice was failure to perform appropriate hand-washing and observe proper glove use. Other cited deficiencies included:

• A CNA making contact with three residents without sanitizing his/her hands and then helping residents with their meals
• Staff members performing dressing changes and then placing a soiled brief over the new dressing
• Failing to disinfect a glucometer before and after use with multiple residents
• Applying creams or ointments with soiled hands
• Touching items in a resident's room with soiled gloved hands after performing wound or incontinence care