Pathogen Patrol – March 2025
Avoid Non-Compliances: 5 Infection Control Mistakes You Might Be Making
(#3 Will Surprise You!)
By: Youhanna Salib | BSc, CIC
Inspections can be stressful, but failing one? That’s a setback no long-term care home wants to face. The truth is, even the most well-prepared facilities can overlook key infection control measures—putting residents at risk and opening the door to costly citations. Are you 100% sure your home is compliant? Before your next inspection, check these five often-missed mistakes
1) Is Your High-Touch Cleaning Properly Documented?
High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, bed rails, and light switches, can harbor harmful pathogens like norovirus. Even if your team disinfects these surfaces daily, failing to document the process could put your facility at risk for non-compliance. Ensure that all high-touch cleaning activities are documented, such as using a checklist that is signed and dated by your staff.
2) Is Your Outbreak Management Team (OMT) Meeting Regularly and Keeping Records?
During an outbreak, a well-coordinated response is critical. Your multi-disciplinary OMT should meet regularly to discuss and implement control measures. Keeping detailed meeting minutes serves as proof of compliance and ensures that action plans are clearly documented.
3) Are Laundry Staff Wearing PPE When Handling Soiled Linen?
It’s a common misconception that PPE is only required for visibly soiled linen or items from isolation rooms. However, best practices recommend that staff wear PPE when handling any non-clean linen from resident areas, as some pathogens can be shed asymptomatically. Make sure your team follows this crucial infection control measure.
4) Are Your Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) Dispensers Up to Standard?
Outdated or improperly formulated hand sanitizers are a frequent reason for citations in long-term care homes. Regularly check your ABHR dispensers to ensure they contain at least 70% alcohol and have not expired. A quick routine check can help you avoid an easily preventable compliance issue.
5) Are Staff Actively Encouraging Resident Hand Hygiene?
Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention, yet it’s often overlooked for residents. Staff should consistently remind and assist residents with handwashing, especially before meals and shared activities. Neglecting resident hand hygiene increases the risk of infections and can lead to compliance concerns.
Need help with compliance? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your home up to regulations!
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