Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Definition: Specialized clothing and equipment worn by healthcare workers to protect against exposure to infectious agents, including gloves, gowns, masks, N95 respirators, face shields, and eye protection.
In Practice
Proper PPE selection, donning, doffing, and disposal are critical components of infection prevention. CMS expects facilities to maintain adequate PPE supplies, train staff on proper use, and monitor compliance. PPE-related deficiencies are commonly cited alongside hand hygiene issues under F0880.