Final answer:
A Home Health Aide should use friction while washing their hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure that pathogens are effectively removed. Singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice can serve as a timer. It's important to cover all parts of the hands and under the fingernails, possibly using a nail brush.
Step-by-step explanation:
An HHA (Home Health Aide) should use friction for at least 20 seconds when washing their hands. This practice is essential for effective hand hygiene as it helps to remove harmful pathogens from the skin. To make sure you're washing for the right amount of time, you could hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
When washing your hands, apply about 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid soap and rub it all over the hands, paying extra attention to commonly missed areas such as the thumbs, wrists, areas between the fingers, and the skin under the fingernails. Using a nail brush to clean under the fingernails is highly recommended to remove additional debris and microorganisms.