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Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure appropriate quarantine procedures were in place and followed for patients exposed to COVID-19. This had the potential to affect all patients receiving services at the facility. The facility census was 102.

Findings include: Review of the medical record for Patient #9 revealed the patient had a roommate that tested positive for COVID-19. Patient #9 was moved to another room and isolated from 10/19/20 through 10/21/20, when a negative COVID test was received. Patient #9 was not discharged until 10/23/20 and the last day of exposure was 10/19/20.

During interview on 11/10/20 at 10:00 AM, Staff B verified that Patient #9 was not quarantined until discharge on 10/23/20. Staff B stated that he was released from isolation after the negative COVID-19 test. She also verified there were no other patients on the unit that tested positive after the patient was discharged.

No other policies were provided related on how to quarantine a patient before exiting the facility on 11/10/20.

Review of the policy/procedure titled "Management of Patients with Coronavirus", revealed processes for screening and isolation of positive patients. In the policy under the section titled "Roommate of Patient Who Was Determined to be COVID-19 Positive", subsection without COVID-19 symptoms it stated:

1. Patient's room to be deep cleaned in accordance with COVID-19 protocols by outside contracted vendor.

2. Patient to be in single room, either return to same room following cleaning, or moved to a new single room.

3. Patient to wear mask when participating in milieu activities.

a. Any patient who refuse to wear a mask, or who do not or are unable to cooperate with wearing a mask, will be restricted to their room for infection control reasons, and while in their room will be treated as if they had COVID-19.

4. Patient restricted to the unit, including for meals for up to 14 days.

Review of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website related to COVID-19 revealed that a known exposed individual should be quarantined for 14 days after last known contact even if the individual has had a negative test in the 14 days.

This deficiency substantiates substantial allegation OH00116743.