HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of documents and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that any infection control issues identified by public health authorities were addressed per facility policies, as evidence by failing to ensure that notification was made to animal control following patients presenting with animal bites to the emergency department.
Findings included:

Facility Policy entitled, "Reportable Conditions and/or Crimes- Identifying and Managing" stated in part,

"Crimes ...

8. Animal bites or exposure to any animal theoretically capable of transmitting rabies virus (including any contact with a bat) must be reported to Animal Control or local law enforcement, depending on local jurisdiction ...

Animal Bites/Exposure

1. Animal bites (possible rabies exposures) are reportable to the appropriate Animal Control officer in the county where the incident occurred. Reporting is mandatory.

2. TDSHS Zoonosis Control also provides information and consultation regarding appropriate treatment of possible rabies exposure on their website @ www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/ rabies/information/treatment/people/recommend or by phone: 254-778-6744 or 512-458-7676)."

Review of Emergency Department records revealed 3 of 3 patients (#5, 19, and 20) presenting with a chief complaint of a dog bite, did not have documentation to reflect the report of the bites to animal control, which is mandatory per facility policy.

Staff member #1 verified that typically the physician or nurse makes and documents the notification to animal control of animal bites presenting to the facility Emergency Department, however documentation of notification was not present in the above 3 medical records.