HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure that all staff and visitors entering the facility are consistently screened for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, in compliance with the nationally recognized infection prevention and control guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and as required by hospital protocol.

Failure to adhere to the infection control guidelines may place patients and staff at increase risk of COVID-19 infection.

Findings include:

Observation in the facility's main lobby identified the following:
On 09/11/2020 at approximately 10:10AM, three (3) surveyors entered the hospital main lobby, and were able to walk to the security guard and introduce themselves.There were two (2) tables in the hospital lobby area on which were papers and a container of cleaning wipes. No personnel were observed at the table. Two (2) other persons entered the facility after the surveyors and went to the receptionist deck to speak with the receptionist. No screening questions were asked. While waiting in the hospital lobby three (3) other visitors and two (2) uniformed personnel were observed entering the lobby and they were not asked the screening questions.

Seven (7) visitors and/or patients/staff were observed entering the hospital lobby and passed by the tables without getting screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

During an interview conducted on 09/11/2020 at approximately 3:15 PM, this finding was confirmed by Staff E, Vice President, Chief Quality/Patient Safety Officer, who stated, "that a staff is stationed at the hospital lobby at all times to perform screening for COVID-19 infection."

Review of the facility's policy "Post Covid-19 Policy For Inpatient and Emergency Department Visitation," dated 6/20/2020 states: "Screening of Visitors: ...Medical personnel will conduct a temperature check ....and ask screening questions about the visitor's current medical status ..."
The policy "OHS Guidelines for Health Care Personnel for Covid-19," states: " ... health care workers are required to get temperature monitoring check at the kiosk, medical assistants will confirm the absence of the signs and symptoms of Covid-19 ..."