HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to follow Minnesota Executive Order 20-51 and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) screening guidelines to actively screen staff upon entering the facility. This had the potential to impact all patients, visitors, and staff at the facility.

Findings include:

The Minnesota Executive Order 20-51 https://www.leg.state.mn.us/archive/execorders/20-51.pdf dated 5/5/20, directs, "Facilities must conduct active health screening of all staff (e.g., providers, medical assistants, support staff, environmental services staff) at the beginning of each shift, patients, and visitors entering the facility, to assess for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Screening must include assessment for symptoms associated with infection, as recommended in CDC." CDC: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings updated 5/18/20, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html directs, "Screen all HCP at the beginning of their shift for fever and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Actively take their temperature and document absence of symptoms consistent with COVID-19. If they are ill, have them keep their cloth face covering or facemask on and leave the workplace."

Findings include:

Interview on 5/18/20 at 10:00 a.m., with the nurse manager (RN)-A identified staff were all given thermometers and were instructed to screen themselves at home 2 hours before coming into work, so if they had symptoms and needed to be replaced on the schedule there was time to replace them before the beginning of the shift. All staff were educated on screening criteria, and if they developed symptoms of COVID 19 the employee health department follows and evaluates illness when a staff member is taken off of work. RN-A confirmed that the nurses get here before the screening station is open.

Interview on 5/18/20 at 10:05 a.m. with physical therapist (PT)-A identified when he arrived at work PT-A took his temperature at home. PT-A was not actively screened at the point of entry prior to his shift.

Interview on 5/18/20 at 10:50 a.m., with RN-B identified he completed a symptom screen for COVID 19 at the beginning of his shift, and would checks his own temperature at home before arriving at work. RN-B indicated there are signs all over to remind staff, and one is observed in the hallway, "Did you take your temperature?".

Interview on 5/18/20 at 10:55 a.m., in the emergency department with RN-C, identified another screening station was observed set up to screen patients who come for care. There were signs related to COVID 19 and symptoms screening. LPN-A indicated she screens visitors but no staff are not screened. and further confirmed they were to check their own temperature before work.

During an interview on 5/18/20 at 11:55 a.m., with the hospital administrator and administrative staff, they indicated being unaware of these guidelines for active screening.

Review of the 5/12/20, Enhanced Screening Requirements for Staff Reporting Onsite identified staff were required to take their temperature twice daily if reporting to work. This was an expectation and responsibility of employment. Take your temperature right before you leave for work. In adults, a fever is a temperature of 100.5 degrees or greater.