HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review and interview the facility did not implement measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 as per current guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Specifically, the facility did not ensure all visitors are screened for fever, along with signs and/or symptoms of respiratory infection, and other criteria such as travel or exposure to COVID-19 on entrance to the facility.

Findings include:

2 of 5 NYS Department of Health surveyors were not screened for signs and/or symptoms of respiratory infection, along with other criteria such as travel or exposure to COVID-19 and 3 of 5 surveyors were not screened for fever on entry into the facility on 6/23/2020.

3 of 5 NYS Department of Health surveyors were not screened for signs and/or symptoms of respiratory infection, along with other criteria such as travel or exposure to COVID-19 and 5 of 5 surveyors were not screened for fever on entry into the facility on 6/24/2020.

Observation of the main entrance off the parking ramp on 6/24/2020 at 8:30 AM revealed an empty screener podium to the right of the entryway. Three individuals were observed entering the facility without being stopped for screening.

Immediately following the lack of screening on 6/23/2020 and 6/24/2020 of NYS Department of Health surveyors, Staff (A) and (C), Quality Department and Staff (B), Infection Prevention were informed that screening did not take place.

Review of facility's "URMC Insider News" for Faculty, Staff, Students and Volunteers dated 04/17/20 revealed that the facility has an online health screening and tracking tool that employees are required to complete prior to reporting for an in-person shift. The employee must answer questions regarding symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches or sore throat, as well as any known exposure or travel.

Interview with Staff (D), Nursing Regulatory and Policy Management, Staff (Y), Director of Employee Health and Staff (Z), Chief Quality Officer revealed all hospital staff must answer the COVID-19 screening questions and independently obtain their temperature within 2 hours prior to the beginning of their shift. The system will not allow the user to proceed if they document signs and/or symptoms of respiratory illness or fever in the fields. The employee is instructed to stay home and notify Employee Health and their supervisor.