HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Guidelines, review of Arkansas Department of Health Directive and interviews, it was determined the facility failed to properly prevent COVID-19 in that patient groups were not kept to 10 or less participants with separation of at least six feet between participants. The failed practice encouraged the transmission and discouraged the containment of the COVID-19 virus and had the likelihood to affect all patients, staff and community. Findings included:

A. Review of CDC COVID-19 Guidelines titled, "Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation," on 04/03/20 showed that limiting face-to-face contact with others was the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease. The guidance stated to stay at least six feet from other people, not to gather in groups, and stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
B. Review of Arkansas Department of Health Directive on Limitations on Gatherings dated 03/26/20, showed gatherings of more than ten (10) people in any confined indoor or outdoor space were prohibited until further notice due to the high risk of community spread of COVID-19.
C. Observation on 04/03/20 showed over 25 patients gathering at 10:35 AM in a large group room in the Autumn wing across from the nursing station. The patients sat in chairs that were pushed together and touching. The patients did not wear masks or maintain six feet distance from others.
D. In an interview on 04/03/20 at 10:35 AM, Registered Nurse (RN) #4 was asked what precautions were in place to keep the patients safe from transmission of COVID-19. RN #4 stated patients were being screened at the front door and social distancing was practiced.
E. In an interview with Chief Nursing Officer on 04/03/20 at 11:35 AM, he stated that social distancing had been reviewed, but was not in place because there were no confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses. The Chief Nursing Officer confirmed there were 28 patients in the group therapy at 10:35 AM with no social distancing measures or masks worn.



Based on review of the staffing schedule, Health Screening Log and interview, it was determined the facility failed to properly prevent COVID-19 in that there was no evidence all staff members were screened for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for 15 of 15 (03/20/20-04/03/20) days reviewed. The failed practice encouraged the transmission and discouraged the containment of the COVID-19 virus and had the likelihood to affect all patients, staff and community. Findings included:

A. Review of the Health Screening Log and staff schedule from 03/20/20 to 04/03/20 showed the following:
1) On 03/20/20 there was no evidence Registered Nurse (RN) #12, Mental Health Technician (MHT) #6 or MHT #15 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
2) On 03/21/20 there was no evidence RN #9, RN #10, MHT #6 or MHT #12 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
3) On 03/22/20 there was no evidence RN #9, MHT #6, MHT #17 or MHT #18 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
4) On 03/23/20 there was no evidence RN #11, RN #12 or MHT #3 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
5) On 03/24/20 there was no evidence RN #7, RN #8, RN #11, RN #12 or MHT #8 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
6) On 03/25/20 there was no evidence RN #8 or MHT #8 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
7) On 03/26/20 there was no evidence RN #5, RN #8, RN #12, MHT #2, MHT #6 or MHT #9 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
8) On 03/27/20 there was no evidence Nurse #1, MHT #5, MHT #6 or MHT #9 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
9) On 03/28/20 there was no evidence RN #9, MHT #6, MHT #7, MHT #11 or MHT #13 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
10) On 03/29/20 there was no evidence MHT #5, MHT #6, MHT #7, MHT #11, MHT #13 or MHT #14 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
11) On 03/30/20 there was no evidence RN #6, RN #11, RN #12, MHT #4, MHT #7, MHT #9, MHT #10, MHT #13 or MHT #16 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
12) On 03/31/20 there was no evidence RN #11, RN #12, MHT #9 or MHT #10 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
13) On 04/01/20 there was no evidence RN #6 or Nurse #1 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
14) On 04/02/20 there was no evidence RN #6 or RN #12 were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
15) On 04/03/20 there was no evidence MHT #9 was screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to reporting to work.
B. In an interview with the Chief Executive Officer on 04/09/20 at 9:05 AM, the Health Screening Log findings were confirmed.