HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, policy review, and staff interviews conducted on 04/04/13, the facility failed to develop policies/procedures to ensure the safety of patients exposed to chemical contaminants. Observation during a tour of the Emergency Department on 04/04/13 revealed no evidence that the facility was equipped to respond to emergencies for patients who presented to the Emergency Room in need of decontamination. Staff interviews revealed no knowledge of a disaster plan/emergency preparedness/decontamination process for patients exposed to chemical contaminants.

The findings include:

A review of the facility's policies and procedures on 04/04/13, revealed no evidence that the facility had developed a policy to respond to hazardous chemicals and/or biological incidents that required patient decontamination.

Observation during a tour of the Emergency Department on 04/04/13, at 11:00 AM revealed no evidence that the facility was equipped to handle emergencies for patients exposed to chemical contaminants.

Interview with the Director of Nursing on 04/04/13 at 11:30 AM revealed the facility was not equipped to respond to disasters which involved chemical contaminants. According to the Director of Nursing, the facility would call "911" operators if a patient presented to the Emergency Department in need of decontamination.

Interview with the Facility Administrator on 04/04/13 at 2:00 PM revealed the facility had failed to develop a policy/procedure to respond to patients exposed to chemical contaminants.

Interview with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director on 04/04/13 at 11:35 AM revealed the County had an Emergency Mobile Response Unit that could be utilized for decontamination of chemical contaminants. The EMS Director gave no explanation for what the hospital would do for decontamination if the Emergency Mobile Response Unit was in use and/or unavailable.