HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of Respiratory Therapy Department job description, personnel record review, Respiratory Therapy Department work schedules and interview, it was determined one (#1) of five respiratory therapists was not currently licensed. The failed practice did not assure patients received safe care from a licensed respiratory therapist. The failed practice had the potential to affect six hospitalized patients and all patients admitted to the facility. The findings follow:

A. Review of the Respiratory Therapy Job Description revealed the qualifications included high school graduate or equivalent, graduate of qualified Respiratory Therapy Program, Certification or Registration status, and Current license from Arkansas State Board of Medicine.
B. Review of the credentials book provided by the Respiratory Therapy Director on 10/13/10 at 1040 revealed it did not contain a current license for Respiratory Therapist #1.
C. Interview on 10/13/10 at 1040, the Respiratory Therapy Director confirmed she was not in possession of a current license for Respiratory Therapist #1. The Respiratory Therapy Director verified and printed the license expired on 01/31/08 via the Arkansas State Board of Medicine website on 10/13/10 at 1040.
D. Respiratory Therapy Department work schedules from 11/15/09 through 10/30/10 revealed continued employment of Respiratory Therapist #1. Interview with the Respiratory Therapy Director on 10/13/10 at 1040 she confirmed there was no alteration in Respiratory Therapist #1's duties after expiration of the respiratory therapy license.