HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review, interview, and observation, the hospital failed to properly implement methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The patient census was 12. The sample size was ten.

Findings include:

An onsite visit was made to the main entrance of the hospital by two surveyors on 10/27/2020 at 9:45 AM and one surveyor on 10/29/2020 at 9:30 AM. The unidentified screener did not offer to take the two surveyors' temperatures on 10/27/2020 or the one surveyor's temperature on 10/29/2020. There was no explanation why the surveyors' temperatures were not taken by the screener.

Review of the Infectious Disease Screening Form identified a line for visitor name and temperature and then for patient temperature.

Interview with Staff C on 10/29/2020 at 10:15 AM regarding why the surveyors' temperatures were not taken revealed COVID-19 could be asymptomatic. The infection control doctors advised that temperatures did not need to be taken on visitors. This was a collaborative decision with infection control doctors as a result of a Hospital Steering Committee that included hospitals in the Cincinnati area. They referred back to the Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Review of the meeting minutes provided by Staff C revealed documentation that the committee determined termperature screening for hospital visitors was not necessary.

Review of the Centers for Disease Control guidance for Management of Visitors to Healthcare Facilities in the Context of COVID 19: Non-US Healthcare Settings, updated 09/15/2020, that was included with the meeting minutes revealed visitors who are noted by healthcare facility staff to have fever or other symptoms of acute respiratory illness (eg., cough or shortness of breath) should be instructed to leave the facility and seek care if needed.

However, review of the Centers for Disease Control Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic, updated 07/15/2020, revealed this guidance is applicable to all U.S. healthcare settings. The guidance revealed healthcare facilities should screen everyone (patients, HCP, visitors) entering the healthcare facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or exposure to others with SARS-CoV-2 infection and ensure they are practicing source control. Actively take their temperature and document absence of symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Fever is either measured temperature greater than or equalto 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or subjective fever. Ask them if they have been advised to self-quarantine because of exposure to someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This deficiency substantiates Substantial Allegation OH00116832.