HospitalInspections.org

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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the hospital failed to follow hospital policy when screening staff for symptoms of COVID-19.

Failure to follow hospital policy for screening staff for symptoms of COVID-19 places patients and staff at risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV2 virus.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic," updated 12/14/20, recommends using additional infection prevention/control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic... Screen and Triage Everyone Entering a Healtcare Facility for Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19... Although screening for symptoms will not identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV2 infection, symptom screening remains an important strategy to identify those who could have COVID-19 so appropriate precautions can be implemented.

Findings included:

1. Record review of a hospital document titled, "Hospital/Clinic Entrance Screening Process," no date, showed that staff assigned at the screening station will greet visitors/patients, ask if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or symptoms of cold or flu or have been exposed to someone with the corona virus in the last 14 days. Then the screener explains that their temperature will be taken and if the temperature is greater than 37.5c (99.6F), then the individual is denied access. If the temperature is below (99.6 F) then the individual is then given a colored wrist band for the day.

2. On 01/05/21 at 08:30 AM, Investigator #1, #9 and #12 entered the main hospital lobby, approached a screening table which was located off to the side away from the flow of traffic. The 2 screeners (Staff #101 and #102) did not ask the investigators if they had symptoms consistent with COVID-19; did not take the investigators temperatures nor provided them with a colored wrist band. Surveyor #1 continued to observe people walking pass the screening table flashing badges, while others just walked by. Surveyor #1 observed 2 individuals that approached the screening table, the screeners did not take temperatures or provide colored wrist bands, the individuals were allowed to enter into the hospital.

3. On 01/06/21 at 2:00 PM, during the infection control interview, the infection control preventionist (Staff #103) indicated patients coming into the hospital needed to be screened but staff can be screened through a phone app.