HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the hospital failed to employ methods for preventing the transmission COVID-19 as per the CDC's guidelines. These failures had the potential to increase the risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection in the facility.

Findings:

On 7/3/20, a tour of the hospital was conducted from 0929 to 1300 hours, with the CEO, Director of ED, and ICP. The following was observed:

1. There was no sign in the lobby instructing the visitors to keep a six-feet social distance in the lobby. There was no sign or floor marker to indicate the 6-feet distance at the check-in line. There was no separation of chairs in the lobby to keep the social distancing of 6 feet as per the CDC's guidelines. The observation was confirmed with the CEO and ICP.

2. Three staff were observed not properly wearing a face mask/covering in the common areas of the hospital.

- One male employee wearing scrubs had a face mask hanging on one side of the face while walking in the hallway.

- Another male employee wearing scrubs had no mask or facial covering in the hallway.

- A staff wearing law enforcement uniform in the lobby desk did not wear a facial covering while being approached by other people/visitors for questions.

The above observations were shared with the ICP. The ICP stated the hospital required the staff and visitors to wear a facial covering while being in the hospital excluding some patient care units.

3. Review of the CDC's guidelines titled Considerations for Health Screening for COVID-19 at Points of Entry showed the screening and triage of everyone entering a healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 remains an important strategy to identify those who could have COVID-19. The health screening also ensures that people entering their facility have proper face coverings (face mask) and apply the alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Observations of the visitor check-in area in the lobby showed the screener did not offer or instruct the visitors to use the hand sanitizer prior to letting them entering the patient care area twice. This finding was shared with the ICP.

4. Review of the manufacturer's instructions for MicroKill Q3 showed to spray the product directly on the surface.

RNs 1 and 2 were interviewed for the use of MicroKill Q3 (an EPA approved disinfectant) in the ED Triage tent. RNs 1 and 2 stated they used the spray bottle to spray the disinfectant on paper towels, wipe the high touched surfaces with it, and air dry.

This finding was confirmed with the ICP during a concurrent interview.