HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to follow CDC guidelines for Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic when the temperatures of persons entering the facility was not taken as a part of the screening process.

Findings included:

In a review of the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html, titled "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic" stated in part, "...Although screening for symptoms will not identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptom screening remains an important strategy to identify those who could have COVID-19 so appropriate precautions can be implemented.

Take steps to ensure that everyone adheres to source control measures and hand hygiene practices while in a healthcare facility

Post visual alerts (e.g., signs, posters) at the entrance and in strategic places (e.g., waiting areas, elevators, cafeterias) to provide instructions (in appropriate languages) about wearing a cloth face covering or facemask for source control and how and when to perform hand hygiene.

Provide supplies for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, including alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) with 60-95% alcohol, tissues, and no-touch receptacles for disposal, at healthcare facility entrances, waiting rooms, and patient check-ins.

Limit and monitor points of entry to the facility.

Consider establishing screening stations outside the facility to screen individuals before they enter.

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 equal to 100.0°F or subjective fever ..."

In an interview with staff #1, it was verified that during the screening process to enter the hospital, the screening staff weren't taking the temperatures of anyone entering the hospital.