HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure all patients and visitors read and complied with the Patient and Visitor Policy for self screening of COVID-19 symptoms and adhered to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) nationally recognized, "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic Infection Control Guidelines" in 1 of 1 infection control programs reviewed.

Findings Include:

Review of CDC Nationally recognized, "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, last updated February 2, 2022, revealed: "Establish a process to identify anyone entering the facility, regardless of their vaccination status, who has any of the following three criteria so that they can be properly managed:
1) a positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2
2) symptoms of COVID-19
3) close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection (for patients and visitors)"

A review of the facility signage, titled "Patient and Visitor Policy", created 6/20/2022, revealed: "Masks are required in our health care facilities, and we'll gladly provide one. Hand sanitizer and handwashing sinks are also available throughout our facilities to clean your hands. You must self-screen for symptoms before entering. Have you, or anyone accompanying you, tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days or do you have any of these symptoms: chills or fever; cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle, body aches or headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If you answer yes, please immediately notify a member of our staff for assistance."

On 7/5/2022 at 10:45 AM upon arrival at the main hospital entrance, observed an unattended COVID-19 screening desk and signage instructing patients and visitors to self screen for COVID-19 symptoms and if you answered yes, please notify a member of our staff for assistance. Observed 4 people approach the registration desk and no screening questions were asked.

During an interview on 7/5/2022 at 11:40 AM, Patient Care Representative (PCR) H stated, "Our process has changed, we now post signs advising patients and visitors to self screen for COVID-19 symptoms and to inform staff if they have any, this started a week ago." When asked how do you know they have read the sign or understand it, PCR H stated, "I don't know."

During an interview on 7/5/2022 at 12:03 PM, when asked if they noted the Patient and Visitor Policy signage upon entry to the hospital, Patient #21 stated, "No."

During an interview on 7/5/2022 at 12:10 PM, when asked if they noted the Patient and Visitor Policy signage upon entry to the hospital, the son and daughter in law of Patient #22 stated, "No."

During an interview on 7/5/2022 at 2:30 PM, when asked how do they verify that all patients and visitors read and understood the signage, Chief Nursing Officer B stated, as with any signage, some read it and some don't. All patients and visitors are required to wear a source control/surgical mask and we have signs posted through out the hospital.

During an interview on 7/6/2022 at 11:45 AM, Vice President of Infection Prevention L stated, when we ask patients and visitors if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, they may answer untruthfully. We mandate that all patients and visitors wear masks for source control.