HospitalInspections.org

Based on ten (10) of ten (10) observations, staff interview, and review of facility policy, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that COVID-19 screening of visitors were conducted to prevent the transmission of infectious and communicable diseases in accordance with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines.

Findings include:

Reference: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document titled COVID-19 Interim Infection Prevention and Control recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Infection Control Guidance, updated November 4, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html, states "... 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 ... Establish a process to ensure everyone (patients, healthcare personnel, and visitors) entering the facility is assessed for symptoms of COVID-19, or exposure to others with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and that they are practicing source control."

1. On 11/23/20 at 9:25 AM, upon entering the facility at the NW Pavilion entrance, a female visitor was observed at the security desk. The visitor was not screened for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Thereafter, nine (9) other visitors entered without being screened for COVID-19 signs and symptoms, including this surveyor.

a. During an interview with Staff #19, he/she stated that the security officers were to ask every visitor screening questions, such as: any travel outside of New Jersey, any contact with COVID positive individuals, and COVID-19 signs and symptoms. The visitor information is then entered in the facility's security system and issued a pass to include the visitor's destination.

b. At 11:10 AM, during an interview with Staff #5, he/she stated there were instances when visitors have come up to the nursing unit and the nurses later finds out the visitor either had a recent exposure or has exhibited signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

c. At 11:20 AM, during an interview with Staff #7, he/she stated there are visitors who were allowed to go to nursing units, who have not completed their quarantine period after an exposure.

2. A review of facility document titled, "Facility Entrance Screening During a Pandemic or Epidemic" states, "... [facility name] will actively screen all persons for fever consistent with COVID-19 before entering any [facility name] healthcare facility." The policy proceeded to address limited entrances to the facility, entrance doors will be covered by trained screener, face coverings, and what to do for individuals entering the facility with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

a. The policy failed to address the screening process to include the symptom-based questionnaire, and what to do should an individual show other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or exposure to others with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

3. The above findings were confirmed with Staff #2, Staff #3 and Staff #19.