HospitalInspections.org

Based on employee health file review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to follow State law regarding annual TB (tuberculin) skin tests for physicians. The facility failed to ensure two (#1-2) of five (#1-5) physicians had a current TB skin test. The failed practice placed patients, staff and visitors at risk for TB exposure and could affect anyone who came in contact with the physicians. Findings follow.

A. Review of physician's health files revealed no evidence of a current TB skin test for Physicians #1 and #2.

B. Findings were confirmed by the Director of Nursing on 05/07/12 at 1610.

Based on observation and interview on 05/07/12, it was determined the facility failed to assure supplies for use in the Emergency Department were not expired. The expired supplies did not assure the immediate availability of emergency supplies and created the potential for delayed treatment. The failed practice had the potential to affect any patient who required emergency care at the facility. The findings were:

A. Observation on a tour conducted 05/07/12 at 1340 revealed the following examples of expired medical supplies available for use in the Emergency Department:
1) Trauma Room #2:
Percutaneous Inducer Set 02/12
PC Trocar Catheter:
#20 Fr (French) 05/10 and 08/11
#24 Fr (3) 03/20
#28 Fr (2) 01/12; 02/10
#32 Fr (3) 11/11; 08/10
Thoracic Catheter
#16, 10/10 and 01/11
#28, 09/06
#32, (2) 07/11
#36, 06/10, (2) 11/10 and 02/11
#40, 06/10
2) The findings were confirmed at the time of observation by Registered Nurse #1.

B. Observation on a tour conducted 05/08/12 /12 at 0900 revealed the following examples of expired medical supplies available for use in the Emergency Department:
1) Triage Room
Monoject tuberculosis one milliliter syringe, 04/12.
Protect IV (intravenous) catheter, 24 G (gauge) ? inch (IV) intravenous catheter,(4) 04/12
Protect IV, 14 G, 1 ? inch IV catheter, (1) expired 01/11; (1) 07/09
20 G 1 ? inch IV catheter, (3) 06/11, (1) 07/11.
22 G, 1 inch, 06/11
Vacutainer supplies (for blood specimens) 03/11, 04/11, 09/11, 10/11, 11/11, 01/12,and 03/12
2) The findings were confirmed by the Director of Emergency Services at 0910 on 05/08/12.
3) Trauma Room #2
Trocar Catheter:
#8 fr (French) (3) 06/11
#10, 06/11
#12 fr, (2) 03/11
Triflex Sterile Latex Powdered Surgical Gloves, 07/11; 11/11, and (3), 02/12.
4) The findings were confirmed by the Director of Emergency Services at 0940 on 05/08/12.
3) Trauma Room #3, two boxes of "Scrub Hubs" 01/12. The findings were confirmed by RN #2 at 0945 on 05/08/12.