The information below comes from the statement of deficiencies compiled by health inspectors and provided to AHCJ by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It does not include the steps the hospital plans to take to fix the problem, known as a plan of correction. For that information, you should contact the hospital, your state health department or CMS. Accessing the document may require you to file a Freedom of Information Request. Information on doing so is available here.

FORBES HOSPITAL 2570 HAYMAKER ROAD MONROEVILLE, PA 15146 Sept. 14, 2012
VIOLATION: ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS Tag No: A0405
Based on review of facility documents and interview of staff (EMP), it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that drugs are administered by, or under supervision of, nursing or other personnel in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations, including applicable licensing requirements, and in accordance with the approved medical staff policies and procedures.

Findings include:


Review of facility documents revealed a listing of job responsibilities for the Respiratory Therapy Interns:

Job Responsibilities:
Provides clinical respiratory care 30%
Completes clinical charges and documentation in al computer systems 20%
Administers diagnostic procedures for pulmonary diagnostic services 10%
Actively participates in emergent situations, and enhances analytical skills for decision making 10%
Completes daily logs, goals, and objectives, IUP requirements and departmental projects 30%

Review of "Process Description" submitted by the Respiratory Therapy Manager on August 17, 2012, revealed, "...the intern will provide treatments to 2-3 patients on the sixth floor while the therapist is treating all of the other patients on this unit. The intern may only deliver treatments for which they are competent as per the orientation checklist. The interns would perform aerosol treatments, incentive spirometry, oxygen set ups, and pulse oximetry evaluations."
VIOLATION: RESPIRATORY CARE PERSONNEL POLICIES Tag No: A1161
Based on a review of facility documents and staff interview (EMP), it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that adequate supervision was provided to unlicensed respiratory therapy interns enrolled in the program.

1) Review of facility's "Job Description for Intern Respiratory Care" updated 03/05/2012 revealed "...Job Summary: Acquires knowledge and develops skills through experiences in the Department of Respiratory Care. Job Responsibilities: Provides clinical respiratory care 30%...Works under the direction of a respiratory therapist and/or supervisor..."

2) Interview with EMP3 at 1:15 PM revealed "...Interns are bundled with a Full time therapist. Interns have their own assignment but are assigned to the same floor as their preceptor. Interns may only perform task independently after they have been observed and signed off by preceptor..."

3) Review of the facility's "Process Description Respiratory Internship" documenation dated August 17, 2012, revealed "...once orientation is completed, all interns are assigned to work with a designated therapist for the shift. For instance, if the intern is assigned to the therapist covering the 6th floor, the intern will provide treatments to 2-3 patients on the sixth floor while the therapist is treating all of the other patients on this unit..."