HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure the RT was dedicated to only care for the patient with confirmed COVID-19 as per the CDC's guidelines, creating the potential of spreading infection throughout the hospital.

Findings:

According to the CDC's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for HealthCare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic updated 6/19/20, the recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) practices when caring for a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection include the facilities should consider designating entire unit within the facility, with dedicated HCP, to care for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection as a measure to limit HCP exposure and conserve PPE. Dedicated means that HCP are assigned to care only for these patients during their shift.

On 7/8/20 at 1411 hours, an interview was conducted with the CCO, CEO, and Director of Quality Management. The CCO stated Patient 1 was recovered from COVID-19 and had not had any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 30 days; and Patient 2 had a positive or confirmed COVID-19.

On 7/8/20 at 1524 hours, an interview and concurrent review of Patients 1 and 2's medical record was conducted with the CCO and Director of Quality Management.

* Patient 1's medical record showed the patient was admitted to the hospital on 6/8/20. The Reverse Chronological Retrieval for Respiratory Care Data showed RT 1 had provided care to Patient 1 on 7/8/20.

* Patient 2's medical record showed the patient was admitted to the hospital on 5/31/20 at 1930 hours. The Reverse Chronological Retrieval for Respiratory Care Data showed RT 1 had provided care to Patient 2 on 7/8/20. Patient 2's Laboratory Results dated 6/24/20 at 1206 hours, showed the positive COVID-19 result.

The CCO stated Patient 2 was not cleared from COVID-19; Patient 1 was cleared from COVID-19; and RT 1 should not be assigned to care for both patients at the same time. The CCO stated the hospital followed the CDC's guidelines and staff should be designated to care for the confirmed COVID-19 only.

On 7/9/20 at 1129 hours, the Director of Quality Management noted Patient 1 had the positive COVID-19 test result on 5/23 and 5/29/20, from another acute care hospital. Patient 1 was recovered from COVID-19 and had not shown signs and symptoms of COVID-19.