HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview the hospital failed to ensure bedside glucose monitoring was performed under the direction of a certified lab. This has the potential to affect all 26 patients served at the facility during this survey.


Findings include:

A letter sent by the hospital to the state agency overseeing licensing and certification of laboratories dated 11/21/14 states; "(the hospital) has stopped performing laboratory testing as of November 17, 2014. This decision was based on the need to find a Laboratory Director whose qualifications met ... regulations"

The facility has a contract with an outside lab for all lab services apart from glucose monitoring which is performed at the patient's bedside. Per interview with Vice President (VP) A on 11/25/14 at 11:00 AM the contracted lab provides routine and STAT (statum or immediately) labs. The STAT labs are processed in less than 4 hours. A review of the contract with the outside lab on 11/25/2014 at 11:20 AM confirmed that all lab services can be provided around the clock.

Bedside glucose monitoring continued after the facility lab was closed. According to A on 11/25/14 at 11:30 AM glucose monitoring was being done by nursing staff between the dates of 11/17/2014 and 11/25/2014.