Finding Description
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility systemically failed to implement facility wide protocols to address respiratory symptoms as evidenced by: failed to recognize respiratory symptoms of facility staff and residents as a possible contagious illness (RSV, COVID 19 Influenza); failed to perform the required COVID-19 testing on staff and residents actively demonstrating signs and symptoms of a possible infectious respiratory illness, or after close contact with a resident or staff member that had tested positive for COVID-19; failed to test for other infectious respiratory illnesses when a COVID 19 test was negative and the resident was symptomatic; failed to immediately implement the required transmission based precautions for residents with suspected respiratory illness; and, failed to wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when caring for a COVID-19 positive resident. These failures have the potential to affect all 39 residents currently residing in the facility.
These failures resulted in an Immediate Jeopardy.
The Immediate Jeopardy began on 9/21/23 when R34 became symptomatic with congestion, chest discomfort, and a cough. The facility failed to identify that R34's symptoms were potential signs/symptoms of COVID-19 and did not test nor isolate R34 while he was symptomatic.
While the immediacy was removed on 11/29/23, the facility remains out of compliance at a Severity Level two as additional time is needed to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the removal plan including their Inservice training and Quality Assessment oversite.
Findings include:
On 11/20/2023 at 9:05 AM, Upon entrance to facility, multiple staff were wearing surgical face masks. V2 (DON/Director of Nursing/Infection Preventionist) stated that some staff were not feeling well. V2 also stated there were no positive COVID-19 residents in the facility, and no residents were currently in transmission based precautions.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, dated 5/8/23, documents, NIOSH Approved particulate respirators with N95 filters or higher used for: NIOSH Approved particulate respirators with N95 filters or higher can also be used by HCP (Healthcare Professionals) working in other situations where additional risk factors for transmission are present, such as when the patient is unable to use source control and the area is poorly ventilated. They may also be considered if healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission is identified and universal respirator use by HCP (Health Care Personnel) working in affected areas is not already in place. Anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should receive a viral test for SARS-CoV-2 as soon as possible. Asymptomatic patients with close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection should have a series of three viral tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Testing is recommended immediately (but not earlier than 24 hours after the exposure) and, if negative, again 48 hours after the first negative test and, if negative, again 48 hours after the second negative test. This will typically be at day 1 (where day of exposure is day 0), day 3, and day 5. Healthcare facilities should have a plan for how SARS-CoV-2 exposures in a healthcare facility will be investigated and managed and how contact tracing will be performed. The decision to discontinue empiric Transmission-Based Precautions by excluding the diagnosis of current SARS-CoV-2 infection for a patient with symptoms of COVID-19 can be made based upon having negative results from at least one viral test. If using NAAT (molecular), a single negative test is sufficient in most circumstances. If a higher level of clinical suspicion for SARS-CoV-2 infection exists, consider maintaining Transmission-Based Precautions and confirming with a second negative NAAT. If using an antigen test, a negative result should be confirmed by either a negative NAAT (molecular) or second negative antigen test taken 48 hours after the first negative test. HCP who enter the room of a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection should adhere to Standard Precautions and use a NIOSH Approved particulate respirator with N95 filters or higher, gown, gloves, and eye protection (i.e., goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face). Responding to a newly identified SARS-CoV-2-infected HCP or resident: When performing an outbreak response to a known case, facilities should always defer to the recommendations of the jurisdiction's public health authority. A single new case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in any HCP or resident should be evaluated to determine if others in the facility could have been exposed. The approach to an outbreak investigation could involve either contact tracing or a broad-based approach; however, a broad-based (e.g., unit, floor, or other specific area(s) of the facility) approach is preferred if all potential contacts cannot be identified or managed with contact tracing or if contact tracing fails to halt transmission. Perform testing for all residents and HCP identified as close contacts or on the affected unit(s) if using a broad-based approach, regardless of vaccination status. Testing is recommended immediately (but not earlier than 24 hours after the exposure) and, if negative, again 48 hours after the first negative test and, if negative, again 48 hours after the second negative test. This will typically be at day 1 (where day of exposure is day 0), day 3, and day 5. If additional cases are identified, strong consideration should be given to shifting to the broad-based approach if not already being performed and implementing quarantine for residents in affected areas of the facility. As part of the broad-based approach, testing should continue on affected unit(s) or facility-wide every 3-7 days until there are no new cases for 14 days. If antigen testing is used, more frequent testing (every 3 days), should be considered.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 9/21/23 at 12:36 a.m., document, Resident states that he thinks he has Pneumonia.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 9/21/23 at 12:46 a.m., document, Lungs clear states he feels congested and has some discomfort in chest. R34's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 9/22/23 at 9:22 a.m., document, Resident complains of cough and chest congestion. Doctor notified and orders received to offer Geri-tussin as directed PRN (as needed). R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 9/26/23 at 8:11 a.m., document, Resident had a large emesis this a.m.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 9/26/23 at 12:30 p.m., document, Resident had no further emesis this shift. COVID test done, and it was negative. R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) other than COVID-19 or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing until 10/24/23.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 10/4/23 at 10:26 a.m., document, Resident voicing concerns related to continuous cough. Resident states that Mucinex and Geri-tussin are not providing enough relief. Doctor was notified and assessed resident and gave orders for Keflex (antibiotic) 500 mg (milligrams) twice a day for seven days. As R28's respiratory symptoms continued, R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R38's Nurses' notes, dated 10/5/23 at 2:18 p.m., document, This nurse has noted increased cough. Cough producing yellow sputum. Resident also has congestion in the nasal area. R38's current electronic record has no documentation of R38 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 10/10/23 at 3:49 p.m., document, Resident noted to have a cough this a.m. Cough is occasional and non-productive. As R34's respiratory symptoms continue, R34's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R38's Nurses' notes, dated 10/11/23 at 1:55 p.m., document, Started antibiotic for URI. Resident has a productive cough with yellow phlegm. Lung sounds are congested. As R38's respiratory symptoms continue, R38's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R7's Nurses' notes, dated 10/16/23 at 1:20 p.m., document, Resident noted to have increased productive cough with purulent sputum. Lung sounds crackles in bilateral lower lobes. Doctor notified. New orders for Levaquin (antibiotic) 500 mg (milligrams) by mouth daily for 10 days and guaifenesin 400 mg by mouth twice a day for 10 days. R7's current electronic record has no documentation of R7 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R26's Nurses' notes, dated 10/19/23 at 8:24 a.m., document, New order for Mucinex 400 mg one tablet by mouth twice a day for seven days for cough/congestion per doctor. R26's current electronic record has no documentation of R26 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 10/19/23 at 10:33 a.m., document, Fax sent to doctor in regards to resident having an occasional cough and some congestion, waiting for reply. As R34's respiratory symptoms continued, R34's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R21's Medication Administration note, dated 10/22/23 at 8:30 a.m. and 1:13 p.m., document that R21 received PRN doses of guaifenesin 400 mg for sinus drainage. R21's current electronic record has no documentation of R21 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R16's Nurses' notes, dated 10/22/23 at 10:51 a.m., document, Resident noted to have a non-productive cough and nasal congestion. Doctor notified and gave orders for Tylenol 650 mg by mouth every six hours PRN, guaifenesin 400 mg every twelve hours PRN, and Geri-tussin every eight hours PRN. R16's current electronic record has no documentation of R16 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
On 11/21/2023 at 1:35 P.M., a review of the required facility COVID-19 positive report documents on 10/22/23 at 12:09 P.M., V14 (Housekeeping Supervisor) tested positive for COVID-19 and at 12:10 P.M., R3 tested positive for COVID-19. This same report documents that V15 (Dietary Aide) tested positive for COVID-19 on 11/1/23. At that time, V2 (Director of Nurses/Infection Preventionist) confirmed that no contact tracing was done to determine which facility residents or staff that would have been directly exposed to V14, V15, or R3 in the previous 48 hours in order to begin the day 1, day 3 and day 5 COVID-19 testing.
On 11/21/2023 at 1:50 P.M., V2 stated, I have just been testing (COVID-19 testing) when someone has symptoms, that's it. I don't keep a record of any of the tests, only the positive ones. I thought that was the new guidance. V2 verified that she didn't have any policies specific to COVID-19, influenza, or RSV.
The facility's Daily Assignment Sheets, dated 10/20-10/22/23, document that the following staff would have had direct exposure to R3: V11 (Registered Nurse-RN), V16 (Certified Nursing Assistant-CNA), V6 (CNA), V10 (CNA), V17 (Hydration Aide), V18 (RN), V19 (CNA), V8 (LPN-Licensed Practical Nurse), V13 (CNA), V20 (CNA), V21 (CNA), V22 (RN), V23 (CNA), V24 (CNA), V25 (LPN), V26 (CNA), and V27 (CNA).
R26's Nurses' notes, dated 10/23/23 at 8:40 a.m., document, Doctor assessed resident this a.m. and new order received for Keflex 500 mg by mouth three times a day for 10 days. R26's current electronic record has no documentation of R26 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) until 10/24/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R14's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:15 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs and symptoms of common cold COVID test negative. As R14's respiratory symptoms continue, R14's current electronic record has no documentation of R14 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R10's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:16 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs and symptoms of common cold COVID test negative. As R10's respiratory symptoms continue, R10's current electronic record has no documentation of R10 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R26's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:54 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs/symptoms of common cold and is COVID negatives. As R10's respiratory symptoms continue, R10's current electronic record has no documentation of R10 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:56 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs/symptoms of common cold and is COVID negative. As R34's respiratory symptoms continue, R34's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R7's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:57 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs/symptoms of common cold and is COVID negative. As R7's respiratory symptoms continue, R7's current electronic record has no documentation of R7 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:57 a.m., document, Resident presents with signs/symptoms of common cold and is COVID negative. As R28's respiratory symptoms continue, R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R16's Nurses' notes, dated 10/24/23 at 9:58 p.m., document, Resident presents with signs and symptoms of common cold and is COVID-negative. As R16's respiratory symptoms continue, R16's current electronic record has no documentation of R16 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R14's Nurses' notes, dated 10/25/23 at 1:54 p.m., document, Resident's lung sounds assessed due to signs and symptoms of a cold. As R14's respiratory symptoms continue, R14's current electronic record has no documentation of R14 having follow-up testing for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R34's Nurses' notes, dated 10/25/23 at 2:07 p.m., documents, Resident's lung sounds assessed related to signs and symptoms of a cold. As R34's respiratory symptoms continue, R34's current electronic record has no documentation of R34 having follow-up testing for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R14's Nurses' notes, dated 11/1/23 at 2:21 p.m., document, Resident refused shower times two. Resident stated he was too tired and cold and just did not want to. As R14's respiratory symptoms continue, R14's current electronic record has no documentation of R14 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (COVID-19, RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R5's Nurses' notes, dated 11/15/23 at 7:50 p.m., documents, Resident lying in bed with 2-3 blankets on her up to her chin also wearing flannel pajamas. Warm to touch. Temperature 101.5 face flushed. Blankets removed and given Tylenol. R5's current electronic record has no documentation of R5 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R5's Nurses' notes, dated 11/16/23 at 10:52 a.m., document, Temperature 101. Appears Lethargic. As R5's respiratory symptoms continue, R5's current electronic record has no documentation of R5 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R26's Medication Administration Note, dated 11/16/23 at 1:06 p.m. and 11/17/23 at 7:21 a.m., document that R26 was administered Tylenol 650 mg by mouth as needed for complaints of a headache. As R26's respiratory symptoms continued, R26's current electronic record has no documentation of R26 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (COVID-19, RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R8's Nurses' notes, dated 11/16/23 at 6:39 p.m., document, Resident nauseated and has a headache. Given Tylenol other medications held. R8's current electronic record has no documentation of R8 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R8's Nurses' notes, dated 11/17/23 at 7:00 a.m., document, Resident complains of not feeling well. Stomach upset. Temperature 100.9 degrees.
R8's Nurses' notes, dated 11/17/23 at 8:15 a.m., document, Doctor seen resident. States it's viral. No new orders. As R8's respiratory symptoms continue, R8's current electronic record has no documentation of R8 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R18's Nurses' notes, dated 11/17/23 at 1:51 p.m., document, Refused shower times three attempts. Stated he didn't feel well. Came out for both meals. R18's current electronic record has no documentation of R18 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R1's Nurses' notes, dated 11/18/23 at 10:24 a.m., document, Resident has mucous in the base of her throat. Resident encouraged to try and cough it up. R1's current electronic record has no documentation of R1 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R18's Nurses' notes dated 11/18/23 at 12:45 p.m., document, Resident refused to come out for lunch stated he doesn't feel well. As R18 continues to feel ill, R18's current electronic record has no documentation of R18 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R1's Nurses' notes, dated 11/19/23 at 11:30 a.m., document, Resident sleeping most of this morning. Lung sounds congested. As R1's respiratory symptoms continued, R1's current electronic record has no documentation of R1 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R36's Nurses' notes, dated 11/19/23 at 2:09 p.m., document, Resident has no voice. Resident states other than being generally blah. R36's current electronic record has no documentation of R36 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R26's Nurses' note, dated 11/20/23 at 7:46 a.m. document, Doctor here to see resident. New order for Cephalexin (antibiotic) 500 mg by mouth three times a day for URI (upper respiratory infection.) As R26's respiratory symptoms continue, R26's current electronic record has no documentation of R26 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (COVID-19, RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R1's Nurses' notes, dated 11/20/23 at 8:05 a.m., document, COVID tested as resident not feeling well with negative results. Doctor saw this am with new orders to start antibiotic for Bronchitis. As R1's respiratory symptoms continued, R1's current electronic record has no documentation of R1 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R5's Nurses' notes, dated 11/20/23 at 8:09 a.m., document, Resident COVID tested due to reports of resident not feeling well and results are Negative. As R5's respiratory symptoms continued, R5's current electronic record has no documentation of R5 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R25's Nurses' notes, dated 11/20/23 at 8:15 a.m., document, Resident not feeling well COVID test negative. R25's current electronic record has no documentation of R25 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 11/20/23 at 8:24 a.m., document, Doctor seen resident who is complaining of a cough. New order for Robitussin 10 ml (milliliters) by mouth twice a day for five days. R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (COVID-19, RSV, Influenza) until 11/22/23 or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R36's Nurses' notes, dated 11/20/23 at 11:43 a.m., document, Resident complains of sore throat and afebrile raspy voice COVID tested for symptoms and due to roommate not feeling well with negative results. As R36's continued to feel ill, R36's current electronic record has no documentation of R36 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions; nor was there any follow-up COVID-19 testing.
R1's Nurses' notes, dated 11/21/23 at 10:33 a.m., document, Continues on antibiotic for URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). Has productive cough. Has difficulty coughing it up and out. As R1's respiratory symptoms continued, R1's current electronic record has no documentation of R1 being placed in transmission based precautions.
On 11/21/2023 at 11:30 AM, frequent coughing was heard across the hall from facility Family Room coming from R9's room. V2 (DON/Infection Preventionist) verified that it was R9 coughing. V2 stated that R9 was not feeling well and had spiked a temperature during the night with a persistent cough. V2 confirmed that transmission based precautions were not implemented nor was R9 tested for COVID-19 with R9 exhibiting symptoms of an upper respiratory illness.
On 11/21/23 at 12:50 p.m., R9 had droplet isolation precaution signage on his door. V6 (CNA) applied a surgical mask, face shield, gown, and gloves. V6 entered R9 room with R9's meal tray. At 12:58 p.m., V6 exited R9's room. V6 stated, (R9's) hospice nurse just told us that we need to wear isolation stuff for (R9). I think he has COVID, but I'm not totally for sure. When I went into the room, I was wearing a surgical mask, a face shield, a gown, and gloves. I haven't had COVID for over two years now. I can't tell you the last time I was tested here. It's been a while.
On 11/21/2023 at 1:15 P.M., a review of the facility Staff Call-In log from March 2023 through November 2023 documents most recent COVID-19 positive staff member as V13 (Certified Nursing Assistant) on 11/18/2023. At that time, V2 stated, (V13) came into work on 11/18/23 at 6:00 A.M. stating she didn't feel well. She was assigned the residents in rooms 24-36 (R3, R7, R10, R14, R20-R22, R27, R29). About halfway through her shift she began complaining of cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and a fever. (V5 Registered Nurse/ Assistant Director of Nursing) called me and told me what was going on. I told her to test her (COVID-19). Her test came back positive, and we sent her home. I only test people (residents or staff) if they are not feeling well. At that time, V2 confirmed that V13 was not tested prior to working with the residents, despite V13 stating she didn't feel well. V2 also stated that no contact tracing was done to determine which facility residents or staff that would have been directly exposed to V13 in the previous 48 hours in order to begin the day 1, day 3 and day 5 testing for COVID-19.
During the survey on 11/20/23 and 11/21/23, V7 (Care Plan Coordinator/Infection Preventionist) was observed wearing a surgical mask while in the facility. On 11/21/23 at 2:30 p.m., V7 (Care Plan Coordinator) had a raspy voice. V7 stated, These symptoms started a week ago with a sore throat and a headache. I tested and it was negative. I'm still having symptoms, but it's laryngitis. I haven't tested for COVID again since the first one was negative. V7 confirmed that she has not been required to stay home while exhibiting these symptoms.
The facility's COVID-19 testing (Residents) log, dated 11/22/23, documents that R9 tested positive on 11/22/23 with symptoms starting on 11/21/23.
On 11/22/23 at 08:27 AM, a tour of the facility determined only one resident (R9) was currently in transmission based precautions.
On 11/22/23 at 09:29 AM, V14 stated, I can't remember if I tested on (October) 20th or 22nd. But it was that weekend (October 21-22, 2023). I had been to the doctor on Friday because I wasn't feeling well. I came into work late on Friday. I tested myself at home and I was off work the following week (October 23-27, 2023). I am a working supervisor. I am all over the building, helping my staff.
On 11/22/23 at 09:11 AM, V7 stated, I submit the (COVID-19) Testing Log. The dates recorded are the dates I was informed that the COVID Test was done on that date and was positive. I don't keep any testing logs of tests done, that are not positive. Since the pandemic ended, we quit keeping any logs except for positive staff or residents.
On 11/22/2023 at 9:15 AM, the facility was unable to provide documentation of COVID-19 testing of staff or residents. V2 stated, I don't keep a (COVID-19) testing log of negative tests. I tell (V7) when someone tests positive. I tell her the date and time the test was done, and she submits the information. I didn't know I was supposed to keep logs.
On 11/22/23 at 09:32 AM, V5 (RN/Assistant Director of Nursing) stated, Right now I have (R1 & R26) who are symptomatic of an upper respiratory infection. COVID-19 symptoms are cough, congestion, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. If a resident has symptoms, I notify the doctor and then COVID-19 test them. If they are negative, I just treat them as having an upper respiratory infection. The residents are not put in isolation unless they are actually COVID-19 positive. We don't retest them if they continue to be sick. If a staff member is symptomatic, we immediately test them. If they are negative, they can continue to work. They are not retested. I have only tested on ce, but it was because I tested myself. The facility has not tested me in the last two months.
On 11/22/23 at 09:46 AM, V14 stated, That Friday (10/20/23) at work, I started having symptoms of a head cold. I had a headache and congestion. I didn't think it was COVID. I worked that day, but I didn't test. Over the weekend, my daughter told me that I should really consider testing. I didn't test until after the weekend.
R26's Nurses' notes, dated 11/22/23 at 10:43 a.m., documents, Continues on antibiotic for URI coughing noted. As R26's respiratory symptoms continue, R26's current electronic record has no documentation of R26 being tested for potentially contagious illnesses (COVID-19, RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
R28's Nurses' notes, dated 11/22/23 at 11:38 a.m., document, Resident tested for COVID at 11:20 am due to fever of 100.0 resident states that he just feels like he has cold. Results Negative. R28's current electronic record has no documentation of R28 being tested for other potentially contagious illnesses (RSV, Influenza) or being placed in transmission based precautions.
On 11/28/23 at 12:47 p.m., V9 (Licensed Practical Nurse/LPN) stated, If a staff member is sick no fever and negative, they can work as long as they are wearing a mask. My symptoms started on 11/19/23, I was hot then cold with the chills and aching all over. I tested after my shift was over on 11/19/23 and I was (COVID-19) positive.
The facility's Staff Call Ins Report, dated 11/18-11/29/23, documents that V9 (LPN) tested positive for COVID-19 on 11/20/23 and that she was symptomatic starting 11/19/23.
On 11/22/23 at 3:05 P.M., V1 (Administrator in Training) was notified of the Immediate Jeopardy.
On 11/27/23, V1 submitted the facility's abatement plan for review.
1. V2 (Director of Nursing/Infection Preventionist) and V7 (Care Plan Coordinator/Infection Preventionist) were educated by V28 (Regional Nurse) on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection and other respiratory illness, when COVID-19 testing is required, facility contact tracing and the implementation of transmission-based precautions for any resident experiencing respiratory symptoms, prior to testing on 11/22/23.
2. V2 and V5 (RN/Assistant Director of Nursing) tested all residents and staff for COVID-19 on 11/22/23, 11/24/23, 11/26/23, and they will continue to test every 3-7 days until no more COVID-19 positives for 14 days.
3. V1 and V2 were educated by V28 on initial outbreak and broad-based/contact tracing testing on 11/22/23.
4. V1 and V2 educated all facility staff on the required PPE when they are caring for a COVID-19 positive resident on 11/23/23.
5. V1 and V2 educated all nursing staff on identification of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and other contagious respiratory illness, in order to implement physician notification, testing, and transmission-based precautions on 11/22/23.
6. V1 began Quality Assurance monitoring daily of all residents and staff with respiratory symptoms and a implemented a system to determine facility testing and isolation on 11/22/23.
7. On 12/4/23, V1 will be meeting with V31 (IDPH Infection Preventionist) for infection control guidance.
Through observation, interview, and record review, it was found[TRUNCATED]