Failure to Implement TB Screening for New Hires
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing for newly hired health care personnel. Specifically, the facility did not implement the required pre-employment TB screening procedures for two of the five newly hired employees reviewed. According to the CDC guidelines, all U.S. health care personnel should be screened for TB upon hire using either a TB blood test or a two-step TB skin test. Additionally, if a previous documented negative TB result is provided within 12 months before new employment, only a single test is required. However, the facility did not follow these guidelines for Employees 2 and 3. Employee 2, a nurse aide, was hired on November 14, 2024, and provided evidence of a negative TB skin test dated March 4, 2024, which was within 12 months of being hired. Despite this, there was no evidence of any further testing, such as a one-step, blood test, or chest x-ray, upon their employment at the facility. Similarly, Employee 3, also a nurse aide, was hired on December 10, 2024, and provided evidence of a prior negative TB blood test dated August 5, 2024, within 12 months of hire. Again, there was no evidence that Employee 3 received any further testing prior to employment with the facility. This lack of adherence to the CDC's TB screening guidelines constitutes a deficiency in the facility's pre-employment screening procedures.
Plan Of Correction
Cited: Employees 2 and 3 will have a full TB screen completed. • Like: HRD/designee will complete a sweep of current staff members to ensure all staff have completed a TB screen. • Educations: NHA/designee will educate the HRD to ensure all staff have completed a TB screen upon hire. • Audits: HRD/designee will audit 5 staff members' files weekly x4 weeks and monthly x 2 months to ensure all staff have completed a TB screen upon hire. Results will be taken through QAPI.