Failure to Administer Influenza Vaccine Despite Consent
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer and administer the influenza immunization to a resident, despite having obtained the necessary signed consent from the resident's representative. The facility's policy requires that each resident be offered the influenza vaccine unless it is medically contraindicated, and that educational information be provided to the resident or their representative prior to vaccine administration. However, there was no documented evidence that the influenza vaccine was administered to the resident, even though the consent form was signed and authorized. The resident in question was admitted to the facility with diagnoses including dementia and major depressive disorder. The resident's representative had signed an informed consent form authorizing the administration of the influenza vaccine, along with other vaccines. An interview with the Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility did not provide the influenza immunization to the resident, despite having the required consent. This oversight was identified during a review of the facility's policy, clinical records, and staff interviews.
Plan Of Correction
Step 1 - R110 was administered the flu vaccine. Step 2 To identify other residents that have the potential to be affected, the DON/designee reviewed residents to ensure that they were offered the flu and pneumonia vaccine and were administered if elected. Step 3 To prevent this from reoccurring, re-education will be provided by the staff educator/designee re: the facility flu/pneumonia vaccine policy. Step 4 To monitor and maintain compliance, the DON/designee will audit new/re-admissions residents to ensure that the flu/pneumo vaccines were offered and administered if needed. The audits will be completed weekly times 4 weeks and then monthly times 3. The results of the audits will be forwarded to the QAPI committee for further review and recommendations.