Failure to Offer Influenza Immunizations to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident was offered an influenza immunization, as required by regulations. Specifically, two residents, identified as R34 and R315, were not offered the influenza vaccine upon admission, despite being cognitively intact and willing to receive the immunization. Resident R34, admitted on December 17, 2024, confirmed during an interview that they were not offered the vaccine but expressed willingness to accept it if suggested by a physician. A review of Resident R34's clinical records showed no documentation of the offer or administration of the influenza vaccine, nor any record of refusal or medical contraindication. Similarly, Resident R315, admitted on December 11, 2024, reported not being offered the influenza vaccine upon admission and expressed a desire to receive it before discharge. The review of Resident R315's clinical records also revealed a lack of documentation regarding the offer or administration of the influenza vaccine, as well as any refusal or medical contraindication. These findings indicate a failure by the facility to comply with the regulatory requirement to offer influenza immunizations to residents, as evidenced by the absence of necessary documentation and resident interviews.
Plan Of Correction
1) Resident R34 and Resident R315 were both offered the influenza vaccine. 2) Residents admitted during the last 30 days will be audited to ensure influenza vaccine has been offered. Variances will be addressed. 3) Director of nursing / designee will educate admissions nurse, assistant director of nursing, infection preventionist, clinical nurse leads and supervisors to ensure all new residents' vaccine history is reviewed for influenza vaccine administration and offered influenza vaccine on admission if appropriate. 4) Audits will be conducted weekly x 3, then monthly x 2 on new admissions to ensure influenza vaccines are offered if appropriate, until compliance is met. Variances will be addressed, and reported to the QAA Committee.