Deficiency in Immunization Documentation and Education
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to comply with the regulatory requirements for influenza and pneumococcal immunizations as outlined in §483.80(d). The deficiency was identified through a review of facility policies, CDC guidelines, clinical records, and staff interviews. The facility did not document that residents were offered influenza and pneumococcal immunizations, nor did they provide education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of these immunizations. This failure was observed in five residents who were reviewed for immunization concerns. Resident 2's clinical record lacked documentation of a pneumococcal vaccine administration and did not show evidence that the resident or their representative received education about the vaccine's risks and benefits. Similarly, Resident 7's record showed previous vaccinations but no documentation of education or decision-making regarding newer vaccines as per current CDC guidelines. Resident 10's record included a refusal of consent for yearly immunizations but lacked evidence of education provided about the vaccines. Residents 12 and 14 also had no documented history of pneumococcal vaccine administration or evidence of education provided to them or their representatives. These findings were discussed with the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing, highlighting the facility's failure to meet the regulatory requirements for immunization documentation and education.
Plan Of Correction
The Facility submits this Plan of Correction under procedures established by the Department of Health in order to comply with the Department's directive to change conditions which the Department alleges is deficient under State and/or Federal Long Term Care Regulations. This Plan of Correction should not be construed as either a waiver of the facility's right to appeal or challenge the accuracy or severity of the alleged deficiencies or an admission of past or ongoing violation of State or Federal regulatory requirements. 1. The Pneumococcal immunization status for residents 2, 7, 10, 12, and 14 was reviewed. The influenza immunization status of resident 10 was reviewed. Residents' and/or resident representatives' 2, 7, 10, 12, and 14 were provided education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the pneumonia vaccine. Resident/Responsible party 10 was provided education regarding the potential risks and benefits of the influenza vaccine and declination revisited. The clinical record has been updated to reflect the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine as indicated for residents 2, 7, 10, 12, and 14. 2. All current residents' pneumococcal and influenza immunization statuses will be reviewed. Residents/Resident representatives will be provided education on the potential risks and benefits of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine. Residents/resident representatives will be offered the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as indicated and the clinical record will be updated to reflect the administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. 3. The pneumococcal and influenza immunization statuses will be reviewed for all new admissions. Residents/resident representatives will be provided education on the potential risks and benefits of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as part of the admission packet. Residents/residents representatives will be offered the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as indicated and the clinical record will be updated to reflect the administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. The Administrator will educate RNs, LPNs, and social worker on this system alteration. 4. The Director of Nursing and/or designee will audit the pneumococcal and influenza immunization clinical documentation for all new admissions for 3 months or until substantial compliance is achieved to ensure Residents/Resident representatives were provided education on the potential risks and benefits of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, to ensure Residents/residents representatives were offered the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as indicated and that the clinical record was updated to reflect the administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. Results will be reviewed at the QAPI meeting.