Failure to Report Norovirus Outbreak to Local Health Department
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report confirmed norovirus cases and multiple residents' gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to the local health department, as required by both state regulations and facility policy. Medical record reviews showed that two residents tested positive for norovirus after being sent to the hospital, and at least sixteen other residents throughout the facility experienced GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some of these residents were tested for norovirus and found negative, while others were placed in contact isolation without testing. Additionally, two staff members were reported to have tested positive for norovirus at a local hospital, and were off work for several days. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, the Administrator, and the Regional Director of Clinical Services, confirmed that the local health department was not notified about the norovirus cases or the outbreak of GI symptoms among residents and staff. The local health department also confirmed that they had not been contacted by the facility, despite the facility's policy requiring notification of such outbreaks. The failure to report these cases and symptoms had the potential to affect all 92 residents in the facility.