Failure to Document and Provide COVID-19 Vaccine Education
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide and document education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine for three of five sampled residents. Interviews with the Infection Preventionist (IP) revealed that while the COVID-19 vaccine was offered upon admission and staff were expected to educate residents about the vaccine, there was no documented evidence in the clinical records of the three residents that such education was provided. The IP confirmed during record review that education was not given to these residents prior to vaccine administration. Review of the facility's policies indicated that residents should be provided with education about the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine before it is offered, and that this education, along with consent and vaccine administration, should be documented in the medical record. However, the immunization records for the three residents only indicated the date the vaccine was given, with no documentation of education or consent. The IP acknowledged that the lack of education could result in residents not being aware of what symptoms or side effects to report to staff.