Failure to Offer and Document Pneumococcal Vaccination
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer the pneumococcal vaccine to three residents, as evidenced by the absence of documentation in their electronic medical records showing that the vaccine was offered, provided, or that informed declination was obtained. Specifically, the records for these residents did not contain evidence of education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the immunization, nor any indication that the vaccine was administered or declined. An administrative nurse confirmed these findings and noted that while the facility attempts to vaccinate eligible residents, insurance coverage issues sometimes prevent administration. The facility's immunization policy requires that each resident or their representative receive current education and be offered the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, but this process was not documented for the affected residents.