Failure to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine to Resident Upon Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to one out of five sampled residents, as required by its own policy and standard infection prevention practices. Record review showed that this resident had not been vaccinated for COVID-19, and there was no documentation that the vaccine had been offered upon admission or during their stay. The facility's policy, revised in January 2023, assigns responsibility to facility leadership and clinical staff to take reasonable measures to protect residents and staff, including offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Interviews revealed a lack of clarity and accountability regarding the vaccination program. The DON stated she does not track vaccinations and expects the Infection Preventionist to do so, while the Infection Preventionist, new to the facility, was unaware of the vaccination program's status. The Administrator acknowledged the program should be implemented but was not aware of the current vaccination status, relying on specialized staff to manage these requirements. The Medical Director, also recently appointed, reported hearing that residents had not been receiving COVID-19 vaccines and expected vaccination status to be obtained on admission and vaccines to be offered if not previously received.