Failure to Offer and Track COVID-19 Vaccination for New Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to three out of a sample of five employees, specifically by not providing the vaccine during new hire orientation. Record review showed that three of the five employee health records indicated the employees had not been vaccinated for COVID-19. The facility assessment required following CDC and DPH guidelines for infection prevention and control, including COVID-19 response. Interviews revealed a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding the tracking and offering of COVID-19 vaccinations to staff. The Human Resources Director stated she requests vaccination cards and notifies the DON if a staff member does not have one, but does not track vaccinations or know if the vaccine was offered during orientation. The DON indicated that immunization records are received by Human Resources but does not track them and was unsure who is responsible for tracking vaccinations. The Administrator expected vaccinations to be tracked and offered to all staff but was also unsure who was responsible, noting the absence of an Infection Preventionist. The President of Clinical Operations confirmed the facility had been without an Infection Preventionist and that a staff member previously assisting in the role was no longer present.