Failure to Offer and Document COVID-19 Vaccination and Education for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer and provide COVID-19 immunization and education to 11 out of 99 staff members. During interviews, the Infection Control Preventionist (ICP) stated that while the vaccine continued to be offered to residents, it was no longer offered to staff as of the beginning of the year. Instead, staff members seeking vaccination were referred to local pharmacies. Record review confirmed that there was no documentation showing that unvaccinated staff were provided education about the COVID-19 vaccine, nor that they were offered the vaccine or information on how to obtain it. Additionally, the facility's own COVID-19 policy requires that staff be offered the vaccine unless medically contraindicated or already immunized, and that staff receive education regarding the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of the vaccine. The policy also mandates documentation of staff education and offers of vaccination. However, the ICP confirmed that there was no documentation to show that staff were being offered or declining the vaccine or vaccine education, indicating noncompliance with the facility's stated procedures.