Failure of Medical Director to Implement COVID-19 Policies and Coordinate Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Medical Director fulfilled responsibilities related to the implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care, specifically regarding the management of a COVID-19 outbreak. During the outbreak, 12 residents tested positive for COVID-19 over a specified period, though there were no deaths or hospitalizations. Multiple staff interviews revealed that the Medical Director, through the DON, directed staff to stop testing residents and staff for COVID-19 and to remove all precaution carts, which were previously used for infection control. Staff reported that these directives were communicated by the DON but originated from the Medical Director, who did not adhere to the facility's COVID-19 policies. Further interviews with facility leadership, including the VP of Operations, Administrator, and DON, confirmed that the Medical Director instructed the cessation of COVID-19 testing and removal of precautions, and that these actions were not in line with established facility policy. The VP of Operations also stated that the Medical Director did not believe in COVID-19 and directed staff to treat symptoms as if they were a common cold. Documentation provided by the facility confirmed that the Medical Director was made aware of job duties and expectations, but the deficiency occurred due to the Medical Director's failure to follow facility policy during the outbreak.