Initial Comments:
Based on the findings of an onsite unannounced home care agency state re-licensure survey conducted on June 14, 2024, America's Home Health Services, LLC, was found to be in compliance with the requirements of 28 Pa. Code, Health Facilities, Part IV, Chapter 51, Subpart A.
Plan of Correction:
Initial Comments:
Based on the findings of an onsite unannounced home care agency state re-licensure survey conducted on June 14, 2024, was found not to be in compliance with the requirements of 28 Pa. Code, Health Facilities, Part IV, Chapter 611, Subpart H. Home Care Agencies and Home Care Registries.
Plan of Correction:
611.56(a) LICENSURE
Health Screening
Name - Component - 00
The screening shall be conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines for preventing the transmission of mycobacterium tuberculosis in health care settings. The documentation must indicate the date of the screening which may not be more than 1 year prior to the individual's start date.
Observations:
Based on a review of personnel files (PF), it was determined the agency failed to ensure the direct care worker, prior to consumer contact, to be screened for mycobacterium tuberculosis, in accordance with CDC (Center for Disease and Control) guidelines, for three (3) out of seven (7) personnel files (PF) reviewed (PF#1-PF#3).
Findings Include:
The CDC guidelines state that all Health Care Workers (HCW) should receive baseline tuberculosis screening upon hire, using a two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) or a single blood assay for tuberculosis (TB) to test for infection with tuberculosis. After baseline testing for infection with tuberculosis, HCWs should receive TB screening annually. HCWs with a baseline positive or newly positive test for tuberculosis infections should receive one chest radiograph result to exclude tuberculosis disease. (CDC Guidelines for preventing the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in health-care settings, 2005. Morbidity and Mortality World Report 2005; RR-17').(http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5417.pdf.)
Personnel files were reviewed on 6/14/24 from approximately 10:30 AM-11:00 AM revealing the following:
PF#1 (Date of hire (DOH) 5/01/2023): No documentation of completed baseline testing. PF included documentation of only one (1) TST.
PF#2 (DOH: 9/29/23): No documentation of completed baseline testing. PF included documentation of only one (1) TST.
PF#3 (DOH: 4/30/23): No documentation of completed baseline testing. PF included documentation of only one (1) TST.
An interview with the agency administrator on 6/14/24 at approximately 11:45 AM confirmed the above findings.
Plan of Correction:1. PF#1-3 did not have documentation on the 2nd TB being completed within the CDC's recommended time frame. All personnel have been contacted and advised that they must complete the full 2 step TB process or receive a TB blood test for results. Failure to complete will result in termination.
2. Full review of all caregivers within the branch has been completed using excel spreadsheet posted in our Slack channel to be sure all caregivers are compliant with this requirement.
3. All new hires moving forward have to be approved by Director of Compliance or designee before starting noting when TB testing is due for 2nd step. A spreadsheet is also shared with the team weekly as a reminder to send caregivers for their 2nd TB.
4. Director of Compliance or designee will monitor the "TB Tracker" spreadsheet on a weekly basis with follow up for ensure completion of TB requirements.
Initial Comments:
Based on the findings of an onsite unannounced home care agency state re-licensure survey conducted on June 14, 2024, America's Home Health Services, LLC, was found to be in compliance with the requirements of 35 P.S. 448.809 (b).
Plan of Correction:
|