‘No deficiencies’ found during Banner Lassen survey

On April 23, 2020, Banner Lassen Medical Center participated in a focused review of the critical elements associated with the transmission of COVID-19 survey with the California Department of Public Health. The intent of the survey was to assure the hospital is following CMS guidance that was in effect at the time of the survey in order to help decrease the potential for transmission of COVID-19 within the facility and community.

The surveyor visited many areas of the facility, spoke with leadership and numerous staff members and reviewed numerous policies and procedures related to our COVID-19 response. The survey focused on many areas including:

• Process for triaging patients for registration and the screening of visitors.
• Policies and processes regarding standard and transmission-based precautions as well as general standard infection control practices.
• Observation of staff performing hand hygiene and appropriately using personal protective equipment. Observation was also completed on aerosol generating procedures and that the appropriate process was in place.
• Completion and implementation of the Infection Prevention Control Plan which includes all related policies and procedures.
• Observation of environmental cleaning protocols.
• Education, monitoring and screening of staff members.

According to a statement from the hospital, “Banner Lassen Medical Center has completed a lot of work towards protecting our patients and community in preparation if we were to have an outbreak of COVID -19. We are pleased to share that the surveyor found no deficiencies during the visit and was impressed with all the work that the BLMC team has completed to prepare for the potential impact of the pandemic. They were also very proud of the citizens of Lassen County for all that the community is doing to continue to have no known cases of COVID-19.”