CMS report: TB-infected Providence Memorial worker showed symptoms, coughed up blood in July health screening

Wednesday, October 1, 2014
By Paul Martin

CMS found the infected healthcare worker showed signs and symptoms of active TB

Ashlie Rodriguez
KVIA.com
Oct 01, 2014

EL PASO, Texas –

A Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services investigation into the tuberculosis exposure at Providence Memorial Hospital, is summarized in a 30-page document.

Based on reviewing facility documents and staff interviews, CMS found the infected healthcare worker showed signs and symptoms of active TB during an annual health screening, including coughing up blood, in July.

Yet, the worker was allowed to return to work in the nursery with newborn babies until Aug. 15.

CMS is blaming the hospital’s governing board for failing to ensure the safety of its patients.

December 2013- A patient care tech, CMS calls Staff #1, reported that the symptoms started.
July 2014- Staff #1 showed symptoms during an annual TB screen. Up until this point, Staff #1 had been working in the Post-Partum unit.
Between July and August the report said administrators met with Staff #1. They attributed the worker’s symptoms to allergies.
August 15th was Staff #1’s last day of work. This worker went to a private physician after the 15th, and was told tests for active TB were positive. Staff #1 told Providence, and never came back to work.
September 4th- Providence began coordinating with the local health department.

The question on everyone’s mind is how did this happen?

It appears CMS wants to know the same thing.

The Rest…HERE

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