complaint·December 2, 2024

No testing was conducted for Norovirus. LPA Jensen inspected the kitchen. LPA Jensen did not observe any expired food and the area appeared sanitary. Freezer and refrigerator temperatures were within the required range. According to the Executive Director the facility underwent a Crandall audit of the kitchen on 11/29/24 and no deficiencies were observed. The Executive Director will be forwarding this report to the Department by 12/6/24. Based on LPA Jensen's discussion with the Hospital Director who confirmed food bourne illness has been ruled out and based on LPA Jensen's inspection of the kitchen the allegation of Facility staff served unsafe food is UNFOUNDED. A finding of unfounded means the allegation is false, could not have happened, or is without a reasonable basis . During the course of this visit LPA Jensen is also conducting a case management for the GI symptom outbreak. Based on a conversation with the Administrative Director of Acute Services of the local hospital the cause of the GI outbreak is suspected to be viral. LPA Jensen requested the facility GI illness/Norovirus policy. This policy is dated 3/15/22. LPA Jensen advised that all GI infection control procedures should be implemented effective immediately. The procedures include but are not limited to the following: -Obtaining a stool culture for verification of Norovirus -Canceling group activities -Closing the dining room and implementing room delivery for meals -Posting "Infectious Outbreak" signs outside of the community to notify visitors -No new admissions -Continue all precautions for a full week after last reported case The facility is also in the process of renovations near the dining area for mold mitigation. LPA Jensen requested the facility obtain air quality readings to retain on file conducted by the vendor contracted with for environmental hazard reduction. The facility will notify the Department of the results of the Norovirus testing and send a line list to the Department until the outbreak has resolved and they are cleared by Public Health. No deficiencies are being cited. An exit interview was conducted with the Executive Director and facility Chief Clinical Officer, Carley Taylor.