Every finding on record at North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency Inc

An Emergency Preparedness survey was conducted on 3/6/2023 pursuant to 42 CFR Part 484.102 with no deficiencies cited.

A health recertification survey was conducted from 2/22/23 to 2/24/23 pursuant to 42 CFR Part 484, for Home Health Agencies with deficiencies cited.

Protection of records CFR(s): 484.110(d) Standard: Protection of records. The clinical record, its contents, and the information contained therein must be safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use. The HHA must be in compliance with the rules regarding protected health information set out at 45 CFR parts 160 and 164. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to safeguard medical records against loss by storing boxes of medical records on the basement floor in an unlocked basement area. Findings include: Observation on 2/22/23 at 10:10 a.m. of the facility's medical storage in the basement revealed the facility stored multiple boxes, including medical records, on the floor. Further review of these boxes revealed that at least 15 boxes contained patient medical records that were still in the retention period (retained for 5 years after the discharge of the patient). The basement area was unlocked and accessible by any facility staff as well as the Rural Health Clinic who shared physical office space. Interview on 2/22/23 at 10:10 a.m. with Staff A (Director of Home Health Care) confirmed that the above boxes were being stored on the basement floor but did not know why or who had placed them there. Staff A confirmed that the Rural Health Clinic had access to the basement.