The California Department of Health has cited Salinas (Calif.) Valley Memorial Hospital for failing to implement policy that would have prevented an unqualified individual from performing a patient care task, according to a Californian report.
According to the report, a student technologist conducted two mammographies last November. The examinations were co-signed or approved by a contracted technologist, who holds a national license in mammography but not a state license. The director of the hospital's radiology department later reviewed the mammographies and found the examinations were acceptable.
The hospital has since implemented corrective action measures to prevent a similar occurrence, including clearer indications for contracted workers' requirements and responsibilities. Hospital officials commented "the very minor technicality" never compromised patient safety and diagnostic quality.
According to the report, a student technologist conducted two mammographies last November. The examinations were co-signed or approved by a contracted technologist, who holds a national license in mammography but not a state license. The director of the hospital's radiology department later reviewed the mammographies and found the examinations were acceptable.
The hospital has since implemented corrective action measures to prevent a similar occurrence, including clearer indications for contracted workers' requirements and responsibilities. Hospital officials commented "the very minor technicality" never compromised patient safety and diagnostic quality.
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