The Hearthstone Statement in Response to CMS Findings SEATTLE – April 23, 2020 – During a recent visit to The Hearthstone’s skilled nursing area, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services identified issues with our infection control procedures. Our immediate actions corrected these process lapses, and we quickly returned to compliance. CMS identified issues during an onsite survey March 25 – 27. We thoroughly reviewed our infection control practices and developed and implemented a plan of correction. We returned to full compliance with infection control mandates and guidance on April 6. The Hearthstone took the following actions to correct infection control procedures and regain compliance:      We immediately retrained all skilled nursing management and staff on proper hand hygiene, appropriate use and storage of PPE per new CMS guidelines and appropriate signage for droplet precautions. We are following up by conducting daily audits, then we will conduct monthly and random audits to check that compliance is maintained. Two of the patients mentioned in the report had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the CMS site visit and continued receiving care in isolation. Both patients have since recovered and received two consecutive negative tests. Test results for the other four residents were negative. The nursing assistant mentioned in the report was excluded from work for 14 days as soon as we were notified of the possible exposure. This employee was tested for COVID-19, and the test result was negative. Additional information:     All 245 residents and 189 employees of The Hearthstone are being offered tests with test kits provided by King County Public Health and the Seattle Fire Department. All residents of our skilled nursing area, including those mentioned in the CMS report, have been tested and their test results are negative. The four staff mentioned in the CMS findings who tested positive do not work in skilled nursing or have contact with skilled nursing staff or patients. The employees identified in the CMS findings are not among those who have tested positive for COVID-19. We continue to evaluate and enhance procedures based on new information. Caring for our residents’ health and safety is our highest priority. We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our dedicated employees. We appreciate the CMS surveyor’s help in identifying issues at our facility, and we understand their oversight is essential to providing a safe environment for our residents receiving skilled nursing care in our Health Center. We take their findings seriously and understand that even (206) 525-9666 l 6720 East Green Lake Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 l www.Hearthstone.org small mistakes can have serious consequences. That’s why we acted quickly and thoroughly to correct all identified issues. We will continue to closely follow all county, state and federal mandates and guidance for the protection of our residents and employees. Relevant information about The Hearthstone: The Hearthstone accommodates a variety of living styles, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and apartments for independent residents. Our campus is made of up three separate buildings: Lakeside, Cove East and Cove West. The CMS survey was specific to our skilled nursing area in our Lakeside building, which accommodates all levels of care. The other two buildings are for independent living residents only. Our community consists of 245 residents and 189 employees, including:     21 patients in skilled nursing care with capacity for 40 patients 13 memory care residents (12 apartments) 32 assisted living residents (36 apartments) 179 independent living residents We are licensed for a combined 62 residents in assisted living and memory care. More information about The Hearthstone’s response to COVID-19, the number of cases in our community and our safety protocols is available on our website. (206) 525-9666 l 6720 East Green Lake Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 l www.Hearthstone.org