HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of documentation and interview, it was determined that the facility staff did not always protect it's patients from abuse.

Findings were:

On 8/18/22 patient # 5 was attacked by peers while on the phone. An unnamed staff member told patient's mother that the unit was "understaffed" which was the reason for the attack.

Facility policy entitled "Patient Rights" stated in part that all patients have the right to "a humane treatment environment that ensures protection from harm, provides privacy to as great a degree as possible with regard to personal needs, and promotes respect and dignity for each individual."

Facility policy stated in part "Each unit or area where patient care is provided will have a staffing plan to provide for a sufficient number of professional nursing staff (RNs and MHTs) and professional ancillary staff (program therapists, social workers, therapeutic activity staff. Etc.) to carry out at least the following activities:

Prescription of care, treatment and services care for patients based on:
* Assessment data and other relevant information
* Identified patient needs/problems
* Appropriate healthcare interventions as specified in standards, policies and procedures, protocols or as determined by professional judgment."

Facility could not provide real time staffing (that included patient census, precautions and available unit staff) for 8/18/22. Inadequate staffing could not be ruled out. This was confirmed by the Director of Quality on 2/22/23.

Based on review of documentation and interview, it was determined that the facility staff did not always protect it's patients from abuse.

Findings were:

On 8/18/22 patient # 5 was attacked by peers while on the phone. An unnamed staff member told patient's mother that the unit was "understaffed" which was the reason for the attack.

Facility policy entitled "Patient Rights" stated in part that all patients have the right to "a humane treatment environment that ensures protection from harm, provides privacy to as great a degree as possible with regard to personal needs, and promotes respect and dignity for each individual."

Facility policy stated in part "Each unit or area where patient care is provided will have a staffing plan to provide for a sufficient number of professional nursing staff (RNs and MHTs) and professional ancillary staff (program therapists, social workers, therapeutic activity staff. Etc.) to carry out at least the following activities:

Prescription of care, treatment and services care for patients based on:
* Assessment data and other relevant information
* Identified patient needs/problems
* Appropriate healthcare interventions as specified in standards, policies and procedures, protocols or as determined by professional judgment."

Facility could not provide real time staffing (that included patient census, precautions and available unit staff) for 8/18/22. Inadequate staffing could not be ruled out. This was confirmed by the Director of Quality on 2/22/23.