HospitalInspections.org

Based on clinical record review and interview, it was determined the Emergency Department physician failed to document the explanation of the risks and/or benefits of transfer with two (#5 and #6) of five (#5, #6, #7, #9 and #11) patients prior to transfer to an accepting facility. The failed practice did not allow the patients to make an informed decision regarding the risk and/or benefits of being transferred to another facility. The findings follow:

A. Review of St. Anthony's Medical Center Transfer Summary for Patient #5 and Patient #6 revealed the Physician Certification portion of the form was left blank.
B. In an interview with the Chief Nursing Officer on 01/23/12 at 1530, when asked where the Emergency Department physician documented the explanation of risk and benefits of being transferred to another facility, she stated the physician would document under the Physician Certification portion of the St. Anthony's Medical Center Transfer Summary. At that time she confirmed the Physician Certification portion of the Transfer Summary was blank for Patient #5 and Patient #6.