HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to implement the hospital's policy to ensure patient's rights in that a letter of response to 1 of 3 (Patient #1) who filed a complaint in the 3rd quarter of 2018 did not receive a written notice of it's decision within 21 days of receiving the complaint.

Findings Included:

Patient #1 was admitted on 09/07/18 with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. On 09/26/18 Patient #1's family filed a grievance with the hospital. The Hospital sent an initial letter to the complainant on 09/27/18. The hospitals final letter was not mailed until 12/04/18 with no interim letters sent in between.

The Police titled "Patient Concerns, Complaints and Grievance Procedure" Effective 06/92 and last revised on 02/13 reflected..."Page 4, D:3...Following the resolution of the grievance, the patient/family filing a grievance will receive a written notice within 21 days of the hospital's decision..."

During an interview with Personnel # 1 on 01/09/18 at 1035 Personnel #1 was informed of the above findings. Personnel #1 verified the above findings.