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Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that policies and procedures for discharging outpatient surgical patients are followed for 1 (SP#36) of 36 Sampled Patients (SP).
The findings include:

Clinical record review conducted on 01/30/2013 of sampled patient (SP) #36 revealed the patient had undergone a procedure for Upper GI (Gastrointestinal) endoscopy on 01/28/2013 at 11:01 AM. Review of the GI Center Flowsheet (page 6 of 6) showed the nurse documented the patient was sent home via wheelchair. There was no documentation about who accompanied the patient upon discharge.

Review of the Departmental Policy and Procedure for GI Surgical Services titled, "Discharge Instruction Sheet" item number 6 documented, "patient is discharged to a responsible individual who was indicated during the pre-operative call unless patient stated otherwise once admitted."

Interview with the supervisor of the GI Center conducted on 01/30/2013 confirmed above findings, there was no documentation the nurse followed the policy and procedure regarding discharging patients to a responsible adult. The Supervisor stated, the GI Center always makes sure the patient goes home with a responsible adult. The supervisor also stated, the facility will ensure the policy is reinforced and will establish a check list and log to ensure all the patients are discharged appropriately to a responsible adult after the procedures.

Interview conducted on 02/01/2013 at 11:25 AM with the nurse who discharged SP#36, revealed the patient was discharged with the husband after the procedure. She acknowledged, she did not document who accompanied the patient upon discharge.

Review of the GI Center log dated 01/31/2013 on 02/01/2013 revealed, the facility had corrective measures in place. Interim Sample Data was available and a monitoring log was in progress to ensure documnetation that all patients are accompanied by a responsible adult after the procedure.