HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interviews and policy/ procedure review, the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) failed to provide patients their rights when admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) in accordance with CAH policy. The administrative staff stated they evaluate 220 patients in ED a month.

Failure to provide patient's their rights could result in patients not receiving appropriate care or care the patient might refuse.

Findings include:

1. Observation during a tour of the ED with Staff A, Utilization Manager/Quality Coordinator reported that Patient's Rights information was not posted or readily available to patients presenting in the ED.

2. During an interview on 6/21/11 at 11:05 AM, Staff B Registered Nurse (RN), stated the ED staff was not giving patients a copy of their rights when evaluated in the ED.

a. During an interview on 6/21/11 at 2:00 PM, Staff A said patients were not receiving their rights when presenting to the ED. Training for the admitting personnel included notifying a nurse when patients present to the ED. The admitting personnel do not admit patients to the ED. ED staff were required to document they had provided the Patient rights information to the patients however, the staff were not documenting the information.

b. During an interview on 6/21/11 at 2:45 PM, Staff C, RN said CAH staff had not posted the patient rights information in the ED. Staff C said patients do not receive a copy of their rights in the ED.

3. Review of the CAH policy titled Patient Rights and Responsibilities, revised 5/2003 stated in part.... "Stewart Memorial Community Hospital presents a Patient's Bill of Rights with the expectation that observance of these rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient, his physician and the hospital as a whole. A copy of the Patient's Rights will be given to all inpatients upon admission."