HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of facility policy, medical records (MR), and interview with staff (EMP), it was determined that facility staff failed to follow their policy for transfer of patients to another facility for one of ten medical records reviewed (MR1).

Findings include:

Review of facility policy "Transfer of Patient to Another Medical Care Facility" effective October 2009, revealed "1) No patient shall be transferred to another Medical Care facility unless prior arrangements have been made and the patient has been accepted for admission to that facility.... 3) Each patient shall have the right to receive treatment by a duly licensed physician of his choice, and shall have the freedom of selecting placement in available facilities.

1) A review on November 4, 2010, of MR1 revealed the patient was transferred to another facility on December 23, 2009. A review of MR1 lacked documented evidence that the receiving facility had accepted the patient, and that the family was notified or had selected the facility to be transferred to.

2) An interview conducted on November 4, 2010, at 9:30 AM with EMP1, EMP2, and EMP3 confirmed there was no documentation in the medical record that the receiving facility had accepted the patient. EMP1, EMP2, and EMP3 also confirmed there was no documentation that the family was notified or had selected the facility to be transferred to.