HospitalInspections.org

Based on staff interview and review of personnel education documentation it was determined the facility failed to provide care in a safe setting by failing to ensure appropriate security mechanisms are in place to protect patients and failing to follow current standards of practice for patient environmental safety and security. Two (2) of twelve (12) security officers have not received the training required by the facility regarding de-escalation and restraints.
This has the potential to affect all patients by failing to ensure staff are providing appropriate security to ensure the safety and well being of patients which could result in negative patient outcomes.

Findings include:

1. An interview was conducted with the Human Resources Manager on 6/19/12 at approximately 1430. She stated a job description does not exist for security officers because they are contracted through a private agency. She stated she would provide "what she had" from the contracted agency regarding duties of their employment. She further stated all security officers/guards at this facility must take a "De-escalation and Restraint" class which the facility teaches. Verification of this education was requested for all security personnel.

2. In correspondence from the Operations Supervisor for the contracted agency to Beckley ARH Hospital (BARH) dated 6/19/12 timed 1423, states "security officers assigned to BARH are to complete other duties required by hospital staff."

3. An interview was conducted with the Assistant Administrators on 6/19/12 at approximately 0845. They stated it is the expectation of this facility that all security personnel receive training in crisis intervention.

4. Upon review of education for security personnel it was discovered two (2) of the twelve (12) security officers (Security Guard #1, 2) have not received the training regarding De-escalation and Restraints the facility requires. Security Guard #1 (SG1) has been employed since 2/9/12. SG2 has been employed since 9/29/11. SG#1 was a respondent and participant in the incident surrounding the complaint investigation.

5. An interview was conducted with the Education Coordinator on 6/20/12 at approximately 1325. She stated SG1 and SG2 have had no training in de-escalation or restraints. She further stated she does not know why this training has not taken place and agrees that it is a problem.

Based on staff interview and review of personnel education documentation it was determined the facility failed to ensure staff were educated, trained, and/or demonstrated knowledge in the use of non-physical intervention skills. Failure to ensure this training is in place and being exercised could result in negative patient outcomes. Two (2) of twelve (12) security officers have not received the training required by the facility regarding de-escalation and restraints. This has the potential to affect all patients by failing to ensure staff are trained in alternative techniques to facilitate the patient's safety and to avert escalation.

Findings include:

1. An interview was conducted with the Human Resources Manager on 6/19/12 at approximately 1430. She stated a job description does not exist for security officers because they are contracted through a private agency. She stated she would provide "what she had" from the contracted agency regarding duties of their employment. She further stated that all security officers/guards at this facility must take a "De-escalation and Restraint" class which the facility teaches. Verification of this education was requested for all security personnel.

2. In correspondence from the Operations Supervisor for the contracted agency to Beckley ARH Hospital (BARH) dated 6/19/12 timed 1423, states "security officers assigned to BARH are to complete other duties required by hospital staff."

3. An interview was conducted with the Assistant Administrators on 6/19/12 at approximately 0845. They stated it is the expectation of this facility for all security personnel to receive training in crisis intervention.

4. Upon review of education for security personnel it was discovered two (2) of the twelve (12) security officers (Security Guard #1 and #2) have not received the training regarding De-escalation and Restraints the facility requires. Security Guard #1 (SG 1) has been employed since 2/9/12. SG 2 has been employed since 9/29/11. SG #1 was a respondent and participant in the incident surrounding the complaint investigation.

5. An interview was conducted with the Education Coordinator on 6/20/12 at approximately 1325. She stated SG 1 and SG 2 have had no training in de-escalation or restraints. She further stated she does not know why this training has not taken place and agrees that it is a problem.