HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review, medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to investigate an allegation of patient abuse. This was found in one (1) of 30 medical records (MR) reviewed. (Patient #1).

Findings include:
Review of the medical record for Patient #1 revealed the patient arrived at the hospital on 6/23/17 at 1:08 via EMS and in police custody with handcuffs. On arrival the patient was noted to be aggressive and not cooperating with care givers.
On 6/23/17 at 1453 (2:53 PM), the physician documented that patient reports she told a nurse that she would spit on him if he touched her, and made comments about him being an immigrant before he threw a blanket over her head and slammed her head against the wall, while her hands were handcuffed to her back. The Physician also documented that a report was created and sent to the Justice Center.

During interview on 8/2/17 at 2:00 PM, Staff C, Director of Nursing Services for the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) verified that the incident was not logged in the facility's Incident Log or in the Justice Center's Log.

On 8/3/17 approximately 10:00 AM, a copy of the Incident Report was presented to surveyors by Staff C. The copy presented was from Staff G's, (RN) personal storage cabinet. Staff C stated that unless the Justice Center notify's the Nursing Department, investigations of abuse are not started.

On 8/4/17 at about 11:15 AM, Staff C verified that the report had not been reviewed and the allegation of abuse was not investigated.

A review of the facility policy titled: "Patient Safety: Abuse Prevention and Response," Effective 5/2015 states: "All instances of patients alleging having been subjected to abuse/neglect by another patient, staff or visitor while under the care of Jacobi Medical Center must be immediately reported so that patient safety issues can be immediately addressed and the allegation of abuse/neglect can be investigated and addressed".