HospitalInspections.org

Based on the review of abuse and neglect policies and procedures and interviews with hospital staff, the hospital does not have mechanisms/methods defined in a policy that clearly describes the procedures to follow when a patient alleges abuse by a hospital employee.

Findings:

1. The hospital provided policies for review. The policies concerned child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse and spousal/domestic abuse concerning patients who present to the hospital. The policies did not clearly define the steps to be followed when a patient alleges abuse or neglect by a hospital employee or contract worker or contain the components to prevent, screen, identify, train, and report/respond to allegations of abuse/neglect .

2. Interviews with hospital staff on 04/13/10 in the afternoon verified that the hospital does not have a written policy that includes the required elements for effective abuse protection.