HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of clinical records, interviews, and policy review, for two (2) of ten (10) patients' reviewed for patient rights, (Patient #1 and 2), the facility failed to maintain the patient's personal privacy. The finding includes the following:

Patient #1 presented to the facility on 8/31/17 with contractions and was admitted to the Labor and Delivery (L&D) Unit. Review of the clinical record indicated that the patient's labor halted and a cesarean section was performed on 9/1/17. Interview with the off shift Patient Care Manager #1 on 10/31/17 at 1:00 PM indicated that on 9/2/17 she was called to the post-partum unit for a patient complaint. PCM #1 stated that Patient #1 and Person #1 complained that a staff member took a picture of Patient #1, #2 (newborn), and Person #1 while in the triage area following delivery of the newborn.

Interview with the Assistant Patient Care Manager (APCM) of the L&D unit on 10/31/17 at 9:50 AM stated that on 9/2/17 she was notified by the PCM #1 that Patient #1 had complained that a staff member (Technician #1) had taken a picture of the patient and family. The APCM indicated that at that time the off shift PCM met with the patient to determine what happened and who was involved. The APCM indicated that she called Technician #1, who was on duty on 9/2/17 who admitted that she had taken two pictures of Patient #1, #2, and Person #1.

Interview with the Human Resources Representative on 10/31/17 at 11:15 AM indicated that he spoke with Technician #1 who admitted to taking two pictures. The Technician relayed that after a "couple" hours she realized she should not have taken photos with her personal cell phone and deleted both pictures. The technician denied showing the pictures to anyone and/or posting them on social media. The Human Resources Representative indicated upon completion of the investigation it was determined that the Technician had violated several hospital policy's and that it was a terminable offense. The Technician was informed on 9/6/17 that her employment was terminated as of that day. The Human Resources Representative obtained an attestation from the Technician on 9/7/17 that she took 2 photographs featuring a patient, her newborn and a family member, and that the photographs had been deleted.

The facility policy related to "Cameras and Other Recording Devices" indicated that to protect the privacy of patients, their families and visitors, cameras and other recording devices are only permitted in limited circumstances and only with the prior consent of the individuals being photographed.