HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record reviews, observations and interviews for six of six patients admitted to the Behavioral Health (BH) Unit of the emergency department (ED) (Patients #1,#6, #7, #8, #9 and #10), the hospital failed to inform the patients of monitoring devices in patient rooms. The finding include:

A tour of the BH unit in the ED was conducted with the Unit's Administrative Director (Director #2) on 1/18/12 at 10:40 AM. Observations noted four patient rooms within the unit with monitoring cameras in each room. Patient's #8 and #10 were observed in their rooms and could be visualized on a screen at the nursing station. The records of Patients #1, #6, #7 and #9 were also reviewed and indicated that they were admitted to the BHED on 1/2/12, 12/5/11, 7/13/11 and 1/16/12, respectively. The medical records of Patients #1 and #'s 7 through #'s 10 lacked documentation that the patients had been informed that they were being continuously monitored. Interview with Quality Management Staff on 1/18/12 at 2:30 PM noted that patients admitted to the BHED were not informed of the continuous monitoring by staff via monitoring devices. The hospital patient rights policy identified that patients have the right to considerate, respectful care and to receive an explanation of their treatment. The hospital did not have a policy regarding video monitoring in patient rooms.