HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility documents, medical records (MR), and staff interviews (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to conduct an investigation of an allegation of abuse reported for one of one medical records reviewed (MR1).

Findings include:

Review on February 6, 2023 of facility policy, "Patient Rights and Responsibilities-Administrative" Approval Date: April 04, 2022 revealed, "Policy: A. In accordance with The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Depart of Health's Rules and Regulations for hospitals (103.21), the Joint Commission standards and the CMS guidelines (Section 482.13), Lehigh Valley Health Network provides this policy, in support of patients' interests and well-being, and to establish the expectations for patients' responsibilities to the organization...... III. Procedure: A. LVHN recognizes that its hospitals have certain responsibilities to their patients which include: 1. Patient Rights (a.) Complaints and Concerns: Patients and families have the right to speak with hospital staff about any concerns or complaints about their care. Patients have the right to expect a timely and understandable response to their complaint or grievance...."

Policy request made on February 22, 2023 to EMP2 via phone for the process in which the facility investigates complaint allegations. None available.

Review on February 7, 2023 of facility document Security Incident Report dated January 25, 2023 revealed, "Registered Nurse advised me that the incident possibly happened in the Intensive Care Unit at Muhlenberg Campus... "

Interview on February 7, 2023 with EMP6 at 11:00 AM confirmed, " We contacted law enforcement and did not conduct an internal investigation because we were not certain when the allegation actually occurred, where or who may have been involved...." Further interview with EMP6 confirmed the facility was aware of the allegation of abuse.