HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview, the hospital failed to have adequate numbers of mental health technicians to provide care to all patients as needed. This deficient practice was evidenced by failing to meet the minimal staffing requirements as per the hospital staffing grid.
Findings:

Review of the hospital policy and procedure titled, Nursing Service effective 09/01/2011 and last revised on 08/11/2023 revealed, in part, numbers and types of nursing staff provided will be based on the needs of the patients, the qualifications and training of the nursing staff members, and the acuity of the department or unit. Further review revealed Inpatient Units: Additional nursing staff (registered nurses, practical nurses, or mental health technicians) will be scheduled and present onsite to meet the needs of the patients.

Review of the hospital nursing staffing grid revealed, in part, for a census of 15 and 16 on the inpatient unit, there should be 1 RN, 1 LPN, and 3 MHTs the day and night shift.

Review of the hospital inpatient Daily Nursing Assignment Sheet dated 10/13/2024, night shift revealed a patient census of 15. Further review revealed staffing consisted of 1 RN, 1 LPN, and 2 MHTs.

Review of the hospital inpatient Daily Nursing Assignment Sheet dated 10/15/2024, night shift revealed a patient census of 16. Further review revealed staffing consisted of 1 RN, 1 LPN, and 2 MHTs.

In an interview on 10/16/2024 at 2:24 p.m., S1Administrator confirmed the hospital inpatient unit did not meet the minimal staffing requirements on 10/13/2024 and 10/15/2024 night shifts. S1Administrator confirmed the inpatient unit should have had 3 MHTs.