HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review the facility failed to uphold the rights of patients to make a fully informed consent. Three (3) of five current sampled patients signed consents for telemedicine consultations that were incomplete ( Patient ID s# # 3,4,6)

Findings included:

Record review if facility policy titled "Informed Consent," last approved 07/2016, showed: E. Manner of Obtaining Consent:...3. Prior to the patient or their Representative signing, consent forms are to be completed fully and accurately with no abbreviations, blanks, or misspellings..."

Record review with Staff -F, Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) on 08/24/2023 of five (5) current patient records showed the following:

-Patients ID's 3, 4, 6 medical records contained the same form titled "Telemedicine Consent Forms." This form listed risks and benefits of telemedicine technology. It also contained a statement that the patient's health care provider had explained how the telemedicine technology was used to do a consultation.

-All three consent forms ( Patient ID # 3 , 4, 6) the section for their "healthcare provider's" name was left blank; and the section for the "telemedicine consultant's" name was left blank. All 3 consents were signed and dated by the patients.

During an interview on 08/24/2023 at 10:45 AM with Staff -F, LVN, she stated all patients were asked to sign the telemendicne consent on admission in case there was a need for a cardiology or nephrology or some other consult.

During an interview on 08/24/2023 at 2:15 PM with Staff-B, Quality Director, she said all consents should be completed fully before patients were asked to sign them.