HospitalInspections.org

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Based on document review and staff interview, in one (1) of seven (7) medical records reviewed, the facility did not ensure that an investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse was timely completed. This finding was evident in 1 of 7 grievance reports reviewed (Patient #1).

Findings include:

Review of the grievance report at Hospital A revealed that on 03/27/2024, staff received a report from Hospital B that Patient #1 reported that an ED staff sexually abused her in the Emergency Department at Hospital A.
A review of the facility's investigation report on 04/19/2024 revealed the facility initiated an investigation of the alleged sexual abuse on 03/27/2024.

There was no documentation found that indicated the investigation was completed as of 04/19/2024.

A review of facility policy and procedure titled "Patient Complaint and Grievance," effective March 2017, states, " ... All grievances will be referred to Patient Relations for intake; acknowledgment and appropriate distribution for investigation. A written acknowledgment must be sent within (7) days of receipt of the grievance.
4. All grievances will be investigated by the appropriate Managers and/or Directors of the area(s) involved in the grievance. The results of the investigation and/or follow-up will be communicated to the complainant and/or designee in a timely manner. Written responses will be generated to the complainant within 30 days or less from the time the grievance is received, or an extension letter will be sent if the grievance is more complicated and requires additional investigation ..."

The time frame established in the policy for grievance resolution is not timely, and the policy did not address the timely investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.

As per the interview of Staff I (Chief Nursing Officer) on 04/17/2024 at 1:00 PM, the investigation of sexual assault made by Patient #1 has not been completed.

On 04/19/2024, at 12:00 PM, during an interview with Staff B (Behavioral Health Quality Manager), she stated that the investigation was still in progress. Staff B acknowledged that Patient #1's grievance was not acknowledged within seven days as per the facility's policy.