HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the patient's next of kin is clearly informed of the patient's discharge in a timely manner in one (#1) of 14 sample patients.

The findings include:

Clinical record review of Sample Patient (SP)#1 conducted from 9-10-12 to 9-12-12 revealed that she was admitted into the facility's Behavioral Unit on 7-20-12 and discharged to an Assisted Living Facility [ALF] on 7-30-12 at 1447. Documentation of the Social Worker dated 7-30-12 at 1630 included but not limited to: "called the patient's daughter [named] ...informed her that patient was discharged to [ALF]."

Review of the Behavioral Unit Social Worker's notes conducted from 9-10-12 to 9-12-12 showed in part: "7-30-12 at 1427: Patient is scheduled to be discharged today by [Psychiatrist]. Patient is going to be discharged to [ALF]. Patient is going to be transported via ambulance. Patient and caregiver conveyed to writer for her safety and compliance with medication and follow-up appointments."

Interview with the Behavioral Unit Social Worker conducted on 9-10-12 at 330pm revealed that she spoke with SP#1's daughter at the time [7-30-12 at 1427] and got her agreement for the ALF placement. She stated that SP#1's daughter even agreed to the follow-up appointments with the Psychiatrist and Medical Physician who does rounds in the said ALF.

Interview with the Vice President of Quality Management conducted on 9-11-12 at 1150am confirmed that the Social Worker's documentation on 7-30-12 at 1427 showed communication with SP#1 and her daughter. He stated that the notes did not clearly state that SP#1's daughter was informed of the discharge to the ALF at the time (1427) compared to the clearer documentation at 1630 - "called the patient's daughter - informed her that patient was discharged to [ALF]."