HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record review, policy review and interview, the facility failed to ensure Patient #11 was notified of her rights.

Findings include:

Review of policy "Nursing Admission Procedures-PSY097" effective 01/2013 revealed the patient will sign the admission forms, release of information forms, patient rights forms, and phone consent form prior to or at the time of admission.

Review of Emergency Department (ED) documentation dated 11/12/14 revealed the patient was admitted to an inpatient unit at 3:40pm.

Review of the Notice of Privacy Practices form revealed "Absconded" is written under witness signature with no patient or personal representative signature noted.

Review of the Consent for Treatment and Payment Agreement, which includes acknowledgement of Patient Rights indicates the patient/family are unable to sign with "Absconded" listed as the reason.

Interview on 01/20/15 at 10:50am with Staff #14, RN, revealed that the patient signs the consent for treatment and that a copy of the Patient Rights is provided in the ED prior to the patient being transported to the inpatient area.

Interview on 01/21/15 at 10:30am with Staff # 1, Chief Safety Officer, verified that the consent forms and notice of privacy practices were not signed. Staff #1 stated she is unsure why registration would write "absconded" on consent forms when the patient was admitted.