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THE BEHAVIORAL CENTER OF MICHIGAN
PATIENT RIGHTS: NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Tag No.: A0116
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that all patients had the right to utilize the phones during posted phone times, resulting in the potential for unmet communication needs. Findings include:
On 6/25/24 between 1115 and 1230 during a tour of the facility, phone use signs were observed posted next to facility provided patient phones listing the times patients could use the phone. The phone use times compared to the posted group time schedule revealed the following:
Telephone use times posted: Group times posted:
8-9 am 8-830 am- Mental Health Tech (MHT) Community Group
12-1 pm 12 pm - Medications, 12:30 - 2 pm Yoga/Relaxation
2-3 pm 2 -3 pm - Rec Therapy Group
5-6 pm 5 pm - Medications, 5 - 6:30 pm Nursing Group
8-9 pm 8:30- 9 pm - Wrap up, 9 pm Medication
On 6/25/24 between 1115 and 1230, interviews were conducted with patients P-7 and P-10. These patients stated that phones are turned off during group sessions and that phone times and group time overlap.
On 6/26/24 at 1022, an interview was conducted with Chief Administrative Officer Staff A. Staff A was questioned if therapy sessions were limiting phone use and Staff A replied, "Phone times are between activity therapy sessions."
On 6/26/24 at 1055, a second interview was conducted with Staff A. Staff A stated she reviewed the telephone schedule and there is some overlap with therapy times.
On 6/26/24 at 1130, interviews were conducted with P-17 and P-18. These patients stated that phones were turned off during group time. P-17 did report one phone was out of service yesterday.
On 6/26/24 at 1500, a review of the facility's policy titled, "Communication by Mail, Telephone and Visits" dated 4/15/24 revealed: "A resident is entitled to unimpeded, private, and uncensored communication with others by mail and telephone and to visit with persons of his or her choice ...Patient may use the telephone during posted hours unless a restriction is required for therapeutic reasons ...Incoming and out-going calls may be made by patients between 7:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m., except during scheduled program activities....All patient telephones will be turned off during scheduled program activities."