HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 patients was free from physical abuse. The facility failed to fully investigate an allegation of physical abuse. [ Citing Patient # 1 ]

Findings Include:

TX 00259991

Record review of complaint intake TX 000259991 read: "nurse hit my arm with the IV (intravenous line) in it and my right side of my neck".


Record review of the facility investigation dated 3-28-16 of the allegation by Patient ID # 1 of being hit by a nurse revealed the following: DON (Director of Nurses) ID # 56 documented that Patient # 1 was "lying in bed, visibly upset, perspiring on her forehead, and stated that an RN (registered nurse) hit me with her closed fist on my arm, hurting my neck".


Interview on 06-15-17 at 2:30 p.m. with ADON (Assistant Director of Nurses) ID # 55, she stated the ActionCu was an internal software system used for complaints and grievances. Anytime there was a complaint, it was entered into this system.


Record review on 06-24-17 of a facility "sample" form titled "ActionCu" revealed a "drop down" menu of categories; one of which was "Abuse". Different categories triggered different investigation actions. The category "Abuse" triggered actions related to "injury and treatment". Further review of the facility investigation failed to reveal a skin assessment of the area in which Patient # 1 alleged she was hit.


Record review of facility complaint and grievance log revealed there was a complaint filed by Patient # 1 on 03-28-2016. There was no completed "Action Cu" form with the "Abuse" category selected for Patient # 1.


In a telephone interview on 06-24-17 at 1:30 p.m. with DON ID#56 regarding the complaint from Patient # 1 being hit by Nurse # 52, she stated" I treated this as a complaint and not abuse".
Record review of facility " Patient Guide" undated, read: "Patient Rights and Responsibilities: As a patient you have the right: ...To receive care in a setting free from all forms of abuse or harassment ..."