HospitalInspections.org

Based on policy review, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure staff promoted a safe environment for patients related to the return of personal belongings at discharge for 1 of 3 (Patient #1) sampled patients.

The findings included:

1. Review of the facility's "Patient Valuables-Lost and Found" policy (6/2020) revealed, "PURPOSE...To promote safety by providing guidelines for the proper documentation, responsibility and accountability in handling patient's personal items, including valuables from time of entrance to the facility until discharge from the facility...At the time of discharge, the staff will retrieve all patient belongings stored on the unit and inventory them in the patient's presence. The staff and patient will verify the contents are all present. Stall [staff] will document the return of the items in the clinical record..."

2. Medical record review for Patient #1 revealed an admission date of 11/7/2021 with a diagnosis of Suicidal Ideation. Patient #1 was discharged on 11/11/2021. Review of the "Admission Checklist" which included valuables and clothing items, revealed Patient #1 signed the form at discharge on 11/7/2021, but no staff member signature was documented at discharge.

In an interview on 2/1/2022 at 2:00 PM, the Vice President (VP) of Quality verified the facility's policy for return of personal items at discharge had not been followed. The VP of Quality stated there should have been a staff member signature at discharge, along with the patient's signature. This would have helped ensure the patient received all personal belongings at discharge.