HospitalInspections.org

Chapter 51- 61.61(135B) Patient rights and responsibilities. The hospital governing board shall adopt a statement of principles relating to patient rights and responsibilities.
51.6(1) The statement of principles shall be made available to patients of the hospital


Based on observation, staff interviews, and review of document, 1 (of 1) offsite Critical Access Hospital (CAH) clinic failed to provide Patient Rights and Responsibilities to patients treated at the clinic.

The Clinic Manager reported the clinic sees approximately 570 patients a week.

Failure to inform patient and/or legal representative of their rights prior to furnishing or discontinuing care could place patient at harm for unnecessary treatment or not allow the patient to refuse unwanted treatment.

Finding included:

1. Tour of the hospital clinic on 12/15/10 at 9:00 AM revealed no evidence the Patient Bill of Rights document was available to patients of the clinic in the lobby or in patient exam/treatment rooms.

2. During an interview on 12/15/10 at 12:56 PM, the Clinic Director and Clinic Manager stated the clinic staff did not provide Patient Rights to the clinic patients.

During an interview on 12/15/10 at 1:03 PM, the Front Desk Check in Clerk stated we provide the patient with the notice of privacy practices.

During an interview on 12/15/10 at 1:05 PM, Staff A, Clinic Registered Nurse (RN), and Staff B, Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), stated the nursing staff do not hand out patient rights and thought at registration provided the patient rights.

3. Review of the " Notice of Privacy Practice " dated 4/14/03 on 12/15/10 revealed the following rights:
a. "...right to look at or get a copy of medical information..."
b. "...you have the right to request that we amend the records..."
c. "...you have the right to a list of those instances where have disclosed medical information about you..."
d. "...you have the right to request that medical information about you be communicated to you in a confidential manner..."
e. "...you may request in writing, that we not use or disclose medial information about you..."

4. Review of CAH policy titled " Patient Bill of Rights " on 12/15/10 showed the CAH administrative staff failed to incorporate the clinic in the Patient Bill of Rights policy.




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