HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility documents, medical record (MR) and interview with staff (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to protect a patient from abuse in one of four medical records reviewed (MR1).

Review on April 1, 2024, of facility policy "Patient Abuse Allegations" dated November 14, 2022, revealed ... I. POLICY: This policy outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers in recognizing, treating, and reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect of minors, persons with disabilities and the elderly. UPMC patients have the right to be free from mental, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This policy provides clinical guidance regarding the assessment of, and appropriate interventions indicated in cases of abuse or suspected abuse. II. PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to assure that patients shall be treated with consideration, respect and with full recognition of their dignity and individuality. Any suspected occurrence of abuse or neglect will be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, remedial action will be promptly taken. UPMC Pinnacle shall take reasonable measures to ensure that patients are not subject to abuse. ... IV. DEFINITIONS A. Abuse is the infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, harassment, intimidation or punishment with resulting physical harm or pain, mental anguish, or deprivation by an individual, including a caretaker, of goods or services that are necessary to attain or maintain physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This presumes that instances of abuse of patients, even those in a coma, cause physical harm or pain, or mental anguish B. Types of Abuse ... 5. Financial- The illegal or unauthorized use of a person's property, money, pension, or other valuables ... 2. Special Considerations prior to starting the investigation ... e. If at any time the patient notifies the Police and the Police become involved with the investigation, the legal department will be consulted by the director of regulatory prior to beginning an investigation of abuse. (i) It is still recommended that an internal investigation occur even in situations when Police are involved. 3. Initial steps taken when alleged abuse is reported. a. The department supervisor who is made aware of the report of alleged abuse is responsible for: (i) Ensuring the patient is safe and communicating with the patient the steps that will be taken to investigate the concerns. (ii) The alleged event is entered timely into the incident reporting system. (iii) The alleged employee is notified of the reported abuse and is suspended until the investigation is completed. .... VI. DOCUMENTATION A. A file with a summary of the investigation and other significant reports and documents will be maintained by the Director of Regulatory. These files will contain evidence of the complaint, the investigation, the outcome of the investigation, follow-up communications with the patient or the patient ' s legal representative and, where required, notification of the appropriate licensing or accreditation agencies ...."

Review on April 1, 2024, of facility policy "Patient Rights/Organizational Ethics" dated December 20, 2023, revealed "... You have the right to: 1. Receive respectful care given by competent personnel in a setting that: ... c. is free from all forms of abuse, exploitation or harassment or neglect ..."

A review on April 1, 2024, of MR1 revealed the patient was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) on January 22, 2024, for acute renal failure. The patient passed away at the hospital on January 25, 2024.

Interview conducted on April 1, 2024, with EMP8 revealed the hospital was made aware by the police on March 14, 2024, that EMP9 was being investigated for an allegation of using a deceased patient's (MR1) credit card.

A review of the Staffing schedule revealed that EMP9 was on the staffing sheet and assigned on March 14, 2024, from 7:00 PM to March 15, 2024, 7:00 AM, following the facility being made aware of the allegation.

On April 1, 2024, a request for the abuse investigation was made. No investigation was provided.

Interview conducted on April 2, 2024, with EMP8 confirmed that the alleged theft of the credit card was financial abuse per the policy and that the employee worked a 12-hour shift after the facility was made aware of the allegation by the Police. Further interview confirmed that the facility did not conduct an abuse investigation.