HospitalInspections.org

Intakes: TN00027020



Based on medical record review, observations, and interview, it was determined the facility failed to maintain the patient's right to personal privacy by video monitoring patients in rooms 126 and 127 without their consent and/or knowledge for 5 of 5 (Patientts #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) sampled patients who had been admitted in rooms 126 and 127.

1. Observations on 7/11/11 at 1:10 PM revealed a camera in room 126 and in room 127. Observations of the nurse's station at the end of the hallway in front of the exit stairwell revealed a mounted screen.

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) verified on 7/11/11 at 1:50 PM, the cameras in rooms 126 and 127 provided video monitoring and could be seen on the mounted screen at the nurse's station. The CNO stated the video monitoring was used for overflow Intensive Care patients who had been admitted to rooms 126 and 127. The CNO verified the video monitoring screen could be seen by visitors who were exiting the stairwell or standing at the nurse's station.

2. Medical record review for Patient's #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 who had been admitted to rooms 126 and 127 revealed no documentation the patients and/or family members had given consent for OR had been informed patients were monitored by video.

During an interview on 7/12/11 at 8:50 AM the CNO verified patients and/or family members who had been admitted to rooms 126 and 127 had not been informed and given consent for video monitoring.