HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of grievance records and interviews with patients and staff, the facility failed to thoroughly investigate a grievance for 1 (Patient #1) of 10 patients' records reviewed to ensure a thorough investigation of patient rights to be free from abuse or harassment.


The findings include:


On 8/29/14, a review of the grievance log documented Patient #1 reported Staff A "engaged in inappropriate conduct towards her." This incident happened on 8/27/14. The hospital conducted an investigation at that time. An interview was conducted with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at 10:35 a.m. on 9/17/14. She said the charge nurse reported this to her and the Sexual Abuse Policy was activated. This allegation of sexual abuse was presented to the risk manager and she started this investigation. On 9/17/14, the Risk Manager (RM) was on vacation and was unable to be reached by phone. The CNO was able to find the grievance file in the RM's office. A review of the grievance investigation indicated the hospital reported this to the Department of Children and Families and the county sheriff's office. It was documented the hospital interviewed other staff members and physicians concerning this incident. The nursing schedule was reviewed. The nursing schedule documented Staff A was assigned to Patient #1 on 8/26/14, 8/27/14 and 8/29/14. Staff A was placed on suspension immediately and continues to be on suspension pending the outcome of the sheriff's investigation.

An interview was conducted with the CNO at 2:00 p.m., on 9/17/14 This grievance investigation did not indicate if any other patients were interviewed concerning sexual abuse. The CNO said she did not know if this happened or not. A review of the nursing schedule on 8/26/14, 8/27/14 and 8/29/14, noted Staff A had other patients on his assignment. The CNO was not able to identify if these other patients were male or female. A review of the census for 9/17/14, noted these patients are no longer at the hospital.

An interview was conducted with the chief executive officer (CEO) at 2:15 p.m. on 9/17/14. He stated he is not aware if other patients Staff A was assigned to were interviewed during their investigation. The CNO and CEO were asked if this investigation is complete since the RM (who was conducting this investigation) is on vacation or was this investigation given to someone else to conduct while she is on vacation. The CNO and CEO said no one was given this task to complete while the RM is on vacation. The CNO and CEO think this investigation is complete on their part. They are waiting for the sheriff's department to finish their investigation to see what the outcome of Staff A's employment status will be. The hospital did not thoroughly investigate this allegation of sexual abuse by not interviewing other patients Staff A was assigned to or other patients at the hospital and other employees about their knowledge of the incident.