HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview, the Governing Body failed to ensure the facility's grievance policy was followed for 1 of 1 patient (patient #1).

Findings include:

During an interview on 12/19/13 at 11:30am, staff #1 reported the following:
-Patient #1 made accusations of being called ugly names;
-Patient #1 made accusations of having her pain medications taken away by staff (patient controlled pain medication pump was discontinued by the physician);
-Patient #1 then stated she had an attorney (she named a local attorney and law firm) and was seeking to sue the facility;
-When a patient has obtained legal counsel, the complaint is turned over to risk management.

Staff #1 provided hand written notes regarding this encounter and the immediate investigation. Staff #1 could not provide evidence the matter was submitted to the risk manager.

During an interview on 12/19/13 at 11:45am, the risk manager reported there was no evidence patient#1's complaint was referred to risk management.

Review of facility policy ADM.08.01.0016, "Patient Rights: Complaint/Grievance Process," revealed the following: "Questionable issues associated with potential claims against the facility will be referred to the Risk Management Department."