HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview, it was determined that the Hospital failed to ensure care in a safe setting by not providing formal suicide screening education and training to the Social Service staff.


Findings include:


1. The Medical Social Work's Job Description and Performance Appraisal, required, "...This position is also responsible for completing psychosocial assessments, providing counseling/emotional support, assessing and managing cases of suspected abuse, and advocating for patient rights...2. Responsibility: Knowledge and application of [Hospital] policies and procedures that apply to job and area of responsibility."

2. On 7/15/2020 at 9:35 AM, an interview was conducted with the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (E#5). E #5 stated that the Social Services staff have not received formal training on suicide screening and assessment of inpatients.

3. On 7/15/2020 at approximately 2:30 PM, the Associate Vice President of Quality (E #1). E #1 presented a required training module designed for the nursing staff. The module included suicide training that instructs the nurses to complete a Columbia-Suicide Severity Scale (suicide screening tool) on admission to the unit, every shift, and with any behavior change. E#1 stated that this is a required training for the nurses but has not been required for the Social Workers. E #1 stated that the Social Workers will be trained on the suicide risk screening and assessment tool beginning next week.