HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview, the hospital failed to ensure any incidents of abuse or neglect were reported as required by applicable local, State, and Federal Laws and Regulations. This deficient practice was evidenced by failure of the hospital to report two patient elopement incidents from the emergency department within 24 hours to Louisiana Department of Health- Health Standards Section for 2 (#2, #3) of 3 (#1, #2, #3) sampled patients' complaints reviewed.

Findings:

Review of hospital policy titled "Abuse & Neglect: Identifying and Reporting Cases" revealed in part:
VI: Incidents of allegations and/or suspicion of abuse/neglect occurring within the facility:
This will self-report knowledge of incidents of allegations and/or suspicion of abuse/neglect occurring within the facility in accordance with the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section, Self-Reporting Process for Hospitals Abuse/Neglect.

A review of Patient #2's incident report revealed Patient #2 eloped from the emergency department on 08/13/2021. Further review revealed the hospital reported the alleged neglect to Louisiana Department of Health- Health Standards Section on 08/18/2021, 5 days later.

In an interview on 10/14/2021 at 1:58 p.m. S4Qual verified the hospital abuse/neglect initial report for Patient #2 was sent to Louisiana Department of Health- Health Standards Section 5 days after the alleged neglect.


A review of Patient #3 incident report revealed Patient #3 eloped from the emergency department on 09/16/2021 at 1150. He was returned to the emergency department at 11:58 a.m. Further review revealed the hospital failed to report the alleged neglect to Louisiana Department of Health Standards Section.

In an interview on 10/14/2021 at 8:55 a.m., S4Qual verified Patient #3 had eloped from the emergency department and the hospital did not notify Louisiana Department of Health Standards Section.


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