HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interviews with hospital staff, the hospital did not ensure evidence of an evaluation of the patient's condition was performed to assure Patient # 1 was able to drive himself home without the threat of harm to himself or others.

Findings:

1. Patient # 1's patient record documented the following:

a. Patient #1 arrived to the emergency department by private vehicle unaccompanied on 05/07/11 at approximately 0945.

b. Patient #1 had a laproscopic appendectomy at approximately 1547 on 05/07/11.

c. Patient #1 left in a wheelchair accompanied by attendant at approximately 1740 on 05/08/11.

d. Patient #1 had pain medication at approximately 1350 on 05/08/11.

2. Documentation in Patient #1's chart did not have evidence the patient's discharge condition was stable enough to drive himself unaccompanied.

3. Hospital staff verified on 09/27/11 in the afternoon that there was no assessment by nursing that documented the patient's condition to drive himself unaccompanied.