HospitalInspections.org

Based on 1 of 10 (patient #1) clinical records reviewed, interview with hospital staff, review of complaint log and review of hospital policy the facility failed to make appropriate arrangements for discharge.

Findings include:

Hospital policy 7.15 "Discharge Planning Policy" dictates; "Evaluation of the discharge planning process will occur on an ongoing basis and be documented in the medical record. The attending physician and primary/team nurse are responsible for reassessing the discharge plan at the time of discharge to ensure the appropriateness of the plan."
A review of the patient's clinical record revealed that the healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA) had been activated as of 2007.
According to the complaint log; the morning of 12/08/2010 the patient was cleared for discharge and requested a taxi take him home. This was arranged by a staff nurse who was unaware of the patient's HCPOA being active. The patient made it home without incident.
Per interview with social worker B on 01/25/2010 at 10:30 AM it was discovered too late that the patient had been discharged. The patient's HCPOA had spoken to the SW about arrangements for transportation other than the taxi the patient actually took. When SW B found out the patient had left the hospital she called his home and the police department and was subsequently informed the patient had arrived home safely.
Per interview with Quality and Patient Safety Director A on 01/25/2010 at 11:10 AM the discharge was inappropriate and the HCPOA should have been called.
Despite the the patient's HCPOA being activated and the notification that someone would be collecting him form the hospital, staff allowed the patient to proceed home on his own.