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MEDICAL BEHAVIORAL HOSPITAL - MISHAWAKA
PATIENT RIGHTS: FREE FROM ABUSE/HARASSMENT
Tag No.: A0145
Based on document review and interview, the facility failed to ensure patients were free from abuse and failed to ensure an encounter of staff to patient abuse was reported to the appropriate agencies in one (1) instance. (Patient # 10)
Findings include:
1. The hospital policy titled, "Patient Abuse and Neglect", PolicyStat ID 8797800, indicated the staff member involved would be reported to the Attorney General's office for patient abuse. Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Division of Mental Health would be notified of the incident of abuse. This policy was last revised in 01/2020.
2. The hospital policy titled, "Patient Rights and Responsibilities", PolicyStat ID number 10359862, indicated the patient shall receive care in a safe setting free from physical abuse. This policy was last revised in 09/2021.
3. Review of the "Incident Report" dated 01/30/2022, indicated a staff member had been accused of patient abuse. Patient # 10 stated his/her caregiver S # 12 (Nursing Assistant-NA) punched the patient eight (8) times in the face and choked him/her. The patient was observed to have bruising to both eyes.
4. Review of the Internal Investigation report indicated H # 2 (Psychiatric Hospital) had found the incident to be patient abuse. The incident would be reported to the Division of Mental Health and the Attorney General.
5. Review of patient # 10's medical record (MR) indicated the following:
a. Daily Nursing Narrative dated 01/30/2022 at 11:00 am - patient had bruises on his/her face. Facial bruises were observed above left eye and below right eye. The patient stated "some guy" hit him/her eight (8) times and choked him/her two (2) days ago. At 11:05 am the nurse documented he/she had notified A # 3 (Director of Nursing-DON and [an unidentified] Nurse Practitioner (NP) of patient's statement.
b. Medical Progress Note dated 01/30/2022 - Nursing reported abuse concern and will follow hospital policy and protocol.
6. In interview on 04/04/2022 at approximately 4:30 pm with A # 1 (Chief Executive Officer), confirmed H # 2 was late reporting the incident of abuse to the Attorney General and APS.