HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility policy, review of medical records and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure each patient was able to exercise their patient's rights.

Findings included:

Facility Policy titled "Patient Rights" stated in part, "Purpose: The commitment to treat all patients with respect and dignity is an obligation of every HCA colleague and a fundamental principle of being part of HCA. We recognize the diverse backgrounds and cultural needs of our patients and strive to foster an inclusive environment through the provision of culturally competent care ...
Procedure: All patients are to be treated in a manner that preserves their dignity, autonomy, self-esteem, civil rights and involvement in their own care.
The patient rights notification at a minimum will address the following ... The right to receive considerate and respectful care, including consideration of cultural, spiritual, psychosocial and personal values, beliefs and preferences."

Review of the medical record for patient #1 revealed patient #1 was admitted to the facility on 10/1/18 for a 37-week intrauterine pregnancy. Patient #1's admission record dated 10/1/18 at 4:15 pm stated in part, "Cultural/Spiritual Practices:
Practices to Incorp [incorporate] in Care: Yes
ANNOTATIONS: NO MEN IN ROOM ..."

There were two males present during patient #1's C-section [Caesarean Section], a certified registered nurse anesthetists [CRNA] and a neonatal nurse practitioner [NNP]. She did not approve the NNP to be present during her procedure. The facility failed to comply with her wishes.

In an interview with staff #5 on the afternoon of 1/14/19, staff #5 stated, "I asked [nursing staff] what the practice was. Our NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] team said, 'We always meet the patient before.' I asked if there was anything documented regarding that, they did not have any." When asked if there was any pre-assessment or discussion regarding the NNP being male with patient #1 prior to the procedure, staff #5 stated, "There's nothing documented as far as that. I reached out to the NNP to see what kind of documentation there was before. Staff verbalized that normally the staff would introduce themselves but not necessarily document."