HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record review and staff interviews the facility failed for 1 of 5 patients, (patient #2), to ensure that the patient's health care surrogate is informed of the patient's rights. Failure to inform the patient's health care surrogate places the patient at risk of being denied their rights as defined by law.

Findings:

Review of the medical for patient #2 revealed a document titled DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA) AND DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE SURROGATE UNDER SECTIONS 709.08 AND 765. FLORIDA STATUTES. Review of the document revealed that patient #2's sibling is designated as the POA and health care surrogate. Review of the Record of Admission form dated 06/15/2010 revealed that the facility acknowledged that the sibling is the POA and health care surrogate for patient #2.

Review of the medical record revealed that the following forms provided to patient on admission were not signed by the POA or the patient.

1. Coordination of Benefits
2. Reimbursement Authorizations
3. Consent to Treat
4. Acknowledgment/Instruction Consent, (patient rights)
5. Rights of Persons in Mental Health Faculties and Programs

Interview with the Adult Program Manager on 08/03/2010 at 1:35 PM revealed that patient #2 was not capable of understanding the forms and the staff should have explained the forms to the POA/health care surrogate and had her sign them.