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LAS VEGAS-AMG SPECIALTY HOSPITAL
PATIENT RIGHTS: CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS
Tag No.: A0146
Based on interview, record review, and policy reveiw, the facility did not ensure the privacy for 1 of 3 sampled patients (Patient #1).
Findings include:
Patient #1 was admitted to the facility on 10/03/2012, with diagnoses that included endocarditis and bacteremia.
An interview was conducted with Patient #1 on 10/23/2012, at 9:16 AM. Patient #1 stated that a doctor sat with him in the lobby to discuss his medical condition and medications. Patient #1 stated he asked the physician not to talk about his condition so loudly "with people walking by". He stated he asked him to use a "normal voice" twice.
The administrator stated that she had witnessed the incident and an incident report had been filed. She indicated the incident was under investigation. She further stated the physician involved "talks loud". She stated she did not remember seeing anyone else walking around at the time, but conceded there could have been people in the vicinity.
A Social Service Note, dated 10/17/2012 at 2:01 PM, stated the Social Worker "met (with Patient #1) later who stated he would like another doctor as (the physician that spoke with him in the lobby) 'did not respect his privacy'. " The facility later arranged for the patient to have another physician. During the interview with Patient #1 on 10/03/2012, he stated he was happy with the care provided to him by the new physician.
The facility policy, titled "Notice of Privacy Practices", and dated 01/2010, stated in part, "Progressive Hospital is required by law to"Maintain the privacy of your health information".
The facility policy, titled "Patient Rights: Patient Complaint and Grievance Process", stated in part, "Consistent with our mission and values, Progressive Hospital supports the assurance of patient rights which include...personal privacy".
The Administrator stated patients were given a document titled, "Patient Rights and Responsibilities", which stated patients have the right "to every consideration of his/her privacy regarding his/her medical care".