HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview, it was determined that the Hospital failed to implement and maintain a system that ensures Administrative staff's knowledge of police activities within the Hospital, to assist in providing patient care in a safe setting. This potentially places all patients on census, at risk for harm.

Findings include:

1. The Hospital's policy entitled, "Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient at Advocate Health Care," (effective 3/14/18) included, "As an Advocate patient, it is your right...2. To receive care...and promotes your...safety".

2. Pt. #2's clinical record included a Social Worker's (SW) note dated 5/9/19 (not timed), "I was in my office and the Dr (doctor) (MD #3- Neonatologist) came into my office and asked, 'should this mother be making decisions on the baby because it may not be the baby's mother.' I did not know what the Dr was talking about. I did not receive any information prior to this day. A nurse left a note about Chicago Police visit the night before. I did not know the police came to see the baby."

- Another Social Worker's (SW) notes dated 5/9/19 at 4:24 PM included, "SW advised that the Chicago Police Department (CPD)-Special Victims Unit had been here regarding an ongoing investigation re: Pt. (Pt. #1). SW reviewed notes left by nursing at bedside about the CPD visit. SW discussed the case with (MD #3), nursing and chaplain. (MD #3) spoke with the detective who advised her to take protective custody of the Pt (Pt #2). No further information was given."

3. The SW note dated 5/10/19 at 11:34 AM included, "SW informed that the Chicago Police Department was here last night with a Search Warrant on Pt. (Pt. #2), so that DNA testing could be completed."

4. On 5/21/19 at approximately 3:28 PM, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) (MD #1) was interviewed. MD #1 stated "No one from Administration or a Public Safety Officer knew that the CPD was in the building interviewing staff. This information came forth only after the (CPD) identified (the connection between the biological father by collection of DNA) and linked it with DNA of Pt. #2 (newborn being treated at the Hospital). We (the Hospital Administration) heard about it in the news that a warrant for arrest (for Pt. #1) had been issued. The Administration had no direct communication with CPD."

5. On 5/22/19 from 3:18 PM to 3:34 PM, a meeting was conducted with E #1 (President of the Adult's Hospital), E #2 (President of the Children's Hospital on campus), E #3 (Social Worker in the NICU), E #8 (Director of Public Safety and E #9 (Director of Care Management). During this meeting:

-At approximately 3:18 PM, the President of the Adult's Hospital (E #1) and the President of the Children's Hospital (E #2) stated that when the Chicago Police Department or any Police Department come to the Hospital, they do not inform the Hospital or the Public Safety Department, that they are here and/or why they are here. There could be officers from different agencies in the Hospital at any time and the Hospital won't know why. They come and go frequently.