HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview, it was determined that for 1 of 10 patients (Pt #1), the Hospital failed to ensure patient privacy by allowing visitors in the patient room during a procedure without patient consent.

Findings include:

1. A transthoracic echocardiogram was completed at Pt #1's bedside, in Pt #1's hospital room, which was shared with another patient, on 10/1/2025.

2. During an interview on 12/12/2025 at approximately 10:45 AM with the Cardiac Sonographer, (E #3), E #3 noted visitors for the other patient were in the room at the time of Pt #1's procedure, stating, "Their conversation was very colorful." E #3 noted the roommate patient stating "I haven't had a man in a long time. I need a man." E #3 stated "the daughter told the roommate she needed to be quieter, telling her "You can't say that." E #3 stated the roommate then said to the elderly male "You haven't been with a woman in a long time. You need to find a woman." E #3 noted Pt #1's eyes getting wide and stating Pt #1's eyes were "very expressive, like I can't believe they're saying that." E #3 additionally stated "There was awkward conversation happening." During a subsequent interview with E #3 on 12/12/2025 at approximately 3:50 PM, E #3 noted she did not ask the visitors to leave the room for the procedure, stating "We just never do. It's pretty customary to just continue the test." E #3 further stated "I never had any interaction (with the visitors). I pulled the curtain closed and kept my patient separate."

3. During an interview with E #1 on 12/12/2025 at approximately 1:30 PM, E #1 noted the Hospital does not have a specific policy for bedside procedures. E #1 further stated "We follow HIPAA as much as we can, and try to provide as much privacy as we can. We don't have a policy that says we have to have other people leave."