HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure the safety of patients when a report of abuse was not immediately documented and investigated as the facility's policy required.

Findings Include:

Staff #4, Director of Case Management stated, "... On 10/14/15 at 9:40 a.m. Patient #6 complained to the therapist that Staff #9, the nurse tech 'Was rough with him and that Staff #9 'threw him'..."
During an interview on 10/12/16 at 10:00 a.m. in the administration office Staff #2, CNO (Chief Nursing Officer), when asked if the alleged staff had been removed from patient care until the allegation of abuse was investigated, Staff #2, CNO said, "Patient #6 did not say he was abused." When the surveyor read the facility's policy on what is considered abuse Staff #2 stated, "No....I don't think he was scheduled, you would have to check the schedules..." Staff #2 confirmed an incident report was not completed for Patient #6's 10/14/15 complaint and was not investigated until 10/15/2015.
Review of the facility provided Customer Complaint or Grievance Policy (dated 3/3/2015) reflected ""DEFINITIONS...Grievance -...2. Complaint regarding the patient's care or with an allegation of abuse, neglect, patient harm,...Grievances involving situations that potentially endanger the patient such as neglect or abuse should be reviewed immediately. Upon notification, the patient will be immediately removed from any situation that may endanger the patient...."
Staff #2 was unable to provide the steps the facility took to protect Patient #6's and other patient's safety during the investigation into the allegation of abuse by a staff member.