HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review, observations, and interview, the facility failed to protect a patient's right to be free from all forms of abuse when the facility failed to report an allegation of a abuse for one out of three patients reviewed for allegations of aabuse, according to the State law. (Patient #1)

Findings include:
Review of facility policy #17667240, Abuse & Neglect-Reporting -Elderly and Disabled, last revised 3/12/2025, reflected the following:
" ...Procedures
A. Any Ascension Seton associate, or any contracted person with direct patient care duties, having cause to believe that any elderly and/or disabled adult (patient or non-patient) may be or has been abused, neglected, or exploited is to report to the appropriate state agency with investigative responsibility.
o If the alleged/suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred in a hospital, the report should be made to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) at 1-888-973-0022 ..."

During a telephone interview, on the morning of 8/18/25, Staff # University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) Officer, reported that he had been the Victims Services representative investigation the allegation that had been reported. He continued that the patient reported that a sitter attempted to inappropriately touch the patient's private area. This was called in by the supervisor of the hospital to the UTPD. When asked the outcome of the investigation he reported that they substantiated the allegation.

During an interview, on the morning of 8/18/25, Staff #1, Risk Manager, reported that after the investigation the facility determined that this was unsubstantiated and therefor did not need to be reported.