Observations
Based on a review of the facility's policy and procedure manual and an interview with the facility director, the facility failed to follow their written policy and procedure on client searches during intake.
The findings include:
An onsite investigation was completed on February 23, 2011. The facility's policy and procedure manual was reviewed. The facility's policy titled, "Client Searches and Contraband" states that the search includes a body search, which shall be conducted by staff members of the same sex.
During an interview with the facility director, he admitted that a female client had been searched by a male nurse on 1/14/11.
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Plan of Correction
Because of the small size of the facility and associated staffing, it is not always possible to do a same-sex body search. The facility has already identified this as a problem and submitted a revised body search policy to corporate administration for review and approval on 2/10/2011. The facility has also adopted and implemented the new policy on an interim basis also effective 2/10/2011 pending official approval. The new policy recognizes that same-sex searches are not always possible but provides for additional measures to ensure patient privacy. Medical exam screens have been purchased and are being used to allow patients to undress unobserved by the staff. Patients change into a hospital gown and a staff member searches their clothing. Following the clothing examination, patients are allowed to re-dress behind the screen again unobserved by the staff. Patients are offered a same-sex search if same-sex staff members are available. Staff has been trained on the revised search procedures by the Regional Administrator and Regional Nurse Coordinator during the February facility staff meetings and nursing department meetings. The Regional Nursing Coordinator will be responsible for on-going training, monitoring and compliance with the policy. All new staff who will be responsible for conducting searches will be trained during new staff orientation. The nursing coordinator will also observe searches on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the policy. |