ST MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: SDKV11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: ST MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on interview, the facility failed to ensure the privacy of Patient 1 when video monitoring of her activities in her hospital room was viewed by visitors on the nursing unit. Findings: In a group interview on 7/22/14 at approximately 9:45 AM, the Privacy Officer (PO) stated Patient 1 was in the facility for acute rehabilitation. Patient 1 wanted a quieter room with the door shut. Since Patient 1 was on Fall Risk Precautions the nursing staff was reluctant to have her in a room where they could not hear her. As a compromise the staff moved Patient 1 to another room on the unit which video monitoring equipment and where they (the staff) felt more comfortable having the door closed. Patient 1 was placed on the video monitoring without being aware that this had happened.The PO continued that on 6/18/14 while ambulating in the hallway, another patient's visitors approached Patient 1 and told her they could see her on the video monitor while she was in her bed. Patient 1 complained to the nurses about this lack of privacy. The PO confirmed that the monitor screen was visible to others passing in the hallway, and stated the video cameras were discontinued.The PO stated she did not believe that an Informed Consent had been obtained from Patient 1 to use video monitoring of Patient 1's in-room activities. During this group interview, the Senior Director of Nursing confirmed that there was no Informed Consent by Patient 1 allowing the video monitoring.The PO stated she did not think the hospital had a policy and procedure for video monitoring. During this group interview, the Director of Quality & Care Management confirmed the hospital did not have a policy and procedure regarding the use of video monitoring.

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: Patients' Rights