Community Grievance Decision Digest
PRIVACY - OTHER
THE LAW:
Each patient shall...
"Have reasonable protection of
privacy in such matters as toileting and bathing."
§ 51.61(1)(s), Wis. Stats. [Emphasis
added.]
NOTE: See also Privacy in Toileting and Bathing
DECISIONS
- An inpatient complained about lack
of interactions with staff during her six-day stay.
Each patient’s needs and perceptions are unique, and staff
cannot use a “one size fits all” approach.
There is a thin line
between respect for a patient’s
privacy and choices (e.g. to not have many interactions with
others and to be given personal space), and
going too far in the other direction (e.g., in trying to probe for
interaction with many questions).
In the latter instance, the patient could have complained that
she was not respected and not given reasonable space or privacy. Here,
the record reflects a
reasonable degree of staff attentiveness and vigilance and, in the
latter part of the stay, more discussion with her about issues.
It was concluded that the patient’s right
to a humane psychological and physical environment was not
violated in this circumstance. (Level III decision in Case No.
99-SGE-08 on 3/23/01.)
Last Updated: November 08, 2006 |
