Community Grievance Decision Digest

TOILETS AND GROOMING, ACCESS TO

THE LAW:

Each patient shall... "Have a right to a humane psychological and physical environment within the hospital facilities..."

§ 51.61(1)(m), Wis. Stats. [Emphasis added.]

“Each inpatient shall be assisted to achieve maximum capability in personal hygiene and self-grooming and shall have reasonable access to:

  1.       Toilet articles;

  2.       Toothbrush and dentifrice;

  3.       A shower or tub bath at least once every 2 days, unless medically contraindicated;  ...

  5.       Shaving equipment and facilities."

HFS 94.24(2)(f), Wis. Admin. Code [Emphasis added.]

"1. Each inpatient shall have unscheduled access to a working flush toilet and sink, except when the patient is in seclusion or for security reasons or when medically contraindicated.

2.   Upon request of the patient, the legal guardian of an incompetent patient or the parent of a minor, staff of the same sex shall be available to assist the patient in toileting or bathing.

3.   Every patient in isolation or seclusion shall be provided an opportunity for access to a toilet at least every 30 minutes."

HFS 94.24(2)(i), Wis. Admin. Code [Emphasis added.]

[Note:  See also, Restraint and Seclusion section for toilet access during restraint and/or seclusion and Privacy in Toileting and Bathing section in this Digest.]

DECISIONS:

[None at this time.]

Last Updated: November 13, 2006