compliance phone numbers

[anurseadvocate]

Hello All: I am interested if your unit has posted a phone number whereby we can, as staff, call to report either deficiencies or other areas of care that are improper. I don't know if it is a federal regulation or the result of some law suit that says you must provide a confidential number for staff to call to report that which they feel is being done incorrectly, or for anything that is of concern to them.. thanks,

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

You mean like whistle-blowing? Or...the number to the board of nursing, public health, insurance industry? Ombudsman?

Not sure what you mean?

[anurseadvocate]

None of the above.... Many units have a sign that gives staff information on where to call if they see something that is not correct or have concerns about something.... It is not 'whistleblowing' as I see 'whistleblowing'. Often these compliance numbers are the result of some law suit, in my understanding, that allows staff a way to be anonymous without retaliation... e.g. if their unit is not conducting safe water practices and they have brought to attention of manager and nothing was done to correct situation, this hot line gives them an outlet.. and ensures patients will get appropriate care etc.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmmmm.....not sure - I'll look around today. Since I'm not an employee, I've never had need to look for a phone number.

I know when I go to nursing homes, there is a state ombudsman program and that number is plastered in big, big numbers all over the place. However, that is pts and families.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Okay - was in two FMC units yesterday and there is a phone number posted in each breakroom (by the time clock) where employers can report concerns.

[anurseadvocate]

I wonder how often these numbers are used by staff. In recent conversation with a tech I was informed that if he witnessed an incorrect practice that he would not report it. I asked why and his comment was astounding "it just is not done". I tried to explain the importance of reporting incidents that would result in potential or actual harm and his responsibility but he did not get it.