Who you gonna call??? (not Ghostbusters!)

[mondkmondk]

Our facility had a meeting about this but I missed it and plan to talk to one of our DON's, but I just wondered what others did. Whenever we take a new order now, we are supposed to notify a resident's emergency contact; but what if no one is listed on the admission paper? Or, what if, under emergency contact, it simply says "self"??? Who should I call?

Blessings, Michelle

[morte, LPN, LVN]

hmmm unless that person has paper work that says they have the right to know everything about the patient, wouldnt this be a HIPAA violation?

[noc4senuf]

Been there, done that. Then you just make sure the resident themselves are aware. There is no one else to call.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

Personally, I throw a small hissy fit (not really - just figure of speech) when I get admit paperwork with no contact name/number (I am in LTC). Exactly who am I gonna call at 2 am to let someone know the Mrs X died? I really have told social services/admissions that I would be calling them at 2am if/when I need a contact name if one isn't supplied. Ah ha - no longer a problem!

[mamamerlee, LPN]

We receive phone calls about my MIL for specific orders - a change in a psychotropic, but not a BP med. If she fell, is running a fever, acting strange. Not for routine stuff - routine labs, dental care, etc.

[CherryAmes_RN]

if the pt is their own responsible party, we tell them... myself, i always explain the N/O with rationale & make sure they understand. and document, document, document! something like...

N/O: cipro 500mg PO BID x 7days, res. own responsible party & informed of N/O. res. verbalized understanding of ABT therapy as tx for UTI

OR...

N/O cipro 500mg PO BID x 7days. res. own responsible party & informed of N/O. res. agreeable however is unable to verbalize understanding of ABT therapy despite education"

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Cherry......great name...I've read all the books!