UT-Harris County Psychiatric Center
Nursing Procedures

Patient Supervision for Off-Campus Appointments

Nursing

Harris County Psychiatric Center: Office Administration

All patient off-campus appointments (for example clinical consultation, radiology) must be ordered by the medical staff. Involuntary patients may not leave for off-campus appointments with the exception of medical or dental emergencies

off-campus appointments, patient supervision, staff-to-patient ratio 1:1, escort

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Date of Last Review: 5/19/08
SME: Associate Director of Nursing

All patient off-campus appointments (for example clinical consultation, radiology) must be ordered by the medical staff. Involuntary patients may not leave for off-campus appointments with the exception of medical or dental emergencies.

Procedure:

1. Each patient leaving for an off-campus appointment must have an appropriate ID bracelet.

2. The recommended staff-to-patient ratio is 1:1, with the exception of radiology which is determined on a case-by-case basis. The escort will be the same gender as the patient when escorting female patients.

2.1 When possible, the same sex gender will be utilized for escorting male patients.

3. If the patient is transported by hospital van, a driver is provided. If the patient is transported by ambulance, the staff member rides in the ambulance with the patient.

4. While on appointment, the escort must remain with the patient at all times. Staff orders a sack lunch for the patient when appropriate.

5. The escort will be instructed to contact the Nursing Supervisor every 2 hours regarding the patient’s status.

Related Standards:

JCAHO NR 2