2. Management of Allegations of Suspected Abuse

3. Allegations of abuse and neglect can be defined as physical, psychological or sexual.

4. PHYSICAL ABUSE DEFINITION Physical Abuse, which means any non accidental physical contact with a patient which causes or has the potential to cause physical harm. Examples include, but are not limited to, punching, shaking, burning, cutting, or the use of corporal punishment.

5. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE DEFINITION Psychological abuse, which includes any verbal or non-verbal conduct that is intended to cause a patient emotional distress. Examples include but are not limited to, teasing, taunting, name calling, threats, display of a weapon or other object that could reasonably be perceived by the patient as a means of infliction of pain or injury, insulting or coarse language or gestures directed toward a patient which subjects the patient to humiliation or degradation.

6. Sexual Abuse, which includes any sexual contact involving a patient, or any sexual contact that is encouraged or allowed by a caregiver. Examples include but are not limited to rape, sexual assault, inappropriate touching, fondling, indecent exposure, penetration ( attempted penetration) of vagina, anus or mouth by penis fingers or other objects. SEXUAL ABUSE

7. 1.All Allegations must be investigated 2.Investigated = Documented

9. 1.If an allegation of abuse or assault has been made, appropriate care shall include separating the caregiver from the alleged victim. If a healthcare provider, he/she will be immediately removed from service until the internal investigation is concluded. 2.Actions must be taken to ensure that a patient who has reported allegations of abuse receives necessary treatment or care. An immediate medical, nursing and psychosocial assessment will be performed. The providers who perform the assessments and the written findings of their examinations are entered into the medical record. CARE AND SAFETY OF A PATIENT INVOLVED IN AN ALLEGED INCIDENT

10. When an allegation is made or you suspect an event has occurred: You MUST notify the Chief Medical Officer on-call immediately!

11. Please sign and date the attestation faxed to you EMAIL to: Joyce.Klein@stonybrookmedicine.eduJoyce.Klein@stonybrookmedicine.edu Type your name - LAST NAME, FIRST NAME in the SUBJECT of email If you are unable to email, please fax to: 631-706-3329