Spotlight on Prevention: Best Practices for Body Checks
www.justicecenter.ny.gov
POLICY GUIDANCE ON BEST PRACTICES FOR BODY CHECKS This policy guidance was created by the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs as a resource for provider agencies. It does not address every scenario that could occur and does not constitute legal advice. It is intended for use as a guide that may be modified as needed. Agencies should also make sure policies include or address the specific considerations noted below. TRAINING SUPPORTS & SAFEGUARDS
Require body check requirements to be included in plans of care. Require body checks after situational events such as restraints, elopement, falls, before and after home visits, upon discharge from a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, upon admission, etc. Provide guidance regarding the ability for a person receiving services to consent to or refuse a body check. Identify when marks or injuries found during body checks require medical attention or reporting to the Justice Center. Structured to record the documentation of checks until marks and injuries are healed or resolved. Reflect whether the body check is a whole body or partial body check. Require a manager or nursing review. Require printed staff names in addition to staff signatures. Include space for staff and nursing to write a free narrative of any marks or injuries found. Are maintained in an organized and easily accessible manner. 11
Establish staff training requirements for how and when to complete body checks. Establish skill-based sensitivity training requirements for staff. Require staff training on plans of care that include body check requirements. Identify mechanisms for training all staff, including float or relief staff, on plans of care to ensure they are completed as required. Include training requirements of recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect. Emphasize privacy and respect for people receiving services during the body check process. List requirements or limitations to photograph marks or injuries and use of agency equipment to take or transmit photos. Require two people whenever possible to complete body checks. Identify how often body check documentation will be reviewed to identify any concerns or systemic issues. Note who is responsible for reviewing body check documentation.
BODY CHECK FORMS
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting