Spotlight on Prevention: Best Practices for Body Checks
www.justicecenter.ny.gov
STAFF ACTIONS Body checks are an important tool to assess a person for injuries, illness or possible abuse and neglect. The timing and manner of conducting body checks are key to their effectiveness in safeguarding people receiving services.
COMPLETE BODY CHECKS AS REQUIRED Follow guidance in plans of care to conduct and document body checks on people receiving services. Note any marks or injuries found. Follow agency policies to complete checks after situational events such as a restraint, elopement, or a fall. When marks or injuries are noted, conduct and document body checks until all marks or injuries are healed. Seek medical attention from nursing, primary care physicians, or urgent care for any marks or injuries that require medical care.
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT Write clearly to ensure that fellow staff, nurses and managers will be able to read the body check form. This will save time later. Don’t forget to sign and date the body check form. Include a printed name and staff title next to all signatures
BE DESCRIPTIVE
Include details when documenting marks or injuries found during body checks. Note whether it was completed for the person’s whole body or just one area, whether marks or injuries were old or new, their size, color, and location. For example: a quarter-sized faded bruise, light purple in color, was located on the person’s shin bone, just below his right knee.
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