Spotlight on Prevention: Best Practices for Body Checks
www.justicecenter.ny.gov
AGENCY CONSIDERATIONS
NURSING INVOLVEMENT
For programs that have nursing supports, consider how often and when nurses should review body check documentation and instruct staff on when to alert nursing for any marks or injuries discovered. Provide space on the form for the nurse to describe their findings.
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Whenever possible have two staff conduct the body check so one staff can witness and verify findings.
DOCUMENTATION REVIEW
Review body check documentation on a regular basis to ensure it is thorough, accurate, and completed as required by plans of care for people receiving services and following situations such as restraints, falls, or elopement. Provide support to staff who may need additional training or follow up to thoroughly document body checks.
TRAINING
Provide comprehensive training to staff on the importance of completing body checks and the role they play in safeguarding people receiving services. Incorporate specific sensitivity skills into training to help safeguard privacy, dignity, and respect for people receiving services during this process. Train staff to recognize when marks or injuries found may be a sign of abuse or neglect and require reporting to the Justice Center.
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