Reference no: EM133108295

You work as an administrator at a Mental and Behavioral Health Center, that serves individuals with intellectual and behavioral issues and those who are substance dependent. Recently, the staff have reported an increase of injuries from assaultive patients and family members. One nurse had to be hospitalized with head injuries after the most recent assault. Upon interview, her co -workers informed you that waiting time for visitors are long, there is increase in number of disoriented patients due to illness or medication, no search performed on visitors and their personal stuff upon arrival, the security guard is always patrolling but "never seems to be around when the incidents happen", and family members who are stressed and on edge because their loved one is ill are argumentative, hostile, and rude to the medical staff. The staff have complained to the nurse manager, but she has done nothing so far.

A. What are the major legal issues in this case? How do these incidents affect the organization?

B. How can these types of incidents be prevented? As the administrator, prepare an Injury Prevention Plan to address the issues.