The Pennsylvania Department of Health cited Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest for using pepper spray to restrain a combative patient, The Morning Call reported March 30.
The Sept. 14 incident involved a patient who was brought by ambulance to the emergency room, according to an investigation report by the health department. Staff described the patient as “extremely agitated and violent,” and “a large, muscular person.” The patient allegedly became aggressive with staff despite de-escalation attempts and pushed a nurse, triggering all 78 security officers in the hospital to be dispatched.
During the altercation, a security officer pulled out his hospital-issued pepper spray and issued a verbal warning to the patient, who then allegedly grabbed a large metal medical cart. The officer sprayed the patient in the face, and additional officers then restrained him. The Salisbury Township (Pa.) police were called, but were not needed, and no charges were filed, the outlet said.
State and federal rules and internal hospital policies state that hospital staff are allowed to use pepper spray to ensure safety, but it has to be treated as a criminal matter, and the patient must be turned over to police custody, according to the outlet. Due to the failure of the hospital to transfer the patient to police custody, it was cited for failing to provide a safe setting for an aggressive and agitated patient, the investigation report said.
Hospital leaders said they updated internal policies to include that law enforcement must immediately be notified if a taser or pepper spray is used and have reeducated security staff on the new policy, according to the report. The hospital also began monitoring and auditing use-of-force incidents.
“We remain dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care and the best possible outcomes for every patient we serve,” a hospital spokesperson told Becker’s. “That commitment is reinforced through continuous comprehensive staff education that supports the highest standards of patient safety and quality.”
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is operated by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health.
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