In 2023 and 2024, hospitals are most frequently cited for deficiencies in patient rights, according to CMS data obtained by Becker's.
Last year, CMS accrediting agencies conducted 4,611 surveys at U.S. hospitals. Of those surveys, nearly 7% resulted in a citation over a patient's right to receive care in a safe setting.
Here were the 25 most common citations, according to data from CMS' Quality and Certification Oversight Reports:
Patient rights: Care in safe setting — 317 citations
RN supervision of nursing care — 297
Patient rights — 240
Compliance with 489.24 (transfers) — 175
Supervision of contract staff — 173
Nursing services — 160
Medical screening exam — 141
Patient rights: Free from abuse/harassment — 113
Nursing care plan — 104
Patient rights: Informed consent — 85
Administration of drugs — 80
Staffing and delivery of care — 79
Patient rights: Restraint or seclusion (physician order) — 66
Governing body — 65
Patient rights: Notice of rights — 64
Patient safety — 62
Infection control surveillance, prevention — 54
Facilities, supplies, equipment maintenance — 51
Infection control program — 51
Appropriate transfer — 48
QAPI (quality assurance and performance improvement) — 46
Patient rights: Restraint or seclusion (monitoring) — 42
Stabilizing treatment — 41
Maintenance of physical plant — 40
Patient care assignments — 38