Pennsylvania Code
Title 55 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part I - Department of Human Services
Subpart B - Rights
Chapter 14 - ABUSE OF PATIENTS/RESIDENTS
Section 14.3 - Employe's obligations

(a) An employe has a primary duty to respect the rights of a patient/resident, to treat them with dignity and to prevent others from violating their rights. An employe witnessing or having knowledge of an act of abuse to a patient/resident is obligated to report it to an appropriate individual designated by the Superintendent/Director. Failure to do so will be considered a serious violation of an employe's responsibility concerning the care of patients/residents and may subject the employe to disciplinary action.

(b) The disciplinary action to be taken in situations involving the falsification of records relating to an act of abuse or the reporting of it will depend upon the specific circumstances involved. Similarly, the disciplinary action to be taken against employes who have reported an incident of patient/resident abuse and later refuse to testify with respect to the incident, as well as an employe who refuses to answer reasonable questions regarding duties as they relate to patient care will depend upon the specific circumstances involved.

(c) An employe has an obligation to be familiar with and adhere to this policy. With cooperation from employes at all levels, it is possible to guarantee the patient/resident the respect and dignity that are their right as fellow human beings.