Elopement Precautions Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet outlines the essential protocols for managing Level 1 patients, focusing on elopement precautions, patient classification, and required documentation to ensure safety and proper care transitions.

Core Principles

• All Level 1 patients require elopement precautions.
• Level 1 classification is based on lacking capacity or PIC.
• PIC patients require a sitter at all times.
• Lacks Capacity patients may use sitters or rounders.
• All Level 1 patients must wear a green gown.
• Appropriate room placement is mandatory for Level 1 patients.
• RNs and PCAs must report the Level 1 reason during handoff.

Key Terms

• Level 1 Patient: A patient classified as Level 1 due to lacking capacity or being under a psychiatric involuntary commitment (PIC).
• Elopement Precautions: Measures implemented to prevent a patient from leaving a healthcare facility without authorization.
• PIC: Psychiatric Involuntary Commitment; a legal status requiring specific patient monitoring.
• Lacks Capacity: A patient classification indicating impaired decision-making ability.
• Sitter: A staff member assigned to continuously monitor a patient.
• Rounders: Staff who periodically check on patients, not providing continuous observation.
• Environmental Assessment: Evaluation of the patient's surroundings to identify and mitigate safety risks.