INFANT SECURITY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Media Interview  with Jeff Aldridge, CPP, President/CEO, Security Assessments International

QUESTION: What contributes to the increase in concern for security in mother/baby units and birthing centers?

ALDRIDGE:   Now more than ever hospitals are taking the threat of infant abduction seriously.  The Joint Commission increased their concerns for sensitive areas, including mother/baby units, and several hospitals have received Type I's this year on security deficiencies found in birthing centers and pediatric units.  In addition, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) has introduced a bill that would penalize hospitals with less than stringent infant security measures.   If passed, the bill “Infant Protection and Baby Switching Prevention Act of 1998 (H.R. 4680) carries fines of up to $50,000 and possible loss of medicare reimbursement for hospitals which have an infant abducted or switched.

QUESTION: Why do you think that most hospitals are expanding security in their mother/baby units?

ALDRIDGE:   I think for two reasons.   Prospective patients and family members are increasingly evaluating hospitals not only on the quality of care they provide, but now, more than ever, on the level of security available during the patient’s stay.   Infant security has become a major concern for families as headlines of abducted infants and mother/baby mix-ups continue to appear in the front pages of the media.   Secondly, the birthing business is very competitive and some hospitals are beginning to capitalize on the public’s concern for safety by offering state-of-the-art security to protect prospective parents and their newborns.

QUESTION: What area of the birthing center would you consider the most vulnerable to an infant abduction?

ALDRIDGE:   The majority of newborns in this country are taken from the mother in the mother’s room.   In most cases the mother willingly gives her baby to anyone she thinks is an authorized caregiver.   That is why every successful security program should begin with parental education and conclude with protocols and physical measures.

QUESTION: How well does CCTV and electronic security protect newborn babies and their mothers?

ALDRIDGE:   Electronic security, i.e., infant security systems, closed circuit television, and door alarms, are essential enhancements.   It is important, as much as possible, to engineer out the human factor, which is our weakest link.   Electronic security effectively meets that need.

QUESTION: What is a security assessment and how does one go about conducting an assessment?

ALDRIDGE:   Professional security assessments should always evaluate written security protocols, policies and procedures based on healthcare industry norms.   Physical assessments include not only the units themselves, but also criminal demographics in close proximity to the hospital.   An initial assessment of a facilities birthing center should be conducted by a Healthcare Security Professional who has expertise in mother/baby unit security.   After an initial assessment hospitals can learn to conduct annual self-assessments to meet JCAHO Standards.

QUESTION: Do all hospitals need the same level of protection?

ALDRIDGE:   All hospitals need a written Security Management Program regardless of size.   Physical assessments must be individualized for each hospital and mother/baby unit.   The level of protection comes from the assessment’s findings and recommendations.

QUESTION: What would be the best over-all protection a hospital could provide for its mother/baby unit?

ALDRIDGE:   The best possible protection would be the integration of state-of-the-art electronic security with well defined protocols, policies, and procedures, reinforced with education and training.