Hi Everyone:

I am reaching out to you all in an attempt to get some constructive feedback and/or ideas regarding dealing with intoxicated visitors in our ED's.

I recently had to deal with an extremely intoxicated ED visitor, whom ended up leaving our ED only to drive home and hit 4 parked cars.  While I wanted our Security Dept. to call the city's police for "public intoxication", they did not because our hospital had no legal responsibility and/or recourse to do so. 

This incident has illuminated our policy.......which in a nutshell is to "escort disorderly people out of the hospital.....(not necessarily off the property).  If the visitors won't leave voluntarily, then our security can call Denver Police for trespassing.

Do any of you know of very effective policies in dealing with this? 

Thanks everyone! 

Frustrated in the Emergency Department

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