1. (a) Observation rounds are when staff inspect, visualize, or otherwise monitor any area of the hospital.
2. (b) Staff shall conduct observation rounds of all areas that are occupied by patients, or may be occupied by patients, at least once every two hours except under emergency situations as that term is defined in section 4335(d)(1).

3. (c) During observation rounds, staff will identify each patient. If the patient is sleeping, staff will check the patient to observe movement and ascertain that the patient is breathing.

   1. (1) Additional illumination, such as a flashlight, may be used when necessary and to the extent necessary for proper visualization of the patient to ascertain movement and that the patient is breathing.
4. (d) Staff performing observation rounds shall be accompanied by a second staff member when entering patient rooms as that term is defined in section 4335(a).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4005.1, 4011 and 4101, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 4027 and 4312, Welfare and Institutions Code.

History

1. New section filed 12-8-2025; operative 12-8-2025 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2025, No. 50).