Care Of Patients (COP)
Issue date: 09/06/2024 Issue no: 1
Revision date: 09/06/2025 Revision No:
RAM NABH Ref:- Pre Accreditation Entry Level
standards for Hospitals Edition:1st April 2014
HOSPITAL Document No.: RH/ COP / 001
Policy on Addressing Care of Patients Arriving in the Emergency
Department, Including Handling of Medico-Legal Cases
1. Purpose
To establish a standard procedure for addressing the care of patients arriving in the Emergency
Department (ED) and to ensure proper handling of Medico-Legal Cases (MLCs).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all healthcare providers and administrative staff involved in patient care in the
Emergency Department of Ram Hospital.
3. Definitions
Emergency Department (ED): A medical treatment facility specializing in acute care of patients who
present without prior appointment.
Medico-Legal Case (MLC): A case of injury or ailment where law enforcement agencies are
involved, and legal investigations are required.
4. Policy
4.1 Initial Assessment and Triage
All patients arriving in the ED will undergo an initial assessment and triage by a qualified nurse or
physician.
Patients will be categorized based on the severity of their condition to prioritize treatment.
4.2 Registration
Ensure that all patients are registered in the hospital’s information system upon arrival.
Obtain demographic details, medical history, and initial clinical findings.
Prepared by : Quality Manager: Anshul Mehta Approved by:Managing Director:Ranjit Singh
Care Of Patients (COP)
Issue date: 09/06/2024 Issue no: 1
Revision date: 09/06/2025 Revision No:
RAM NABH Ref:- Pre Accreditation Entry Level
standards for Hospitals Edition:1st April 2014
HOSPITAL Document No.: RH/ COP / 001
4.3 Clinical Management
Provide immediate medical care based on the patient's condition.
Ensure all medical interventions and treatments are documented accurately.
4.4 Identification and Handling of MLCs
The attending physician must identify and classify potential MLCs based on specific criteria.
Immediate notification of the hospital administration and security personnel regarding the MLC.
Ensure preservation of evidence (clothing, belongings, etc.) and documentation of all findings.
Inform the local police as per legal requirements.
4.5 Documentation and Reporting
Complete the MLC documentation form, detailing the nature of the injuries, treatment provided, and
any other relevant information.
Maintain a separate logbook for MLCs with entries including patient details, case number, and brief
description of the incident.
Provide a copy of the MLC report to the police and retain a copy in the patient’s medical record.
4.6 Communication with Patients and Families
Inform the patient and/or their family about the MLC status and the subsequent steps.
Ensure that the communication is clear, compassionate, and respects patient confidentiality.
4.7 Coordination with Law Enforcement
Cooperate with law enforcement agencies during their investigation.
Ensure that the patient receives necessary medical care without delay due to legal procedures.
4.8 Training and Awareness
Regular training sessions for ED staff on handling MLCs, legal aspects, and documentation
requirements.
Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with the policy.
Prepared by : Quality Manager: Anshul Mehta Approved by:Managing Director:Ranjit Singh
Care Of Patients (COP)
Issue date: 09/06/2024 Issue no: 1
Revision date: 09/06/2025 Revision No:
RAM NABH Ref:- Pre Accreditation Entry Level
standards for Hospitals Edition:1st April 2014
HOSPITAL Document No.: RH/ COP / 001
5. Responsibilities
ED Staff: Immediate and appropriate medical care, identification of MLCs, accurate documentation,
and communication.
Hospital Administration: Notification of legal authorities, coordination with law enforcement, and
ensuring staff training.
Security Personnel: Maintaining safety and security, assisting with preservation of evidence.
6. Criteria for Identifying MLCs
Cases to be considered as MLCs include, but are not limited to:
Road traffic accidents
Assaults and fights
Suspected or confirmed cases of poisoning
Cases of sexual assault or abuse
Attempted suicides
Cases involving firearm or stab injuries
Burns and scalds under suspicious circumstances
Unexplained deaths or deaths under suspicious circumstances
Any case where the patient or accompanying person requests medico-legal documentation
7. Monitoring and Review
The hospital administration will monitor adherence to this policy.
The policy will be reviewed annually or as required by changes in legal regulations or hospital
procedures.
Prepared by : Quality Manager: Anshul Mehta Approved by:Managing Director:Ranjit Singh
