Who is responsible for maintaining the necessary patient valuables records and protecting the security of the valuables accepted for safekeeping?

• A. Inpatient unit administration personnel
• B. Custodian for patient valuables
• C. Admissions and dispositions
• D. Medical service accounts office personnel

Answer: (B)

The main idea is handling patient property with clear accountability. A designated custodian for patient valuables is the person responsible for keeping an accurate record of items accepted for safekeeping, issuing receipts, maintaining a secure storage system, and ensuring proper return to the patient or their authorized representative. This role provides a clear chain of custody and accountability, which helps prevent loss or misplacement of valuables and ensures patients can retrieve their belongings safely at discharge.

Other roles may touch patient belongings in normal operations, but they don’t carry the formal duty to maintain the records or safeguard the valuables.