F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
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Violation of Resident Rights for Justice Involved Residents

Windsor Park Rehab & Nursing CenterQueens Village, New York Survey Completed on 06-30-2024

Summary

The facility failed to uphold the rights of 13 Justice Involved Residents, as identified during an Abbreviated Survey. These residents were not allowed to exercise their rights, such as choosing their own physician, making phone calls, formulating advance directives, receiving visitors at their discretion, receiving unopened mail, or communicating freely with other residents. The facility's policies on resident rights and visitation were not adhered to, as the residents remained under the authority of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which imposed restrictions on their freedoms. Observations revealed that the Justice Involved Residents were subjected to physical restraints, such as shackles, and were secluded in their rooms for most of the day. They were not allowed to participate in communal dining or facility activities, and their privacy was compromised by the constant presence of security guards. Interviews with the residents confirmed these restrictions, and staff interviews indicated that the Bureau of Prisons controlled the residents' interactions and activities, rather than the facility itself. Specific cases highlighted include residents with various medical conditions requiring specialized care, such as intravenous antibiotic therapy and restorative therapy. Despite their medical needs, these residents were denied the autonomy to engage in activities or communicate freely, as all interactions and activities required approval from the Bureau of Prisons. The facility's failure to evaluate or order the use of restraints further compounded the issue, creating an environment that did not promote the residents' quality of life or respect their dignity.

Penalty

Inspection fine: $306,240
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0550 citations
Staff Failed to Honor Resident’s Doorbell Preference
D
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

Staff failed to honor a resident’s expressed preference to use a mounted doorbell instead of knocking before entering the room. The resident had PTSD and a history of trauma, and knocking was a known trigger. During observation, a CNA knocked, rang the doorbell, and opened the door while the resident was being interviewed, despite a posted sign requesting staff ring the bell and not knock. Interviews confirmed staff knew the resident’s preference and trigger.

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care
E
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

Failure to maintain resident dignity and privacy during care: multiple residents reported CNAs used personal cell phones while assisting with showers, peri-care, and other care, including texting and talking in resident areas and during meals. A resident with stroke-related paralysis and severely impaired cognition was observed receiving wound care with the door open and the privacy curtain not pulled, allowing others to see into the room while the LPN provided care.

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Preserve Resident Dignity During Toileting Assistance
D
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

A resident who was dependent on staff for toileting and transfers, and who was frequently incontinent, was left in bed in only a sweatshirt and brief while crying after staff told her to stay in bed and pee her pants so they could clean her up later. The resident said this happened often and that her call light was frequently turned off. Staff interviews confirmed she should not have been told to remain incontinent, and the DON stated residents should never be told to be incontinent because it is a dignity issue.

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Uncovered Foley Catheter Bag Observed With Door Open
D
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

A resident with a foley catheter was observed with the catheter bag hanging uncovered on the side of the bed while the room door was open. The resident had diagnoses including stroke-related hemiplegia/hemiparesis and UTI, and the care plan noted a foley catheter related to neurogenic bladder. CNA staff stated the bag should have been covered, and the DON acknowledged it was a privacy issue.

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain Female Residents' Dignity With Unwanted Chin Hair
E
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

Failure to Maintain Female Residents' Dignity With Unwanted Chin Hair: Three female residents were observed with visible chin hair after showers, despite needing staff assistance with bathing and grooming. Two residents had severe cognitive impairment and one had moderate cognitive impairment; one resident said the hair bothered her and another said she was waiting for the beauty shop to shave it off. Family members stated the residents would not choose to have beards and that the unwanted chin hair caused embarrassment and affected dignity.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Visible Catheter Drainage Bag Not Kept Private
D
F0550 F550: Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Short Summary

A resident with impaired cognition, incontinence, and a catheter for neurogenic bladder had his catheter drainage bag visible in the commons area and later from the hallway, with clear yellow urine showing. Staff, including therapy, the IP, and an RN, did not arrange privacy, and the bag was also hung facing out toward the room entrance. The DON stated staff were expected to keep the blue side of the bag facing the public to cover it and maintain dignity.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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