Resident's Right to Refuse Room Change Violated
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's room change was not completed for the purpose of staff convenience, violating the resident's right to refuse such a change. The resident, who had been admitted with diagnoses including hypertension and type 2 diabetes, was moved from Room A6 to Room B11 while he was at the hospital following a fall. The facility attempted to notify the resident of the room change by calling his phone three times and leaving messages, but the resident was unable to respond as he was in the hospital. Upon returning to the facility, the resident found that his room had been changed without his consent, and his belongings had been moved. The resident expressed dissatisfaction with the room change, stating that it negatively affected his sleep, and his request to return to his original room was denied. During an interview, the resident reported that the administrator dismissed his concerns, asserting authority over the decision. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility did not afford the resident the right to refuse the room change, and the move was made for staff convenience, not considering the resident's rights.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident #1 was offered a room change and declined. 2. A 14 day look back was completed of room changes. Any room change completed with the resident not present or RR not made aware will be re-offered a room change. Policy reviewed and revised. 3. Nurse educator will educate current social services and current LN's on revised room change policy. 4. DON/designee will audit all room changed during clinical stand up 5 x a week x 4 weeks to ensure policy is followed. Results to QAPI.