Deficiencies in Resident Dignity and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
Pleasant Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Center was found to be non-compliant with resident rights and dignity requirements as per 42 CFR Part 483 Subpart B. The facility failed to ensure that care and services were provided in a manner that enhanced resident dignity for five residents. One resident, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and secondary parkinsonism, was observed without a bra, exposing her breasts through a thin shirt. Despite being documented as fully dependent on staff for dressing, her care plan did not reflect a preference for not wearing undergarments. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the oversight when it was brought to her attention. Another incident involved a housekeeper entering a resident's room while on a personal phone call, ignoring the resident's inquiry about cleaning the bathroom. This behavior was reported as disrespectful by another resident, who noted that staff often answered call bells while on personal calls. The Nursing Home Administrator expressed an expectation for staff to treat residents with dignity and respect, which was not upheld in these instances. Additionally, two residents in the dementia care unit were examined by a physician in a common dining area without being asked for permission, compromising their privacy. The Director of Nursing stated that residents should be provided privacy during examinations, which was not observed in this case. These findings indicate a failure to uphold resident dignity and privacy as required by regulations.
Plan Of Correction
This provided submits the following plan of correction in good faith and to comply with Federal regulations. This plan is not an admission of wrongdoing nor does it reflect agreement with the facts and conclusions stated in the statement of deficiencies. 1. Resident 75 had a bra put on once identified. Employee 10 was educated on the "Proper use of earbud and phone in resident care areas" for speaking on the phone in residents' 150 room. Employee 13 was educated on providing privacy while performing examinations on all residents including 180 and 310. Staff were educated on the "Proper use of earbud and phone in resident care areas" due to concerns by resident 195. 2. To identify other residents that have the potential to be affected, the NHA/designee completed an observational audit on all floors to ensure staff are not using their phones or earbuds in resident care areas, to ensure female residents are dressed appropriately and to ensure physicians are providing privacy when examining residents. 3. Staff will be educated by staff development/designee on the facility "Cellphone Policy". Staff will be educated on dignity and residents rights in regards to residents dressing appropriately. Physicians will be educated by staff development/designee on dignity and resident rights in regards to providing privacy to residents while performing examinations. 4. The NHA/designee will conduct an observational audit 2x a week for 4 weeks on all floors on female residents to ensure they are dressed appropriately and dignified, that staff are not using cellphones and earbuds in resident care areas and lastly to ensure physicians are providing privacy when performing examinations on residents. Results of the audits will be reviewed at the QAPI meeting to determine if future action/audits are needed.