Resident Privacy Breach Due to Uncovered Care Instructions
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident's personal information and care instructions were posted on the wall above the head of their bed in a shared room, making the information visible to the roommate and any visitors. The posted instructions included details about the resident's splint use, such as the type of splint, its purpose, and specific instructions for wearing it, as well as feeding safety instructions that referenced the resident by name and outlined steps for safe feeding. These postings were observed during a survey, and the resident was awake at the time. During interviews, both a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the care instructions were posted in plain view and acknowledged that they should have been covered to maintain privacy and confidentiality. A review of the facility's policy on resident rights indicated that residents are entitled to personal privacy and confidentiality of their personal and clinical records, including medical treatment and accommodations. The failure to cover these care instructions resulted in a breach of the resident's right to privacy.