Failure to Protect Resident Privacy and Confidentiality
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of residents' personal and medical information for two residents. In one instance, a resident was observed in bed with care instructions posted above the head of the bed, including details such as the need to elevate the head of the bed during feeding and instructions related to left side weakness and repositioning. These instructions were visible to the roommate's visitors. The assistant director of nursing confirmed that the care instructions were still posted and acknowledged that they should have been covered. In another case, a different resident had a care instruction posted above the bed indicating a choking risk and specifying 'no food by mouth.' This information was also visible in the room. A licensed vocational nurse confirmed the observation and stated that the care instruction should not have been posted in that manner. The director of nursing further confirmed that care instructions should be covered when posted. Facility policy reviewed indicated that confidential clinical information, including care needs, should not be openly posted in resident rooms, except for discreet postings for safety reasons.