Failure to Safeguard Resident Confidential Information at Nurses Station
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents' confidential information as required by accepted professional standards. During record review, observation, and interviews, it was found that code status forms for three residents with various diagnoses, including type II diabetes, muscle weakness, respiratory failure, osteomyelitis, altered mental status, syncope, and congestive heart failure, were left visible on the nurses station desk. Additionally, a computer screen displaying a resident's medical orders was left unlocked and unattended, making sensitive information accessible to visitors and others in the area. A family member reported concerns about resident information being visible, and a Certified Nursing Assistant confirmed that the information was accessible at the nurses station. The facility was unable to provide a policy regarding the protection of HIPAA-protected information.