Failure to Make State Survey Results Accessible to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to make the most recent state survey results readily accessible to residents, family members, and legal representatives, as required. Although a framed notice was posted outside the dining room indicating that survey results were available on a table at the north end of the main entrance, the surveyor did not find any survey results on the indicated table. The facility's policy stated that the most recent survey results should be maintained in a 3-ring binder in an area frequented by most residents, such as the main lobby or activity room. However, when the activity director and administrator were asked about the location of the survey results, neither could locate them, and the binder produced by the administrator was empty. Interviews with the resident council revealed that they had never seen the state survey results and that staff questioned their reasons when they requested to view them. The activity director, responsible for the resident council, was also unaware of the survey results' location. The facility's own Resident's/Patient's Rights form stated that residents have the right to examine the last state survey, and denial of this right could result in penalties. Despite these policies and notices, the survey results were not accessible as required at the time of the survey.