Failure to Maintain Resident Privacy and Dignity During Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and dignity of a resident during the delivery of care. Two CNAs transferred a resident, who had diagnoses including spinal stenosis and discogenic pain, from her bed to a shower chair using a Hoyer lift. During this process, the resident's naked body was left exposed, as the privacy curtain between her and her roommate was pulled all the way back, allowing anyone in the room to view her. The roommate, who was cognitively intact, witnessed the incident and confirmed that no privacy was provided. The resident herself reported feeling upset and embarrassed, especially as she experienced incontinence during the transfer while the CNAs argued about how to operate the lift. The incident was further corroborated by interviews with the resident, her roommate, and the Social Service Director, who noted that the resident's son had also complained about the lack of privacy and rough handling. The Assistant Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff are expected to provide privacy and respect residents' dignity during care. The facility's policy requires staff to be educated on residents' rights, including the right to privacy and dignity, but this was not upheld in this instance.