Failure to Provide Timely Access to Resident Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its own policy and procedure regarding access to personal and medical records for one resident. Specifically, a resident submitted an Authorization to Release Medical Records (ARMR) form, which was signed and dated, requesting access to their medical records. The Medical Records Director confirmed that the request was not for legal reasons and was made directly by the resident. Despite the facility's policy stating that residents may obtain copies of their records within two business days of an oral or written request, the records were not provided to the resident until 15 days after the request was submitted, as evidenced by a certified mail receipt. This delay resulted in a violation of the resident's rights to timely access their personal and medical records.