Failure to Safeguard Electronic Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to safeguard residents' medical records and protect confidential health information as required by its own policies and procedures. During an initial tour, a laptop containing residents' information was observed left open and unattended on top of a medication cart in a hallway near Nurses' Station A. The cart and laptop were unattended, with no licensed nurse present, while other staff, residents, and visitors passed by, making the information visible and accessible to unauthorized individuals. When questioned, an LVN acknowledged the laptop was left open and confirmed that the computer screen should have been closed to maintain privacy. The Director of Nursing (DON) was also informed of the incident and verified the findings. The facility's policy requires that workstation screens be positioned to limit public view and that staff log off when leaving terminals, but these procedures were not followed in this instance.