Unattended Laptop with Resident Information Left Accessible
Penalty
Summary
A staff member left a facility laptop open and unattended on a medication cart in a hallway, with confidential resident medical information visible on the screen. This occurred while the medication aide was in a resident's room, leaving the laptop accessible to anyone passing by. The observation was confirmed on the specified date, and interviews with multiple staff members—including medication aides, an RN, the DON, and the Administrator—acknowledged that leaving the laptop open and unattended constitutes a violation of HIPAA regulations and facility policy regarding the security of resident information. Staff interviewed stated that leaving the laptop open could allow unauthorized individuals to view or alter resident information. All interviewed staff, including the DON and Administrator, confirmed awareness of the policy and acknowledged that such an action is a breach of confidentiality and resident rights. The report did not mention any specific residents affected or provide details about their medical history or condition at the time of the incident.