Failure to Provide Timely Access to Resident Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to access and obtain medical records when the resident's representative requested records and the facility did not provide them within the required timeframe. The request for records was made on 1/8/25, but due to the absence of a medical records director (MRD) since 1/23/25 and lack of a designated staff member to handle such requests, the records were not provided within the 30-60 day period outlined in the facility's policy. The director of nursing (DON) and the administrator (ADM) both stated they were unaware of the request, as the former administrator and MRD had not communicated the request before leaving their positions. Facility policy required that requests for medical records be fulfilled within 30 days, or 60 days if the records were not maintained on site, with a possible 30-day extension if written notice was provided. However, the facility did not act on the request within these timeframes, and no written notice of delay was given. As a result, the resident's representative was not provided with the necessary medical records, and the resident's right to access their own health information was not respected.