Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity and Inform Resident of Rights
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nurse assistant (CNA) removed a resident's glasses from his hands without his permission while turning him in bed. The resident, who had diagnoses including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), major depressive disorder, and type 2 diabetes, was cognitively intact and able to make his own decisions. The CNA did not obtain consent before taking the resident's personal belonging, and the resident reported feeling violated and distrustful of the staff as a result. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator both acknowledged that staff should not remove personal items from residents without permission, and the facility's policy confirmed this requirement. Additionally, the facility failed to provide the resident with an admission packet, which included the resident's bill of rights and information about facility policies and procedures. The Admission Coordinator admitted that the resident had not received this information or an orientation, despite having been in the facility for over ten days. The resident expressed confusion about the facility's rules and expectations and stated that he was not informed about his rights or the facility's policies, which contributed to his feelings of distrust and resistance toward staff. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that it was the responsibility of the Admission Coordinator to provide the admission packet and orientation, but all staff were responsible for ensuring residents understood their rights and facility policies. The facility's policies and procedures required that residents be treated with dignity and respect, and that they be fully informed about their rights and the facility's expectations. The failure to follow these policies resulted in the resident being unaware of his rights and feeling disrespected and confused.