Failure to Ensure Privacy of Resident Information and During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of residents' personal and medical records at one of the nursing stations on the 2nd floor. An unattended and unlocked computer screen displaying residents' information was observed at the North Nursing Station. Staff confirmed that the computer was left open by mistake, contrary to facility policy requiring screens to be secured when unattended. The facility's HIPAA Security Measures policy mandates reasonable and appropriate steps to protect electronic resident information, which was not followed in this instance. Additionally, privacy was not provided during medication administration for one resident. A registered nurse prepared and administered medications to the resident in their room with the door and privacy curtain left open, making the process visible from the hallway. The nurse acknowledged that the door and curtain should have been closed to ensure privacy during medication administration, as per professional standards.