Failure to Protect Resident Health Information Privacy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a computer screen displaying a resident's name, picture, medication list, and other personal health information was left open and visible on top of a medicine cart in a hallway. Additionally, a paper worksheet containing vital signs and other health information for multiple residents was left on top of the cart. Both the computer screen and worksheet were accessible in an area where staff and residents were passing by, making the information visible to unauthorized individuals. The incident was observed during routine activities, including medication administration and meal assistance. The resident involved had diagnoses including cerebral palsy, abnormal weight loss, dysphagia, and altered mental status, with a BIMS score indicating cognitive impairment. During interviews, the RN acknowledged forgetting to lock the computer screen and failing to turn over the worksheet to protect resident information. The DON confirmed that facility policy requires computer screens to be locked and paper records to be secured when unattended, in order to maintain confidentiality of resident information.