Staff Vaping in Common Areas Violates Resident Rights and Facility Policy
Penalty
Summary
Staff members were observed using nicotine vape pens in common areas of the facility, specifically in offices located off the dining room and during activities such as bingo, while residents were present. Multiple staff, including a CNA, CMA, and housekeeping, reported witnessing activities staff and office staff vaping inside their offices, with doors open and in close proximity to residents. These actions occurred despite the facility having a designated outdoor smoking area and a policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products, including vapes, in patient care areas and non-designated locations. The facility's Tobacco Policy, dated 9/21/23, clearly directed that employees are only permitted to use tobacco products in designated areas and are not allowed to carry such items in patient care areas. Despite this, staff interviews confirmed repeated violations of this policy, with vaping occurring in offices adjacent to resident common areas and during resident activities. The DON acknowledged observing this behavior and stated she directed the staff member to stop, while the Administrator claimed to be unaware of such incidents.