Failure to Protect Resident Health Information on Unattended Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to protect residents' healthcare information by leaving confidential medication information visible and unattended on computer screens attached to two medication carts in the 100-hall. During early morning observations, both the upper and lower 100-hall medication carts were left in the hallway with their computer screens displaying sensitive resident information, including names, diagnoses, medications, dates of birth, and room numbers. The carts were left unattended for several minutes, during which time multiple nursing assistants walked past and could have viewed the information. Interviews with the responsible nurses revealed that both were aware of the requirement to use privacy screens or otherwise secure resident information but admitted to not doing so, citing forgetfulness. The DON and Quality Assurance Nurse indicated uncertainty about the specific education provided to staff regarding this requirement and noted that shift supervisors and unit managers were responsible for ensuring compliance. The Administrator acknowledged the need for staff accountability but could not explain why the nurses failed to secure the information.