Failure to Inform Residents of Rights and Access to Regulatory Contact Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were informed of their right to access the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all pertinent state regulatory and informational agencies, resident advocacy groups, and information on filing a complaint or reporting alleged abuse violations. Review of Resident Council Minutes over several months showed no documentation that residents were informed of these rights or the location of such information within the facility. During a resident council meeting, all residents in attendance confirmed they were not aware of their right to access this information or where it was located. Interviews with facility staff, including the Activity Director and the Administrator, revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the location and communication of contact information for the Ombudsman and the state complaint line. The Activity Director stated that while resident rights were discussed in general terms, specific information about how to contact the Ombudsman or file a complaint was not reviewed. The Administrator acknowledged the need to improve communication of this information, particularly for new residents.