Failure to Secure Resident Financial Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the confidentiality and security of a resident's financial information. A color copy of a bank card, including the handwritten PIN number, was scanned into the resident's electronic clinical health record, making it accessible to any nursing staff with access to the system. This action was confirmed through record review and staff interviews. The resident involved had moderate cognitive impairment, was able to verbalize needs, and had a payee assigned to manage finances due to impulsivity and a tendency to send money to family members, which was not in their best interest. Staff interviews revealed that bank cards are considered valuables at high risk for loss or theft and should be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access. The Social Services Coordinator and the DON both acknowledged that the bank card and PIN should not have been stored in the electronic health record. The Administrator stated that staff are expected to maintain and store bank card information securely to prevent unauthorized access.