Failure to Honor Resident's Gender Preference for Care Providers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's preference for care to be provided only by female CNAs, despite this preference being documented in the resident's care plan and discussed in care conferences. The resident, who had diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis, and was cognitively intact, expressed discomfort and distress when a male CNA assisted with her care. On at least two occasions, a male CNA was involved in providing personal care, even though the resident and her family had repeatedly communicated her preference for female caregivers to facility staff. Interviews with staff confirmed that the resident's preference was known, but staff proceeded with care involving a male CNA due to perceived staffing limitations or urgency, despite several female CNAs being scheduled during the relevant shifts. The facility's own policies and the resident's care plan emphasized the importance of respecting resident preferences and rights, but these were not followed in practice, resulting in the resident experiencing psychological discomfort.