Failure to Protect Resident Privacy and Confidentiality of Medical Information
Penalty
Summary
Multiple instances were observed where staff failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of residents' personal and medical information. In one case, a piece of paper containing a resident's name, room number, and details about skin tears sustained during a fall was left unattended on top of a documentation cart in the hallway, visible to unauthorized individuals. The staff member present acknowledged that such information should not be left exposed and was unsure who was responsible for leaving it there. In another instance, a medication aide left a plastic medication packaging on top of a medication cart, which included a resident's name, medication details, prescription number, dosage, frequency, physician's order, diagnosis, and pharmacy name. The cart was unattended and facing the hallway, making the information accessible to anyone passing by. The aide admitted to leaving the packaging and recognized that it should not have been left exposed. Additional observations included a piece of paper with a resident's name and blood pressure left on a cart at the nurses' station, and a blister pack top with a resident's information left on a medication cart, both unattended and visible in the hallway. Staff interviews confirmed that these actions were contrary to facility policy and expectations regarding the confidentiality of resident information.