Failure to Secure Smoking Materials for Independent Smokers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that safe smoking practices were observed and implemented for two residents who were assessed as independent smokers. In the first instance, a resident was observed sleeping in his room with a pack of cigarettes left on the open shelf of his nightstand, rather than secured in the lock box provided by the facility. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was supposed to keep his smoking materials locked as per facility policy, and the cigarettes were subsequently removed for safekeeping. The resident's care plan and smoking safety assessment indicated he was allowed to smoke independently and had been provided a lock box for this purpose. In the second instance, another resident was found with a lighter and a cigarette on his person, and a pack of cigarettes stored in his nightstand drawer, rather than in the lock box provided. During an interview, the resident stated he was allowed to keep his smoking materials and smoke unsupervised. The lock box was eventually located in the resident's room, but it was unlocked and being used to store a watch instead of smoking materials. The resident's care plan and smoking safety assessment also indicated he could smoke independently and had been given a lock box for his smoking materials. Facility policy required that all independent smokers be provided with a lock box and that all smoking materials be kept locked when not in use. Staff interviews and record reviews confirmed that both residents were assessed as capable of independent smoking and had been instructed on the policy, but the required safety measures were not followed. These lapses were identified through direct observation, interviews with staff and residents, and review of care plans and facility policy.