Failure to Accommodate Resident's Gender Preference for Personal Care Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate a resident's request to have only female staff provide personal hygiene care. The resident, who was admitted with orthopedic aftercare needs, abnormalities of gait and mobility, muscle weakness, and a stage 3 pressure ulcer in the sacral region, had intact cognitive skills and required substantial assistance with toileting hygiene and showering. The resident's family member communicated the preference for female caregivers for personal hygiene tasks. Despite this request, a review of assignment sheets showed that male CNAs were assigned to the resident on several occasions. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident's preference was not consistently honored. The facility's policy stated that residents' preferences would be accommodated to the extent possible, but this was not followed in practice for this resident.