Failure to Promote Dignity and Address Inappropriate Resident Behaviors
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 3 out of 15 and a diagnosis of dementia, was observed engaging in behaviors that did not promote dignity and respect. The resident was seen spitting on the hallway floors and was reported by staff to have frequent bowel movements on the facility's outside patio. These behaviors were witnessed by multiple staff members, including a CNA and two licensed nurses, who confirmed the incidents and noted that the actions could be distressing to other residents. Additionally, there was an altercation between this resident and another after the latter observed the resident with his pants down on the patio. A review of the resident's clinical record revealed that there were no care plans or interventions in place to address the resident's behaviors of spitting and having bowel movements outside. The Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of such interventions and acknowledged the altercation resulting from the resident's actions. The facility's policy on resident rights and dignity requires that all residents be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity, but this was not upheld in the care provided to this resident.