Failure to Safeguard Resident Health Information
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) failed to maintain the privacy of a resident's health information by leaving the resident's electronic health record open and unattended on a computer screen in the hallway. The LVN had logged into the resident's record at the medication cart in front of the resident's room and then entered the room to administer medication, leaving the computer screen visible and accessible to anyone passing by. The LVN acknowledged realizing the error only after entering the resident's room and stated awareness that leaving the information unattended was not permitted. The resident involved had been admitted with diagnoses including gastroesophageal reflux, hypothyroidism, and thoracic spine pain. Review of the facility's HIPAA Privacy Policy confirmed that administrative, technical, and physical safeguards were required to protect patient health information from unauthorized disclosure. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy was not followed in this instance.