Failure to Ensure Resident Mail Privacy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the privacy of a resident's mail, as mail addressed to the resident was opened without his consent. According to the facility's Mail/Package Screening Policy, mail should only be opened with written consent from the resident, and mail from federal or state agencies should not be opened. The resident, who had no cognitive impairment and was able to make his own decisions, reported receiving a letter from a state agency that had already been opened when it was delivered to him. He stated that he had previously informed staff to respect his privacy and not open his mail. Interviews with facility staff revealed inconsistencies in mail handling practices. The Director of Social Services acknowledged the resident's request not to have his packages opened and stated that staff encourage residents to open their own mail for safety reasons. The Recreation Therapy Director and the Administrator both indicated that mail is typically delivered unopened, but the Administrator admitted that the receptionist had opened a letter from a state agency addressed to the resident and brought it to his attention. The receptionist, however, denied opening any resident mail. This incident demonstrates a failure to follow established policies and procedures regarding resident mail privacy.