Failure to Safeguard Resident Health Information
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain the confidentiality of residents' personal and medical records on the second floor, as evidenced by multiple observations of unattended computer screens displaying residents' information and visible medication bags labeled with resident names. Specifically, during a blood glucose check, an LPN left a medication bag with a resident's name and physician order visible on top of the medication cart and also left the computer screen open with residents' information displayed. The LPN acknowledged awareness of the protocol to lock the screen but did not follow it at the time. Additionally, the Director of Nursing (DON) was observed leaving the computer screen at the south nursing station open with residents' information visible while stepping away to print requested information. The DON acknowledged the privacy concern when it was brought to her attention, stating it was a mistake. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that electronic protected health information (e-PHI) is to be safeguarded to prevent unauthorized access.