Unattended Computer Screen Exposes Resident Information
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a computer screen displaying residents' personal and medical information was left unattended and visible in a third-floor hallway. This observation was made during a survey, where the information on the screen was easily accessible to unauthorized individuals. The facility had 118 residents at the time of the survey. Staff interviews confirmed that the protocol required the computer screen to be locked and not merely minimized when unattended, as minimizing the screen could allow the information to be easily accessed if the cart was moved. Further review of the facility's confidentiality policy indicated that all resident records, regardless of format, must be kept secure and confidential, and that information should not be left viewable by unauthorized persons. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff had been instructed to lock the computer screen when leaving the medication cart. However, the observed practice did not align with the facility's policy, resulting in a failure to protect residents' confidential information.