Failure to Honor Resident Visitation Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to receive visitors of his choosing, specifically by not allowing the resident's significant other to visit. The Social Services Director stated that the significant other was not permitted to visit and that this decision was made by the facility and the police, with the resident's guardians also involved in the decision-making process. The receptionist confirmed that all receptionists were instructed not to allow the significant other to visit, to ask her to leave if she arrived, and to involve the police if necessary. The electronic check-in system was programmed to deny her access. The significant other continued to call the facility frequently to request visitation. The administrator reported that he was unaware of the situation until questioned by surveyors and stated that, unless there was an order of protection, visitation should not be restricted. The resident's admission record identified the significant other as his partner, and the facility was unable to provide any legal documentation prohibiting her visits. The facility's visitation policy supports residents' rights to receive visitors, and the resident's care plan did not address any need for restricted or limited visitation.