Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy During Room Entry and Telephone Use
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to protect and promote resident privacy during routine activities, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. Housekeeping staff entered a resident's room without knocking or announcing their presence while the resident was resting. In another instance, maintenance staff knocked once but did not wait for a response before entering a resident's room, where the resident was also resting. Additionally, a resident reported that staff would enter and remain in her room while she was on the phone, compromising her privacy during personal calls. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistent practices regarding privacy, with some staff stating they would knock and wait for acknowledgment, while others admitted to entering rooms if residents were asleep or on the phone. Administrative staff confirmed that the expectation was for staff to knock, announce themselves, and await a response before entering, and to avoid entering if a resident was on the phone or sleeping unless previously approved. The facility did not provide a specific policy related to resident rights and privacy, stating only that they followed regulations.