Failure to Honor Resident Rights to Outdoor Access and Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor residents' rights to dignity and self-determination by restricting access to the outdoor patio area to only three scheduled times per day, which coincided with smoking breaks. Multiple residents, including those with both moderate cognitive impairment and intact cognition, reported that they were not allowed to go outside except during these designated times. Residents stated they had requested to go outside for fresh air or relaxation at other times but were told by staff that it was not permitted or that staff would get in trouble for allowing it. Staff interviews confirmed that residents were only allowed outside during smoking times unless a staff member was available, which rarely occurred due to workload. The facility's policy stated that residents have the right to independent personal decisions and to be treated with respect and dignity, but this was not reflected in practice. Resident council minutes also documented that residents had expressed a desire for more frequent access to the patio for non-smoking purposes. Despite administrative claims that nothing was preventing residents from going outside if staff were available, both staff and residents consistently reported that access was limited and requests outside of scheduled times were routinely denied. The restriction applied regardless of residents' cognitive status, and some residents described feeling confined as a result. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and review of facility policy and resident council minutes.