Resident Health Information Left Unsecured at Nurses' Station
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of resident information on one of its nursing units. A multi-page flip chart containing private health information, including residents' names, ADL schedules, shower lists, and special care needs, was left open and facing outward on top of the East unit nurses' station desk. This placement made the information visible to anyone passing by in the hallway. The flip chart remained in this position for a total of 37 minutes, during which time it was observed by the surveyor. During this period, various staff members—including the Maintenance director, Maintenance assistant, DON, Infection Preventionist, assigned nurse, Administrator, Laundry Aide, Regional Food Service Manager, Regional Director of Operations, and Rehab staff—walked past the exposed information 20 times without addressing the privacy concern. Additionally, two residents were observed passing by the nurses' station while the information was visible. The Administrator later confirmed that the flip chart was not supposed to be displayed in this manner and acknowledged the potential privacy violation.