Failure to Provide Advance Written Notice and Obtain Consent for Room Change
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively intact resident who was capable of making their own medical and financial decisions was moved to a different room without being provided advanced written notification or the rationale for the change. The resident reported returning from therapy to find all personal belongings had been moved, and expressed anger and confusion about not being informed beforehand. Certified Nursing Assistants confirmed the resident was upset and did not understand why the move occurred, and no staff could provide an explanation at the time. Review of the resident's records showed that the Notice of Room Change assessment form indicated only the resident's son was contacted, despite the resident being their own responsible party. The form was signed by social services staff after the move had already occurred. During interviews, social services staff admitted to routinely contacting next of kin rather than the resident, and acknowledged not notifying the resident prior to the move. The facility was unable to provide a policy or procedure related to notification of room changes by the end of the survey.