Failure to Respect Resident's Rights and Personal Property
Penalty
Summary
A resident with no cognitive impairment and minimal assistance needs reported that the previous facility administrator entered his room without permission, searched his personal belongings, and confiscated items including vape pens, cups, and dishes. The administrator stated the search was conducted due to suspicions that the resident was making moonshine with orange peels, water, or mouthwash, and possibly had illegal substances. The resident expressed feelings of mistrust and social isolation following the incident, stating that staff entered his room whenever they wanted. A certified nursing assistant confirmed that the previous administration had searched the resident's room without consent and confiscated his vape pens, with no law enforcement involvement. The current DON and administrator acknowledged that documentation in the resident's chart indicated staff had entered the room and removed property without permission. Facility policy requires staff to knock and request permission before entering a resident's room and to respect residents' private space and belongings at all times.