Failure to Obtain Resident Permission Before Removing Wheelchair Battery
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to obtain permission from a resident prior to removing the battery from the resident's motorized wheelchair. The resident, who had diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, generalized anxiety disorder, and pain, was involved in an incident where the motorized wheelchair accidentally ran over another resident's foot. Following this incident, the resident was informed that they would be using a manual wheelchair for safety reasons. However, the battery of the motorized wheelchair was removed from the resident's room by the Maintenance Director, under the Administrator's instruction, without the resident's knowledge or consent while the resident was away at a doctor's appointment. The resident reported being upset that the battery was removed without their permission and confirmed that no one from the facility had asked for consent or explained the reason for the removal prior to the action. Both the Administrator and Maintenance Director acknowledged that the resident's permission should have been obtained and that the reason for the removal should have been communicated. The facility's own policy, as outlined in the Notice of Resident Rights, affirms the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, and to be treated with respect and dignity.