Failure to Enforce Smoking Materials Storage Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its smoking policy regarding the storage of smoking supplies for two residents who were assessed as safe smokers. The facility's policy required that all smoking materials and incendiary devices, such as lighters and cigarettes, be secured by the facility and not stored in residents' rooms. Despite this, both residents kept their smoking supplies in their personal spaces, such as bedside drawers and backpacks, and routinely carried them into and out of the facility without staff intervention. One resident, who was cognitively intact and independent in most activities of daily living, was observed keeping his cigarettes and lighter in his shirt pocket and bedside dresser, contrary to the facility's policy. Staff interviews revealed that although the resident was aware of the smoking agreement, he had never been told he could not keep supplies in his room. The staff responsible for monitoring smoking compliance reported difficulty enforcing the policy, as residents resisted using the assigned lockers for their smoking materials and staff were reluctant to confront them due to fear of negative reactions. Another resident, who had incomplete paraplegia and required maximum assistance with most activities of daily living, also kept his cigars and lighter in his room and in his backpack attached to his power wheelchair. Multiple staff members confirmed that this resident did not comply with the policy and managed his own smoking supplies. The facility had attempted to enforce the policy but was unsuccessful, as the resident refused to relinquish his smoking materials and declined to sign the smoking agreement. Facility leadership and staff acknowledged ongoing non-compliance with the smoking policy among residents, with several interviews indicating that the issue was persistent and difficult to manage.