Resident's Right to Refuse Care Not Honored During Haircut
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when facility staff failed to honor a resident's right to refuse a haircut. The resident, who had a history of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, anoxic brain damage, and epilepsy, was admitted to the facility and later had her hair cut by staff without her consent. On the day of the incident, the resident was brought to the nurses' station, and staff began cutting her hair. The resident explicitly asked the staff to stop the haircut halfway through, but the staff did not comply with her request and continued to cut her hair. Interviews with staff confirmed that the haircut was completed despite the resident's refusal, and that encouragement was given to continue the haircut since it was already partially done. The resident's power of attorney had given permission for the haircut, believing it was necessary due to the resident's hair being matted. However, the facility's policy states that residents have the right to request, refuse, and discontinue treatment, as well as make choices about aspects of their life that are significant to them. The incident was later reported and investigated as a potential case of neglect or mistreatment, but the facility did not substantiate abuse. Documentation and interviews confirmed that the resident's rights were not honored during this event.