Failure to Provide Written Notice and Honor Resident's Right to Refuse Room Change
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to refuse a room change and did not provide written notice prior to the change. According to the facility's own policies, residents have the right to refuse a transfer and must be given written notice with documentation of the reasons for the move and any interventions taken. In this case, a resident who was alert, oriented, and had a history of high blood pressure and bladder cancer was moved to another room due to reported roommate incompatibility. The clinical and social service records indicated that the move was made, but there was no documentation that the resident was given written notice or that her refusal was properly recorded. The resident expressed distress over the move, stating she was told it was easier to move her rather than her roommate, even though the roommate had requested the change. She reported emotional upset from being separated from another resident she was close to. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and DON confirmed the move but failed to provide evidence that the required written notice and explanation were given to the resident prior to the room change.