Failure to Maintain Resident Medical Information Confidentiality
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the confidentiality of a resident's medical information, as required by both facility policy and state regulations. During an interview, a resident indicated that information about her cold therapy device was posted on her wall. Upon review, it was found that a copy of her hospital discharge information was taped to the wall, which included her name, gender, medical record number, birth date, hospital name, medications with dosages and reasons for use, diet order, and follow-up appointment information. The resident confirmed she was unaware of all the information posted and had not given permission for it to be displayed. The resident involved had a history of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and was receiving aftercare following joint replacement surgery. A recent BIMS assessment indicated she was cognitively intact. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility did not maintain the confidentiality of the resident's medical information, as required by facility policy and state regulations.