Failure to Maintain Resident Privacy During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of a resident's personal and medical records during medication administration. On the observed date, the ADON administered medications to a male resident with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, laryngeal cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in a common area where approximately six other residents were present. The ADON verbally stated the names of the medications in a loud manner, making the resident's medical information accessible to others in the area. The resident was unable to participate in an interview due to cognitive impairment. Interviews with the ADON and DON confirmed that the resident's privacy and confidentiality were not maintained, as the ADON acknowledged that other residents could have overheard the medical information. Facility policy states that resident information must be kept confidential, but this was not followed during the incident. The deficiency was identified through observation, interviews, and record review.