Failure to Honor Residents' Religious Preferences and Choices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents, both practicing Muslims, received care and services in accordance with their comprehensive assessments and care plans, specifically regarding their religious and cultural needs. Both residents expressed that their religious practices, such as praying seven times a day and maintaining cleanliness before prayer, were not accommodated. The care plans for these residents did not reflect their religious preferences or primary language, despite these being significant to their well-being. Progress notes and interviews revealed that one resident was unable to pray as required due to not being provided with adequate opportunities for cleanliness, such as daily showers, and a clean space for prayer. The resident also reported not being offered individualized activities or support for her religious practices, and staff were either unaware of her religious needs or had incorrect information about her faith. The second resident, also a practicing Muslim, reported that he was not allowed to use the chapel for prayer and felt that his individual religious needs were not considered by the facility. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness regarding the resident's religious preferences, with some staff only noting dietary restrictions such as not eating pork. The activity director and director of nursing both acknowledged that religious preferences should be included in care plans if residents voice such concerns, but these were not documented or addressed in the care plans for either resident. Facility policies required that care and services be provided in accordance with residents' choices, values, and beliefs, and that care plans reflect these preferences. However, the facility did not follow its own policies, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and accommodation of the residents' religious needs. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and observations, which consistently showed that the residents' spiritual and cultural needs were not being met as required.