Resident's Right to Smoke Restricted Against Policy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when the facility failed to honor a resident's right to self-determination regarding smoking preferences. The resident, who was admitted with cellulitis of the right lower limb, sepsis, bacteremia, and an open wound to the right thigh, was found to be cognitively intact and required substantial assistance with activities of daily living. Despite this, the resident reported being limited to smoking only one cigarette per day at a designated time, as directed by the DON, rather than being allowed to smoke at her own preference. The resident expressed frustration and anger over this restriction. The DON confirmed that the limitation was imposed due to the resident's medical condition upon admission, specifically her weakness and wounds, and stated that the restriction would remain until her wounds began to heal. The facility's policy on resident rights, however, guarantees the right to exercise personal preferences, including smoking. The survey found that this practice resulted in a violation of the resident's rights as outlined in the facility's policy and federal and state regulations.