Failure to Assess and Plan for Safe Smoking Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe environment for a resident who was a known cigarette smoker. Upon review of the resident's admission record, it was found that the resident had diagnoses including weakness and required assistance with personal care. The resident, who had moderate cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of 8, was observed to go outside the facility to smoke twice daily, accompanied by staff. Both RNs and a CNA confirmed that the resident did not use a smoking apron during these smoke breaks, and there was no ash tray available, resulting in cigarette butts being discarded on the ground. There was also no established smoking schedule for the resident. Further investigation revealed that there was no safe smoking evaluation or care plan in place for the resident, as confirmed by the MDS Coordinator. The facility's own policy required an evaluation of smoking status upon admission, including the ability to smoke safely, and mandated that any restrictions or concerns be documented in the care plan. The lack of a safe smoking evaluation and care plan for this resident constituted a failure to follow facility policy and created a potential risk for burn injury to the resident and danger to others.