Failure to Provide Required Supervision During Resident Smoking
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of muscle weakness, hemiplegia, hemiparesis following a stroke, and type 2 diabetes mellitus was observed smoking on the facility patio without wearing a smoking apron and without staff supervision. The resident stated that staff only provided supervision when handing over and lighting cigarettes, but not during the actual smoking period. Facility staff, including an Activity Assistant, confirmed that the resident requires oversight supervision while smoking for safety reasons. A review of the resident's clinical records and smoking safety assessments indicated that the interdisciplinary team determined the resident could smoke only with oversight supervision due to their physical limitations and medical diagnoses. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are expected to supervise residents during scheduled smoking times. The facility was unable to provide a policy and procedure regarding smoking supervision.