Resident Health Information Left Visible on Unattended Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a surveyor observed a medication cart with an open tablet displaying a resident's personal and medical information. The device was left unattended for at least five minutes during lunch service, allowing the resident's information to be visible to anyone passing by until the screen eventually timed out and went dark. This incident involved one resident whose information was exposed due to the failure to secure the electronic device as required. Interviews with medication aides, the administrator, and the director of nursing confirmed that staff are aware of the facility's policies and HIPAA requirements regarding the confidentiality of resident information. All interviewed staff acknowledged that leaving a laptop or tablet open with resident information visible is a violation of privacy and facility policy. Despite this, the observed incident demonstrated a lapse in following these protocols, resulting in the exposure of confidential health information.