Failure to Maintain Resident Privacy and Confidentiality During Care and Record Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain resident privacy and confidentiality for seven out of sixteen residents reviewed. One incident involved a nurse (LVN B) checking a resident's blood sugar and administering insulin in a public hallway rather than in a private setting. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and diabetes mellitus, was in her wheelchair in the hallway when the nurse performed the blood sugar check and insulin injection, exposing her abdomen in view of others. The nurse later acknowledged that the procedure should have been done in the resident's room or another private area. Another deficiency was observed when a nurse (LVN A) left a cart unattended in the hallway with a piece of paper on top containing confidential medical information about several residents. The paper included details such as diagnoses, blood sugar values, medication refusals, and other sensitive health information. The cart was left facing the hallway, unattended, while staff and residents passed by, making the information accessible to unauthorized individuals. The nurse admitted that the information should have been secured and not left exposed. Interviews with facility leadership, including the ADON, Administrator, and DON, confirmed that staff are expected to provide privacy during care and secure all resident medical information. Facility policies reviewed also emphasized the importance of protecting resident privacy and confidentiality during treatment and in the handling of medical records. The observed actions were inconsistent with these policies and expectations.