Failure to Knock Before Entering Resident Rooms Violates Privacy and Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to honor residents' rights to privacy and dignity by not consistently knocking before entering residents' rooms. Observations showed that a CNA and an Activity Assistant entered the rooms of three residents without knocking. These residents had significant medical conditions, including severe cognitive impairment, mobility issues, and chronic illnesses, as documented in their medical records and MDS assessments. Interviews with the affected residents revealed that they noticed staff did not always knock before entering. One resident expressed a preference for staff to knock every time and reported feeling upset when staff either did not knock or knocked too loudly. Another resident confirmed that staff did not always knock, and a third resident, though severely cognitively impaired, nodded in agreement when asked if she would like staff to knock before entering. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the facility's policy requiring staff to knock before entering residents' rooms, except in emergencies. Both the CNA and Activity Assistant admitted to not knocking, citing reasons such as having their hands full. Facility leadership, including the ADM and DON, also acknowledged the policy and monitoring practices but could not explain why staff failed to comply in these instances. The facility's resident rights policy affirms the right to personal privacy and confidentiality.