Failure to Respect Resident Privacy During Room Entry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to respect the privacy of two residents during the survey process. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and another who was cognitively intact experienced staff entering their rooms without knocking or seeking permission. Specifically, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) entered the room of the cognitively intact resident twice without knocking or asking for permission, interrupting a private interview and performing tasks such as emptying and refilling a water cup. The CNA also entered another resident's room across the hall in the same manner, without knocking or announcing her presence. Interviews with the CNA revealed that she had received training on residents' rights, including the importance of knocking and waiting for a response before entering a resident's room, but admitted to not consistently following this protocol, especially during routine tasks like delivering ice water. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are trained to respect residents' privacy by knocking and waiting for a response, and facility policies and the resident handbook both emphasize the right to privacy and confidentiality for all residents.