Failure to Ensure Staff Wore Visible Identification Badges
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff members consistently wore visible identification badges that disclosed their first name, licensure status, and staff position, as required by the Medical Patient Rights Act. During observations and interviews, multiple staff members were found either not wearing ID badges or wearing badges that did not display the required information. For example, an LPN was observed with an ID badge that did not visibly display their name and staff position until it was adjusted during the survey. Several CNAs and a restorative aide were observed without any ID badges, with some stating they had never received a badge or had lost theirs and were waiting for replacements. Interviews with cognitively intact residents revealed concerns about the lack of visible staff identification. Residents expressed discomfort and uncertainty about the identity of individuals providing care, with some stating they did not know who was entering their rooms or asking them to sign documents. Residents indicated that the absence of proper identification made them feel vulnerable and unable to verify if the person was a legitimate staff member. Further review showed that the facility did not have a clear policy regarding employee ID badges, and leadership was unaware of any such policy in place. While the facility used different colored scrubs to differentiate job positions and had stickers available for temporary identification, these measures were not consistently implemented. The deficiency was identified as having the potential to affect all residents on the unit, as staff assigned to the unit were not in compliance with the identification requirements.