Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy and Dignity During Room Entry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received care that respected their right to privacy and dignity. One resident, who was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for personal care due to diagnoses including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia, was exposed when an Activity Assistant entered her room without knocking or waiting for a response while a CNA was providing peri care. The resident expressed distress and embarrassment over the incident, and both she and the CNA confirmed that the Activity Assistant had entered without proper notice. The CNA also reported that other residents had similar concerns about the same staff member not knocking before entering rooms. Another resident, with moderate cognitive impairment and diagnoses including bipolar disorder, osteoarthritis, and polyneuropathy, reported that the same Activity Assistant had repeatedly entered her room without knocking or waiting for a response, including times when she was dressing, using the restroom, or getting into bed. She stated that this made her uncomfortable and that similar concerns had been raised by other residents during resident council meetings. Facility interviews and documentation confirmed that these were not isolated incidents and that the Activity Assistant had a history of entering rooms without following privacy protocols.