Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dignity and respect of two residents during care activities, as evidenced by direct observation, video footage review, clinical record review, and staff interviews. In one instance, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) approached a resident seated in a recliner in the dining/lounge area, pulled out the resident's sweatpants at the waistband, and placed her hands inside to palpate the resident's left hip area following a fall. This examination was conducted in the presence of another resident seated approximately 12 feet away, in direct view. The video footage also showed the LPN pressing on the resident's hip, looking under the resident's pajama bottoms, and returning to palpate the area again after donning gloves, all in a public area. In another instance, the same LPN performed a dressing change on a different resident's foot while the resident's leg was resting on a chair in the dining/lounge area, directly across from the first resident. During an interview, the LPN confirmed that she performed the foot treatment in the dining area and was not aware of the facility's policy and procedure regarding treatments and privacy. The facility's policies, as acknowledged by the LPN, require the promotion of resident rights, dignity, and privacy during care, which were not upheld during these incidents.