Resident Choice Not Honored in Assignment of Care Provider
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident's right to choose their health care provider was not honored. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and had severely impaired cognition. The resident's representative had formally requested that a specific Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) not be assigned to provide care for the resident. Despite this request, the CNA continued to provide care to the resident, as observed by the resident's son. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the request was communicated to the appropriate personnel, including the Director of Nursing, Staffing Coordinator, floor nurses, and the CNA in question. However, the CNA was still assigned to and provided care for the resident after the request was made. Staff members interviewed were unable to explain why the CNA continued to provide care despite the documented preference and communication, indicating a failure in the facility's process to ensure resident choice regarding care providers.