Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Electronic Monitoring Rights
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a nursing assistant (NA) failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity during care. The NA was observed and acknowledged making a comment about the resident's odor within earshot of the resident, who was able to understand and respond to yes/no questions. This action was captured on video surveillance footage provided by the resident's family. The facility's policies require that all residents be treated with respect and dignity, and the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) was unable to provide evidence that the resident was treated appropriately in this instance. Additionally, the same NA was observed on video covering the resident's electronic monitoring camera with a pillow, despite the resident having provided consent for video surveillance and appropriate signage being posted in the room. The DNS confirmed that the NA covered the camera and could not provide evidence that the resident's right to use electronic monitoring equipment was respected. The resident involved had diagnoses including altered mental status and seizures and had been admitted to the facility several months prior to the incident.