Failure to Maintain Confidentiality of Resident Records
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain the confidentiality of resident-identifiable information by leaving laptops with open resident records unattended on medication carts in two separate units. On two occasions, surveyors observed medication carts left unattended with laptops displaying resident records while the assigned nurses were inside resident rooms. Both nurses acknowledged during interviews that leaving the laptops open and unattended was not consistent with their process or facility policy, and recognized that this practice could result in unauthorized exposure of resident information. The fill-in Director of Nursing and LPN Manager confirmed that staff are expected to ensure computer screens are not left open and unattended, as this would violate HIPAA and residents' rights to privacy. Facility policy reviewed by surveyors stated that unauthorized release, access, or disclosure of resident information is prohibited, and all such actions must comply with current privacy laws. No specific resident medical history or condition was mentioned in relation to the deficiency.