Resident's Right to Refuse Treatment Not Honored During Painful Transfer
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to honor a resident's right to refuse treatment during a transfer and shower. The resident, who had diagnoses including chronic osteomyelitis, anxiety, and abnormal gait and mobility, was dependent on staff for transfers and personal care. According to clinical records and interviews, the resident initially agreed to a transfer using a mechanical lift for the purpose of showering, but began to refuse the transfer and shower after experiencing pain in the right leg, which had previously undergone surgery. Despite the resident's repeated requests to stop due to pain, staff continued with the transfer and proceeded with the shower. Documentation and interviews confirmed that one nurse aide continued the transfer process even after the resident expressed refusal and discomfort, while another aide was present and in training. The incident was reported by the resident and corroborated by facility documentation, which indicated that the resident's rights to refuse treatment were not upheld. The facility's own policies and the Residents' Rights documentation specify that residents have the right to request, refuse, and discontinue treatment, which was not followed in this instance.