Staff Inappropriately Solicits Resident's Personal Property
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to honor a resident's rights when a staff member, specifically an LPN, approached a resident to inquire about purchasing the resident's personal vehicle. The LPN had noticed a car in the facility parking lot that had not been moved for some time and, after learning it belonged to the resident, directly asked if the vehicle was for sale, stating it was for her daughter to use for college. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, expressed concern about staff discussing her personal matters and felt the inquiry was inappropriate, especially given her medical condition. The resident reported feeling upset by the interaction and questioned the appropriateness of staff discussing her situation among themselves. The Executive Director and Director of Nursing confirmed that the action of a staff member attempting to purchase an item from a resident was inappropriate and not in line with resident rights policies. The facility's policy requires that residents be treated with respect and dignity, including the right to retain and use personal possessions. The LPN acknowledged in a written statement that she had inquired about the car and stated she meant no harm. The incident was identified through interviews and record review, and it was determined that the resident's rights to dignity and self-determination were not upheld in this situation.