Resident Representative Discouraged From Speaking Directly With State Surveyors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to permit a resident’s representative to speak directly with state surveyors during a recertification survey. During an interview, the family member of Resident #14 reported that a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA #23) told her that residents and their representatives were not allowed to speak directly with state surveyors who were on site. Instead of facilitating contact with the surveyors, GNA #23 provided the family member with contact information for the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) to file a complaint. Complaint record review confirmed that the family member subsequently filed a complaint with OHCQ. This conduct resulted in the resident’s representative being discouraged from and not permitted to communicate directly with the state surveyors who were present in the facility. No additional medical history or clinical condition for the resident was provided in the report.
