Personal Possession Removed Without Resident Permission
Summary
The facility failed to ensure staff followed its policy related to inventorying residents’ personal belongings and failed to ensure a resident was allowed to retain and use personal possessions when a fish tank was removed from Resident #12’s room without the resident’s permission and placed in a common area. Resident #12 was admitted with diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis and major depressive disorder. The resident stated that a staff member had removed the aquarium from the room, and later pointed out a large cylindrical fish tank in the activities room that was unplugged, secured to the wall, and contained faux fish. Resident #12 explained that the fish tank had previously belonged to the resident’s roommate, Resident #26, who had died, and that Resident #26’s family member had given the tank to Resident #12 because the resident loved it. The resident said the tank had been kept in the room and was usually turned off because the noise bothered other residents. An Activity Participation Note documented that Resident #12 was upset about the fish tank, that the AD told the resident the facility set the rules and the room had too many belongings to fit the tank, and that the tank was placed in the common area for everyone to enjoy. The note also documented the resident was refusing to participate in activities because of this. The SW, US, DON, and AD each described the fish tank and the circumstances surrounding it. The SW and DON confirmed the tank had remained in Resident #12’s room after Resident #26 passed away and that staff had discussed the tank with Resident #12. The AD stated maintenance removed the tank at the AD’s request, and the tank was later found in the activities room. Staff denied having documentation of Resident #12 taking possession of the tank, the disposition of Resident #26’s belongings after death, any conversation with the resident about safety concerns, or any offer of alternatives. The facility policy required residents to be allowed to retain and use personal items unless the item presented a safety risk, created an infection control concern, was prohibited by law, or interfered with care or treatment, and required inventorying belongings on admission and after death.
Penalty
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