Under §483.10(h) F583, residents have the right to personal privacy during all aspects of care and daily routines. Surveyors will expect facilities to demonstrate that staff consistently protect resident privacy by removing residents from public view, ensuring privacy curtains are fully drawn, doors are closed when appropriate, and draping or clothing is used to prevent unnecessary exposure during care.
This includes avoiding practices that compromise privacy, such as performing blood glucose checks or other personal care tasks in common areas or in view of other residents. Facilities should ensure that catheter bags are kept discreetly covered with dignity bags, and that any signage related to a resident’s care needs is not openly displayed where it can be viewed by others unless the resident or their representative has specifically requested it.
Surveyors will also interview residents and staff to assess whether privacy practices are consistently followed and understood. They may observe care interactions to verify personal care is provided away from public view and that staff actively support resident dignity through appropriate privacy measures and respectful approaches to care.
In addition, if concerns are identified, surveyors will review facility policies and procedures to determine whether they clearly outline expectations for maintaining privacy during care delivery and whether staff have been trained to meet those standards.