Failure to Post Ombudsman and SD DOH Contact Information
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that the contact information for the ombudsman and the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) was posted in a location accessible to all 35 current residents, visitors, and families. During an interview with the resident council, it was revealed that the residents were unaware of where to find the ombudsman's contact information and did not know they could contact the SD DOH directly or file a complaint. Observations confirmed that the ombudsman's contact information was posted in the entryway vestibule, which required a door code to access, and in the social worker's office, which was not always accessible to residents. Additionally, there was no SD DOH contact information or a statement that residents could file a complaint with the SD DOH posted anywhere in the facility. The administrator confirmed that the ombudsman's contact information was only posted in the social worker's office and that the SD DOH contact information was not posted. The admission handbook was also found to be deficient, as it contained incorrect and outdated contact information for the state ombudsman program and the SD DOH complaint coordinator. The table of contents listed State and Federal Contacts on page 19, but there was no page 19, and the contact information started on page 18, followed by a mislabeled page 2. This lack of accessible and accurate information prevented residents from knowing how to file complaints or seek assistance from the ombudsman or SD DOH.
Penalty
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