Failure to Arrange Transportation for Resident's Medical Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice. Specifically, the facility did not arrange transportation for Resident 5 to attend a scheduled appointment with Gastroenterology Associates on November 15, 2024. This oversight was identified through a review of the facility's policy on transportation and escort services, which mandates that the center staff provide assistance in scheduling transportation for residents who need it for appointments outside the center. Resident 5, who has diagnoses including muscle weakness and ileus, had a physician's order for a gastroenterology appointment on November 15, 2024. However, the facility failed to set up transportation, resulting in the appointment being rescheduled. A progress note from November 18, 2024, confirmed the missed transportation arrangement, and an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator on December 2, 2024, verified the failure. The appointment was eventually rescheduled for November 22, 2024, after the oversight was discovered.
Plan Of Correction
The statements made on this plan of correction are not an admission to and do not constitute an agreement with the alleged deficiency (s) herein. To remain in compliance with all federal and state regulations, the facility has taken, and will take, the actions set forth in the following plan of correction. The following plan of correction constitutes the center's allegation of compliance. All alleged deficiencies cited have been, or will be corrected by the date or dates indicated. The facility is committed to taking all actions necessary to remain in substantial compliance with state and federal regulations. The plan of correction addresses our intention to promote care for our residents which enhances their dignity and is designed to meet their interests and promote the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Resident 5 appointment was rescheduled and resident was transported. Residents with scheduled transport in the last week will be audited to ensure they were transported to their appointments. Director of nursing / Designee will educate licensed staff on Ftag 0684 quality of care, focusing on arranging transports to appointments. Audits of 5 random residents with scheduled appointments will be completed by unit managers / designee per week for 4 weeks to ensure transports are arranged. Results of the audits will be reviewed by the QAPI committee for recommendations.