Delay in Behavioral Health Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely behavioral health services to a resident with a history of anxiety and emotional distress. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including anxiety, expressed feelings of wanting to die on multiple occasions, as documented in nurse's notes on August 14 and October 4, 2024. Despite these expressions of distress, the resident did not receive a behavioral health evaluation until November 27, 2024, which was over a month after the physician ordered a psychology evaluation on October 18, 2024. The delay in obtaining the psychology evaluation was confirmed by the Director of Nursing on December 5, 2024. The resident's condition, characterized by statements of not wanting to live and difficulty getting out of bed, was acknowledged by the physician, who noted the resident's preference for conversation over medication. However, the lack of timely intervention from behavioral health services represents a deficiency in the facility's obligation to provide necessary care and services to address the resident's mental health needs.
Plan Of Correction
1. R97 has been seen by the psychologist. 2. A comprehensive review has been conducted for any upcoming psychology appointments with appropriate appointment dates. 3. The clinic staff has been re-educated on scheduling Behavioral Health appointments in an appropriate time frame. 4. Weekly audits will be conducted by the director of ancillary services to confirm appropriate time frames with Behavioral Health appointments for (4) weeks. These audits will be reviewed, trended, and determined for the need for future audits deemed by the QAPI team.