Failure to Conduct Timely Physician Visits for New Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that physician visits were conducted at least every 30 days for the first 90 days after admission for a resident. The facility's policy, titled "Physician Services," mandates that physician visits and their frequency comply with current regulations. However, a review of the clinical records for a resident admitted with diagnoses including diabetes, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure, revealed a lapse in compliance. The resident was seen by a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner on two occasions, but there was no evidence of a required physician visit in January 2025. During an interview, the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident was not seen by a physician as required in January 2025. This deficiency was identified based on the review of facility policy, clinical records, and staff interviews, indicating a failure to adhere to the mandated schedule for physician visits within the first 90 days of admission.
Plan Of Correction
Resident R42 was seen by the physician on 02/25/2025. All other resident records have been reviewed for their last physician visit date to ensure ongoing compliance with the timeliness of their physician visits. Education has been provided to the Elmwood Medical Staff regarding the minimal frequency of physician visits requirements; education was conducted by the Nursing Home Administrator. The Director of Nursing or designee will conduct whole house audits to ensure compliance with frequency/timeframes of required physician visits. Whole house audits will be conducted weekly for 4 weeks, then biweekly for 4 weeks, and then monthly for 2 months. Results of these audits will be reviewed at the quarterly quality assurance meeting; any unfavorable auditing will result in immediate corrective action step(s).