Failure to Notify Resident Representative of Appointment Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the resident representative of changes in appointment and transportation times for a resident, identified as Resident R69. The facility's policy, "Notification for Medical Appointments," requires that the responsible party be notified at least 48 hours in advance of a medical appointment, unless it is emergent. This notification should include details such as the date and time of the appointment, the healthcare provider's name and specialty, the purpose of the appointment, and any special instructions. However, the facility did not adhere to this policy for Resident R69, who was admitted on 4/2/25 and had a history of diabetes and multiple fractures. The resident's son, who is the emergency contact and medical power-of-attorney, was not informed of an appointment with a plastic surgeon, which led to a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. The resident's son expressed frustration over not being informed of the appointment in advance, a concern he had previously raised with the facility administration. Despite assurances that this issue would not recur, the son was not notified of a change in transportation time for another appointment, resulting in the resident departing the facility without him. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility failed to notify the resident representative of these changes, acknowledging that the concern had been previously brought to their attention.
Plan Of Correction
Immediate Intervention: Resident and family were notified on all future appointments with dates and times including transportation times for pick up. Identification of other residents who potentially can be affected: All residents in the facility can be affected. Prevention of future occurrence: Education and policy review was provided to the scheduler on updating residents and families on upcoming appointments. The appointment scheduler/designee will print out all appointments and transportation for all residents in the facility. A copy will be given to the resident, and the family will be notified and documented in PCC. Corrective Action to be monitored: Audit tool created to assess resident and family notification of appointments and transportation. QA Program: Interview 3 residents with appointments daily for five days, then weekly for three weeks and monthly for three months. Notification of appointment compliance reviewed monthly at QAPI.