Failure to Provide Timely Podiatry Services for a Resident with Diabetes and Mobility Impairments
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple diagnoses, including hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and diabetes, did not receive necessary podiatry services as ordered. The resident's clinical records indicated an order for podiatry evaluation, treatment, and follow-up every 61 days and as needed. Despite the resident's request for podiatry services, her toenails were observed to be long, thick, and growing inward, causing her pain and concern for potential ingrown toenails or infection. The resident reported that although she was shown documentation stating she had been seen by the podiatrist, she was not actually seen, and her toenails remained untreated. Interviews with staff confirmed that the resident's request for podiatry services was documented, but she was not scheduled or seen during the most recent podiatry visit. Observations by both staff and surveyors confirmed the resident's toenails were not trimmed and did not appear to have been recently cared for by a podiatrist. The facility's policy requires referral to qualified professionals for residents with medical conditions associated with foot complications, but this was not followed in the resident's case.