Failure to Provide Written Notice for Facility-Initiated Room Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide written notice of room changes for two residents who were moved from the Dementia Unit to the Skilled Nursing Unit. According to the facility's own Room Change Policy, residents and their representatives are to receive prompt written notice of any room change, including the reason for the move and documentation of their response. However, review of the electronic medical records for both residents showed no evidence that such written notice was issued to either the residents or their respective Powers of Attorney. Interviews with facility staff, including the Memory Care Coordinator, Social Service Director, and Admission Coordinator, confirmed that no written notice was given for these room moves, which were initiated by the facility. One resident's Power of Attorney also confirmed being notified only face-to-face, not in writing. The Executive Director acknowledged that the Admission Coordinator, who was new, did not provide the required written notice for the room transfers.