Failure to Provide Physical Therapy Services Due to Lack of PT Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a full-time Physical Therapist (PT) to provide specialized rehabilitative services to its 144-bed capacity, resulting in the absence of PT services for residents who may require evaluation and treatment. At the time of the survey, there were no PT staff working in the facility, as the previous PT had resigned approximately two weeks prior. Interviews with the Occupational Therapist and the Director of Nursing confirmed that there were about nine residents with current physician orders for physical therapy who were not receiving these services. Review of the facility's policy indicated that specialized rehabilitative services, including physical therapy, are to be provided by qualified professional personnel as indicated by resident assessments.