Failure to Allow Use of Motorized Wheelchair for Resident with Mobility Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was allowed to use his personal motorized wheelchair during his stay, despite his prior use of such a device and his medical need for independent mobility. The resident, who had spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and chronic kidney disease, was admitted to the facility and had a BIMS score indicating intact cognition. Upon admission, he informed staff that his motorized wheelchair would be arriving, but the facility did not permit him to use it, instead providing a manual wheelchair that he was unable to propel independently due to his physical limitations. Interviews with facility staff revealed that there was a longstanding practice of not allowing motorized wheelchairs, originating from a previous administrator's decision after an incident involving another resident. However, current staff, including the ADON and the Administrator, indicated that the expectation was to allow motorized wheelchairs if the resident was assessed by therapy and found to be safe. Despite this, the resident was not given the opportunity for such an assessment and was denied the use of his motorized wheelchair throughout his stay. Facility policy stated that residents have the right to retain and use personal possessions, including motorized wheelchairs, unless doing so would endanger the health or safety of others. The policy also required an assessment for safe use of electric wheelchairs. In this case, the facility did not follow its own policy or provide reasonable accommodation for the resident's needs and preferences, resulting in the resident's loss of independence and reliance on staff for mobility.