Failure to Provide Timely Podiatry Services for Diabetic Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident with multiple diagnoses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and paraplegia, was admitted to the facility and required assistance with personal care. Despite being cognitively intact, the resident did not receive timely podiatry services, resulting in long toenails with visible debris and dry, crusted areas on both feet. The resident reported discomfort and stated that neither he nor his sister's requests for podiatry treatment had been addressed since admission. Observations and interviews with facility staff, including CNAs, a licensed nurse, and the social service assistant, confirmed the resident's toenails were overgrown and that no podiatry consult had been scheduled. Staff acknowledged that diabetic residents require professional foot care and that the process for referral to a podiatrist had not been initiated. The facility's policy required referrals for residents with foot disorders or medical conditions associated with foot complications, but this was not followed in the resident's case.