Failure to Provide Restorative Range of Motion Services
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of stroke resulting in hemiparesis, along with other medical conditions such as seizures, hypertension, and major depressive disorder, was identified as having limited physical mobility and functional limitations. The resident's care plan documented the need to maintain or improve mobility and prevent complications related to immobility, including contractures. Despite these documented needs, the resident did not receive any physical or occupational therapy, and there was no evidence of restorative range of motion (ROM) exercises being provided. The resident reported never having received ROM exercises or therapy since admission and expressed a desire for such interventions to prevent contractures. Observations confirmed that the resident's affected limb was not being actively exercised, and interviews with nursing staff and administration revealed that the facility did not have a restorative aide or an active restorative therapy program at the time. Staff indicated that exercises would typically be directed by the therapy department, but no such services were in place. The facility's own policy required that residents with limited ROM receive appropriate treatment and services, but this was not implemented for the resident in question.