Failure to Ensure Timely Outside Specialist Services for Resident with Tracheostomy
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to obtain outside professional services in a timely manner for a resident who was admitted with a tracheostomy. The resident was seen by an ENT specialist, who changed the tracheostomy and scheduled a follow-up appointment with a head and neck surgery specialist. However, the resident did not attend the scheduled specialist appointment, and this failure was confirmed by the facility administrator during an interview. The deficiency was identified during a complaint survey and was based on medical record review and staff interview. The resident's medical record indicated the need for ongoing specialist care related to the tracheostomy, but the facility did not ensure the resident attended the required follow-up appointment as ordered by the ENT specialist.