Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Visits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received physician visits at least every 60 days, as required. Record reviews for four residents revealed significant lapses between physician visits, with intervals far exceeding the mandated 60-day period. For example, one resident was seen by the Medical Director on two occasions several months apart, and another had not been seen by a physician since the previous year. These findings were confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON) during interviews, who acknowledged that the required frequency of physician visits was not met for these residents. The DON also stated that while the physician visited the facility weekly and saw new admissions, residents on skilled services, those with specific needs, and all residents annually, there was no evidence that all residents received face-to-face physician visits at least every 60 days. The lack of timely physician assessments was documented in the electronic medical records and verified through staff interviews, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with regulatory requirements for physician oversight.