Failure to Complete Timely Laboratory Services per Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that laboratory work was completed in a timely manner and according to physician orders for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, muscle weakness, and required personal care assistance, was noted to have impaired cognition. On a specified date, new physician orders were received for both blood work and a urinalysis. However, review of laboratory documentation showed that while the blood specimen was collected several days later, the urinalysis was not collected at all. During interviews, both the LPN and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the orders for blood and urine collection were in place, but the urinalysis had not been completed, and the LPN was unable to provide a reason for this omission.