Failure to Coordinate Hospice Services for End-of-Life Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper coordination of hospice services with facility services for a resident requiring end-of-life care. According to facility policy, hospice referrals should be initiated in accordance with resident and family wishes, with care coordinated among the resident's physician, pharmacy, and responsible party. The clinical record for a resident admitted with diagnoses including epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, and major depressive disorder indicated an order for hospice services, with a plan for a hospice RN and NA to visit twice weekly as part of contracted services. However, a review of both the clinical and hospice records did not show consistent documentation of hospice RN or NA visits at the frequency specified in the care plan from the start of hospice services through the review period. This lack of documentation and coordination was confirmed by the DON during an interview, indicating the facility did not meet the needs of the resident for end-of-life care as required.