Failure to Provide Ordered Splint Devices for Resident with Limited Mobility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with limited mobility received the appropriate services, equipment, and assistance to maintain or improve mobility. According to the facility's Splint/Brace Management policy, residents are to be assessed and provided with splint or brace devices as needed to prevent decline in joint mobility. The clinical record for the resident indicated a physician's order for bilateral palm roll splints to be worn at all times, except during hygiene, with skin checks every shift. The resident had diagnoses including high blood pressure, schizophrenia, and muscle weakness. Despite these orders, multiple observations over two days showed the resident without the required palm roll splints applied. During an interview, an LPN confirmed that the resident did not have the splints on and acknowledged the facility's failure to provide the necessary services and equipment as ordered. This deficiency was cited under several Pennsylvania state codes related to licensee responsibility, management, resident care policies, and nursing services.