Failure to Arrange Home Health Services Prior to Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that home health services were arranged prior to the discharge of a resident. Physician orders indicated that the resident was to be discharged home with home health services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and durable medical equipment. The discharge summary also documented that these services and equipment were to be provided upon discharge. However, a review of the resident's progress notes revealed that the referral to home health was not sent until six days after the resident had already been discharged. During an interview and record review with the Social Service Director, it was confirmed that there was no evidence of home health being notified of the resident's discharge orders before the resident left the facility. The facility's policy required that discharge planning ensure the resident's health and safety needs were met and that arrangements for community care and support services were made prior to discharge. This process was not followed, resulting in the resident being discharged without the necessary home health services in place.