Failure to Provide Timely Remicade IV Treatment Due to Communication Breakdown
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely intervention after being notified by an outpatient infusion clinic that a resident could not receive their scheduled Remicade (infliximab) IV treatment due to their admission to the facility. The resident, who had diagnoses including Parkinson's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, was dependent on staff for multiple activities of daily living and had moderately impaired cognition. On 5/5/2025, RN 1 received a call from the outpatient clinic indicating they could not administer the Remicade IV. RN 1 notified the resident's physician but did not inform the Director of Nursing (DON) or take further steps to ensure the resident received the necessary treatment while admitted. The resident expressed concern to RN 1 on multiple occasions about the timing of the Remicade IV therapy, stating that the treatment improved mobility and ease of movement. RN 1 did not inform the DON of the situation until nearly a month later, after the resident inquired again about the therapy. The DON confirmed that timely notification would have allowed the facility to coordinate and provide the treatment. The facility's policy required timely, integrated, and efficient care, but the lack of communication and follow-up resulted in a delay of the resident's Remicade IV treatment.