Failure to Provide Timely Podiatry Referrals and Foot Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary podiatry referrals and foot care for two residents with long, untrimmed toenails. One resident, who was cognitively intact and able to express her needs, reported that her toenails were curling over her skin and had not been clipped, stating she had not seen a podiatrist in approximately one and a half years. Nursing documentation indicated a referral was given to the social services office, but there was no evidence of follow-up or that podiatry services were provided as needed. The facility's policy required regular scheduling and coordination of podiatry visits, but this was not followed for this resident. Another resident, with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including congestive heart failure and onychomycosis, was observed with long, curved, and jagged toenails. Despite a physician order for a podiatry referral due to a history of nail fungus infection, there was no documentation that the referral was completed or that podiatry services were provided. The Social Services Director confirmed responsibility for coordinating podiatry referrals but could not provide evidence that the required services were delivered according to facility policy.