Failure to Notify Ombudsman of Resident Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required notification to the Ombudsman's office regarding the transfer and discharge of a resident diagnosed with acute osteomyelitis of the left foot and ankle, and type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy. The resident, who had intact cognition and required moderate assistance with activities of daily living, was discharged home with health services arranged. Documentation showed that the social worker met with the resident to discuss the discharge and arranged transportation, but the required notification to the Ombudsman's office was not completed at the time of discharge. A review of facility records revealed that the last report of admissions, discharges, and transfers sent to the State Ombudsman's office was in February, despite multiple discharges and transfers occurring in the subsequent months. The social worker responsible for submitting these reports indicated she was unaware that the reports were required monthly and had fallen behind in reporting. The administrator confirmed that it was the social worker's responsibility to submit the reports monthly, but there was no written policy in place regarding this process.