Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Resident Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's responsible party on the day the resident was discharged and transferred to another facility, as required by the facility's own policy. Record review showed that while the social worker spoke to the family member about the transfer and obtained agreement, the documentation did not specify the details of why, where, or when the transfer would occur. Nursing notes confirmed the resident was discharged and transported to another nursing home, but there was no indication that the family was notified on the day of discharge. Interviews revealed that the resident's representative was confused about the transfer and was not informed of the actual discharge date. The representative only learned of the transfer after arriving at the facility and finding the resident had already been moved. Staff interviews confirmed that the responsible party was not contacted on the day of discharge, and the administrator verified this lapse in notification. The resident involved had diagnoses including coronary artery disease, dementia, and aphasia.