Failure to Ensure Resident Transport for Scheduled Medical Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with complex medical needs, including anoxic brain damage, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, and vertebral osteomyelitis, was transported to scheduled appointments for the removal of a tunneled catheter. The resident was on IV antibiotics for an infection, and the care plan included monitoring and care of the IV site. Despite a physician's order for catheter removal, the resident missed two scheduled appointments due to transportation issues. On one occasion, the transportation company did not arrive as scheduled, and on another, the company arrived early and left before the appointment time, with staff not sending the resident due to a misunderstanding about the need for a family member to accompany the resident. Interviews revealed that staff did not confirm with the family member whether her presence was required, and the family member later clarified that she did not need to be present for the procedure. The Director of Nursing confirmed there was no facility policy regarding resident appointments. As a result, the resident's necessary medical procedure was delayed due to failures in coordination and communication regarding transportation and appointment attendance.