Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's responsible party (RP) of a significant change in the resident's condition, specifically the initiation of oxygen therapy. The resident, admitted with diagnoses including senile degeneration of the brain, unspecified dementia with agitation, anxiety disorder, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and unspecified pain, was started on 3.5 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula as documented in a progress note. Review of the medical record did not show evidence that the RP was informed of this change. Interviews confirmed that the LPN who initiated the oxygen did not notify the RP, and the DON acknowledged that notification should have occurred. The RP also reported not being informed about the initiation of oxygen therapy.