Failure to Timely Notify Family of Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely notification of a resident's representative following a significant incident involving a fall. According to the medical record, a resident experienced an unwitnessed fall in the bathroom, was found on the floor with complaints of low back pain, and was assessed for injuries. Nursing documentation indicated that the fall occurred in the evening, but there was no evidence that the family was notified of the incident until the following day, approximately 17 hours later, during an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting. The family confirmed they had not been informed of the fall until that time. Facility policy requires immediate notification of the resident, physician, and representative in the event of an incident resulting in injury with the potential for requiring physician intervention. The facility's Falls Management Policy also specifies that the resident's representative should be notified of any fall and subsequent follow-up treatment. The lack of timely notification to the family was confirmed through record review and interview, demonstrating noncompliance with both facility policy and regulatory requirements.