Failure to Provide Timely Behavioral Health Services for Resident on Antidepressants
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary behavioral health care and services to a resident who had a diagnosis of depression and was prescribed antidepressant medications. The resident had consented to receive behavioral health services, as documented in the clinical record and care plan, and had expressed a willingness to speak with a therapist or counselor about increased feelings of sadness and loss of independence. Despite a request for behavioral health services being made and consent obtained, there was no evidence in the clinical record that the resident received any behavioral health services during their stay. Interviews with the resident confirmed ongoing symptoms of depression and a desire for additional support, while interviews with facility staff revealed that the process for referring the resident to behavioral health services was not completed as required. The consent form for behavioral health services was not properly sent to the psychiatric consultant, and there was a lack of follow-up to ensure the resident was seen. The facility's own audit later identified that the resident had not received the requested behavioral health services, but no evidence was found that services were provided prior to this discovery.