Failure to Update Care Plans for Neurology Needs and Smoking Safety
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update and revise care plans for two residents, resulting in deficiencies related to the management of a resident's neurological needs and another resident's smoking habits. For one resident with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, the care plan did not reflect the resident's increased tremors or the need for a neurology appointment, despite repeated requests from the resident's representative and a physician's order indicating the necessity for such an appointment. Staff communicated verbally about the appointment status, but no appointment had been scheduled, and the care plan was not updated to address the resident's changing condition. For another resident with a history of tobacco use and hemiplegia, the care plan failed to address the resident's ongoing nicotine use and did not include interventions for the safe storage and use of smoking paraphernalia. The resident was observed smoking outside the facility and storing cigarettes and a lighter in the bedside table, but staff were unaware of the location of these items. The care plan only referenced a reminder of the facility's no smoking policy and had not been revised to address the resident's current smoking behaviors or associated safety concerns.