Failure to Include Food and Nutrition Services in Care Conference
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a member from food and nutrition services participated in the care conference for a resident who was reviewed for care planning. The resident in question had multiple diagnoses, including severe cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and several fractures, and required significant assistance with daily activities such as eating, hygiene, and mobility. The care conference, documented in the resident's medical record, was attended by the resident, her husband, the Assistant Director of Nursing, and the Social Service Coordinator, but no representative from the dietary department was present. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the dietitian was present in the facility four days a week but did not attend care conferences, nor did the new dietary coordinator, who was under the impression that the dietitian was responsible for attending. The Social Services Coordinator confirmed that no one from dietary attended the meetings and that she completed the nutrition section of the care conference documentation by referencing the medical record. Facility policy required all disciplines to participate in care plan meetings and contribute insights into resident assessments and needs, but this was not followed in the case reviewed.