Failure to Notify Responsible Parties of Resident Hospital Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the responsible party, Power of Attorney (POA), or emergency contact when residents were transferred to the hospital. In the case of one resident with quadriplegia, kidney disease, and anemia, there was no documented evidence that his emergency contact, who is his sister, was informed of his hospital admission for a urinary tract infection. The resident was cognitively intact and required significant assistance with daily activities. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there was no evidence of notification to the responsible party regarding this transfer. Another resident, who had Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, anemia, depression, and high cholesterol, was found to be severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for most activities. After sustaining a laceration on her forehead from a fall, she was transferred to the emergency department and treated for a closed head injury. Although the DON and physician were notified, there was no documentation that her responsible party, POA, or emergency contact was informed of the transfer. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of evidence for notification in both cases. Facility policy requires prompt notification of the resident's representative in such events, regardless of the resident's cognitive status.