Failure to Arrange Transportation for Oncology Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure transportation was arranged for a resident to attend a scheduled Hematology and Oncology appointment for infusion therapy. The resident, who had diagnoses including malignant neoplasm of the right lung, cerebrovascular disease, and was receiving chemotherapy, was scheduled for an infusion appointment. Documentation showed that the appointment was missed due to a transportation error, specifically because the responsible Unit Manager was on vacation and the appointment was not scheduled on the transportation calendar. The resident's medical record did not contain a physician order for the missed appointment, and the facility's appointment calendar did not reflect the scheduled visit. Interviews with facility staff, including the Administrator, Unit Managers, Social Worker, and DON, confirmed that the missed appointment was due to a lack of transportation arrangements during the Unit Manager's absence. The facility's policy stated that assistance with arranging transportation would be provided as needed, but this was not followed in this instance. The deficiency was identified through review of records, interviews, and facility policy, and was substantiated by a resident grievance regarding the missed appointment.