Failure to Hold Required Care Conferences for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care conferences were held as required for a resident during their admission. Medical record review showed that the resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including encephalitis, dementia, abnormal lung findings, latent tuberculosis, hypokalemia, and restlessness/agitation, had only one care conference documented during their stay. The resident was cognitively impaired, with a BIMS score of 03, and required assistance with all functional abilities. Interviews with the Social Services Designee and the Administrator confirmed that only one care conference was held for the resident, despite facility policy and regulatory requirements for care conferences to occur at admission, quarterly, and with significant changes in condition. The Social Services Designee indicated she was trying to catch up on overdue care conferences due to a staffing change. Review of facility policy also confirmed the expectation for regular care conferences, which was not met in this case.