Failure to Notify Family of Resident Hospitalization
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's family member of a hospitalization, as required. A resident admitted with diabetes experienced multiple episodes of low oxygen saturation, rapid pulse, and diarrhea, which did not improve with interventions, leading to a hospital transfer. The resident's clinical record listed a family member as the first emergency contact, but there was no documentation that this contact was notified of the hospitalization. The resident, who was cognitively intact, stated that her family should be contacted in such situations. The family member confirmed she was not notified and only learned of the hospitalization after the resident returned and called her. The Director of Nursing Services stated that staff did not notify family because the resident was her own responsible party.