Failure to Ensure Consistent Communication with Dialysis Center
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide consistent and complete communication with the dialysis center for a resident who required hemodialysis services. According to facility policy, ongoing communication and collaboration with the dialysis facility is required, including the use of a dialysis communication form to be sent with the resident and reviewed upon return for each dialysis session. Review of the clinical record for a resident with diagnoses of high blood pressure, end stage renal disease, and heart transplant status revealed that the required communication forms were incomplete for eight separate dialysis dates within a specified period. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the communication forms were not consistently completed as required by policy. This deficiency was identified through review of clinical records, facility policy, and staff interviews, and was cited under relevant state codes for responsibility of licensee, resident care policies, and nursing services.