Failure to Provide Bed-Hold Policy Notice and Transfer Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a resident and/or their representative with a written notice of the facility's bed-hold policy, which should include an explanation of how long a bed can be held during a leave of absence and the cost per day. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that the necessary clinical information was communicated to the receiving health care provider when the resident was transferred to the hospital. These requirements are outlined in the facility's own policy, which mandates that both the bed-hold notice and relevant clinical information be provided during any transfer. The deficiency was identified for a resident with diagnoses including diabetes, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who was transferred to the hospital. Review of the clinical record showed no evidence that the bed-hold policy was given to the resident or their representative, nor that the required clinical information was sent to the receiving provider. Staff interviews confirmed these omissions, and the lack of documentation was verified by the Regional Nurse Consultant.