Failure to Maintain Communication and Documentation with Hospice Provider
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an effective communication process between the facility and hospice care agencies for a resident receiving hospice services. According to the facility's own policy, there should be ongoing coordination and documentation of care provided by hospice staff, including written agreements specifying services and a communication log detailing the care and interventions delivered. However, review of the hospice communication log for the resident revealed significant gaps, with progress note entries missing for many dates over an 11-week period. The notes that were present did not include any information about the services provided by hospice staff during their visits. The resident involved had a complex medical history, including quadriplegia, depression, and dysphagia, and was admitted to hospice care following a hospital stay for sepsis, infected sacral decubitus, pneumonia, and influenza. Despite daily visits reported by facility staff, there was no documented communication from the hospice provider regarding the care delivered during these visits. Staff interviews confirmed that no additional notes were provided by the hospice agency, indicating a lack of documented communication as required by facility policy.