Failure to Notify and Involve Residents in Care Plan Conferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct care plan conferences and did not ensure that residents or their representatives were notified in advance of care conference meetings for three of five residents reviewed. According to the facility's policy, residents and their families or responsible parties have the right to participate in planning care and treatment, and should be notified of care plan meetings and offered the opportunity to attend. However, review of clinical records and staff interviews revealed that residents with diagnoses including depression, migraines, paraplegia, high blood pressure, cerebral infarction, diabetes, and heart failure were not invited to or made aware of care plan meetings. These residents reported never having attended such meetings and expressed a desire to participate if they had been informed. Staff interviews confirmed that care conferences were due for these residents at specific intervals, but the facility could not provide documentation of meetings or evidence that invitations were sent. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged awareness of the lapse, confirming that care plan conferences had not been conducted and residents or their representatives were not notified as required. This failure was identified for three residents with significant medical conditions, in violation of resident rights as outlined in facility policy and state regulations.