Failure to Maintain Consistent Dialysis Communication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain consistent and complete communication regarding dialysis care for two residents diagnosed with end stage renal disease and other comorbidities. According to the facility's policy, ongoing communication, coordination, and collaboration between the dialysis center and the facility are required, including telephonic communication, pre- and post-dialysis assessments, care plan updates, and sharing of medication administration records. However, review of the clinical records and dialysis communication forms for both residents revealed multiple instances where these forms were incomplete on several dialysis dates. Both residents had physician orders and care plans specifying their dialysis schedules, including chair times, pickup, and return times. Despite these documented requirements, the facility did not ensure that the necessary dialysis communication forms were fully completed for each session. This deficiency was confirmed by the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the lack of consistent communication documentation for both residents.