Failure to Provide Required Transfer Notifications and Bed-Hold Policy Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide required written notifications and documentation related to resident transfers to the hospital for several residents. Specifically, for three residents, there was no documented evidence that written notification of the transfer, including the reason for transfer, was provided to the residents and their representatives. Additionally, the facility did not provide a bed-hold notice to the responsible parties as required by policy. These deficiencies were confirmed through review of clinical records and staff interviews, which revealed that the necessary notifications and documentation were not completed at the time of transfer. Furthermore, for two residents, the facility did not ensure that the necessary clinical information was communicated to the receiving healthcare provider upon transfer to the hospital. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there was no evidence of bed-hold policy notification, including cost per day, or transfer of clinical information for these residents. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other chronic conditions, and were transferred to the hospital for evaluation or treatment. The lack of required notifications and communication was verified by both the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing.