Failure to Notify Residents or Representatives of Bed-Hold Policies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify two residents or their resident representatives of bed-hold policies and bed reserve payments when the residents were transferred out of the facility for hospitalizations. According to the facility's policy, residents or their representatives must be provided with a copy of the bed-hold policy before a temporary leave or within 24 hours in the case of emergency hospitalization. Record reviews for both residents did not show evidence of bed-hold notifications, and interviews with staff and a resident representative confirmed that no written or verbal notification was provided regarding bed-hold status. One resident had multiple hospitalizations with bed-hold status, and another had moderate cognitive impairment and was admitted with several medical conditions, including dementia and diabetes. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent practices and a lack of clarity regarding responsibility for bed-hold notifications. The social worker was unaware of the requirement to provide notice, and the business office and nursing staff described informal or incomplete notification processes, with no documentation found in the residents' records.