Failure to Provide Written Information on Advance Directives
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide written information on how to formulate an advance directive to 9 out of 24 sampled residents. Policy review indicated that the Admissions Director or designee is responsible for providing this information prior to or upon admission. However, medical record reviews for multiple residents with various diagnoses, including chronic illnesses and cognitive impairments, showed no documentation that either the residents or their responsible parties received the required written information regarding advance directives. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the deficiency. The Administrator acknowledged the facility's responsibility to provide written documentation on advance directives, and the Social Services Director stated that there was no current process in place to ensure residents received this information. The lack of documentation and process affected residents with a range of cognitive abilities, from cognitively intact to severely impaired, and included those with significant medical conditions such as COPD, heart failure, diabetes, and cancer.