Lack of Designated Hospice Liaison for Resident Receiving Hospice Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to identify a designated interdisciplinary team member to act as a liaison for coordinating care and communication with the hospice provider for a resident receiving hospice services. The resident, who was able to make decisions regarding their care and had diagnoses including malnutrition, asthma, and respiratory failure, was referred for hospice services and began receiving them. Review of the facility's hospice agreement showed that while it outlined the services and responsibilities of both the facility and the hospice provider, it did not specify who within the facility was responsible for collaborating with hospice. Staff interviews confirmed that although arrangements for hospice were made by social services, no specific hospice liaison had been appointed.