Failure to Develop Hospice Care Plan for Resident Receiving Hospice Services
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to develop a comprehensive hospice care plan for one of seven sampled residents who was receiving hospice care services. The resident in question was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, and chronic kidney disease. Despite being admitted to hospice care due to a terminal diagnosis of COPD, a review of the resident's records and an interview with the assistant director of nursing (ADON) confirmed that no hospice care plan had been developed for this resident. The facility's own policies require the development of a coordinated plan of care (POC) with hospice providers, including directives for managing pain and other symptoms, as well as a comprehensive, person-centered care plan with measurable objectives and timetables. The ADON acknowledged during the review that the absence of a hospice care plan meant staff might not know what care and services to provide, potentially impacting the resident's care. The deficiency was identified through both record review and staff interview, with verification that the required hospice care plan was missing.