Failure to Involve Responsible Party in Hospice Provider Selection
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the responsible party (RP) for one resident was able to participate in treatment decisions, specifically regarding the initiation of hospice care. The resident's family member, who was identified as the RP in the admission record, reported that while she agreed to start hospice care for the resident, she was not given a choice of hospice providers and did not consent to the specific hospice company assigned. Review of the resident's medical record with the DON confirmed there was no documentation that the RP was educated about the hospice process or informed of the available hospice companies. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to be informed and to participate in decisions and care planning, including choosing a physician and treatment.