Failure to Notify Resident Representative of Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when facility staff failed to notify a resident's representative of a significant change in the resident's condition. The resident, who had a history of cerebral infarction and thrombophilia and was assessed as having moderately impaired cognition, experienced vomiting and diarrhea throughout the day. Staff administered Maalox and Imodium to address these symptoms. However, there was no documentation that the resident's representative was informed of this change in condition at the time it occurred. Further review of the clinical record showed that the representative and physician were not notified until three days after the initial onset of symptoms. Administrative staff confirmed the lack of timely notification and documentation. Additionally, the facility was unable to provide a policy regarding change in condition notification when requested.