Failure to Honor Residents' Right to Choose Attending Physician
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor residents' rights to choose their attending physician by unilaterally revoking the privileges of two attending physicians and a nurse practitioner without informing or involving the affected residents or their representatives in the decision-making process. Despite facility policies supporting residents' rights to select their own physicians, the administration made administrative changes to the medical staff, including the revocation of privileges for the existing medical team, without providing cause or attempting to mediate any concerns with the providers. Residents and their responsible parties were not given adequate notification or explanation regarding the changes, nor were they offered meaningful choices regarding their ongoing medical care. Multiple residents and their representatives reported that they were either not notified at all or were only informed after the changes had already taken effect. Some residents learned of the changes through indirect means, such as being told by other staff or after inquiring themselves. Several residents expressed satisfaction with their previous physicians and nurse practitioner, stating that they would have preferred to continue care with them. In some cases, responsible parties felt pressured or manipulated into signing forms to change physicians, and some expressed fear of retribution or involuntary discharge if they did not comply with the facility's requests. The report documents that the facility did not attempt to address or mediate any concerns with the outgoing medical staff, nor did it provide residents or their representatives with options or involve them in the decision to change providers. The administration instructed staff to refer all questions about the changes to the administrator or assistant-in-training, and did not communicate the changes during resident council or care plan meetings. The lack of communication and involvement left residents and their families confused, upset, and concerned about continuity and quality of care.