Failure to Conduct Routine Care Plan Conferences and Involve Resident Representatives
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that routine care plan conferences were conducted for two residents with severely impaired cognition. For one resident with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, hypothyroidism, dementia, and muscle weakness, the care plan was updated multiple times, but the resident's Power of Attorney (POA) reported that no care conference had been held since March, despite attempts to contact the new Director of Social Services. The resident was unable to participate in care planning due to cognitive impairment, making POA involvement essential. Another resident with dementia, muscle weakness, hypertension, impulse disorder, and insufficient sleep syndrome had an admission care conference with their spouse, but no further care conferences were documented after the initial one, despite care plan updates. The spouse, listed as the responsible party, was not involved in subsequent care conferences. The Director of Social Services confirmed being behind on scheduling and conducting care conferences and was unaware of missed communications from the POA. Facility policy requires resident and representative participation in care planning to the extent practicable, with documentation if not possible, but this was not followed.