Failure to Provide and Document Restorative Nursing Services per Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide restorative nursing services as outlined in the care plans for four residents who were at risk for decline in range of motion (ROM), mobility, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. Each resident had individualized care plans and therapy discharge recommendations specifying daily restorative interventions such as ambulation with assistive devices, active and passive ROM exercises, and support with ADLs. Despite these documented interventions, point of care documentation revealed frequent omissions, with services marked as not applicable (N/A) or left blank on multiple days and shifts for all four residents. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and facility leadership, confirmed that restorative services were inconsistently provided. One CNA reported not performing restorative services due to a lack of knowledge and stated that there was no designated restorative aide. The Corporate Mobile DON and Regional Director of Clinical Services acknowledged ongoing inconsistencies in the provision and documentation of restorative care, attributing some of the lapses to agency staff, who were nonetheless expected to follow the care plans. Residents also reported that restorative exercises were not being performed as intended. The affected residents had significant medical histories, including Parkinson's disease, major depressive disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Their care plans were designed to maintain or improve their functional abilities and prevent further decline. However, the facility's failure to consistently implement and document restorative nursing interventions as required by the care plans resulted in a deficiency affecting multiple residents.