Failure to Provide Required Support and Services for Resident with Intellectual Disabilities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with intellectual disabilities received appropriate treatment and services to support their highest practicable mental and psychosocial well-being. The resident, who had diagnoses including end stage renal disease, breast and lung cancer, and intellectual disabilities, was repeatedly sent to medical appointments without a caregiver or attendant, despite documented needs and multiple communications from external providers. Provider notes indicated that the resident was left at the front door of the cancer center alone, experienced fear and distress when unaccompanied, and was unable to receive necessary treatments on at least one occasion due to the absence of a facility staff member. The facility was repeatedly informed by providers that a caregiver was required to accompany the resident, but failed to consistently provide this support. Additionally, the facility failed to ensure that the resident attended scheduled medical appointments, resulting in missed treatments and multiple appointment cancellations due to the lack of an escort. Staff interviews and provider documentation confirmed ongoing issues with the facility's failure to send a caregiver and to facilitate the resident's attendance at appointments. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility did not schedule ordered appointments and did not ensure that residents with intellectual disabilities received appropriate services as required.