Failure to Maintain Consistent Dialysis Communication and Care Planning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain consistent and complete communication regarding dialysis care for three residents who required such services. Review of facility policy indicated that both pre- and post-dialysis processes require documentation and communication between the facility and the dialysis provider. However, for three residents with chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease, multiple dialysis communication forms were found to be incomplete or missing information from either the dialysis center or the facility. Additionally, two of these residents were not care planned for dialysis services as required, despite having physician orders for regular dialysis treatments. Clinical records showed that the affected residents had significant medical histories, including severe kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and dementia. The documentation lapses included missing or incomplete dialysis communication forms on several dates for each resident, and in some cases, the absence of a care plan addressing dialysis needs. The DON confirmed that the facility did not ensure consistent dialysis communication for these residents, as required by facility policy and state regulations.