Failure to Conduct Timely Care Plan Conferences and Ensure Resident Participation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct timely care plan conferences and ensure updates for four residents, as evidenced by observations, clinical record reviews, and interviews. The facility experienced a period with one less social worker, specifically the Director of Social Services, which contributed to lapses in care plan meetings. For one resident, the last documented care plan meeting was several months prior, and there was no indication that the resident's representative was invited to participate. Additionally, two residents reported not having contact with a social worker since the previous one left the facility. Further review of clinical records revealed that several residents had not had care conferences or social service progress notes documented for extended periods. One resident was observed in bed receiving a breathing treatment and stated she had not seen or spoken to a social worker in months. Another resident approached the surveyor seeking assistance from a social worker, stating he had not had contact since the previous social worker left. The current Director of Social Work confirmed that there was no overlap with the previous director and acknowledged a lapse in holding care conferences for the affected residents.