Failure to Notify MPOA of Resident Medical Appointments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to inform the Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) for a resident about scheduled medical appointments. According to interviews and record reviews, the MPOA was not notified of multiple neurology appointments, resulting in the resident being transported to these appointments without the MPOA's knowledge or presence. The MPOA only became aware of the appointments after being contacted by the doctor's office, which expected the MPOA to accompany the resident. This lack of communication occurred on at least three separate occasions. Additionally, documentation confirmed that the resident was transported to appointments with staff present, but on one occasion, the van driver became ill and left the resident at the appointment after notifying the facility. The facility's Corporate Coordinator acknowledged that the MPOA should have been notified and that the resident was left at the appointment without staff present. No information or statements were available regarding staff presence for one of the incidents.