Failure to Notify Resident's Representative of Change in Condition and Treatment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify a resident's designated representative and power of attorney of a significant change in the resident's condition and new treatment orders. According to the facility's policy, the resident, their attending physician, and representative must be notified within 24 hours of a significant change in the resident's medical or mental condition, unless otherwise instructed by the resident. A review of the clinical record for a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute bronchitis showed that after the resident experienced increased coughing and hypoxia, new treatment orders were initiated, including supplemental oxygen, medication, and additional monitoring. Despite these changes, there was no documentation that the resident's responsible party or power of attorney was notified of the change in condition or the new treatment orders, as required by facility policy. Interviews confirmed that the resident wished for his daughter, who was his responsible party and POA, to be informed of changes to his care. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility could not provide evidence of such notification.