Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Resident Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify a resident's responsible party of a significant change in condition, specifically the resident's transfer to the hospital. According to the facility's policy, notification of the resident, their physician, and their representative is required when there is a change in condition, including transfers or discharges. Review of the clinical record showed that the resident, who had diagnoses including cerebral vascular disease, anxiety, and high blood pressure, and was assessed as cognitively intact, was transferred to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. However, there was no documentation that the responsible party was notified of this transfer. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the responsible party was not informed of the hospital transfer. The deficiency was identified through review of clinical records, facility policy, and staff interviews, and was found to be in violation of both facility policy and state regulations regarding timely notification of changes in resident condition.