Failure to Provide Professional Podiatry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain professional podiatry services for four residents who either requested to see a podiatrist or had physician orders for podiatry consultation. Clinical record reviews and interviews revealed that two residents did not have orders to consult podiatry despite their medical conditions, which included multiple sclerosis, mononeuropathy, unsteadiness on feet, cognitive communication deficits, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, two other residents had physician orders to consult podiatry and follow up as needed, but documentation showed they were not seen by the contracted podiatry provider as ordered. One resident reported that their toenails had become long, and observation confirmed thick and elongated toenails. Staff interviews confirmed that the process for podiatry consultation involved notifying the social worker and adding residents to a list, but this process was not followed for the affected residents. The DON and Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility failed to obtain professional podiatry services for these residents, as required by facility policy and physician orders. The deficiency was cited under 28 Pa. Code 211.12(d)(1)(3)(5) Nursing services.