Failure to Provide Foot Care and Podiatry Services
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a need for partial to moderate assistance with personal hygiene was observed to have thick, long, and curled toenails on both big toes, as well as long toenails on the second and third toes of both feet. During observation, a licensed nursing employee was unable to determine when foot care was last provided, and a review of the clinical record showed no documentation of toenail care. Further interview with the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the resident had not received podiatry nail care since admission, and although a permission form for podiatrist care was sent to the resident's guardian in 2023, no follow-up was made. The facility failed to provide necessary foot care for the resident.