Failure to Provide Social Services Following Discharge Notice
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide medically related social services to support a resident with a history of psychotic disorder and hallucinations after issuing a 30-day discharge notice for non-payment. Following the notice, the resident exhibited disruptive and self-injurious behaviors, including being found with a plastic bag over their head, which required immediate intervention and 1:1 supervision until transfer to an acute care hospital for psychiatric evaluation. Documentation and staff interviews revealed that the Social Worker was aware of the resident's distress and the presence of the resident and family at the facility but did not successfully engage with them or provide support after the notice was issued. Further review showed no evidence that the Social Worker or facility staff provided or attempted to provide the required social services to the resident or their representative following the issuance of the 30-day notice. Staff interviews confirmed expectations that social services should have intervened, and the resident's representative reported being unaware of the Social Worker's availability and not being offered case management support, despite requesting it. The lack of social service intervention was not addressed until after surveyor inquiry.