Failure to Provide Psychological Services for Resident with PTSD
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary treatment and services for a resident diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resident experienced ongoing nightmares and sleep disturbances related to PTSD and repeatedly requested psychological services during care meetings. Despite these requests, no psychological services were initiated, and the resident reported that their needs for psychological support were not being met. Observations during interviews confirmed the resident's emotional distress regarding the lack of support for their PTSD. Interviews with facility staff, including the Unit Manager Nurse, Administrator, Director of Nursing, and Social Worker, revealed that no residents were receiving psychological services due to the absence of providers, including telehealth options. The facility had not provided psychological services for at least several months, with staff citing barriers such as internet security clearance for outside providers. The social worker maintained a list of residents who would benefit from psychological services but did not ask residents about their needs due to the inability to provide such services. The facility's own policy required the provision of behavioral health care and services, but documentation showed that the last social services visit for the resident occurred months prior, and no alternative psychological support was provided.