Failure to Provide Timely Social Services Support for Resident Transfer Request
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely and appropriate social services support for a resident who wished to leave the facility due to being unable to use his motorized wheelchair. The resident, who had a history of generalized muscle weakness, major depressive disorder, an amputation below the knee, and multiple sclerosis, expressed his desire to transfer to another facility that would accommodate his motorized wheelchair approximately one month after admission. Despite this, referrals to alternative facilities were not sent until about three months after his initial request, and there was no documented follow-up by staff to check on the status of these referrals. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the resident's request to transfer was known to the social services department, but the Case Manager Assistant did not document the request in the medical record. The Business Office Assistant sent referrals to three other skilled nursing facilities at the resident's request, but received no responses and did not follow up, as this responsibility was assigned to the social services department. The Social Services Assistant confirmed that no follow-up was conducted after the referrals were sent, despite facility policy indicating that follow-up should occur within a few days. Facility policies and job descriptions reviewed indicated that the social services department was responsible for discharge planning, including making referrals and following up to ensure residents' needs and preferences were met. The failure to act in a timely manner and to follow up on the resident's transfer request resulted in the resident experiencing stress and anxiety due to being unable to use his motorized wheelchair, which was essential for his mobility and psychosocial well-being.