Failure to Provide Social Services for Resident ID Card
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide medically-related social services to assist a resident in obtaining a legal personal identification (ID) card. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including depression, anxiety disorder, abnormalities of gait and mobility, and schizophrenia, was able to make needs known but could not make medical decisions. Assessment records indicated the resident was mildly impaired in cognitive skills and required varying levels of assistance with daily activities. Despite the resident's repeated requests for help in applying for a state ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) since admission, the facility did not provide the necessary assistance. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the resident had asked for help obtaining an ID card, but no staff member was assigned to assist with the process. The Social Service Director acknowledged the request and the facility's responsibility to provide such assistance, while the Director of Staff Development confirmed that no arrangements were made for staff to accompany the resident to the DMV. Review of the facility's policy indicated that social services should include assistance with obtaining personal identification and other personal items, but this was not carried out for the resident in question.