Failure to Notify Family of Cancelled and Rescheduled Medical Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident’s family or representative when the resident missed a scheduled medical appointment and it was rescheduled. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including other specified polyneuropathies, moderate protein-calorie malnutrition, and myelodysplastic syndrome, and had intact cognition but required maximal assistance with toileting hygiene, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, and mobility. A physician’s order documented an appointment with a doctor scheduled for 12/10/2025 in the afternoon, and a subsequent physician’s order documented a new appointment date of 1/8/2025 with the same doctor. During an interview and concurrent record review, the Social Service Director stated she was responsible for informing residents and their families or representatives when doctor’s appointments were cancelled or rescheduled. She reported that the 12/10/2025 appointment had to be rescheduled to 1/8/2026 because transportation did not arrive. She acknowledged there was no documentation that the resident’s family or representative had been notified of the cancelled and rescheduled appointment and stated she should have informed them so they could be involved in the plan of care. The facility’s Resident Rights policy indicated residents have rights under Federal and State law, including self-determination and communication with and access to persons and services inside and outside the facility.
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