Failure to Arrange Timely Home Health Services Prior to Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a timely referral for home health care services prior to discharge for one resident. Facility policy dated 5/1/25 required sufficient preparation and orientation to residents to ensure an orderly transfer or discharge. The resident was admitted on 7/28/25 with diagnoses including aortic valve replacement, aortic regurgitation, and congestive heart failure. A discharge summary dated 8/11/25 documented a post-discharge plan for home health aide, home health RN/LPN, and occupational and physical therapy. The resident was discharged home with a family member on 8/12/25. A complaint received by the Division on 9/30/25 stated that the resident was discharged to a family member's home without a home health care agency referral and that, after one week at home, the resident had not received any physical or occupational therapy or a wellness check from a nurse. During an interview on 2/16/26, the social worker reported needing to check if a referral was made and later confirmed that the referral for home health and therapy services was not requested until 8/15/25, with services opened on 8/20/25. The director of therapy confirmed that physical and occupational therapy were recommended for the resident and stated that such recommendations are typically communicated to social services to set up home care. Findings were reviewed with facility leadership during the exit conference.
