Failure to Include Non-Weight Bearing Status in Baseline Fall Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its baseline care plan policy and did not ensure that required diagnoses and interventions related to fall risk were included in a newly admitted resident’s baseline care plan. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including a history of falling and a right pelvic fracture, with physician orders specifying non-weight bearing to the right leg. Despite these documented conditions and orders, the baseline care plan developed within the first days after admission identified the resident as high risk for falls only in relation to reduced mobility and poor safety awareness, and did not include the right pelvic fracture or the non-weight bearing status of the right leg. The baseline care plan interventions focused on general fall prevention measures such as keeping the bed in the lowest position, placing frequently used items and the call light within reach, and having staff assist as needed. These interventions did not address the specific non-weight bearing and transfer requirements associated with the resident’s right pelvic fracture. During an interview, the DON reviewed the baseline care plan and confirmed that the non-weight bearing right leg and pelvic fracture were not included, even though the hospital records with the non-weight bearing order had been received prior to admission. This omission occurred despite the facility’s written policy requiring that the baseline care plan, developed within 48 hours of admission, include necessary information such as fall risk to properly care for the resident.
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