Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Ongoing Fungal Dermatitis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan addressing an ongoing skin rash for a resident with multiple medical conditions, including cerebral infarction with left hemiplegia, mood disorder, HTN, and epilepsy. A quarterly MDS assessment documented moderate cognitive impairment and a need for staff assistance with ADLs, but indicated no skin issues. However, repeated shower sheet documentation over the course of two months noted redness under both breasts and in the groin area, with staff recording that the redness had worsened and that it had been present for months. Interventions documented on the shower sheets were limited to lotion, powder, and brief notations, without evidence of a formal, measurable care plan. Further review of the medical record showed that a Wound NP later evaluated the resident and diagnosed extensive fungal dermatitis involving the skin folds under both breasts, the periumbilical area, groin, and buttocks, with specific measurements recorded for several affected areas. Despite this documented, ongoing rash and subsequent wound evaluation, there was no evidence in the medical record that a comprehensive person-centered care plan with measurable objectives and timetables was developed to address the skin impairment. The MDS nurse confirmed the absence of such a care plan or documented interventions to treat or prevent worsening of the rash, and the facility’s care plan policy required a comprehensive person-centered care plan for each resident to meet physical, psychosocial, and functional needs.
