Failure to Notify Physician of Resident's Sudden Behavioral Change
Summary
The facility failed to notify the attending physician of a sudden and marked change in a patient's behavior, as required by regulation. Patient 4, who had diagnoses of hypertension and congestive heart failure and was cognitively intact, refused a shower and began screaming when staff attempted to change her soiled incontinence briefs. The situation escalated to the point where the patient was yelling, laughing inappropriately, and ultimately kicked a staff member. Multiple staff, including the Administrator and Director of Social Services, were present and attempted to address the situation, but the physician was not notified of this significant behavioral change. Interviews with staff, including the CNA, Administrator, Director of Staff Development, LVN, and Director of Nursing, confirmed that the physician should have been informed of the change in the patient's condition. The facility's own policy also required prompt notification of the physician and resident representative in the event of a change in the resident's medical or mental condition. The failure to report this incident represented a lapse in following both regulatory and facility policy requirements.
Plan Of Correction
A) IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION: On 10/7/2025, the RN supervisor assessed Patient 4 for any signs of adverse outcome regarding refusals to showers/bed bath. Upon explanation and discussing the importance of showers, Patient 4 was still not convinced to allow the CNA to continue with the hygienic and care procedure. CNA was relieved from her care and another CNA was assigned immediately with no further issues. Change of Condition was initiated and completed by the Charge Nurse to reflect Patient 4's behavior. MD and responsible party (RP) were made aware of patient 4's refusals. Patient 4's care plan was updated by the MDS nurse to signify her behavior change. Patient 4 will be monitored for 72-hours for any other changes. On 10/7/2025, the Director of Nursing Services (DON) and Director of Staff Development (DSD) completed an in-service to nursing staff on how to handle patient refusals of showers and notification requirements and processes for changes of condition. A policy and procedure titled, "CHANGE of CONDITION," was reviewed and discussed followed by question-and-answer evaluation. B) HOW FACILITY WILL IDENTIFY OTHER RESIDENTS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE: On 10/7/2025, DSD interviewed all CNAs on shift to identify additional patients with episodes of care needs refusals, included them on a "Special Care Needs" list to ensure proper monitoring and appropriate interventions as individualized as possible. C) MEASURES PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE DOES NOT OCCUR: On 10/28/2025, DON held an in-service with all licensed nurses on P/P: Change of Condition, with an emphasis on MD/RP notification. On 10/29/2025, two additional systematic changes were implemented: 1. "Resident Special Care Needs" worksheet was modified to include patients with episodes of refusals of care needs. The list will be generally updated weekly and as changes occur by the Desk Nurse, to be shared on both nursing units. 2. "Huddle" every shift to review patients with special needs such as giving detailed attention to the patients who would tend to refuse care. Discussed with the team huddle the importance of reporting any incident of refusals to immediately implement interventions as needed. D) HOW THE FACILITY PLANS TO MONITOR ITS PERFORMANCE TO MAKE SURE THAT SOLUTIONS ARE SUSTAINED: Weekly audits on refusals based on Change of Condition reports will be reviewed by the DON/Designee. The DON/Designee will present any findings to the QAPI/QAA Committee monthly for three months for recommendations, if any. E) COMPLETION DATE: 10/31/2025
Penalty
A resident's pressure ulcer progressed from Stage 3 to Stage 4 with muscle exposure, and the physician was not notified of this significant change in condition as required by facility policy. The DON confirmed that the health record lacked documentation of physician notification regarding the change in the pressure ulcer's stage.
Failure to Notify Physician of Pressure Ulcer Progression
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the attending physician of a significant change in a resident's condition, specifically when a pressure ulcer progressed from Stage 3 to Stage 4. According to the facility's policy, the physician must be notified of any significant change in a resident's condition, including changes in pressure ulcer staging that require medical assessment and potential changes in the treatment plan. Review of the resident's health record showed that the pressure ulcer on the right gluteus was documented as Stage 3 on one date and then as Stage 4 with muscle exposure on a subsequent date. The wound consultant performed debridement, and the ulcer was reclassified as Stage 4. Despite these changes, there was no documentation that the physician was notified of the progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4. During an interview and concurrent record review, the DON confirmed that the physician should have been notified of the change in the pressure ulcer's stage and verified that the health record did not show such notification. This failure to notify the physician was identified for one of five sampled residents.
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