Aria Hospice Comfort Care

Based on review of contemporary communication documentation, facility policy and procedures and facility documentation, the Department has determined the administrator failed to implement grievance procedures for patients as outlined in the facility policies and procedures.  Failure to implement and document grievance procedures as outlined in facility policies and procedures can result in patient grievances and complaints not being comprehensively addressed. Findings include:  

Based on review of medical records, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the administrator failed to ensure that accurate medical record documentation was maintained for Patient #3.  Failure to ensure accurate and timely medical record documentation can result in an inaccurate historical record of the patient's care and possible medical error. Findings include:

Based on review of patient medical records, review of contemporary communication documentation and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator failed to ensure that facility policies and procedures were followed when discharging Patient #3.  Failure to follow policies and procedures when discharging patients, particularly in the instance of involuntary discharge, can result in disruption of care for patients. Findings include:  

Based on review of the medical record, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator failed to ensure a request for participation in the patient's care plan was made to the patient representative of Patient #3.  Failure to encourage participation of the patient representative can result in patients receiving unwanted care, leading to adverse outcomes. Findings include:

Based on review of medical records, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator did not ensure the court-appointed guardian of Patient #3 was able to either consent to or refuse treatment.  Failure to allow patients, court-appointed guardians or other patient representatives to consent to or refuse treatment can result in patients receiving treatment that is not compatible with their physical, spiritual or psychological well-being, leading to adverse patient outcomes. Findings include:

Based on review of patient medical records, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator failed to allow the court-appointed guardian of Patient #3 to refuse or withdraw consent for treatment before a treatment was initiated.  Failure to allow a patient or patient representative, including a court-appointed guardian, to refuse or withdraw consent for a treatment before it is initiated, can result in a treatment that is not compatible with a patient's physical, psychological or spiritual well-being to be administered, resulting in potential adverse outcome for the patient. Findings include:

Based on review of patient medical records, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator failed to ensure communication with the patient's designated physician was documented in the medical record.  Failure to communicate with, and document, communication with the patient's physician can result in the patient's physician not being appropriately included in the patient's care. Findings include:

Based on review of patient medical records, review of contemporary communication records and review of facility policies and procedures, the Department has determined the Administrator failed to ensure a registered dietician or personnel member under the direction of a registered dietician planned menus for Patient #3.  Failure to ensure a registered dietician plans menus for patients can result in dietary needs not being met. Findings include: