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32 | The investigation revealed the following:
Allegation: Questionable death. It is alleged that facility’s neglect caused R1’s death because they did not check R1’s vital signs (oxygen levels, blood pressure, or blood sugar) adequately. According to information obtained, R1 was admitted to the facility on 05/04/2022, did not have a 1:1 care, was alert, and had been diagnosed with Dementia. After being examined by a doctor, R1 was moved from Memory Care to Assisted Living on 01/30/2024. On 06/25/2025, at approximately 6:30am, S4 assessed R1 due to a complaint of abdominal pain and constipation and then called the doctor for evaluation. At approximately 8:30am, S4 spoke with FM (R1’s responsible party) to give an update on R1’s condition and to ask if they would want to bring R1 to the hospital for further evaluation, but FM decided to do in-house treatment for R1 instead. Afterwards, S4 called the doctor over again who then gave R1 a prescription for a laxative and suppository.
All staff interviewed stated that R1 was placed on 1–2-hour checks. Staff stated they provided proper care to R1 by assessing pain, bowel movements, abdominal distension, palpation, vital signs monitoring and reporting to the physician, as well as kept an eye out for any changes in condition. When assessed, four (4) on-duty staff interviewed stated that R1 was alert, vital signs were stable and did not exhibit signs of distress. Staff decided to take R1 to the hospital after R1 had refused to take the prescribed medication, and the suppository failed to work. R1 refused to be taken to the hospital and signed the Refusal of Medical Attention form at 5:25pm. Staff contacted FM to get permission for the hospital transfer. At approximately 8:00pm, S6 contacted the non-emergency transportation service to take R1 to the hospital. FM was also contacted by S6 to report on R1's situation and condition. At 11:50pm, R1 was taken to the hospital by the non-emergency transportation service, and R1 passed away two (2) days later, on 06/27/2025. Staff interviews, medication records and chart notes revealed that they implemented appropriate interventions, checked vital signs frequently throughout the day, administered prescribed laxatives and monitored R1's symptoms.
Based on record reviews, reports and interviews gathered, the findings indicate that R1 had pre-existing health conditions and there was no physician’s order to monitor R1’s vital signs at regular intervals throughout the day or week. LPA obtained a copy of the Death Certificate that stated the immediate cause of death was Cardiopulmonary Arrest. The death has no indication of neglect, or lack of care and supervision. There is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.
Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated.
An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Priscilla Gaytan, Administrator. |