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32 | continued from LIC9099
Administrator indicated that they attempted to call to make an appointment with the primary care physician, but when the doctor’s office did not return the call for several weeks, facility staff still did not take R1 to see a doctor. The Administrator said that the reason they did not take R1 to the doctor was because they did not want to expose R1 or the other residents living in the facility to being infected with Covid-19. However, even after they observed the knee getting more swollen day-by-day, the licensee still did not take R1 to see a doctor. According to facility staff, they waited almost four (4) weeks to take R1 to see a doctor. When medical attention was finally provided, it was discovered that R1 had suffered a patellar (knee) fracture that required surgery. Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the Department was able to obtain sufficient evidence to support the allegation that facility staff did not seek timely (emergent) medical attention for R1. According to regulation, the gravity of the injuries R1 sustained warranted the licensee to provide medical attention to include arrangement for and/or provision of transportation to the nearest available medical provider.
It was also alleged that staff did not follow reporting requirements when R1 sustained a serious injury due to a fall. During interviews with facility staff, it was indicated that when R1 had the fall on August 1, 2020, sustaining a fractured knee and bruising to the head and eye, facility staff did not report the incident to the Department as required. According to regulation, the licensee shall furnish to the licensing agency and to the person responsible for the resident within seven days of the occurrence of any of the events, including incidents that result in injury. The Administrator admitted they were aware of the regulation but did not have a chance to submit the report as required.
It was also alleged that facility staff did not safeguard R1’s personal property. According to interviews with facility staff and outside parties, when R1 moved into the facility they brought a suitcase full of clothes. According to the Administrator, the suitcase was disposed of because it was broken and unusable. However, R1’s responsible party claimed the suitcase was in new condition and in working order and they did not give permission for staff to dispose of the suitcase. Licensee may not dispose of resident’s personal belongings without obtaining prior consent.
Continued on LIC9099C |