Complaint Investigation Report

The allegation of “Staff did not ensure resident received wound care” alleges that the facility did not provide wound care for a wound on resident #1’s (R1) hand. LPA interviewed the Administrator who informed LPA that R1’s hand was in a cast after a fall that occurred before R1 was a resident of the facility. The Administrator denied R1 having any additional wounds. LPA reviewed R1’s file and hospital discharge paperwork. LPA did not observe any documentation of wounds that would require care. The Administrator stated that R1 wished to have the cast removed but R1’s physician required x-rays of the hand before an orthopedic doctor could remove the cast. LPA spoke with a representative from R1’s physician’s office witness #1 (W1) and was informed that R1’s family was provided referral orders for both the orthopedic doctor and x-rays. W1 confirmed that the referrals were provided to the family and not the facility. W1 stated that it was the family’s responsibility to set up the appointments and inform the facility of the time, date, and location of the appointments. W1 denied being aware of resident requiring care for any other wounds. The Administrator stated that they attempted to work with R1’s family to obtain a time, date, and location for the appointment but the family did not respond with the required information for the Administrator to assist with the appointments. The Administrator stated that R1 left the facility before the appointments for the x-rays and the orthopedic doctor could be made. No current residents interviewed reported having wounds that required care. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of, “Staff did not ensure resident received wound care.” Therefore, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.