Every finding on record at Caretenders Visiting Services of Southern Illinois, LLC

The Emergency Preparedness requirements were evaluated, in conjunction with the recertification survey, on 04/02/26. The Agency was in compliance with the Condition, 42 CFR 484.102, Establishment of the Emergency Program for this survey.

A recertification survey was conducted, in conjunction with the evaluation of Emergency Preparedness requirement on 04/02/26. The Agency was not in compliance with Standards for Home Health Agencies, 42 CFR 484, for this survey.

Plan of care CFR(s): 484.60(a)(1) Each patient must receive the home health services that are written in an individualized plan of care that identifies patient-specific measurable outcomes and goals, and which is established, periodically reviewed, and signed by a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry acting within the scope of his or her state license, certification, or registration. If a physician or allowed practitioner refers a patient under a plan of care that cannot be completed until after an evaluation visit, the physician or allowed practitioner is consulted to approve additions or modifications to the original plan. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on document review and staff interview, it was determined for 1 of 17 (Pt#12) patients, the Agency failed to ensure the Plan of Care was authenticated by a physician within 30 days from the start of care, per Agency policy. Findings include: 1. The policy titled "Physician Orders" (Revised 3/1/26) was reviewed on 03/31/26 at 12:45 PM. The policy stated, "Procedure: ...5. The Plan of Care (POC), telephone and or verbal orders must be signed and dated by the physician or authorized practitioner within a timely manner per state regulation: ... State: Illinois... Timeliness of Physician Signature... Illinois 30 days..." 2. Pt#12 Start of Care: 2/23/26 Diagnosis: Malignant neoplasm right lung lower lobe; atherosclerotic heart disease (chronic, progressive condition caused by the buildup of plaque within the artery walls); hypertensive heart disease with heart failure (critical condition where chronic high blood pressure weakness or stiffens the heart muscle, leading to an inability to pump effectively). The clinical record was reviewed on 4/1/26 at 11:00 AM. The Plan of Care for the certification period of 2/23/26 to 4/23/26 was not electronically signed by the physician. 3. During an interview conducted on 4/1/26 at approximately 11:30 AM, the Executive Director (E#1) stated "Per our policy, the plan of care should be electronically signed by the physician within 30 days from the start of care in the state of Illinois. We try our hardest to oversee all are signed within 30 days." E#1 reviewed the electronic medical record of Pt#12 and verbally agreed the plan of care was not signed within 30 days from the start of care.