Every finding on record at Special Touch Home Care LLC

Substantial Allegation Survey Substantial Allegation 105392 and 105802 The following deficiency is based upon substantial allegation 105392 and 105802 completed on 04/23/24 Special Touch Home Care LLC is not in compliance with the requirements found at 42 CFR Part 484, Subpart B, C for Home Health Agencies.

5 calendar days after start of care CFR(s): 484.55(b)(1) The comprehensive assessment must be completed in a timely manner, consistent with the patient's immediate needs, but no later than 5 calendar days after the start of care. This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on medical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure physical therapy assessments were completed within five days of the start of care for two (Patient #2 and Patient #3) of three patients reviewed. The agency census was 293. 1) Review of the medical record of Patient #3 revealed the patient was admitted for services of the agency on 03/26/24. According to the intake documentation, Patient #3 was hospitalized from 03/23/24 to 03/25/24 for treatment of an acute urinary tract infection. The patient was discharged to home health care with intravenous (IV) infusions of antibiotics. The physician order dated 03/25/24 ordered physical therapy and occupational therapy for evaluation and treatment and a home health aide for assistance with activities of daily living. The physician plan of care ordered for Patient #3 to receive services of a skilled nurse once a week for the nine week certification period of 03/26/24 to 05/24/24, physical therapy evaluation, and a home health aide. Review of a nurse’s note on 03/26/24 stated the patient and family member were educated on services of the physical therapist. The medical record lacked documentation an evaluation by a physical therapist occurred. A nurse’s communication dated 04/02/24, six days after the start of care, stated the patient and her family were upset the patient hadn’t been seen by a physical therapist. The patient requested that services of the agency be cancelled as she opted to receive services from another agency. 2) Review of the medical record of Patient #2 revealed the patient was admitted for services of the agency on 04/15/24. According to the intake documentation, the patient was hospitalized from 04/09/24 to 04/10/24 for a right sacroiliac joint fusion. The surgery was performed on 04/09/24. A physician order instructed services of the home health agency, including physical therapy, to begin on 04/15/24. The Start of Care OASIS was completed on 04/15/24 as ordered. However, the initial evaluation by the physical therapist wasn’t conducted until 04/22/24, six days after the physician ordered start of care. Interview on 04/23/24 at 12:30 PM, Staff A stated it is agency policy when services of a therapist are ordered, the initial visit must occur within five days of the start of care. It was confirmed this did not occur with Patient #2 or Patient #3.