Every finding on record at Altus Hospice of Georgia, LLC

Based on a review of the policy titled “Plan of Care”, record reviews, and staff interview, it was determined that the agency failed to include interventions for tube feedings and care of gastric tube on the plan of care for one patient (P) (P#6) of fourteen sampled patients. --- Findings include: Review of the policy titled “Plan of Care,” Policy Number 3.003, revised 10/01/24, reveals the following:Procedure:2. The plan of care must include all services necessary for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions, including the following:d. Drugs, biologicals and treatments necessary to meet the needs of the patienti. Nutritional requirements Review of the clinical records reveal P#6 was admitted to hospice on 10/19/2024 with a diagnosis of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and was receiving tube feedings and water flushes via a gastric tube (a soft, flexible tube surgically placed into the stomach through a small opening in the skin designed to provide nutrition and/or medication directly into the stomach). Review of document titled “Hospice Certification and Plan of Care,” dated 10/19/2024, failed to include interventions for care of the gastric tube or specific orders for tube feedings. During an interview on 4/22/25 at 12:00 p.m., the Executive Director (ED) agreed that the plan of care lacked needed interventions. The ED additionally verbalized P#6 was admitted before his employment, and that admissions are now reviewed for accuracy.