Every finding on record at Arkansas Hospice Inc.

Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined the Agency failed to complete a Spiritual Needs Assessment and/or Psychosocial Assessment as part of the Initial Comprehensive Assessment within 5 days after the election of Hospice services in 3 (#1, #2, and #3) of 19 (#1 - #19) clinical records reviewed. This failed practice by the Chaplain and Social Worker had the potential to affect all admissions to the Agency in that, there could be a delay in identification of patient and family spiritual and psychosocial needs and could place patient and/or family at risk of inadequate coping mechanisms with end-of-life issues, lack of resources and ineffective family support. --- Review of clinical record #1 with a SOC (start of care) of 05/10/23 revealed a patient with a diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. A document titled "Client Coordination Notes Report" and dated 05/17/23 revealed the note type ";EVALUATION SCHEDULED AFTER 5 DAYS" and a note reading ";Initial visit was missed/overlooked. Rescheduled for this week." Psychosocial assessment was completed 8 days after SOC (3 days past 5-day requirement). Review of clinical record #2 with a SOC of 05/09/23 revealed a patient with a diagnosis of Hypertensive Heart Disease with Heart Failure. A document titled "Client Coordination Notes Report" and dated 05/10/23 revealed the note type ";EVALUATION SCHEDULED AFTER 5 DAYS" and a note reading ";Chaplain is on vacation this week with no one to cover for him. He will return Monday 5/15/23." Spiritual assessment was completed 8 days after SOC (3 days past 5-day requirement). Review of clinical record #3 with a SOC of 05/08/23 revealed a patient with a diagnosis of Malignant Neoplasm of the Ovary. A document titled "Client Episode Coordination Notes Report" and dated 05/10/23 revealed the note type ";EVALUATION SCHEDULED AFTER 5 DAYS" and a note reading ";Chaplain on vacation this week with no one to cover for him. Will return Monday 5/15/23." Spiritual assessment was completed 8 days after SOC (3 days past 5-day requirement). An interview on 06/09/23 at 10:00 am with Agency Personnel #1and 2 confirmed the Spiritual Needs Assessment and/or Psychosocial Assessment was not completed within the required 5-day time frame as part of the Comprehensive Assessment.