Every finding on record at Optimal Hospice, Inc

It is required that a hospice ensures that “non-core” services are available and provided directly by the hospice or under arrangement. The following “non-core” services are provided in a manner consistent with current standards of practice: Volunteer services. This standard was not met as evidenced by clinical record review and interview. In 1 of 2 (50%) applicable records reviewed of patients requesting volunteer services, the hospice did not ensure volunteer services were provided to the patient. Clinical Record 1: Review of the clinical record on 3/20/23 identified the patient elected hospice care on 1/26/23. The Volunteer Coordinator assessment dated 1/27/23 included the patient's request for a volunteer to provide companionship. The clinical record evidenced no volunteer visit notes and no Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) coordination and/or discussions as to why the volunteer request was not met. During interview 3/20/23, the Executive Director stated, "I was not aware of the volunteer request" and "We have had a recent change in the assigned Volunteer Coordinator". Additionally, the Executive Director stated, "After speaking to the Volunteer Coordinator, she was aware of the request for a volunteer and that a volunteer was not assigned due to no volunteer was available in the area where the patient lived." The IDT meeting notes for 2/9/23 documented, "Volunteer services accepted, Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate with team members." The IDT meeting notes for 2/23/23 and 3/10/23 did not evidence coordination and/or discussions as to why the volunteer request was not met. NOTE: The clinical record, re-reviewed on 3/21/23, revealed a Volunteer Coordinator entry which documented, "Phone call to daughter who stated her mother no longer needed companionship from a volunteer since she had plenty of family support."