Every finding on record at Sympathycare Hospice, LLC

Based on review of policy titled “Bereavement Services,” record reviews and staff interviews, it was determined that the agency failed to develop a bereavement plan of care reflecting the needs of the bereaved for three patients (P) (P#1, P#3, P#16) of three bereavement patients sampled. --- Findings include: Review of the policy titled “Bereavement Services,” revised 2014, revealed the following:Procedure4. After a patient death has occurred, the case will be discussed at the next IDG meeting. Recommendations for bereavement will be made based on the severity of grief and determined by the family member’s consent for further services. Bereavement services must reflect the needs of the bereaved.5. A bereavement plan of care will be initiated, which may include:•           Telephone support•           Letters and cards•           Referral to other community resources•           Memorial services•           Telephone contacts•           Individual or family counseling and bereavement groupsThe plan of care will note the kind of bereavement services to be offered and frequency of service delivery.9. Bereavement assessment and clinical notes are documented in the patient’s permanent clinical record. Review of records revealed P#1 was admitted to hospice on 2/28/2025 and expired on 3/8/2025. The record failed to reveal a bereavement plan of care. Review of records revealed P#3 was admitted to hospice on 3/28/2025 and expired on 4/3/2025. The record failed to reveal a bereavement plan of care. Review of records revealed P#16 was admitted to hospice on 1/23/2025 expired on 1/1/2026. The record failed to reveal a bereavement plan of care. On 2/10/2026 at 12:35 p.m., an interview was conducted at the agency with the Bereavement Coordinator, who revealed he was not aware of the requirement to have a bereavement care plan. The Bereavement Coordinator acknowledged that bereavement records did not include bereavement care plans. On 2/10/2026 at 1:30 p.m., an interview was conducted at the agency with the Director of Nursing (DON), who confirmed that all bereavement documentation had been provided and that the records did not include bereavement care plans.

Based on review of agency policy titled “Bereavement Services,”  record review and staff interviews  it was determined the agency’s governing body failed to ensure the Interdisciplinary team (IDT)  updated the patient’s plan of care (POC) reflecting the needs of the bereaved for three patients (P) (P#1, P#3, P#16) of three sampled bereavement charts. --- Findings include: Cross reference to citation L0596 for findings regarding counseling services.