An Illinois nursing home is being sued after a resident with a history of skin wounds allegedly died from an untreated wound infection. The complaint was filed by the administrator of the estate of the deceased resident.
According to the complaint, the resident had been suffering from skin wounds when she was admitted to the nursing home in February 2021. After she was admitted, the complaint alleges that the facility failed to provide proper treatment for a wound infection, which allegedly resulted in the resident’s death in June 2021.
The complaint also alleges that the facility failed to perform daily skin checks and failed to use proper turning and repositioning to prevent pressure injuries.
“[The resident] did experience personal injury to her body as a whole, including but not limited to sepsis, infections, deteriorating decubitus ulcers/pressure ulcers,” the suit states. As a result of the improper care, the resident allegedly endured pain, anguish, mental suffering, and disfigurement. The administrator of the estate seeks unspecified monetary damages and legal fees.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
F686 Skin Integrity in the State Operations Manual Appendix PP states that based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, facilities must ensure that a resident receives care, consistent with professional standards of practice, to prevent pressure ulcers and does not develop pressure ulcers unless the individual’s clinical condition demonstrates that they were unavoidable. It also states that a resident with pressure ulcers must receive necessary treatment and services, consistent with professional standards of practice, to promote healing, prevent infection, and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures regarding provision of care to prevent, treat, and heal pressure ulcers, including the involvement of a wound care provider.
- Train staff about abuse and neglect and the protocols they should follow to prevent development of pressure ulcers, and provide education on proper wound care for healing of existing wounds. Perform annual competency determinations of appropriate staff members’ ability to perform wound care and to implement preventive measures. Provide additional training where needed.
- Periodically audit to determine if protocols for preventing and treating/healing pressure ulcers are in place and being followed. Ensure that care plans include the appropriate goals and interventions for wound prevention and treatment.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
