complaint·May 6, 2024

Regarding the allegation that staff did not allow resident to select their own hospice agency: it was alleged that the facility forces residents to use Equinox hospice agency by charging a higher rate for residents who use other agencies. LPA interviewed two staff, but did not obtain information corroborating the allegation. LPA reviewed resident files and noted that two residents are currently on hospice and both use Equinox hospice agency. LPA interviewed the two residents on hospice, one of whom was unable to communicate, and did not obtain information corroborating the allegation. LPA interviewed AD, the licensee, and a witness associated with the facility who denied the allegation and stated that while both residents on hospice at this facility are currently using Equinox hospice agency this has not always been the case and the licensee’s other facilities house residents using other hospice agencies, that the facility recommends Equinox hospice agency to residents due to the better and more responsive care residents receive from this agency as opposed to other agencies, and that while the facility prefers Equinox hospice agency because it is more responsive to staff calls and resident needs the facility does not pressure residents to choose this agency other than by simply recommending use of this agency. LPA interviewed one witness and attempted to interview two additional witnesses and obtained conflicting information. The information obtained is conflicting. Based on the information gathered during the investigation and review of all documents obtained, the Department is unable to ascertain if the above allegation occurred as reported. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violation occurred; therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative.