Complaint·February 22, 2024

On February 22, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Komal Charitra conducted an unannounced complaint visit to deliver findings for the above allegation. LPA met with Administrator, Jennifer Tobias and explained the purpose of the visit. Regarding the allegation, staff interfered with authorized representative’s medical decision, according to the reporting party, Resident 1’s (R1’s) authorized representative wanted to continue R1’s care with HealthFlex Hospice as they are familiar with R1’s needs, however the administrator told R1’s authorized representative that the facility will be requesting a transfer to a different hospice agency. In addition, the reporting party indicated that R1’s authorized representative was distraught about being coerced in using the facility’s preferred hospice agency. During the investigation, LPA conducted interviews, and reviewed R1’s file. Administrator and Licensee denied this allegation and indicated that they have never forced any resident or family member to choose a hospice agency. According to the Administrator, R1 is currently not on hospice. Administrator indicated that R1 was with HealthFlex Home Health and was in the process of being admitted to HealthFlex hospice, however R1’s authorized representative indicated that he/she requested for another hospice agency to care for R1 but was taken to the hospital. R1 currently is still with HealthFlex Home Health and does not require hospice care. According to R1’s authorized representative interviewed, R1’s physician ordered R1 to be under the care of HealthFlex hospice, however R1’s authorized representative wanted to explore more options and preferred a different hospice agency over the one recommended by the doctor. In addition, R1’s authorized representative denied being forced into choosing a different hospice agency as HealthFlex was not chosen by him/her. Based on the above information, the Department has found that this allegation to be UNFOUNDED, meaning that this allegation was false, could not have happened and/or is without a reasonable basis. Report is reviewed with administrator, and a copy is provided.