Failure to Maintain Required RN Coverage
Summary
The facility failed to utilize the services of a Registered Nurse (RN) for at least eight consecutive hours a day, seven days a week, as required. Specifically, the facility did not have an RN working for at least eight consecutive hours on 16 days between 10/1/23 and 2/11/24. This deficiency was identified through a review of the Fiscal Year Quarter One Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Report, which indicated no RN coverage on several specific dates. The absence of RN coverage placed all residents at risk for not having their clinical needs met either directly by the RN or indirectly by the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Certified Nurses Aides (CNA) that the RN was responsible for overseeing with the provision of resident care. During interviews, the Administrator confirmed that the facility had no nurse staffing waivers and acknowledged the lack of RN coverage on the reported dates. The Director of Nursing (DON) explained that the RN coverage was impacted by one RN being on a leave of absence and another RN resigning. The DON attempted to cover the shifts by working with staffing agencies, asking other RNs to cover, or coming in herself. However, additional review of nurse staffing schedules revealed four more days without RN coverage after 12/31/23. The DON provided her time card, confirming she was not in the facility on those additional days to provide the required RN coverage.
Penalty
Resources
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