F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
B

Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Training for Staff

Merkel Nursing CenterMerkel, Texas Survey Completed on 07-31-2024

Summary

The facility failed to maintain a training program to ensure that staff were adequately trained in behavioral health, as evidenced by the lack of training for the Director of Nursing (DON) and a Nursing Assistant (NA D). Both staff members, hired on different dates in 2024, did not receive the necessary behavioral health training upon their onboarding. This deficiency was identified through a review of personnel files, which showed no record of behavioral health training for these employees. Interviews with the Office Manager (OM) and the Administrator (ADMN) revealed that the OM was not present during the onboarding of these employees and was unaware of why the training was not conducted. The ADMN expressed an expectation for staff to receive communication training during onboarding and acknowledged that the newly hired OM had made inappropriate changes to the onboarding process, which led to the oversight. The facility's policy on orientation for newly hired employees, dated January 2008, outlines a comprehensive orientation program that includes a review of various facility policies and procedures. However, the facility assessment tool dated July 2024 indicated that the facility cared for at least one resident with behavioral health needs, requiring specific care interventions. The lack of behavioral health training for the DON and NA D could potentially impact the quality of care provided to residents with behavioral health needs, as the staff may not be equipped to manage psychiatric symptoms and behaviors effectively.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0949 citations
Missing Behavioral Health Training for Multiple Staff
F
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

Behavioral health training was not found for 8 of 8 staff reviewed, including an LPN, a housekeeper, a cook, and multiple CNAs. Records showed they had completed other required training, but surveyors could not locate behavioral health training for any of them. Facility leaders said training was assigned through the training system and monthly in-services, and the NHA stated the facility did not have a training policy.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Provide Behavioral Training to Direct Care Staff
D
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

An LPN’s training record did not include behavioral training during the past year of employment, and the Infection Preventionist confirmed the facility failed to provide behavioral training to one of five direct care staff reviewed.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Missing Required Dementia Care Training for Multiple Staff
E
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility failed to ensure that multiple staff members received required annual behavioral health training related to dementia care. A Dietary Server, a PTA, and a Speech Therapist had transcripts that did not show the required dementia-related training, and one staff member’s transcript also lacked other required orientation topics such as abuse, infection control, EJA, resident rights, and emergency preparedness. Interviews with the DON and HRD confirmed that these trainings were expected for staff, including therapy and dietary personnel, and the facility policy required training on resident rights, abuse, neglect and exploitation, dementia management, and infection control.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Training
D
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Training: Behavioral Health training was not provided for two NAs as required by facility policy and the facility assessment. Personnel records did not show the required annual training for either NA, and HR confirmed the missing training during interview.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Missing Required Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training for DON and NA-C
D
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

Missing Required Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training for DON and NA-C: The facility failed to ensure the DON and an NA-C completed required initial or annual Alzheimer’s/dementia training. Record review showed both staff lacked training on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, ADL assistance, problem solving with challenging behaviors, and communication skills. The administrator acknowledged the missing training, while facility orientation materials and the facility assessment identified dementia care topics as part of staff training.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Verify Required Behavioral Health Training for Agency CNA
F
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility failed to ensure an agency CNA had completed required behavioral health training. Record review showed no documentation of the training, and Administrative Staff B stated the facility expected the agency to provide required training and in-services before scheduling staff. The facility also could not provide a policy related to required staff in-services.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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