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 in Ohio
Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Training to All Staff
E
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility did not provide required behavioral health training to all staff, including contract housekeeping, dietary, maintenance, and several CNAs, as outlined in its facility assessment. Training records and interviews confirmed that behavioral health education was not included in new hire orientation or annual in-services for non-nursing staff, potentially affecting all residents.

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 to Staff
E
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility did not ensure that staff, including LPNs, CNAs, administrative, dietary, and activity personnel, received behavioral health training as required, despite having numerous residents with psychiatric or mood disorders who needed such care. Personnel files and staff interviews confirmed the lack of training documentation for these staff members.

32 days payment denial
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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.
Inadequate Behavioral Health Training for Staff
F
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility failed to provide adequate behavioral health training for staff, necessary for caring for residents with mental and psychosocial disorders, including trauma and PTSD. Only one in-service session on de-escalation tips was conducted in the past year, which did not meet regulatory requirements. Several staff members did not receive any behavioral health training during orientation, and there were four self-reported incidents involving staff-to-resident interactions in the past six months. Staff expressed concerns about safety due to insufficient 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 Provide Behavioral Health Training to Staff
F
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility did not provide required behavioral health training to staff during orientation or annually, despite accepting residents with psychiatric disorders. Personnel files for various staff, including a dietary aide, housekeeper, LPN, and CNAs, showed no evidence of such training. An interview with the Administrator confirmed the lack of documentation for behavior training, although an in-service was scheduled for later.

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.
Deficiency in Staff Training on Mental and Behavioral Health
F
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility failed to provide documented mental and behavioral health training for three STNAs, affecting the care of all 44 residents in a 45-bed secured facility specializing in mental health. This deficiency was confirmed through employee file reviews and an HR interview, revealing a gap in compliance with the facility's training requirements.

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.
Lack of Behavioral Health Training for New STNAs
C
F0949 F949: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Short Summary

The facility did not provide required behavioral health training to newly hired STNAs, as confirmed by personnel file reviews and an HRD interview. The facility specializes in mental health behaviors, making this training essential.

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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