Inadequate Supervision and Care Plan Adherence Leads to Resident Falls
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate supervision and adherence to care plans, resulting in accidents involving two residents. Resident #1, who required a two-person assist with a mechanical lift, was improperly transferred by a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) who was not trained by the facility. The CNA mistakenly attempted to transfer Resident #1 alone, leading to a fall that resulted in multiple fractures. The resident was later found unresponsive and was transferred to the hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Resident #2, who had severe cognitive impairment, was left unattended on the toilet by another CNA. This resulted in a fall that caused a hematoma on the resident's forehead. The CNA violated the facility's policy by leaving the resident alone, although there was no documented evidence in the care plan indicating that the resident should not be left unattended in the bathroom prior to the incident. The facility's policies and procedures were not adequately communicated or enforced, leading to these incidents. The CNAs involved were either not properly trained or did not follow the care plans, resulting in harm to the residents. The facility's failure to provide adequate supervision and ensure staff adherence to care plans contributed to these deficiencies.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 8, 2025 **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** DP(NAME) F689 1. Immediate Correction: 1) The facility respectfully states Resident # 1 expired on [DATE] while in the hospital. 2) On [DATE] CNA #1 was terminated from employment and the Agency was notified of the reason for termination. 3) On [DATE] the DNS provided LPN# one with education and counseling on the need to conduct a thorough Shift report for all staff and the need to adjust CNA assignment as needed. 4) On [DATE] Rehab assessed resident post fall and there were no changes. 5) On [DATE] the DNS provided education and counseling for CNA #2 on the need to provide residents at risk for falls and/or with impaired cognition constant supervision when seated on the toilet. 6) On [DATE] resident #2 was assessed by the Rehab Department for the need for any assistive device to use when using the toilet. CCP was updated to reflect current toileting needs and supervision required. Instructions were carried over to CNAAR. 7) On [DATE] the facility contracted with GNYHCFA to develop and implement a DP(NAME) and Directed Inservice. 8) On [DATE] the GNYHCFA QA Consultants convened the Facility QA Meeting to review causative factors, specific interventions, and systems to maintain compliance with ensuring that the environment is as free of accident hazards as possible and that each resident receives adequate supervision to prevent accidents. II. Identification of Others: 1) The facility respectfully states that all residents were potentially affected. 2) The DON /RNS will reassess all facility residents for fall risk. The RNS will review/revise Fall risk CCP and CNAAR for individualized safety interventions as indicated. 3) A list of all residents requiring substantial to maximum assistance with transfer to the toilet was generated by the MDS Coordinator from the medical record. 4) The DON, RNS and MDS Coordinator reviewed each resident to determine the supervision required when sitting on the toilet considering fall risk, cognition, and behaviors. The residents CCP will be updated and instructions carried over to CNAAR. Any identified issues will be addressed. III. Systemic Changes: 1) The DON and GNYHCFA Consultant reviewed and revised the Policy and Procedure for Fall Prevention. 2) The DON and GNYHCFA consultant reviewed and revised the Policy and Procedure for CNA Accountability /Assignments. 3) All Nursing Staff and Rehab staff will receive Education by GNYHCFA on ensuring that the environment is as free of accident hazards as possible and adequate supervision and assistance is provided to residents to ensure resident safety. Highlights of the Lesson Plan include: - All residents are assessed for Falls Risk on admission, readmission and quarterly and as needed. - Any resident at High risk for Falls will be placed on the Falling Star identifier program with a green star in Electronic Medical Record (EMR), on Resident door and assistive mobility device if indicated. - Any resident requiring physical assistance getting on/off toilet and/or with cognitive impairment cannot be left unattended in the bathroom. - The joint responsibility of Rehab and Nursing to determine the amount of staff assistance required for all ADL's. - The responsibility of the RNS to clearly communicate and document on the CNAAR/CCP the assistance needed for resident safety. - The responsibility of the RNS to conduct Unit Rounds to supervise direct care staff for care provided to residents. - The responsibility of the licensed unit nurse to complete assignments for CNAs and print from EMR a current list of residents requiring Mechanical lift with two persons and provide Shift Report to all CNAs. - The responsibility of each CNA to identify the transfer status of their assigned residents and the steps to take to perform task. - The steps the Nursing Assistant needs to take if he/she feels the directives for Residents care needs should be reviewed by the RNS/ IDT. - The responsibility of all Nursing Staff to be aware of each resident's need for assistance and supervision as documented in the resident's CCP/CNAAR to prevent accidents. IV. Quality Assurance: 1) The GNYHCFA Consultant in conjunction with the DON developed an audit tool to monitor the facility’s compliance with: A) Ensuring that each resident is provided with adequate supervision and assistance to ensure Resident safety while assisting residents with toileting and transferring care needs. B) Ensuring that all residents at high risk for falls will be identified and individualized interventions will be communicated to Direct Care staff. 2) Audits will be done by the RNS on five randomly selected residents, and five randomly selected staff members on each unit on random shifts weekly x 4 weeks followed by monthly x 6 months. 3) Findings from the audits that require corrective actions will immediately be rectified and brought to the Morning QA Meeting for review. 4) Findings will be reviewed during the Quarterly QA Meeting to ensure sustainability. V. Person Responsible for this FTag: Director of Nursing
Penalty
Resources
Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:
Failure to Follow Fall Interventions: A resident with dementia, ESRD on dialysis, impaired mobility, and a history of falls was observed ambulating and self-transferring in her room and bathroom without staff assistance, despite orders and a care plan requiring one-person assist with a walker, call light use, frequent safety checks, and skid strips by the bed. Staff interviews confirmed the resident was transferring independently and that the skid strips were not in place as documented.
A resident assessed as high risk for falls did not receive the physician-ordered fall mat on the right side of the bed. Surveyors observed no mat during multiple checks, and the TAR did not reflect the intervention. The resident said the mat had been removed after a new bed was placed, while an RN and the DON acknowledged the order remained in place even though the mat was no longer being used.
Smoking safety interventions were not consistently implemented for four residents who smoked. Two residents were observed smoking with staff supervision but without the smoking aprons listed in their assessments and care plans, and two other residents were also observed smoking in wheelchairs without aprons despite care plan interventions requiring them. The DON confirmed the apron requirement for two of the residents, while the ADON stated residents sometimes complained about the aprons and that he did not know when smoking assessments were completed.
A resident with cerebral palsy, severe cognitive impairment, wheelchair use, and a care plan requiring a mechanical lift for all transfers was manually transferred by a CNA instead of using the lift. During observation, the CNA lifted the resident by the upper back and moved him between the wheelchair and bed without mechanical assistance, despite having completed lift competency training and despite the DON confirming the resident required a mechanical lift for all transfers.
Failure to supervise a resident at risk for elopement led to repeated exit-seeking and wandering events, including being found off the unit and near exterior areas. The resident had dementia with cognitive impairment, hemiplegia, and diabetes, and staff notes described missing documentation of several wandering episodes, an incomplete care plan intervention, and incidents involving a broken alarmed door, a Wanderguard, and an unknown visitor letting the resident off the unit.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment fell during a lift transfer when a sling strap came loose and the chest strap clip broke, and two other residents were observed being transferred with total body lifts using slings that were not verified against their care plans or mobility assessments. Staff interviews showed some CNAs relied on the sling already in the room or on how it fit, rather than consistently checking the care plan or Kardex for the correct sling size and transfer method.
Failure to Follow Fall Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's fall interventions were in place for one resident reviewed for falls. The resident had diagnoses of dementia and end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, was documented as having intact cognition but needing supervision with ADLs, transfers, and walker use, and was identified as a fall risk due to ESRD, impulsive behavior, and impaired mobility. The resident's nursing and provider orders directed staff to assist with ambulation, remind the resident to use the call light and wait for staff, and complete frequent safety checks each shift. The resident had a documented fall in which she was found sitting on the floor between her drawer and walker with bleeding from a forehead injury and a skin tear to her jaw, and she was transferred to the hospital where she received stitches. The incident report stated the resident lost her balance when she walked to her drawer to close it. The resident's care plan later identified a self-care performance deficit related to actual falls, weakness, and impaired mobility, and included interventions such as assistance from one staff member with a walker and gait belt, assistance with transfers and toileting, use of assistive devices, skid strips next to the bed, and frequent monitoring for safety. During observations, the resident was seen ambulating and self-transferring in her room and bathroom without staff assistance and at times without using her walker or call light. Staff observed the resident walking independently in her room, and an unidentified staff member passed by without entering the room. The resident stated that she walked and used the bathroom by herself and did not need to follow instructions. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident transferred independently and ambulated without a walker or staff assistance, while another nurse stated the resident was not supposed to self-transfer and that skid strips were not present despite being listed in the care plan. The DON stated that staff were expected to follow resident orders and care plans for safety.
Missing Ordered Fall Mat for High-Fall-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident assessed as high risk for falls received the physician-ordered fall prevention intervention of a fall mat positioned on the right side of the bed. Resident #50 was admitted with diagnoses including orthostatic hypotension, lack of coordination, reduced mobility, and communication deficit. The resident’s fall risk assessment showed a score of 50, indicating high risk for falling, and the care plan identified the resident as at risk for falls and fall-related injury due to a history of falls with fracture, cognitive impairment, and decreased safety awareness. During multiple observations, the resident was seen at the bedside and no fall mat was present on the right side of the bed or located in the room. The physician order dated 6/7/2026 specified a mat on the right side of the bed, but the MAR and TAR did not reflect the fall mat as an implemented intervention. The resident stated the fall mat had been removed after a new bed was placed and had been gone for a long time. An RN stated the resident was a fall risk and that the order for the fall mat should be followed or cancelled if no longer needed. The DON stated the bed had been changed out and the mat would get in the way, and the order should have been cancelled.
Smoking Safety Interventions Not Followed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate assessment and implementation of smoking safety interventions for four sampled residents who smoked. Residents #12 and #85 were observed smoking in the designated smoking area with staff supervision on multiple occasions, but neither was observed wearing a smoking apron even though the smoking binder and care plan indicated they needed one. During an interview, the ADON confirmed both residents were listed as needing aprons and stated the residents sometimes complained about the apron, but they should not smoke unless they put it on. The ADON also stated he does not go out with smokers often and does not know when assessments are completed. Resident #12 had diagnoses including COPD, muscle weakness, and epilepsy, and smoking evaluations noted tobacco use and balance problems while sitting or standing; smoking was added to the care plan with a clothing protector intervention. Resident #85 had diagnoses including hemiplegia and right-hand contracture, and although initial smoking evaluations indicated tobacco use with no impairments, smoking was later added to the care plan with a clothing protection requirement. Resident #52, who had CVA with right-sided weakness and paralysis, diabetes, mood disorder, major depressive disorder, and right hand and upper arm contracture, was observed smoking in a wheelchair without a smoking apron despite a care plan intervention requiring one. Resident #11, who had TBI, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, paraplegia, and upper extremity contractures, was also observed in the smoking area in a wheelchair without a smoking apron, and no attempt was made by the smoking monitor to get the apron on. The DON confirmed that Residents #52 and #11 were supposed to wear smoking aprons when smoking, and the facility smoking policy required residents to be educated and evaluated for smoking upon admission, re-admission, and quarterly.
Failure to Use Required Mechanical Lift for Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure Resident #5 was transferred with a mechanical lift as required. Resident #5 was admitted with diagnoses including cerebral palsy, BPH, and hypertension, and a quarterly MDS showed severe impairment in thinking with a BIMS score of 4. He required substantial to maximal assistance with toileting hygiene, used a wheelchair for mobility, and his care plan documented a history of falls with interventions initiated for a mechanical lift for all transfers to wheelchairs. A POC task also indicated he required a mechanical lift for transfers every shift, and he was listed among residents requiring a sling/mechanical lift. During observation, CNA C provided incontinent care and transferred Resident #5 from his specialized wheelchair to the bed and back without using a mechanical lift. Instead, she manually lifted him by placing her arms around his upper back and interlocking her fingers. In interview, CNA C stated she had been employed for a month, had completed lift competency during orientation, but did not use the lift because she felt comfortable transferring him without assistance and had never used the mechanical lift on him, although other staff did. The DON stated Resident #5 required a mechanical lift for all transfers and that staff could see this in the POC. The facility policy stated mechanical lifting devices shall be used for lifting and moving residents when necessary.
Failure to Supervise Resident at Risk for Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent resident elopement for a resident who was identified as at risk for elopement and did not reside on a secured unit. The resident had diagnoses including hemiplegia, diabetes, and dementia, and the MDS indicated cognitive impairment. The record showed multiple elopement evaluations with changing results, including several assessments that identified the resident as at risk for elopement in July 2026, while earlier assessments had indicated not at risk or were incomplete. The care plan identified the resident as an elopement risk/wanderer related to impaired safety awareness, but the record contained only one incomplete intervention related to wandering, and no resident preferences were included. Behavior monitoring documented exit-seeking and wandering behaviors on multiple occasions in May, June, and July 2026, but progress notes did not document the behaviors noted on 5/21/26, 6/21/26, and 7/14/26. A physician order for a Wanderguard was created after the resident was found wandering outside on the curb, and staff notes described discussions with family and assessments after the resident was returned to the unit. The resident was later involved in additional elopement-related events. Staff statements and progress notes described the resident being found near a door, in the front hall, in the assisted living area, and off the unit near common areas, with staff searching for her after she was reported missing. One note stated the resident could escape through a security door because the alarm was broken and had not been fixed yet. Another investigation note stated the resident was found off the unit in a common area adjacent to the unit after being let off by an unknown visitor. The facility determined that the resident was cognitively unable to recognize the door requiring a code and would be physically unable to open it without assistance. The report states the facility was out of compliance with resident safety and supervision since 4/12/26.
Failure to verify correct sling size and safe lift use during resident transfers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure staff followed accident prevention interventions and safe device use for three sampled residents who required total body lift transfers. The report states that four certified nursing assistants did not verify the correct sling size before transferring residents, despite care plans and the lift’s sling-size identification system directing staff to use specific sling sizes based on resident weight and transfer needs. Resident 39 had severe cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with behavioral disturbance, anxiety disorder, and muscle weakness. Her care plan and mobility assessments showed a progression from sit-to-stand lift use to total body lift use with two staff members and a medium sling. On 5/1/26, she was transferred from her wheelchair to her bed by a CNA using a sit-to-stand lift when the sling strap came loose from the hook on the lift and the chest strap clip broke, causing her to fall backward onto the floor. She sustained a skin tear on her right forearm, bruising to the right side of her face, redness to the right side of her body, and a bruise on her right frontal scalp. She was sent to the ER, where X-rays showed no acute findings or fractures. Observations later showed resident 39 being transferred with a total body lift using a large sling, and resident 8 and resident 25 were also observed with large total body lift slings on. Resident 8 had paraplegia, moderate cognitive impairment, and a care plan directing total body lift transfers with a medium and extra-large sling, while his mobility assessment indicated an extra-large sling and two staff members. Resident 25 had vascular dementia and muscle weakness; her care plan directed total body lift transfers with two staff members, and her mobility assessment indicated a large sling. Interviews with CNAs showed that staff sometimes relied on the sling already in the room or judged sling size by how it fit, rather than consistently referring to the care plan or Kardex. The DON and MDS coordinator stated that staff were expected to use the resident’s care plan or Kardex to determine sling size for safe transfers.
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