Failure to Maintain Required RN Coverage
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the presence of a registered nurse (RN) for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week, as required. This deficiency was observed over a period of 8 days from January 1, 2025, to January 8, 2025. During this time, there were days when no RN was on duty, and on other days, the RN coverage was less than the required 8 hours. Specifically, on January 2, 6, and 7, 2025, there were zero hours worked by an RN charge nurse, and on January 1, 3, 4, 5, and 8, 2025, the RN coverage was less than 8 hours. Observations on January 7 and 8, 2025, confirmed the absence of RNs on the staffing sign-in sheet for certain shifts, with only one nurse working a 6-hour shift on January 8, 2025. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator (ADM) revealed that the DON was often the only RN scheduled to work, and there was no dedicated RN charge nurse on certain days. The DON mentioned that when he was not present, the facility relied on an outside telehealth service for triage. The ADM stated that they strive to have an RN in the building for the required hours but acknowledged the challenges in maintaining this coverage. A confidential interview also highlighted concerns about inadequate nursing staff on January 1, 2025, with only one nurse providing care to all residents during the morning shift.
Penalty
Resources
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