Failure to Maintain Consistent RN Coverage
Summary
The facility failed to ensure appropriate Registered Nurse (RN) coverage for 8 consecutive hours daily, 7 days a week, as required by regulation. A review of the facility's daily staffing sheets revealed that there was no RN coverage for specific dates, including 11/09/24, 12/21/24, 12/22/24, 12/25/24, 01/01/25, 01/04/25, and 01/05/25. Interviews with staff members, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the Director of Nursing (DON), and the facility Administrator, confirmed the lack of RN coverage on these dates. The CNA mentioned frequent staff shortages due to turnover and sickness, while the LPN and DON described efforts to cover shifts, including using agency staff and having unit managers and the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) fill in as needed. The Administrator provided additional documentation of RN coverage but was unable to account for the missing dates. The DON stated that the facility always has RN coverage, even on weekends, and described the process for staffing and scheduling. Despite these assertions, the facility could not provide evidence of RN coverage for the specified dates, leading to the deficiency finding. The report highlights the facility's struggle with maintaining consistent RN staffing, which is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring quality care for residents.
Penalty
Resources
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