F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
F

Failure in Effective Administration and Resident Safety Protocols

Aspire Of WashingtonWashington, Iowa Survey Completed on 01-30-2025

Summary

The facility failed to ensure effective administration in several key areas, resulting in multiple deficiencies. Staff interviews and record reviews revealed that allegations of abuse and mistreatment were not promptly or thoroughly addressed. Specifically, there were reports that a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) pulled a resident's hair and a Registered Nurse (RN) used derogatory language towards the same resident, who had severely impaired cognition. Staff members reported concerns about a particular CNA's verbal abuse towards multiple residents, including statements such as "shut up" and "get out of my face." These concerns were brought to the attention of the Administrator and DON multiple times, but the staff member continued to work, and there was a lack of documentation and follow-up on these allegations. The DON and Administrator acknowledged hearing concerns about staff tone but did not consistently recognize or document them as abuse allegations. The facility also failed to maintain current registration for a vehicle used to transport residents. Staff members reported driving the facility van with expired license tags, and some were aware of the issue but were still expected to use the vehicle. The Administrator and Senior Vice President of Operations confirmed that the registration had lapsed and that efforts to renew it were delayed due to missing documentation. Staff expressed discomfort and concern about being asked to drive the van with expired tags, and there were additional safety concerns regarding the van's back latch not securing properly during resident transport. Additionally, the facility did not have a consistent process in place for bed holds. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON revealed confusion and lack of adherence to the bed hold policy, particularly during emergency transfers. Staff were often unaware of the proper procedures or where to find the necessary paperwork, and the DON admitted that bed holds were not completed as often as required. The Administrator confirmed that bed hold forms were not consistently obtained from families during urgent transfers. Furthermore, there was a failure to ensure that narcotics were consistently counted at shift changes, and medication keys were not always accessible to qualified staff, as evidenced by an incident where a nurse was unable to access narcotics and the DON refused to assist with the count.

Penalty

Inspection fine: $172,77554 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.

Resources

Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:

See other F0835 citations
Leadership and Oversight Failures Affecting Resident Care
F
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

Facility leadership failed to oversee resident care and staff performance effectively. Staff reported a week-long shortage of insulin syringes, during which nurses borrowed insulin pens and vials from other residents and gave them to different residents, while one resident missed insulin and another had delayed blood sugar checks and insulin coverage. Interviews also described an LPN threatening a resident, delayed incontinence care, intimidation of staff who reported concerns, and other allegations of misconduct, while the DON and RN/ADON did not fully investigate several of the reported issues.

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.
Failure to Supervise and Respond Appropriately to Elopement
D
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

The NHA and DON failed to effectively manage the facility to implement sufficient monitoring and supervision to prevent an elopement. Facility records and job descriptions showed the NHA was responsible for maintaining effective systems and overseeing staff, care, supplies, and facilities, while the DON was responsible for nursing management, resident care standards, policy implementation, and supervision of the nursing department. The report states the facility failed to properly supervise a resident and failed to respond appropriately to the elopement.

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.
Administrator Living in Facility and Alleged Alcohol Use Not Addressed
F
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

Administrator Living in Facility and Alleged Alcohol Use Not Addressed: The facility failed to follow its drug-free workplace policy and failed to address repeated concerns that the Administrator was drinking alcohol, appeared intoxicated, and smoked in non-designated areas. Staff reported seeing alcohol in the Administrator’s office, smelling alcohol on his breath, and observing behavior they believed was impaired, while the DON and other leaders learned he was living in a room at the facility. The Area Admin did not investigate the allegations and stated he considered the Administrator exempt from policy during evenings and weekends because he lived at the facility.

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 Plan for Facility Closure and Resident Discharge
L
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

Failure to Plan for Facility Closure and Resident Discharge: The facility received an eviction notice but did not have a closure plan for the 30 residents. The ADM said he was out of money, had no specific plan, could not pay for a DON or RN supervisor, and was relying on agency staff while delinquent on supplies and pharmaceuticals. Residents were distressed about being moved, and the ADM had not notified residents or RPs about the eviction.

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 Maintain Infection Control Program
F
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

The NHA and DON failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment. The facility did not have working laundry equipment to ensure clean and sanitized linens and laundry, and this was identified as an Immediate Jeopardy for all 67 residents. The NHA and DON confirmed the failure 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.
Failure to Supervise Resident Resulted in Elopement
D
F0835 F835: Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Short Summary

A resident eloped from the facility after staff failed to ensure proper supervision, and the event was identified as an IJ for all residents at risk for elopement. The NHA and DON were found to have failed to effectively manage the facility and to fulfill their job duties related to overseeing operations and nursing 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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