Failure to Provide Required RN Coverage for 8 Consecutive Hours
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide Registered Nurse (RN) coverage for at least 8 consecutive hours on six specific days during a 53-day review period. Review of daily posted staffing sheets and schedule books revealed that on these days, there were no RNs listed as working, and no RN hours were recorded for the required shifts. The Director of Nursing (DON) was aware of the requirement for 8 consecutive hours of RN coverage daily but was only able to provide documentation for one of the days in question, leaving the remaining days without evidence of compliance. Interviews with the current and previous schedulers indicated a lack of awareness regarding the specific requirement for 8 consecutive hours of RN coverage each day. Both schedulers acknowledged difficulties in scheduling RNs, particularly on weekends, due to limited staff availability. The DON assisted with scheduling and was aware of the days without RN coverage. The Administrator confirmed awareness of the requirement and acknowledged that there were days without RN coverage during the reviewed period.