Failure to Provide Required RN Coverage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the services of a registered nurse (RN) for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week, as required. Record review and interviews confirmed that for 3 of 12 months reviewed, there was no RN coverage for multiple days, specifically 28 out of 47 days. The Human Resource Director and the Director of Nursing (DON) both confirmed that there was no RN coverage during the DON's medical leave and that, even after her return, RN coverage was only provided Monday through Friday. There was no RN present in the facility on weekends, although staff could contact the DON by phone if needed. The CEO also confirmed that the DON works only Monday through Friday and that no one had applied for the RN position to cover weekends. The DON acknowledged that during her absence, there was no RN coverage in the building. A facility policy regarding RN coverage was requested but was not provided by the time of exit. The lack of RN coverage was verified through staffing records and staff interviews.