Failure to Prominently Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post daily nurse staffing information, specifically the number of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)/Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)/Nursing Assistants (NAs) per shift, in a prominent and visible location as required by facility policy. Observations on two separate days revealed that only the Census and Direct Care Service Hours per Patient Day (DHPPD) were posted near the facility entrance and nursing stations, with no visible information about the actual number of nursing staff on duty for each shift. During one observation, it was discovered that the required staffing information was placed behind the DHPPD posting, making it not visible to residents and visitors. Interviews with the staff member responsible for posting the information confirmed that the staffing data had consistently been placed behind the DHPPD, contrary to the policy that requires clear and visible posting. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that the facility did not post the complete nursing staffing information for each shift, which could result in residents and visitors not knowing the actual number of nursing staff providing care. Review of the facility's policy confirmed the requirement to post nurse staffing data for each shift in a prominent and accessible location within two hours of the beginning of each shift.