Uncertified Staff Provided Direct Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that only certified or trained personnel provided Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care to residents, as required by state law and facility policy. On a specific evening/night shift, an Environmental Services staff member, who was not certified and had never received nurse aide training, was instructed by the previous DON to assist with resident cares, including transfers, changing briefs, perineal care, and feeding. This staff member reported feeling uncomfortable performing these tasks but did so to avoid leaving residents in need. Review of staffing records confirmed that there were no certified nurse aides on the floor during this shift, despite a census of 56 residents, many of whom required assistance with ADLs. Additionally, a dietary aide under the age of 18, hired to assist with food service, was placed on a mandatory staffing calendar to meet fire code requirements and worked overnight shifts, during which they passed ice and answered call lights. The dietary aide's job description did not include resident care duties, and their qualifications did not meet the requirements for providing hands-on care. The Administrator acknowledged mandating noncertified staff to work night shifts to meet fire code regulations but was not aware that these staff were instructed to provide direct resident care. Employee files and job descriptions reviewed did not show evidence of appropriate training or certification for resident care among the noncertified staff involved.