Lack of Staff Competency in Mental and Behavioral Health Care
Penalty
Summary
Nursing staff, including licensed nurses and Certified Nurse Aides, did not possess the necessary competencies and skills to care for residents with mental and behavioral health needs. The facility assessment documented a significant population of residents with psychiatric and mood disorders, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, traumatic brain injury, and psychosis. Despite this, there was no documented evidence of annual educational competencies or training for staff regarding the care of residents with mental health or behavioral needs. The facility's process for assessing and addressing the needs of residents with such conditions included referral to the Nursing Educator for staff education, but this was not implemented in practice. Interviews with staff confirmed the lack of training and education on mental and behavioral health care. A Certified Nurse Aide reported insufficient staffing to monitor and provide care for residents with difficult behaviors. The Director of Social Work acknowledged the challenge of managing a large population of residents with behavioral and mental health issues, making care planning and supervision difficult. The Administrator noted the high number of residents with mental health diagnoses and the need for staff education in de-escalation and behavior management, which had not been provided. The Nurse Educator confirmed that no orientation or annual education on mental or behavioral health needs was in place.