Failure to Provide Required Communication Training to Direct Care Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide required training on effective communication to all five direct care staff members reviewed, including nurse aides, an LPN, and an RN. According to the facility's own in-service training policy, all staff are required to participate in both initial orientation and annual in-service training, which must include effective communication as a core topic. However, a review of education records for the year 2024 showed that none of the five staff members had documentation of having received this training. Interviews with the Human Resources Director confirmed that education is scheduled annually, and the Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the lack of communication training for the staff in question. The deficiency was identified through a review of facility policy, staff education records, and staff interviews, and it was cited under 28 Pa. Code: 201.14(a) and 201.20(a) for failure to meet staff development requirements.