Failure to Ensure Nursing Staff Competency and Annual Skills Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff, including both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), had completed required annual competencies and skill assessments as outlined in the facility assessment. Specifically, there was no evidence that four nurses, hired between 2009 and 2023, had completed their annual nursing competencies since 2023. Additionally, the facility assessment indicated that staff must be competent in providing IV therapy, including the management and administration of medications via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). However, competency records for three nurses did not show completion of the required yearly IV competency for PICC line care. During an interview, the Clinical Market Advisor was unable to provide documentation confirming that any of the identified staff had completed their annual competencies as required by the facility's own assessment. The deficiency was identified through record review and staff interviews, and it was determined that the facility did not ensure staff had the necessary competencies and skill sets to provide safe and appropriate care for the resident population, including those requiring IV therapy.