Failure to Provide Behavioral Health and Dementia Training to Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide required behavioral health training, specifically dementia care training, to staff responsible for residents with severe cognitive impairment. Medical record reviews showed that three residents with diagnoses including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other significant comorbidities were under the care of staff who had not received formal training in dementia management. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for these residents indicated severe cognitive impairment, with BIMS scores ranging from 3 to 6. Despite these residents' needs, the facility was unable to provide documentation of any behavioral health or dementia-specific training for its staff. Interviews with staff members, including CNAs and a housekeeper, confirmed the lack of formal dementia care training. One CNA reported receiving only informal guidance from another aide during orientation, while others stated they had not received any dementia training at all. The Regional Nurse acknowledged that the facility's computerized training system did not include dementia care modules, and confirmed the absence of such training for staff. This lack of training was consistent across both new and long-term employees, as evidenced by their statements during interviews.