Failure to Post Accurate and Updated Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate and updated posting of Direct Care Service Hours Per Patient Day (DHPPD) and Daily Posted Nurse Staffing in accordance with its own policy. Observations and interviews revealed that the posted staffing information was outdated, with the most recent posting dated several days prior to the survey. Review of sign-in sheets and interviews with the Registered Nurse Supervisor and Payroll staff confirmed discrepancies between scheduled and actual staff present, as well as a lack of clarity regarding who was responsible for posting staffing information on weekends and holidays. The Payroll staff, who typically completed the postings, was not present on weekends or holidays, and other staff were not trained or assigned to complete this task. The facility's policy required that nurse staffing data be posted daily and within two hours of the beginning of each shift, but this was not consistently followed. The Administrator and Payroll staff both acknowledged that the policy was not adhered to, particularly on weekends and holidays when responsible personnel were absent. As a result, residents and visitors were not provided with current information regarding facility census, staffing, and actual hours worked by staff, as required by the facility's procedures.