Failure to Employ Full-Time DON for Skilled Nursing Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a full-time Director of Nursing (DON) solely for the skilled nursing facility (SNF), as required. Staff interviews confirmed that the DON has been responsible for both the SNF and the assisted living facility (ALF) for the past two years, and the DON herself was unable to specify how much time she spends on each area weekly. The Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Human Resources both confirmed that the DON was officially assigned to oversee both the SNF and ALF full time. Review of facility policy and the DON job description indicated that the DON is expected to assume full authority, responsibility, and accountability for nursing services in the facility, and that a registered nurse should be designated as DON on a full-time basis for the SNF. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 71 residents in the facility.