Failure to Ensure Current CPR Certification for Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
Facility administration failed to maintain an effective system to ensure that all licensed nurses held current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, as required by facility policy. Review of personnel files revealed multiple instances where CPR certifications for both LPNs and RNs had expired before being renewed. The Human Resources Director confirmed that lapses in CPR recertification were identified through the facility's tracking process. The Director of Nursing stated that corporate was responsible for CPR certification and was unaware that some nurses were not current with their certifications. The DON also confirmed that staff performing CPR were required to maintain current certification, and that CPR recertification was offered through the American Heart Association. Facility policy required all direct care staff to maintain current CPR certification as a condition of employment, with failure to obtain certification within 30 days of expiration resulting in removal from the work schedule and possible disciplinary action. Despite this policy, several nurses were found to have worked with expired CPR certifications, potentially affecting all 61 residents in the facility. The deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation and verified through interviews and record review.