Failure to Maintain Adequate Nursing Staff Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nursing staff to meet the needs of residents for 14 out of 30 days reviewed. Staffing records and interviews revealed that on multiple days, the number of aides and nurses scheduled was below the required levels based on the facility's census and acuity assessments. The Nursing Scheduler explained that staffing is determined by average daily census and adjusted for resident acuity, but when vacancies occurred, efforts to fill shifts with other staff or managers were not always successful. Specific dates were identified where the facility was short by one or more aides or nurses on both day and afternoon shifts. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed during the review that there were 14 days within the review period where the necessary nursing staff was not present to provide care to residents as required. No information was provided regarding the specific impact on individual residents or their medical conditions at the time of the deficiency.