Expired CPR Certifications and Inadequate Staff Competency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff possessed the appropriate knowledge, competencies, and skill sets necessary to provide nursing and related services, including Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as required by facility policy and regulatory standards. Specifically, two staff members, an LPN and an RN, were found to have expired CPR certifications upon review. During interviews, the LPN was unable to identify the necessary equipment for responding to respiratory arrest or performing CPR, only mentioning 'hands' and failing to name other required equipment. The RN stated they had received CPR training and claimed to have current certification, but documentation showed their certification was also expired. Additionally, the facility's policy required all licensed nurses to maintain current CPR certification, with routine reviews to validate compliance. However, interviews with administrative staff revealed that while CPR certification was mandatory for nurses, it was only recommended for nursing assistants, and there were ongoing efforts to schedule another CPR class. These findings demonstrate that the facility did not ensure all nursing staff maintained the required competencies and certifications to provide safe and effective care, as evidenced by expired certifications and lack of knowledge regarding emergency procedures.