Failure to Ensure Required Daily RN Coverage on Weekends
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide RN coverage for at least eight consecutive hours per day, seven days a week, over multiple weekend days within a review period from early June to mid-December 2025. Timecard reports showed that on 16 specific weekend dates, RN hours worked on those calendar days did not total eight consecutive hours, with RN shifts either starting late in the day, ending before eight consecutive hours were reached, or crossing midnight so that only a portion of the shift fell on the calendar day in question. Examples included days when RNs worked only a few hours in the evening, partial coverage split between different RNs, or coverage that began late at night so that only one to two hours of the shift occurred on that date. On some dates, the ADON provided partial RN coverage, but the total RN time on that calendar day still did not meet the eight consecutive hours required. Interviews with facility staff revealed gaps in understanding and oversight of the RN coverage requirement. The Staffing Coordinator, who had been responsible for creating nursing schedules since July 2025, stated she was aware of the need for eight consecutive hours of RN coverage but did not know that the eight hours had to occur within the same calendar day and believed that any eight consecutive hours, even if crossing midnight, were acceptable. The ADON reported that the Staffing Coordinator completed the schedules and that the DON was responsible for reviewing them, while the ADON only assisted when there were call-offs or coverage issues. The DON stated she reviewed schedules mainly when coverage issues arose and acknowledged she was not aware that the eight consecutive hours had to be on the same day. The Administrator stated he knew of the eight-hour requirement but was unaware it was not being scheduled correctly. The RCN reported that the facility did not have a specific RN coverage policy and that they followed the regulation for eight hours daily. The report notes that this failure could place residents at risk of not having their nursing and medical needs met and improper care.
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