F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
E

Failure to Ensure Required HIV Training for New and Existing Staff

Merkel Nursing CenterMerkel, Texas Survey Completed on 12-04-2025

Summary

The facility failed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members for 5 of 16 staff reviewed: the ADMN, DON, DM, Maint. D, and NA G. Record review showed the ADMN had a hire date of 8/17/2021, but there was no evidence he completed required annual HIV training for the previous 12 months. Record review also showed the DON, Maint. D, DM, and NA G each had hire dates in 2025, and there was no evidence in their personnel records that they completed required HIV orientation training upon hire. During interviews, the ADMN stated new hires were given orientation through a hyperlink and annual training was done through monthly in-services. He later stated he was responsible for ensuring training was completed for all employees and that not receiving required training could lead to poor quality of care for residents. The AIT stated each department head was responsible for ensuring training was completed, and that the ADMN and office manager monitored completion; she said the training was not done due to an oversight by the ADMN. The DM stated she did not remember receiving any orientation training on HIV and could not remember ever receiving training on HIV. Facility policies reviewed included an Orientation Program for Newly Hired Employees, which required a 10-hour orientation program within the first five days of employment with a written record maintained, and a Staff Development Program listing AIDS among mandatory in-service topics.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0940 citations
Missing Training Documentation for SSA
D
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

The facility failed to maintain documentation showing that an SSA received required orientation, competency validation, and job-specific training. Review of the SSA’s file showed no training records after hire, and the DSD and ADMN confirmed that only verbal training had been provided and that no formal training plan was in place. The SSA stated he had very limited knowledge of his job duties and responsibilities.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Maintain CNA Training Records
D
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

Failure to maintain an effective staff training program was cited when the facility could not provide documented proof that a CNA completed required CEUs for certification renewal. CNA 3 said the hours were completed, but the DON could not verify several 2024 training records because signatures, attendance, topics, or proper documentation were missing, and the DSD stated the facility had no specific policy for maintaining in-service training records.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
LPN Returned After Narcotics Incident Without Required Education
D
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

An LPN involved in a missing narcotics incident returned from suspension and worked a shift without documented education on drug diversion and narcotics reconciliation. The incident involved an Oxycodone IR 5 mg pack that appeared tampered with, with Loratadine tablets substituted for Oxycodone and five tablets missing. The DON and Staff Development/Educator acknowledged the education should have been completed before the LPN resumed work.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Missing Mandated Reporter Training Documentation
D
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

Missing Mandated Reporter Training Documentation: The facility failed to ensure an LVN completed Elder Abuse Mandated Reporter training and kept proof of that training in the personnel file. The DSD/LVN could not find any abuse training record in the file or electronic system, and the DON stated that without documentation there is no way to verify the training was completed. The facility policy required abuse, neglect, and exploitation training for new staff.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Missing EBP Competency Training for CNA and LVN
D
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

Missing EBP Competency Training for CNA and LVN: The facility failed to document EBP competency training for two staff members, a CNA and an LVN. Record review and interviews showed the IPN and DSD could not provide evidence that either staff member completed the required annual competency assessment or EBP training, and the facility policies required infection control competency and EBP training upon hire and at least annually.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Missing Emergency Preparedness Training for Multiple Staff
E
F0940 F940: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Short Summary

The facility failed to document emergency preparedness training for a dietary server, a PTA, and a speech therapist. Records reviewed by surveyors did not show the required training for these staff members, and interviews with the DON and HRD confirmed gaps in the transcripts and uncertainty about completion for some employees. The facility policy stated that new and existing staff, volunteers, and contractors were to receive required training on key topics, including resident rights, abuse, dementia management, and infection control.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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