F0689

J

Failure to Use Required Mechanical Lift and Report Pain During Transfer Resulting in Femur Fracture

Desoto, Texas Survey Completed on 02-13-2026

Penalty

Fine: $24,845

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and use of required assistive devices during transfers, resulting in a serious leg fracture for one resident. The resident was an older female with a history of stroke and end-stage renal disease, bedbound with residual left-sided weakness, who used a wheelchair for mobility and required substantial/maximal assistance. Her MDS showed moderately impaired cognition (BIMS 10) but no dementia, no inattention, disorganized thinking, altered consciousness, or behavioral issues, and no reported pain. Her care plan, with an original date of 02/12/26, specified that she was to be lifted mechanically using a Hoyer lift with two or more staff due to impaired mobility, and that she did not attempt to stand from sitting because of medical and safety concerns.

On the morning of 12/23/25, the resident was being prepared for transport to her dialysis appointment. According to the resident’s later account to surveyors, her family, and dialysis staff, she was normally transferred via Hoyer lift, but that day several staff, including a chubby female aide and a tall bald male aide, manually transferred her from bed to wheelchair using their hands instead of the mechanical lift. During this transfer, the resident reported that her left leg went between the male aide’s legs and twisted, causing immediate severe pain. She stated she told staff, “I think you broke my leg,” but was nonetheless placed in her wheelchair and transported by van to the dialysis center. The resident consistently stated that the incident occurred at the nursing facility and that she was never transferred out of her wheelchair at the dialysis center because of her pain.

At the dialysis center, multiple dialysis staff observed the resident crying and complaining of severe left knee/leg pain. The dialysis RN, dialysis tech, and dialysis nurse manager each reported that the resident said nursing home aides had twisted or hurt her leg during the transfer to the wheelchair, and that she arrived with a Hoyer sling still under her. On assessment, the dialysis RN noted the resident’s pain was 10/10, she could not move her leg, and she cried out when her left knee was touched or when attempts were made to reposition her. EMS was called, and the resident was transported to the hospital, where imaging showed an acute comminuted fracture of the distal left femur, documented as occurring when her leg was twisted during transfer to dialysis, without a fall. Facility nursing staff, including the LVN on duty, ADON, and DON, acknowledged that the resident required a Hoyer lift for transfers, but they did not initially obtain or document a clear account from the resident about the transfer incident, and the DON did not contact the dialysis center to clarify whether an incident had occurred there.

Interviews with facility CNAs involved in the transfer revealed inconsistent accounts and confirmed that the resident was not transferred in accordance with her care plan. CNA B, who worked as needed, stated he was called by CNA A to assist with a transfer because the resident was late for dialysis and the Hoyer lift was broken. He reported that he, CNA A, and two other aides transferred the resident from bed to wheelchair using the Hoyer sling under her and a draw sheet, and that the resident complained of leg pain once in the wheelchair. He did not report this pain to the nurse, assuming the primary aides would do so. CNA A denied asking CNA B to help transfer the resident with a Hoyer sling and draw sheet and did not recall the resident reporting pain. CNAs E and F, also as-needed staff, denied recalling a transfer using a Hoyer sling and draw sheet or any specific details from that date. The facility’s own policies required use of mechanical lifts according to manufacturer guidelines and required CNAs to report any change of condition, but the resident’s care plan requirements for mechanical lift use and prompt reporting of pain during transfer were not followed, leading to the identified deficiency.

Removal Plan

• Medical Director notified
• Ad hoc QA completed to address employee transfer techniques using mechanical lifts
• DON/designee to educate all clinical staff on mechanical lift transfers including 2-person assist
• DON/designee to educate all clinical staff to notify nurse of any pain or change of condition during transfers
• DON/designee performed assessment on all residents requiring mechanical lift transfers to ensure safety
• Residents who require mechanical lift transfers will be added to ADL Kardex by DON/designee
• MDS/designee updated care plans for all residents requiring mechanical lift transfers
• All clinical staff will be educated on proper transfer techniques including mechanical lifts prior to working their next assigned shift
• DON/designee will monitor residents requiring mechanical lifts for transfers to ensure compliance
• Administrator to review with the DON the monitoring to ensure continued compliance
• Results of all audits will be brought to QAPI committee by DON to review for continued recommendations and compliance
• This protocol will be covered on new-hire orientation by DON/designee