Failure to Initiate CPR for a Full-Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to initiate CPR in accordance with a resident’s documented full code status, physician orders, POLST, and care plan. The resident had multiple diagnoses including hypokalemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, emphysema, cerebellar stroke syndrome, and congestive heart failure, and was documented as cognitively intact. The physician’s orders and POLST form specified attempt resuscitation/CPR and full treatment, and the care plan stated that CPR would be initiated in the event of cardiac arrest and continued until EMS arrival or a physician order to stop. The resident’s daughter, who was POA, reported that the resident remained alert and oriented until death and had reiterated within the last year that she wished to remain a full code. On the day of the incident, a CNA found the resident unresponsive, without breathing or a pulse, at approximately 8:20 AM and notified the assigned LPN. The CNA reported that the LPN told her the resident was a DNR. The LPN went to the room, verified the resident was not breathing, and did not initiate CPR. Another LPN was called to verify death; as she went to the room, she asked if CPR was needed and believed the first LPN went to check the medical record for code status. The second LPN confirmed there were no heart sounds or respirations and did not initiate CPR. The progress note later documented that the CNA had notified the nurse around 8:20 AM that the resident was no longer breathing or had a pulse, and that another nurse verified there was no pulse/heartbeat and no breathing activity. Subsequently, the second LPN overheard the first LPN on the phone with the physician stating that the resident was a full code. After this, the second LPN reviewed the physician’s orders and confirmed the resident was indeed a full code and reported the issue to the DON. The first LPN told surveyors he did not follow protocol, assumed the resident was a no code based on her appearance, did not review her paperwork to verify code status, and stated he had only received two days of orientation. The DON and Administrator both stated they would have expected nurses to follow facility protocols and administer CPR, and the resident’s physician stated he would have expected the nurse to honor the resident’s wishes and initiate CPR. The facility’s CPR policy required that if an individual is found unresponsive and sudden cardiac arrest is likely, staff should begin CPR and verify code status, initiating basic life support unless a valid DNR order is verified.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.