Failure to Train Licensed Nursing Staff on PICC Line Management
Summary
The facility failed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective training program for licensed nursing staff to ensure they had the knowledge and competencies needed to safely manage a PICC line for Resident 63. The report states that federal regulation requires an effective training program for all new and existing staff, and that the facility assessment must be used to determine the amount and types of training needed to ensure staff competencies meet resident care needs. Facility policies on medication administration and intravenous therapy stated that IV fluids, electrolytes, and medications are to be administered by nurses knowledgeable and competent in infusion therapy, with reference to RN/LPN scope of practice under the Nurse Practice Act. Resident 63 was admitted with sepsis and had severe cognitive impairment, with a BIMS score of 3 on a significant change MDS. After returning from the hospital, the resident had a PICC line in the right upper arm. Physician orders required Ceftriaxone Sodium to be administered daily for five days through the PICC line, and the line was also to be flushed with 10 mL normal saline before and after medication administration and during each shift. The December 2025 eMAR showed the antibiotic was documented as administered four times and normal saline flushes were documented 14 times through the PICC line by licensed nursing staff. Review of personnel records showed that four LPNs who documented PICC line flushes had no documented education, training, or competency validation related to PICC line management. The facility could not provide evidence of a structured training program, competency validation, or ongoing education specific to PICC line care for licensed nursing staff. During interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the facility could not provide documentation of such training or competency validation and confirmed the facility had not developed or implemented a PICC line management training program.
Penalty
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