Ashley Rehabilitation And Health Care Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Rogers, Arkansas.
- Location
- 2600 N 22nd Street, Rogers, Arkansas 72756
- CMS Provider Number
- 045421
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- December 12, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Ashley Rehabilitation And Health Care Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A registered nurse left a medication cart unattended with a computer screen displaying residents' electronic medication administration records, allowing staff and residents passing by to view protected health information. Interviews confirmed staff are trained to lock screens, and facility policies require confidentiality of medical records.
Staff failed to perform hand hygiene after resident care and before and after medication administration for three residents. An RN was observed exiting a resident room without sanitizing hands, then handling and administering medications to other residents, including pouring a pill into an ungloved hand. Interviews confirmed that these actions were not in line with facility infection control policies.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment experienced emotional abuse when a CNA made inappropriate comments and showed an inappropriate picture during a shower. The facility delayed investigating the incident, leading to the resident's distress, including nightmares and self-harm. The facility's inadequate staff training and improper rehiring practices contributed to the deficiency.
A resident, who was a full code, was found pulseless and breathless, but staff failed to administer CPR as required by the care plan and POLST. Despite the presence of staff at the bedside, CPR was not initiated, and there was no documentation of vital signs being taken. The DON confirmed the resident's full code status, but confusion arose due to a claimed physician order to withhold CPR, which the physician did not recall giving. The facility lacked a policy on when to withhold CPR, contributing to the inaction.
The facility experienced staffing deficiencies, resulting in residents not receiving scheduled showers. Interviews and records indicated that several shifts in September 2024 were understaffed, with some having only two staff members or none at all. Staff expressed concerns about insufficient time to complete duties, and grievance logs showed multiple complaints about missed showers. The facility's assessment lacked a contingency plan for staffing shortages.
The facility did not post the required daily nurse staffing information, including the facility name, date, staff hours, and resident census, potentially affecting all 60 residents. The DON believed these postings were no longer required.
The facility failed to maintain proper food storage and sanitation standards. Observations revealed uncovered and expired food items in storage areas, a dirty ice machine, and dietary staff not adhering to hand hygiene protocols. The facility's handwashing policy was not followed, compromising food safety.
The facility did not have a policy for the governing body, and the governing body was not involved in the development and implementation of the facility assessment. The Administrator confirmed that no governing body member assisted with the assessment and that the facility lacked a documented policy for the governing body.
The facility's assessment was incomplete, missing critical components such as resident population details, facility resources, risk assessments, staffing needs, and staff training. The Administrator, responsible for the assessment, admitted it was his first time completing it and that neither the governing body member nor the medical director contributed. This deficiency potentially affected all 60 residents.
The facility did not ensure that the arbitration agreement included the right for residents to rescind within 30 days, instead allowing only 21 days. The administrator confirmed the discrepancy and the lack of a policy on arbitration agreements, potentially affecting all residents who signed.
The facility's arbitration documentation failed to include details on selecting a neutral arbitrator and a convenient location, affecting all 47 residents. Interviews with the Administrator and Admission Director revealed the absence of such language in the admission agreement, and the Administrator confirmed there was no policy for arbitration agreements.
The facility failed to consistently implement infection surveillance and lacked a water management plan for Legionella. Incomplete Infection Control Log analysis forms and the absence of a Legionella management plan were noted. The Infection Control Nurse confirmed no infection surveillance was being conducted, contrary to the facility's policy requiring facility-wide surveillance to prevent infections.
The facility failed to maintain a consistent antibiotic stewardship program, as infection control assessments were not completed for several months. A resident with a cutaneous abscess was prescribed an intravenous antibiotic, but there was no evidence to confirm the necessity or adjustments of the treatment. The Infection Control Nurse admitted to not conducting necessary investigations, and the DON was not involved in the process. The facility's policy aimed to optimize antimicrobial use and control resistance, but these goals were not achieved due to inadequate assessments and documentation.
The facility did not conduct required annual in-service training on communication for direct care staff. A review of records showed no communication training was completed between late 2023 and late 2024. The Administrator could only provide documentation of an in-service on resident rights. The DON, unaware of the incomplete trainings, had been working on them since her arrival and provided a recent in-service covering other topics.
The facility did not conduct required annual in-service trainings on compliance and ethics for staff from late 2023 to late 2024. The Administrator could not provide documentation of these trainings, except for one on resident rights. The DON stated that the Administrator was responsible for these in-services and was unaware of their omission, although she had been working on completing them since her arrival.
The facility did not conduct required annual in-service trainings for staff in behavioral health services. The Facility Assessment lacked information on staff preparation for residents needing behavioral health care. In-service records from the past year showed no completed trainings in this area. The Administrator could only provide evidence of an in-service on resident rights, and the DON was unaware of the incomplete trainings, although she had been working on them since her arrival.
The facility did not conduct required annual in-service trainings for staff, particularly in dementia care and abuse prevention. A review of records showed no in-services for dementia care were completed over a year. The Administrator could only provide documentation for an in-service on resident rights, and the DON was unaware of the reason for the missing trainings.
The facility failed to maintain lint-free dryer traps, posing a fire hazard. A surveyor found excessive lint build-up in all three dryers, with the last documented cleaning entry made the previous morning. The Housekeeping Supervisor confirmed lint should be removed after every three loads, but the evening shift employee admitted to not doing so. The facility's Fire Policy did not address this issue.
A facility failed to implement its abuse prevention policies after a resident reported inappropriate behavior by a CNA. The resident, with moderate cognitive impairment, was shown an inappropriate picture by the CNA, leading to distress and self-harm. Despite the administrator's awareness, the CNA continued to work near the resident due to staffing issues, and no new background checks were conducted upon her return.
A resident's discharge summary was incomplete, missing details on medications and discharge status, and lacked a physician's signature. The facility's policy required these elements, but they were not included, leading to a deficiency.
A resident did not receive scheduled showers due to understaffing, with only one CNA available on the hall. The resident, who required substantial assistance due to medical conditions, reported the issue. Grievance logs showed multiple complaints about missed showers, and the DON acknowledged the problem, despite in-service training for staff.
A resident with Alzheimer's and frequent incontinence did not receive timely and proper incontinence care. CNAs failed to clean all areas exposed to urine, risking skin breakdown and infection. The facility's policy emphasizes thorough cleaning to prevent such issues.
A facility failed to assess the risk of entrapment before using bed rails for a resident with Alzheimer's and dementia. Despite the care plan requiring an unobstructed path to the bathroom, a CNA was observed lowering a side rail that blocked the resident's path. The DON confirmed that the side rail restrained the resident and that no entrapment assessment was conducted.
A resident did not receive prescribed Lactulose due to unavailability during medication administration. On two occasions, staff could not find the medication in the cart, and progress notes indicated it was out of supply. The DON stated nurses were responsible for ordering refills, but the medication was not delivered in time, leading to missed doses.
The facility exceeded the acceptable medication error rate, reaching 7.41%. One resident missed doses of Lactulose due to supply issues, while another received an incorrect dosage of a probiotic. Staff failed to adhere to medication administration guidelines.
The facility did not follow the planned menu during a meal service, serving incorrect portions and types of food to residents on specific diets. Residents on Minced Moist Soft diets received less chicken spaghetti and the wrong type of vegetables, while those on pureed diets received less chicken spaghetti than prescribed.
Failure to Protect Resident PHI Due to Unattended Computer Screens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of residents' protected health information (PHI) on the 200 hall. During observations, a registered nurse left a medication cart unattended with a computer screen open to the electronic medication administration record of a resident. On a separate occasion, the same nurse prepared medication for another resident, locked the medication cart, but left the computer screen open to that resident's medication administration record while entering a resident's room. During these times, both residents and staff were observed walking past the unattended cart and visible computer screen. Interviews with the registered nurse, Director of Nursing, and Administrator confirmed that staff are trained to lock computer screens when unattended to protect resident information, and that leaving screens open constitutes a breach of confidentiality. Facility documents reviewed also emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of resident records and information.
Failure to Perform Hand Hygiene During Resident Care and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper hand hygiene practices were followed by staff during resident care and medication administration, as observed with three residents. Specifically, a registered nurse was seen exiting a resident's room without performing hand hygiene and then proceeded to handle medications and administer them to other residents without sanitizing hands between residents. The nurse also poured a vitamin D pill into their ungloved hand before placing it into a medication cup, contrary to infection control protocols. These actions were directly observed during medication passes and resident care activities. Interviews with the nurse, Director of Nursing, Administrator, and Infection Preventionist confirmed that facility policy requires hand hygiene before and after resident contact, as well as before and after medication administration. The nurse acknowledged awareness of these requirements but did not follow them during the observed incidents. Facility policies reviewed also emphasized the importance of hand hygiene and outlined specific procedures for staff to follow, which were not adhered to in these instances.
Failure to Protect Resident from Emotional Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from emotional abuse, as evidenced by an incident involving a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who made inappropriate comments and showed an inappropriate picture to the resident while they were in the shower. The incident occurred when CNA #4 entered the shower room and made comments about the resident's body, which was followed by showing a picture on her phone. This incident was not investigated by the facility until a week later, despite the resident showing signs of distress, such as having nightmares and self-harming behavior. The resident involved had a moderate cognitive impairment and required assistance with activities of daily living. The resident's care plan indicated that they could perform most functions with supervision and limited assistance. Following the incident, the resident exhibited signs of trauma, including being upset, having nightmares, and self-harming by biting their wrist until it bled. The facility's delay in addressing the incident and the lack of immediate investigation contributed to the resident's continued distress. The facility's policies on abuse and neglect were not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the failure to train staff adequately and the inappropriate rehiring of CNA #4 without conducting new background checks. The administrator's decision to allow CNA #4 to work on the same hall as the resident due to staffing shortages further compromised the resident's safety. The facility lacked a clear policy on rehiring employees, which contributed to the oversight in handling the situation appropriately.
Removal Plan
- Resident was interviewed by social services director and requested to talk to a psychiatrist and have a psychiatric evaluation. Evaluation is scheduled.
- Resident currently attends a day group program at Ozark Community Hospital with a psychiatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner 2 times a week.
- All current and future admitted residents will have a safety provided at all times.
- CNA has been terminated.
- DON/Designee will in-service all staff on abuse and neglect as well as psychosocial well-being and will continue to in-service all employees prior to next start of shift.
- This in-service will be done with all new hires and at least annually.
- Any behaviors documented on resident will be reviewed daily in stand-up ensuring that resident feels safe, and needs are being met.
- QA committee will monitor in morning meeting to ensure new hire education on Abuse, neglect and psychosocial well-being will be reviewed, to ensure employees received education. All staff will be reviewed annually.
Failure to Administer CPR to Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to a resident who was a full code, as per their care plan and Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). The resident, who was cognitively intact and had diagnoses of heart failure and morbid obesity, was found pulseless and breathless. Despite the resident's full code status, CPR was not initiated by the staff upon discovery. The last recorded vital signs were taken prior to the incident, and there was no documentation of CPR being administered when the resident was found in distress. Interviews revealed that the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the resident's full code status and the lack of documentation regarding CPR administration. The EMS dispatcher reported that upon arrival, two staff members were present at the resident's bedside without administering CPR, and one staff member claimed to have received an order to withhold CPR from a physician. However, the physician later stated he did not recall giving such an order. An LPN who arrived during the incident confirmed that no CPR was being performed and that the resident was cold to touch. The facility lacked a policy on when to withhold CPR, contributing to the confusion and inaction during the emergency situation.
Removal Plan
- A cardiopulmonary (CPR) in-service was initiated by the Director of Nursing (DON).
- DON reviewed all physician orders, care plans, and signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) documents for code status.
- Color coded name plates were placed outside resident doors, green for full code and red for DNR.
- An in-service was provided to staff and new hires regarding color coded name plates.
- Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is to ensure continued employee education.
- Staff interviews were conducted with staff from all positions to verify training had been completed.
- Staff interviewed verified they had been trained on CPR initiation and how to identify DNR or full code residents.
- A review of in-service sheets provided indicated staff had been provided training.
- Those staff who were not physically present to receive the in-services were messaged via telephone by the Administrator, with the in-service information provided and the employee acknowledging receipt and voicing understanding.
Staffing Deficiency Leads to Missed Resident Showers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff to meet the residents' needs over several shifts in September 2024. Interviews and record reviews revealed that residents, including one who was scheduled for showers on specific days, did not receive showers as planned due to understaffing. The grievance logs showed multiple complaints about missed showers in August, September, and October 2024. Staffing schedules and timecards indicated that on several occasions, there were insufficient CNAs and nurses on duty, with some shifts having only two staff members or none at all. Interviews with staff members confirmed the understaffing issues, with CNAs and LPNs expressing concerns about not having enough time to complete their duties, including scheduled showers. The facility's assessment did not include a contingency plan for staffing shortages. The administrator acknowledged the staffing issues and mentioned efforts to hire more CNAs but did not provide details on retention strategies.
Failure to Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post the daily nurse staffing information, which is required to include the facility name, the current date, the number and actual hours worked by staff, and the resident census. This deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, and had the potential to affect all 60 residents in the facility. Specifically, the shift staffing schedule for the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM shift on 10/28/2024 was missing the facility's name, the number and actual hours worked by staff, the resident census, and the licensed staff scheduled to work. Additionally, the staffing schedule for the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift on the same date only listed one Certified Nursing Assistant's (CNA's) name. During an interview on 11/01/2024, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the staffing sheets, which should include the facility name, date, census, and total and actual number of hours worked per shift for nursing staff, were no longer required and therefore were not completed.
Food Storage and Sanitation Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper food storage and sanitation standards, as observed during a survey. In the walk-in freezer, several opened boxes of food items such as cookie dough, garlic bread sticks, and Salisbury steak were not covered or sealed. Additionally, containers of sugar and flour were left uncovered under the food preparation counter. The spice rack contained expired items, including cinnamon, ground ginger, and poultry seasoning. In the nourishment room refrigerator, various food items lacked labels indicating when they were received or opened, and some were expired or discolored. The ice machine was found to have wet black residue on its plastic panels, indicating inadequate cleaning. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the machine is used by CNAs for residents' water pitchers and acknowledged the residue. Furthermore, dietary staff failed to adhere to hand hygiene protocols. Instances were observed where staff handled clean dishes, food preparation equipment, and meal trays without washing their hands after performing tasks that could lead to contamination. The facility's handwashing policy, initiated in 2018, was not followed by dietary staff, as evidenced by multiple observations of staff failing to wash hands between tasks. This included handling clean and dirty items without proper hand hygiene, which could compromise the safety and quality of food served to residents. The Dietary Manager confirmed the lapses in hand hygiene and food storage practices during interviews.
Lack of Governing Body Involvement in Facility Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and implement a policy for the governing body responsible for managing and operating the facility. The governing body was not active in the development and implementation of the facility assessment. During an interview, the Administrator admitted that no member of the governing body assisted with the completion of the facility assessment. Additionally, the facility did not have a documented policy for the governing body, as confirmed by the Administrator when asked to provide one.
Incomplete Facility Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that its facility-wide assessment contained essential information to allocate necessary care and resources to meet the needs of its residents. The assessment, approved on 08/08/2024 and reviewed on 10/28/2024, was missing critical components such as details about the resident population, facility resources, a facility-based and community risk assessment with an all-hazards approach, and the staff responsible for completing the assessment. Additionally, it lacked information on staffing needs, staff training and competencies, policies and procedures for care provision, physical environment and building information, contracts and third-party agreements, and health information technology resources. The Administrator, who was interviewed on 11/01/2024, acknowledged responsibility for completing the assessment and stated that this was his first time doing so. He admitted that neither the governing body member nor the medical director had input in the completion of the facility assessment. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 60 residents of the facility.
Arbitration Agreement Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the arbitration agreement included all necessary components, specifically the right for residents or their representatives to rescind the agreement within the first 30 days of admission. During a review of the facility's admission agreement, it was found that the arbitration provision allowed revocation within 21 days of signing, rather than the required 30 days. The facility's administrator confirmed this discrepancy and acknowledged that there was no existing policy regarding arbitration agreements. This oversight had the potential to affect all residents who had signed the arbitration agreement.
Arbitration Agreement Lacks Neutral Arbitrator and Location Details
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that its arbitration documentation included the selection of a neutral arbitrator and a convenient location for arbitration, potentially affecting all 47 residents. During interviews, both the Administrator and the Admission Director were unable to identify language in the admission agreement that described the process for selecting an arbitrator and a neutral location. The Administrator acknowledged the absence of a policy for arbitration agreements. A review of the facility's arbitration agreement confirmed that section f of the admission agreement, which pertains to arbitration, did not contain the necessary information regarding the selection of an arbitrator and location.
Inadequate Infection Control and Water Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement consistent infection surveillance to prevent the spread of possible communicable diseases and did not develop a water management plan to prevent the growth and spread of waterborne pathogens. During a review on 10/30/2024, it was found that the Infection Control Log analysis forms were incomplete, lacking trends and root cause analysis, and the facility diagrams were blank for each month. Additionally, the facility did not have any policy, procedures, or management plan for Legionella, as confirmed by the Administrator and the Infection Control Nurse. The Infection Control Nurse admitted to not conducting an infection surveillance process at the time, despite the facility's policy stating that a facility-wide surveillance should be performed to identify opportunities to prevent or reduce infection rates among residents, employees, and visitors.
Failure in Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a consistent antibiotic stewardship program to determine if antibiotics were indicated or if adjustments to therapy should be made. This deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and facility policy reviews. A resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, had a diagnosis of a cutaneous abscess on the right foot and was prescribed an intravenous antibiotic every 24 hours. However, infection control assessment tools were not completed for August, September, and October, as confirmed by the Infection Control Nurse. The nurse admitted to having no paper evidence to verify whether the antibiotic was necessary or if adjustments were needed, and stated that without conducting investigations, it was impossible to confirm if the resident had a true infection. The Director of Nursing also indicated a lack of involvement in the process, stating they were told not to interfere. The facility's policy on antibiotic stewardship aimed to optimize antimicrobial use, improve clinical outcomes, and control antimicrobial resistance, but these objectives were not met due to the lack of proper assessments and documentation.
Failure to Conduct Required Communication Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that required annual in-service trainings were conducted, specifically in the area of communication, for direct care staff members. During a review of in-service records from September 30, 2023, to October 27, 2024, it was found that no communication training had been completed. The Administrator was only able to provide documentation of an in-service on resident rights. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the Administrator was responsible for conducting mandatory in-services and was unaware of why some had not been completed. The DON had been working on completing the in-services since her tenure began and provided a monthly all-staff in-service dated October 16, 2024, which covered resident rights/abuse and neglect and enhanced barrier precautions.
Failure to Conduct Compliance and Ethics In-Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct the required annual in-service trainings on compliance and ethics for staff over a period from September 30, 2023, to October 27, 2024. During a review on November 1, 2024, the Administrator was unable to provide documentation of these in-services, except for one related to resident rights. The Director of Nursing (DON) indicated that the Administrator was responsible for conducting these mandatory in-services and expressed unawareness of why they had not been completed. The DON mentioned efforts to complete the in-services since her tenure began, but the deficiency remained unaddressed at the time of the survey.
Failure to Conduct Behavioral Health In-Service Trainings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct required annual in-service trainings for staff, specifically in the area of behavioral health services. The Facility Assessment, dated August 8, 2024, lacked information on how staff were prepared to care for residents requiring behavioral health services. Upon review of the in-service records from September 30, 2023, to October 27, 2024, it was found that no in-services were completed for behavioral health. The Administrator could only provide evidence of an in-service on resident rights. During an interview, the Director of Nursing stated that the Administrator was responsible for conducting mandatory in-services and was unaware of why some had not been completed, although she had been working on completing them since her tenure began.
Deficiency in Staff Training on Dementia Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that required annual in-service trainings were conducted, specifically in the areas of dementia care and abuse prevention. During a review of in-service records from September 30, 2023, to October 27, 2024, it was found that no in-services were completed for dementia care. The Administrator was only able to provide documentation of an in-service on resident rights. The Director of Nursing, when interviewed, stated that the Administrator was responsible for conducting these mandatory in-services and was unaware of the reason for their incompletion. She mentioned that she had been working on completing the in-services since her tenure began.
Failure to Maintain Lint-Free Dryer Traps
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that lint traps in the laundry area were free from excessive lint build-up, which could pose a fire hazard. During an inspection, the Surveyor observed that all three clothes dryers had excessive lint accumulation. The clipboard used for documenting lint removal showed the last entry was made on the previous morning, indicating that the lint traps had not been cleaned since then. The Housekeeping Supervisor confirmed that lint was supposed to be removed after every three loads of laundry and documented accordingly. However, the employee responsible for the evening shift on the previous day admitted to not removing the lint or making an entry. The facility's Fire Policy and Procedure did not address this specific issue.
Failure to Implement Abuse Prevention Policies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its established abuse policies and procedures following an allegation of abuse involving a resident. The facility's Abuse & Neglect Policy and Procedure, revised in 2017, mandates the protection, response, reporting, and investigation of any abuse allegations. However, after an incident involving a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) showing inappropriate pictures to a resident, the facility did not adequately protect the resident from further contact with the alleged abuser. The CNA involved in the incident was not immediately suspended or removed from the resident's vicinity, as she continued to work on the same hall where the resident resided, despite the administrator's initial intention to suspend her. The resident involved, who has a moderate cognitive impairment and other medical conditions, expressed distress over the incident, which led to self-harm. The resident reported being shown an inappropriate picture by the CNA, which caused significant agitation and led to the resident biting himself. Despite the administrator's awareness of the situation, the CNA was allowed to work in proximity to the resident due to staffing issues, and no new background checks were conducted upon her return. The facility lacked a policy on rehiring employees, which contributed to the oversight in handling the situation appropriately.
Incomplete Discharge Summary for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a written discharge summary for a resident included a comprehensive summary of the stay, a reconciliation of medications, and the resident's status at discharge. The discharge summary for the resident, who was admitted and later discharged home with family, noted participation in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care. However, it lacked details on the resident's pre- and post-discharge medications and the resident's status at discharge. Additionally, the discharge summary was not signed by a physician. During an interview, the Director of Nursing acknowledged that the discharge summary was incomplete and should have included information on the disposition of the resident's medications and belongings. The facility's policy on discharge/transfer of residents, which was undated, required that the discharge summary include a list of medications with instructions, post-discharge care instructions, and signatures from the resident or their representative. The policy also stated that the signed original form should be placed in the medical record, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers Due to Understaffing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received scheduled baths/showers, which compromised personal hygiene and grooming. The deficiency was identified for a resident who was scheduled to receive showers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On one occasion, the resident did not receive a shower due to understaffing, with only one CNA available to assist on the resident's hall. The resident, who was cognitively intact and required substantial assistance with bathing due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and spastic hemiplegia, reported the issue during an interview. The facility's grievance logs revealed multiple complaints about missed baths/showers over several months. The staffing schedule confirmed inadequate CNA coverage on the day in question, and the DON acknowledged the issue, noting that grievances had been filed. Despite in-service training provided to staff, the facility's records showed inconsistencies in documenting completed baths/showers, further highlighting the deficiency in maintaining scheduled personal hygiene care for residents.
Inadequate Incontinence Care for Resident with Dementia
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide proper and timely incontinence care for a resident with memory problems and frequent incontinence of bowel and bladder. The resident, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's dementia, was observed multiple times throughout the day sitting in a wheelchair in the hallway common area and dining room. Despite the resident's care plan, which included ensuring an unobstructed path to the bathroom, the resident was not provided with timely incontinence care. During an observation, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) #4 and #7 provided incontinence care to the resident, who had been incontinent of bowel and bladder. CNA #7 failed to clean all areas of the perineal and buttock regions exposed to urine. CNA #7 admitted that the resident's pants were wet when removed and acknowledged not cleaning certain parts of the perineal area. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff should clean every surface of the perineal area to prevent skin breakdown, bacteria buildup, and urinary tract infections. The facility's incontinence care policy emphasizes keeping the skin clean, dry, and free of irritation to prevent infections.
Failure to Assess Bed Rail Entrapment Risk
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that bed rails were used only after a proper assessment for the risk of entrapment was completed for a resident. The resident in question had memory problems, frequent incontinence, and diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's dementia. Despite the care plan indicating that the resident should have an unobstructed path to the bathroom, a surveyor observed a Certified Nursing Assistant lowering a side rail that obstructed the resident's path. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the side rail restrained the resident's movement and confirmed that no assessment for entrapment had been completed prior to its use.
Medication Unavailability for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medication was available for a resident during a medication administration observation. On two separate occasions, staff members were unable to locate Lactulose, a medication prescribed for constipation, for a specific resident. On the first occasion, an LPN discovered the absence of Lactulose in the medication cart and indicated the need to contact the pharmacy. On the second occasion, an RN confirmed that the available Lactulose was intended for another resident, and there was none available for the resident in question. The resident's order summary and electronic medication administration record both indicated the need for Lactulose to be administered twice daily. Progress notes revealed that the medication was out of supply on two consecutive days, and staff were awaiting delivery from the pharmacy. The Director of Nursing stated that nurses were responsible for ordering medication refills, while the Administrator handled over-the-counter medication orders. The facility's Medication Administration Guidelines policy outlined the process for medication administration, which includes verifying the medication with the physician's orders and recording the information promptly. However, the failure to have the medication available resulted in the resident missing scheduled doses.
Medication Error Rate Exceeds Acceptable Threshold
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, resulting in a rate of 7.41% during an observation of medication administration. This deficiency involved two residents and was observed during the administration of medications by two RNs and three LPNs. Specifically, Resident #46 did not receive their prescribed Lactulose medication on two consecutive days due to it being out of supply, as noted in the progress notes. The medication was not available in the medication cart, and staff were waiting for delivery from the pharmacy, which led to missed doses. Additionally, Resident #7 received an incorrect dosage of a probiotic medication. An LPN prepared and administered only one capsule of Saccharomyces Boulardii instead of the prescribed two capsules. The error was confirmed upon review of the resident's electronic medication administration record. The facility's policy requires that medications be administered timely and according to established guidelines, which was not adhered to in these instances.
Failure to Adhere to Planned Menu During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food items were prepared and served according to the planned written menu during the noon meal service on 10/28/2024. Specifically, residents on Minced Moist Soft diets were supposed to receive 1 cup of chicken spaghetti using 2 #8 scoops, but instead, they were served 3/4 cup using a 6-ounce ladle. Additionally, these residents were served pureed vegetable blend instead of the prescribed soft mash vegetables. Furthermore, residents on pureed diets were supposed to receive 1 cup of pureed chicken spaghetti using 2 #8 scoops, but they were served 2/3 cup using a #6 scoop. These discrepancies were observed during the meal service and indicate a failure to adhere to the planned menu, which was not followed as required.
Latest citations in Arkansas
Two residents with moderate cognitive impairment and independent mobility were repeatedly seeking each other’s attention and were found by a CNA on the floor with their pants down, appearing to be engaged in consensual sexual activity. Staff separated them and returned them to secure units, and an LPN reported there was no plan for a consensual sexual relationship or private time, despite awareness of prior similar behavior. Both residents described themselves as being in a loving relationship, but the facility completed no assessments related to sexual activity, made no related care plan revisions, and obtained no orders for contraception, STD testing, or specialty consults. Conversations held by leadership with the residents about privacy and protection were not documented, and there was no facility policy addressing resident sexual relations, despite a general resident rights policy referencing self-determination and support in exercising rights.
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive care plans addressing sexual health and a consensual sexual relationship for two cognitively impaired, independently mobile residents with psychiatric and neurological diagnoses. Both residents were known to seek each other’s attention and had a prior relationship, yet their care plans only directed staff to separate and redirect them, without any individualized interventions for sexual health, privacy, or safe sex. A CNA later found the two residents on the floor with their pants down, appearing to engage in consensual sexual activity, and they were separated by staff. Subsequent staff interviews confirmed there was no documented assessment, no care plan revisions for sexual health or the relationship, no safe sex education, no established access to contraception, and no facility policy on resident sexual relations.
A resident with hemiplegia, hemiparesis, a below-knee amputation, moderate cognitive impairment, and wheelchair dependence was transported in a facility van by a CNA who had previously been in-serviced and skills-checked on van safety. During the trip, the CNA secured only three of the four required wheelchair floor locks, and a hold-down device had been removed from the van and not replaced. As the CNA drove over a road irregularity and braked, the incompletely secured wheelchair tilted backward, causing the resident to fall onto the van floor and report head pain with a nodule at the base of the skull. Facility policy required an environment free from accident hazards and staff competency in preventing avoidable accidents, but the missing tie-down and failure to fully secure the wheelchair led to this transport-related fall.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to follow physician orders for PICC line dressing changes, wound care, and catheter care for two residents. One resident with osteomyelitis, pressure ulcers, and an indwelling catheter had multiple missing entries on the TAR for ordered PICC line dressing changes, daily pressure ulcer treatments to the heel and coccyx, and catheter care every shift, with the DON confirming that blank TAR blocks indicated treatments were not completed. Another resident with a PICC line for antibiotic therapy had an order for weekly dressing changes, but the dressing was not changed as scheduled, the PICC site was left uncovered for several minutes during medication administration, and an LPN admitted initialing the TAR to indicate a dressing change that she had not performed, while the TN and APN confirmed the order required adherence to the weekly schedule.
A resident with MRSA colonization and a PICC line for IV antibiotics experienced multiple breaches in infection control by nursing staff. An LPN repeatedly double-gloved, handled room surfaces, trash can lids, and the medication cart, then donned new gloves without performing hand hygiene before preparing and administering oral and IV medications. During PICC access, the LPN wiped the access port for only a few seconds, allowed IV tubing to touch bedding, let the access port fall onto the resident’s arm, and then re-accessed the line without hand hygiene or glove changes. At another time, the PICC site was left uncovered while a treatment nurse prepared for a dressing change, and the LPN entered without prior hand hygiene, disconnected IV tubing, and flushed the line after only a brief alcohol wipe. Staff interviews showed uncertainty and inconsistency regarding required scrub times, glove use, and dressing change schedules, which conflicted with facility policies and stated expectations for aseptic PICC care and hand hygiene.
A resident with dementia, anxiety, depression, and on hospice had a Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, and signed DNR order all specifying no CPR, and the face sheet reflected no CPR; however, physician orders, a MD progress note, and the MAR repeatedly listed the resident as full code from admission onward. Nursing staff and leadership (including a RN, LPN, ADON, DON, and the Administrator) acknowledged that while the advance directives and resuscitate/DNR form showed DNR status, the active orders and MAR still indicated full code, even though staff commonly rely on these documents to determine code status, contrary to facility policy requiring alignment of the care plan and physician orders with the resident’s documented treatment preferences.
A resident with depression, insomnia, and non-Alzheimer’s dementia experienced a documented decline from moderate to severe cognitive impairment on successive MDS assessments, but the care plan was not revised and continued to include an active "Sexual Expression" problem allowing engagement in sexual behavior with other consenting residents. This care plan had been initiated after an incident where two residents were found in bed together partially undressed and engaging in intimate behavior. The resident’s responsible party stated the resident was not capable of consenting to sexual activity, an LPN reported the resident could not express needs or make decisions about sexual relationships, and another LPN stated the care plan no longer reflected the resident’s needs due to steady decline. The Social Services Director had previously completed sexual consent questionnaires only at the time of the incident, and the Medical Director indicated that a sexual activity care plan was not appropriate for a resident with a very low BIMS score, while the Administrator acknowledged care plans were expected to be updated when MDS changes occurred.
A resident with traumatic brain injury, stroke history, and altered mental status was placed on a secured unit for elopement risk but had only general care plan interventions that were not updated when new wandering, exit‑seeking, and aggressive behaviors emerged. Over time, staff documented that the resident walked the halls at night, entered other residents’ rooms, voiced not living there, stated plans to leave through a window, followed staff through locked doors, and sought ways to get out after a home visit. Despite an elopement assessment and multiple behavior notes, no individualized elopement‑prevention interventions were added to the care plan. Eventually, during a night shift when a CNA reported dozing off and not re‑checking the room, the resident broke a bedroom window with furniture, left the building, and was later found off‑site by police after nearly being hit by a car, confirming that the care plan had not been effectively revised or implemented to address the resident’s exit‑seeking behaviors.
A resident with traumatic brain injury, altered mental status, and a history of wandering was housed on a locked unit with a care plan identifying elopement risk but focused mainly on therapeutic activities and medication monitoring. After returning from a home visit, the resident exhibited escalating behaviors over several days, including being up all night walking halls, entering other residents’ rooms, standing at locked exits, following staff out locked doors, voicing a desire to leave, and stating a plan to escape through a window. On the night of the incident, camera footage showed the resident moving between the room, day room, and bathroom until entering the room and not re-emerging, while the CNA on duty did not perform checks, reported that staff did not usually re-check the resident once in the room, and admitted to dozing off. The resident broke the bedroom window with furniture, left the building unnoticed, and was later found by police nearly two miles away after a citizen reported almost hitting the resident with a car, demonstrating that the facility failed to provide adequate supervision and monitoring during a period of increased exit-seeking.
Two residents with significant cognitive and neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions experienced falls when staff did not follow care-planned assistance and supervision requirements. One resident, care-planned for two-person assist with bed mobility, transfers, and personal hygiene, was found on the floor after a CNA attempted incontinent care alone. Another resident, care-planned for staff assistance with dressing and two-person assist for transfers with a slide board, was left seated at the edge of the bed and told to dress themself; the resident fell while unattended and was later found on the floor wearing a C-collar. CNAs reported relying on the electronic care plan/Kardex for instructions, but one CNA described unclear and brief initial training on accessing the system, while leadership stated CNAs were expected to verify care needs in the electronic care plan before each care episode.
Failure to Support and Assess Consensual Sexual Relationship Between Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to support residents’ rights to engage in a consensual sexual relationship between two cognitively impaired residents. Both residents had documented moderate cognitive impairment on their MDS assessments (BIMS scores of 11 and 12) and were independent with mobility. Their care plans identified "inappropriate seeking of other individual's attention" with interventions limited to separating and redirecting them. There was no documented assessment of their capacity for sexual decision-making or sexual activity either before or after an incident in which they were found with their pants down on the floor together. On the date of the incident, a CNA discovered the two residents in a room with their pants down, appearing to be having sex, and reported that it looked like they were consenting and that she had been told they had a history together. The CNA notified an LPN, and the residents were separated and returned to their secure units. The LPN confirmed there was no plan in place to allow a consensual sexual relationship or to provide private time for the residents, despite being aware that similar behavior had occurred previously. Interviews with the residents indicated that they viewed themselves as being in a relationship, that they loved each other, and that they did not intend harm. Record review showed no orders for birth control, sexually transmitted disease testing, or referrals to specialized clinics or physicians for either resident. There was no documentation in progress notes of education or conversations with staff regarding the incident, and no assessments related to sexual activity were completed before or after the event. The MDS nurse and Administrator acknowledged speaking with the residents about the incident and the possibility of providing privacy and protection, but the MDS nurse stated that none of these discussions or interventions were documented and nothing was added to the care plans. The Administrator also stated the facility did not have a policy on resident sexual relations, despite a resident rights policy referencing residents’ rights to self-determination and to be supported in exercising their rights.
Failure to Care Plan for Residents’ Sexual Health and Consensual Relationship
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and implement comprehensive, measurable care plans addressing sexual health and consensual sexual relationships for two cognitively impaired residents. Resident #3, admitted with traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, mood disorder, and an unspecified mental disorder, had a BIMS score of 11 indicating moderate cognitive impairment and was independent with mobility. Resident #4, admitted with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, dementia, and psychosis, had a BIMS score of 12, also indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and was independent with mobility. Both residents’ care plans, updated on 03/11/2026, identified “inappropriate seeking of other individuals’ attention,” but the only interventions listed were to separate and redirect, with no individualized care plan addressing their sexual health, their ongoing relationship, or parameters for consensual sexual activity. On 03/11/2026, a CNA discovered Resident #3 and Resident #4 on the floor with their pants down, appearing to be engaged in consensual sexual activity. The CNA notified an LPN, and staff separated the residents and returned them to their secure units. Staff interviews revealed that there was no existing plan for a consensual sexual relationship, no plan for private time, and no documented assessment or care plan interventions related to sexual health, safe sex education, or contraception for these residents, despite knowledge of a prior relationship and the residents’ expressed desire and intent to engage in sexual activity. The MDS nurse and the Administrator acknowledged that no care plan revisions were made to address sexual health or the relationship, no documentation of related discussions or interventions was completed, and the facility had no policy on resident sexual relations and no established interventions for birth control.
Failure to Properly Secure Wheelchair During Van Transport Resulting in Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that a resident’s wheelchair was fully and properly secured with all required safety straps before transport in the facility van, resulting in the resident falling backwards in the van. The resident had physician orders for LTC admission and diagnoses including hemiplegia and hemiparesis affecting the right dominant side, as well as an acquired absence of the left leg below the knee. The resident’s MDS showed moderate cognitive impairment, functional limitations in lower extremity range of motion bilaterally, and use of a wheelchair for mobility. The care plan documented a self-care performance deficit requiring limited assistance by one staff for transfers and noted an actual fall earlier in the month, with an intervention for staff education on proper van transport. On the date of the incident, the resident was being transported in the facility van by a CNA who served as the van driver. According to the facility’s reportable and the CNA’s written witness statement, the CNA applied two back floor locks and one front floor lock to secure the wheelchair but did not secure all four required locks. During the drive, as the CNA approached a dip or hump in the road and applied the brakes, the resident’s wheelchair tilted backwards. The resident stated they were falling, and when the CNA stopped the van, she found the resident lying flat on their back on the van floor with the wheelchair also on the floor. Nursing documentation indicated the resident reported pain at the base of the skull, had a nodule on the back of the head, and declined transfer to the emergency room. Interviews and document reviews showed that the CNA had previously received in-service training and skills checkoffs on how to properly secure residents in the van and had signed best-practice forms stating that wheelchairs would be securely attached to the van body and kept centered during transport. The Administrator reported that the CNA admitted she did not use the correct number of straps to secure the wheelchair and that a hold-down device (tie-down/safety strap) had been removed from the smaller van to be used in a larger van and was not replaced. The Maintenance staff confirmed that a hold-down device for the back of the wheelchair was missing from the van used for the transport and that tie-downs were interchangeable between vans. Subsequent observation with other CNAs demonstrated that when all four locks and the seat belt were properly engaged, the wheelchair did not move, but loosening the front locks allowed the wheelchair to move, illustrating how incomplete securement could permit wheelchair movement during transport. The facility’s Safety and Supervision of Residents policy stated that the environment should be made as free from accident hazards as possible and that employees should be trained and demonstrate competency in identifying and preventing accident hazards. Despite this policy and prior in-services, the resident’s wheelchair was not fully secured with all required straps at the time of transport, and a necessary hold-down device was missing from the van, directly contributing to the resident’s fall inside the vehicle.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for PICC Line, Wound, and Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow physician orders for PICC line dressing changes, wound care, and indwelling catheter care for two residents. One resident was admitted with osteomyelitis of the vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a pressure ulcer, and had a BIMS score indicating moderate cognitive impairment. Physician orders included a PICC line dressing change every three days, daily dressing changes to an unstageable right heel pressure ulcer, daily cleansing and dressing of an unstageable coccyx pressure ulcer, and catheter care every shift and PRN with soap and water or wipes for wound healing. Review of the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) for June showed multiple dates where there were no initials or check marks to indicate that the PICC line dressing changes, right heel dressing changes, coccyx pressure ulcer treatments, and catheter care had been completed as ordered. The TAR for this resident showed no documentation of PICC line dressing changes on several specified dates, despite an active order for changes every three days. Similarly, the TAR lacked initials or check marks for the ordered daily dressing changes to the right heel pressure ulcer on multiple dates. For the coccyx pressure ulcer, there were two separate orders—one to cleanse and apply wet-to-dry dressings with a specific brand dressing and island dressing every day shift, and a later order to cleanse and apply wet-to-dry dressings with a specific brand dressing and foam dressing every day shift. On several dates, the TAR contained open blocks with no initials or check marks, indicating that these treatments were not completed. Additionally, the TAR showed that catheter care ordered every shift and PRN was not documented as completed on multiple day shifts over a series of days. The DON confirmed that open blocks on the TAR indicated treatments were not completed. For the second resident, who was admitted with infection and inflammatory reaction due to an internal left hip prosthesis, MRSA, and pain related to orthopedic prosthetic devices, there was an order for a PICC line dressing change to the left upper arm every Wednesday on the day shift. The March TAR reflected this order and showed documented dressing changes on two Wednesdays, with check marks and initials indicating the treatment had been administered. During a medication pass observation, an LPN examined the PICC line dressing and was unsure of the last dressing change date, noting that the handwritten date on the dressing was unclear and that PICC line dressings could only be changed by an RN. Later observation showed the treatment nurse at the bedside with the PICC line site uncovered after the dressing had been removed, while the LPN administered oral medications and hung an antibiotic through the PICC line, leaving the site uncovered for several minutes. The treatment nurse stated the dressing change had been due the previous day but was not completed because the dressing was not available, and also stated she signed the TAR after completing the dressing change. Further interviews revealed documentation discrepancies for this second resident. The DON’s nursing incident/accident note documented that the PICC line dressing change was not completed on the scheduled day and was instead changed the following day. The LPN later acknowledged that the initials on the TAR for the scheduled dressing change date were hers, and admitted she had not changed the dressing but had only looked at it after being told by the treatment nurse that the dressing was within a seven-day time frame. She stated she placed her initials in the TAR block to indicate she had looked at the dressing, even though the TAR coding indicated that initials in the block meant the treatment was given. The treatment nurse reported changing the dressing on one earlier date and, when changing it later, observed a written date on the removed dressing that did not match any documented TAR entry and could not identify whose initials were on that dressing. The treatment nurse and APN both confirmed that the physician’s order required the dressing to be changed every Wednesday and that, even if changed on another day, it still needed to be changed on Wednesday per the order. The DON confirmed that staff initials in a TAR block indicated the treatment was given, an X indicated the treatment was not ordered for that day, and an open block indicated the treatment was not completed.
Improper Hand Hygiene and PICC Line Management During MRSA-Positive Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure proper infection prevention and control practices during the care of a resident with a PICC line and MRSA colonization. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including infection and inflammatory reaction due to an internal left hip prosthesis, MRSA, and pain related to orthopedic prosthetic devices. The resident had a PICC line in the left arm for IV antibiotic therapy to treat the hip infection, and the care plan included contact isolation, use of gowns and gloves during physical contact, handwashing before leaving the room, and standard precautions for infection control. Orders and the TAR showed that PICC line dressings were to be changed weekly, and the MAR showed daily IV antibiotic administration. Surveyor observations on one morning showed that an LPN performed hand hygiene and donned two pairs of gloves along with other PPE before entering the resident’s room to obtain blood pressure and administer medications. The LPN entered the room multiple times, repeatedly double-gloving, and handled the blood pressure cuff, trash can lid, medication cart, and medication cards without performing hand hygiene between glove removal and donning new gloves. At one point, the LPN removed gloves, closed the trashcan lid with a gloved hand, then removed gloves and immediately donned a clean pair without hand hygiene before preparing and administering the resident’s oral medications. Later, when preparing to administer IV antibiotic through the PICC line, the LPN again donned PPE, placed supplies on paper towels on the overbed table, removed the cap from the PICC access port, and wiped the port with an alcohol pad for less than three seconds before flushing with normal saline. During this process, IV tubing touched the resident’s bedding, the access port fell back onto the resident’s arm, and the LPN discarded the contaminated tubing, obtained new tubing, and again wiped the access port for less than three seconds before attaching the tubing and starting the IV medication, without performing hand hygiene or changing gloves during the sequence. A subsequent observation the same day showed the treatment nurse at the bedside with the resident’s PICC line dressing removed, leaving the site uncovered while the resident looked at the open site and was not wearing a mask. The LPN entered without performing hand hygiene before donning PPE, administered oral medication, disconnected the IV tubing from the PICC line, wiped the access port for three seconds, and flushed with normal saline. The treatment nurse stated responsibility for PICC dressing changes and believed the last dressing change had occurred the prior week, but also reported that the dressing removed that day was marked with a date indicating it was due for change the previous day and that the dressing had not been changed because supplies had to be ordered. Facility records showed that the TAR had been signed for a PICC dressing change on a scheduled day, while later nursing documentation described that a dressing change ordered for a specific day had not been performed as ordered. Facility policies and CDC-based documents required hand hygiene before and after glove use, hand hygiene after glove removal, and disinfection of needleless access devices for at least 15 seconds, and the DON stated that the PICC port should be cleaned for 15 seconds and that the dressing should be in place before starting medication, which contrasted with the observed practices. Interviews with the LPN revealed that double gloving was used so gloves would not have to be changed as often, and the LPN acknowledged that hand hygiene should have been performed after removing gloves and before donning new ones. The LPN initially could not state the required length of time for scrubbing the PICC access port and later stated it should have been cleaned for at least 15 seconds, which differed from the observed practice of wiping for less than three seconds. The treatment nurse described limited availability of PICC dressing kits and that no specific person was responsible for ordering them, and reported having changed the resident’s PICC dressing two to three times since admission. The APN and DON both stated expectations that PICC sites and access ports be kept sterile or clean during medication administration and flushing, that staff use only one set of gloves at a time with handwashing between glove changes, and that the PICC port be cleaned for 15 seconds with alcohol swabs even when medicated caps are used. These expectations and policies contrasted with the observed failures in hand hygiene, glove use, PICC port disinfection, and maintaining an intact dressing prior to accessing the PICC line.
Inconsistent Documentation of DNR Status in Medical Record
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one resident’s medical record accurately and consistently reflected the resident’s advance directive specifying no Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The resident had non-Alzheimer’s dementia, anxiety, depression, moderate impairment in decision-making, and was receiving hospice services. Documentation in the record included a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, a Living Will Declaration, and a Resuscitate/Do Not Resuscitate order, all indicating that CPR and chest compressions were to be withheld and that the resident was a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). The resident’s face sheet also indicated an advance directive for no CPR. Despite these documents, multiple parts of the electronic health record and physician documentation identified the resident as a full code. Physician’s orders from admission onward, including after the resident was admitted to hospice, contained orders indicating full code status. A MD progress note also documented the resident as a full code, and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for the reviewed period listed the resident as full code. These entries conflicted with the existing DNR orders and advance directive documents in the record. Interviews with nursing staff and leadership confirmed awareness of the discrepancy between the resident’s documented advance directives and the active physician orders and MAR entries. A RN, an LPN, the ADON, the DON, and the Administrator each acknowledged that the resident’s advance directives and resuscitate/do not resuscitate order indicated DNR status, while the current physician orders and MAR showed full code. Staff stated that code status is typically verified using the medical record, MAR, and face sheet, and they recognized that the inconsistency meant staff could rely on incorrect information about whether to initiate CPR. Facility policy required that advanced directives be respected, that the plan of care be consistent with documented treatment preferences, and that the physician be notified so appropriate orders could be documented in the medical record and care plan, which did not occur in this case.
Failure to Revise Sexual Expression Care Plan After Cognitive Decline
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to revise a resident’s comprehensive care plan after a significant decline in cognitive status and changes documented on the quarterly MDS. One resident with active diagnoses of depression, insomnia, and non-Alzheimer’s dementia had a BIMS score of 09 on the 07/30/2025 quarterly MDS, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, which later declined to a BIMS score of 03 on the 01/05/2026 quarterly MDS, indicating severe cognitive impairment. Despite this documented decline, the resident’s care plan continued to include an active problem of “Sexual Expression,” initiated on 08/15/2025 after an incident in which the resident was found in another resident’s bed with both residents partially undressed and engaging in intimate behavior. The care plan goal was to allow the resident to engage in sexual behavior with other consenting residents, with interventions focused on ensuring appropriate consent, providing privacy, and observing for changes in mood or cognition. Interviews and record reviews showed that the care plan was not updated to reflect the resident’s current cognitive status or capacity for consent. The resident’s responsible party stated that the resident was not capable of consenting to sexual relationships or activity and had not been capable for a long time, and identified themselves as the decision maker. An LPN familiar with the resident reported that the resident could not express needs or wants and did not believe the resident was ever capable of making decisions about a sexual relationship, despite what was documented on the care plan. Another LPN stated that the current care plan was not accurate due to the resident’s steady decline. The Social Services Director reported completing sexual consent questionnaires for both involved residents at the time of the original incident and determining they could consent, but acknowledged the form was not set to repeat on subsequent assessments. The Medical Director stated that a care plan for sexual activity for a resident with a BIMS score of 03 was not appropriate because sexual knowledge would be low, and the Administrator confirmed that care plans were expected to be updated quickly when the MDS reflected a change, underscoring that this did not occur for this resident’s sexual expression care plan.
Failure to Update Care Plan for New Exit-Seeking Behaviors Leading to Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and implement an effective, updated comprehensive care plan with individualized interventions in response to new onset wandering, exit‑seeking, and elopement‑related behaviors for a resident on a secured unit. The resident had a history of traumatic brain injury, cerebral infarction (stroke), altered mental status, and was admitted to the secured unit due to traumatic brain injury and elopement risk. A quarterly MDS showed the resident was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 12 and independent with ambulation, but a later BIMS showed a score of 2, indicating moderately impaired cognition. Despite these changes and the resident’s known elopement risk, the care plan initiated months earlier contained only general interventions such as therapeutic activities and medication monitoring, and no additional or revised interventions were added after 08/25/2025 to address later‑emerging behaviors or elopement attempts. On 01/13/2026, multiple progress notes documented significant behavioral changes and explicit exit‑seeking behavior. Early that morning, staff recorded that the resident was up all night walking the halls, refusing to go to bed, entering other residents’ rooms, and voicing that they did not live in the facility. The resident stated an intent to get out of the window. Later that day, another note documented that the resident had been seeking elopement since returning from a home visit, admitted a desire to leave, had been looking for ways to get out, and followed staff out locked doors, showing force when staff tried to return the resident to the unit. A further note that evening described the resident talking loudly, being aggressive toward staff, and again stating a desire to get out of the facility. Although an elopement assessment was completed at that time, there were no new care plan interventions put in place to guide staff in preventing exit‑seeking or managing the aggressive behaviors. In the weeks that followed, staff interviews and documentation showed that the resident continued to exhibit wandering and exit‑seeking behaviors without corresponding care plan revisions. Staff reported that after a family home visit, the resident began trying to leave the unit, walked door to door asking how to get out, watched staff to see if they were paying attention, and talked about leaving. On the night of the elopement, camera footage showed the resident repeatedly moving between the room, day room, and bathroom before entering the room and not re‑emerging. A CNA on duty stated that the resident had been going in and out of the room earlier in the shift, then went back to the room and was not checked on again; the CNA also reported dozing off during the shift and not hearing the window break. In the early morning hours, staff discovered the resident’s window busted and the resident missing, and a progress note documented that the resident had eloped by throwing an end table through the window. A police report and interviews confirmed that the resident was found off‑site after nearly being struck by a vehicle, having left the facility to find family. Throughout this period, the facility did not update the resident’s care plan with individualized, effective interventions to address the clearly documented new onset wandering, exit‑seeking, and elopement behaviors.
Removal Plan
- Revise Resident #1's care plan to include individualized elopement prevention interventions updated to include all interventions per the Plan of Removal.
- Complete new elopement risk assessments for residents residing on the secured unit.
- For any resident scoring moderate or high risk, review care plans to ensure individualized elopement interventions are present.
- Complete environment exit safety checks.
- Revise and update all secured unit residents' care plans based on the Plan of Removal.
- Provide in-service education to nursing and direct care staff on the elopement policy and missing resident procedures.
- Provide in-service education to nursing and direct care staff on the definition and examples of elopement and exit-seeking behaviors, early warning signs requiring interventions, and requirements to notify the nurse, administrator, or DON of new or increased behaviors.
- Provide in-service education to nurse management responsible for updating care plans on mandatory care plan revision following behavior changes with individualized interventions.
- Order shatter-resistant film for front-facing secured unit windows and install it.
- Implement monitoring for the DON or designee to review the 24-hour report to identify new or increasing exit-seeking behaviors.
- Implement monitoring for the DON or designee to complete audits to verify elopement risk assessments are completed, individualized interventions are present, and documentation reflects staff implementation, then transition to routine QAPI monitoring.
Elopement from locked unit due to inadequate supervision and response to exit-seeking behaviors
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision and maintain an environment free from accident hazards for a resident with known wandering and elopement risk, resulting in an elopement through a broken bedroom window. The resident had a history of traumatic brain injury, cerebral infarction, altered mental status, and wandering, and had been admitted to a secured unit due to elopement risk. An MDS assessment earlier in the year showed the resident as cognitively intact and independently ambulatory, but a later BIMS assessment showed moderately impaired cognition. The resident’s care plan identified the need for placement on a secured unit related to traumatic brain injury and elopement risk, with interventions focused on therapeutic activities and monitoring of psychotropic medications, but did not include enhanced supervision measures in response to escalating exit-seeking behaviors. In the weeks prior to the elopement, multiple progress notes and staff interviews documented increased exit-seeking and behavioral changes after the resident returned from a home visit. On one day, progress notes recorded that the resident was up all night walking the halls, going in and out of other residents’ rooms, voicing that they did not live in the facility, and stating an intention to get out through a window. Staff documented that the resident had been seeking elopement since returning from a home visit, had been looking for ways to get out, followed staff out locked doors, and showed force when staff tried to return the resident to the unit. Another note from the same day described the resident talking loudly, being aggressive toward staff, and repeatedly expressing a desire to leave the facility. An elopement assessment documented that the resident ambulated independently, had a history of following staff and others, and had been wandering halls and standing by locked exit doors after returning from home. On the night of the elopement, camera footage showed the resident repeatedly moving between the resident’s room, the day room, and the bathroom until entering the room at approximately 3:12 a.m. and not re-emerging. Staff interviews revealed that the CNA assigned to the unit acknowledged that the resident had been trying to start a fight with another resident for two days, that the resident typically went in and out of the room throughout the night, and that staff did not normally go back to check on the resident once the resident returned to the room. The CNA reported that she did not check on the resident after the last interaction around 9:30–10:00 p.m., that she sometimes could not take breaks due to staffing, and that she dozed off for about 30 minutes during the shift. The DON later stated that the CNA reported falling asleep and not hearing the window break. Staff discovered the broken window only when an LPN returned from break around 4:25 a.m., at which point the resident was found to be missing. Law enforcement records and interviews confirmed that the facility reported the resident missing in the early morning hours and that the resident was located off-site by police after a citizen reported almost striking the resident with a vehicle. The police officer stated that the resident was found near a school approximately 1.9 miles from the facility, requiring travel across an intersection and along areas without sidewalks. The resident told police they were walking to find family. Interviews with multiple CNAs and nurses indicated that the resident had been going door to door asking how to get out, watching staff to see if they were paying attention, and walking back and forth to doors after returning from a family visit. The DON and Administrator both stated they were not aware of prior elopement attempts beyond wandering and walking back and forth, and the MDS Coordinator reported she had not been informed of the January incident in which the resident voiced a plan to escape through a window. Facility policies required staff to know the location of residents under their care and to implement care plan strategies for residents at risk of wandering or elopement, but staff interviews showed that routine checks were not performed on the resident during the night of the incident and that the resident’s escalating exit-seeking behaviors were not effectively communicated or translated into increased supervision. A police incident report and witness statements further detailed that the resident exited the building by throwing an end table through the bedroom window. The facility’s own missing resident and wandering/elopement policies stated that staff are responsible for knowing residents’ whereabouts and that care plans for at-risk residents must include safety strategies and interventions. Despite documented behaviors such as wandering, standing at locked doors, following staff out locked exits, verbalizing intent to leave, and specifically stating a plan to get out through a window, there was no evidence in the record that supervision was increased or that staff adjusted monitoring practices during periods of heightened exit-seeking. Staff interviews also revealed that for several weeks there had often been only one CNA on the locked unit at night, and that the CNA on duty the night of the elopement positioned herself in a doorway with hall lights off and later admitted to dozing off. These actions and inactions resulted in the resident being able to break the window, leave the secured unit and facility, and travel a significant distance off-site before being located and returned by police.
Failure to Follow Care-Planned Assistance and Supervision Leading to Resident Falls
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow care-planned interventions for assistance and supervision for two residents, resulting in falls. Resident #2, admitted with Alzheimer's disease, spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular bladder dysfunction, had a care plan requiring assistance of two staff for bathing/showering, bed mobility, personal hygiene, toilet use, and transferring. On 06/04/2025, the DON and an LPN responded to Resident #2's room and found the resident on their back on the floor after CNA #1 attempted to perform incontinent care alone, contrary to the care plan specifying a two-person assist for bed mobility, transfers, and personal hygiene. CNA #1 later stated that, upon hiring, it was not made clear how to access the electronic care plan system and that initial training on the system was brief and difficult to see. Resident #3 was admitted with spinal stenosis of the cervical region, cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, generalized muscle weakness, and was receiving surgical aftercare following nervous system surgery. The care plan required assistance of one staff member for toileting, bathing/showering, dressing, and bed mobility, and assistance of two staff members for transferring, including use of a sliding board with two-person assist. A progress note documented that on 01/15/2026, an LPN was called to Resident #3's room and found the resident lying face down on the floor wearing a cervical collar, after the resident reported being told to dress themself. The resident later recounted that a CNA had helped them to a seated position at the edge of the bed, then left the room with another staff member while the resident attempted to dress themself, during which time the fall occurred. Interviews with multiple CNAs and facility leadership confirmed that CNAs were expected to obtain resident care instructions from the electronic care plan/Kardex system and that Resident #3 required staff assistance for all tasks except meals. CNA #2 acknowledged leaving Resident #3 unattended while assisting another staff member, despite the electronic care plan indicating the resident did not perform tasks alone. Another CNA reported sometimes being the only staff member in the room when transferring Resident #3 with a slide board, even though the care plan required two staff. The DON and Administrator stated that aides were trained one-on-one on the electronic care plans after morning huddles and that CNAs were expected to verify care requirements in the electronic care plan before providing care. The Medical Director stated it was his expectation that orders were followed as written in the care plan. Standard of practice cited requires that residents receive treatment and care in accordance with professional standards, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and residents' choices.
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