Emanate Health Inter-community Hospital- D/p Snf
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Covina, California.
- Location
- 210 W. San Bernardino Rd., Covina, California 91723
- CMS Provider Number
- 555610
- Inspections on file
- 19
- Latest survey
- May 19, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Emanate Health Inter-community Hospital- D/p Snf during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with a history of joint replacement, colon cancer, heart disease, and hypertension, who was dependent on staff for toileting and used an external catheter, was observed with a urine collection bag that was only partially covered. Staff confirmed the bag should have been fully covered to protect the resident's privacy and dignity, as required by facility policy.
A resident with multiple medical conditions was found in bed with all four side rails raised, despite a physician order and facility policy limiting use to three rails. Staff confirmed this was not in accordance with the resident's care plan and acknowledged the potential for the resident to feel trapped.
A resident with significant mobility and cognitive impairments did not receive required pressure ulcer prevention measures, including proper heel offloading and regular turning, as documented by staff observations and records. Additionally, the facility did not initiate or document appropriate treatment for the resident's moisture-associated skin damage, failing to follow its own protocols for assessment and intervention.
A resident was admitted from the ICU with a urinary catheter in place, but the facility did not obtain a physician order or reassess the medical necessity for the device for two days. Nursing documentation confirmed the catheter remained in use without an order, and the DON acknowledged the oversight. Facility policy required daily assessment and prompt removal or provider contact if no order was present, but these steps were not followed.
A resident with a pressure ulcer was placed on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), but the family was not informed about the precautions or the need for PPE during high-contact care. A family member was observed providing care without gown or gloves and reported not receiving any education about EBP from staff. The DON confirmed that facility protocol required family notification and education, but this was not done in this case.
The facility failed to develop and implement individualized care plans for four residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing their specific medical needs, including scrotal edema, nutritional deficits, and diabetes management.
The facility failed to accurately monitor and document a resident's fluid intake and output and daily weight, despite having fluid restrictions and a history of kidney disease and heart failure. This lack of documentation and monitoring was confirmed through interviews and record reviews, revealing gaps in the resident's medical records.
A facility failed to monitor a resident's weight and implement a calorie count as per policy, leading to incomplete and inaccurate documentation of the resident's caloric intake. The resident, with a history of chronic illnesses, had physician orders for daily weight measurements and a calorie count due to poor oral intake, but these were not consistently recorded, impacting the resident's nutritional assessment and care plan.
A resident with Guillain Barre Syndrome and anxiety disorder was prescribed Prozac for depression, but the facility failed to document monitoring for side effects or adverse effects. Interviews confirmed that licensed nurses were responsible for this monitoring, but it was not done, potentially impacting the resident's well-being.
The facility failed to meet food safety requirements when a bag of leftover food in the patient nourishment refrigerator was not labeled with a date or patient's name, and trays of fresh eggs in the dairy and poultry refrigerator were not labeled to indicate if they were pasteurized. The DON and DFS confirmed these deficiencies, which had the potential to result in food-borne illnesses.
The MD failed to attend three consecutive QAA Committee meetings, as required by the facility's QAPI Program. The DON confirmed the MD's absence and emphasized the importance of the MD's role in providing oversight and input on quality improvement initiatives.
The facility failed to follow infection prevention and control practices for two residents with peripheral IV catheters. Both residents had undated and unlabeled IV sites, contrary to the facility's policy requiring IV sites to be changed every 96 hours. The issue was confirmed by the RN and DON during observations and interviews.
Urine Collection Bag Not Fully Covered, Compromising Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's urine collection bag was not fully covered while the resident was in their room. During an observation, the urine collection bag was seen hanging on the left side of the resident's bed with only the top portion covered, leaving the bottom half exposed. Both a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Resource Nurse confirmed that the bag should be fully covered to maintain the resident's privacy and dignity, in accordance with facility policy. The resident involved had a history of joint replacement, colon cancer, heart disease, and hypertension, and was dependent on staff for toileting and bathing. The resident was cognitively intact and used an external catheter for urine collection. Facility policy requires that care be provided in a manner that maintains or enhances each resident's dignity and respect, which was not followed in this instance.
Improper Use of Four Bed Side Rails
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed in bed with all four side rails raised, contrary to the facility's policy and the resident's physician order, which allowed for a maximum of three side rails. The resident, who had a history of respiratory failure with hypoxia and congestive heart failure, required maximal assistance for activities of daily living but had intact cognition. During the observation, a CNA confirmed that only three side rails should have been raised and acknowledged that having all four up could make the resident feel trapped. Further review of the resident's records, including the Admission Record, History and Physical, Minimum Data Set, physician's orders, and the Side Rails Assessment, consistently indicated that no more than three side rails were to be used. The facility's policy also specified a three-rail maximum except under specific circumstances, which did not apply in this case. Staff interviews corroborated that the use of all four side rails was not appropriate and could be considered a restraint.
Failure to Implement Pressure Ulcer and MASD Prevention Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement appropriate pressure ulcer and moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) prevention and treatment interventions for a resident identified as high risk for pressure injuries. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including cerebrovascular accident with hemiparesis and seizures, was dependent on staff for mobility and personal care. Physician orders and facility protocols required that the resident's heels be floated off the mattress using pillows under the calves, and that the resident be turned every one to two hours to prevent pressure injuries. However, observations on multiple occasions revealed that the resident's heels were in contact with the mattress, and staff interviews confirmed that the correct technique for floating heels was not consistently followed. Documentation and observation also showed that the resident was not consistently turned every two hours as required. Review of the turning protocol indicated multiple instances where the resident remained in the same supine position for extended periods, contrary to the physician's order and facility policy. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of regular turning for high-risk residents and acknowledged that the resident was not repositioned as frequently as required. Additionally, the facility failed to initiate and document appropriate treatment for the resident's MASD. The resident developed MASD in the groin and buttocks areas, but there was no evidence that the facility's MASD protocol was implemented when the condition was first identified. Observations and staff interviews revealed that moisture barrier cream was not applied to all affected areas, and required documentation, including photographs and initiation of the MASD protocol in the electronic medical record, was not completed in a timely manner. The facility's policy required documentation and specific interventions for skin impairments, which were not followed in this case.
Failure to Obtain Timely Physician Order for Indwelling Urinary Catheter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reassess the continued need for an indwelling urinary catheter and did not obtain a physician's order for its use for one resident upon admission from the intensive care unit. The resident, who had a history of pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxemia, and acute kidney injury, was admitted to the facility with a urinary catheter in place. The discharge summary from the hospital did not indicate a need to continue the catheter, and there was no physician order for the device upon admission. Documentation in the resident's care assessments and nursing notes confirmed that the urinary catheter remained in use for two days following admission without a physician order specifying the medical necessity for the device. Nursing staff documented the presence and management of the catheter, but no order was present until two days after admission. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the catheter was used without a physician order and acknowledged that staff should have clarified the need for the device or removed it if there was no indication to continue its use. The facility's policy required daily assessment of the need for an indwelling catheter, prompt removal if criteria were not met or if there was no provider order, and provider contact if there was uncertainty. These procedures were not followed, resulting in the resident having an indwelling urinary catheter for two days without documented medical necessity or a physician order.
Failure to Inform Family and Enforce Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to uphold its infection prevention and control program for one resident by not informing the resident's family that the resident was on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including diabetes with neuropathy, aortic stenosis, and a urinary tract infection, was admitted with a stage two pressure ulcer and was placed on EBP due to the wound. The care plan indicated the use of EBP, and signage was posted outside the resident's room to indicate these precautions. Despite these measures, a family member was observed at the resident's bedside, leaning over and making direct contact with the resident's linens and clothing without wearing a gown or gloves. The family member reported that no facility staff had explained EBP, its purpose, or the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) during high-contact care activities. The family member stated that both she and her sister had been visiting and assisting with the resident's care since admission, but neither had been informed about the EBP requirements. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's protocol required notifying family representatives about EBP at admission or when implemented, and that staff were expected to provide CDC educational materials and ensure compliance with PPE use during high-contact activities. The facility's policy also specified that residents and their families should be notified about EBP and provided with relevant information. However, in this case, the family was not informed, and staff did not ensure that EBP protocols were followed during family visits.
Failure to Develop and Implement Individualized Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement individualized care plans for four residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing their specific medical needs. Resident 76, who was admitted with a broken hip and had a history of kidney disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, did not have a care plan addressing his scrotal edema and fluid restrictions. Despite physician orders and progress notes indicating the need for close monitoring and specific interventions, the care plan was not updated to reflect these needs, and a urology consult was not included or followed up on time. Resident 16, admitted with acute kidney failure and a history of chronic myeloid leukemia, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease, did not have a care plan addressing his nutritional deficits. Although there were physician orders for daily weight measurements and a dietitian consult due to poor oral intake, the care plan did not reflect these interventions, leaving the resident's nutritional needs unaddressed. Resident 74, admitted with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis, and Resident 77, admitted with Guillain Barre Syndrome and type 2 diabetes, also lacked care plans addressing their diabetes management. Despite physician orders for blood sugar checks, insulin administration, and dietary consultations, the care plans for both residents did not include these critical interventions. The Director of Nursing confirmed that care plans must be individualized and updated to guide staff in providing consistent care, which was not done in these cases.
Failure to Accurately Monitor Fluid Balance and Document Intake and Output
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately assess and monitor the fluid volume balance for Resident 76, who had fluid restrictions ordered by the physician. The facility did not accurately document Resident 76's intake and output (I&O) and daily weight in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures. This failure was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed inconsistencies and missing documentation in Resident 76's medical records, including undocumented oral intake and missing daily weights over several days. Resident 76 was admitted with a left comminuted intertrochanteric fracture and had a history of acute kidney injury superimposed on chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. The resident had fluid restrictions and required close monitoring of fluid intake and output, as well as daily weights, to manage their condition. However, the facility's records showed gaps in documentation, with no evidence of oral intake assessments and missing daily weights for multiple days. Interviews with the nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed the lack of accurate documentation and monitoring. The facility's policies and procedures required meticulous recording of all fluid intake and output, as well as daily weights for residents with conditions like CHF and CKD. The failure to adhere to these policies potentially compromised the resident's physical and psychosocial well-being, as accurate monitoring is crucial for managing fluid balance in such medical conditions.
Failure to Monitor Weight and Implement Calorie Count
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently monitor a resident's weight and implement a calorie count in accordance with its policies and procedures for a resident admitted with acute kidney failure. The resident, who had a history of chronic myeloid leukemia, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, had physician orders for daily weight measurements and a calorie count due to poor oral intake. However, weights were not recorded on several specified dates, and the calorie count was incomplete and inaccurately documented, as confirmed by interviews with the registered nurse and dietitian involved in the resident's care. The registered dietitian noted that the calorie count was important for developing the resident's plan of care and ensuring the resident met their caloric needs. The dietitian also highlighted that the calorie count for specific meals was not accurately recorded because the menus were not saved in the calorie count envelope, and meal intakes were not included in the calorie count. This led to an inaccurate assessment of the resident's caloric intake, which was crucial for determining whether the resident required additional nutritional interventions such as tube feedings. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the resident had lost weight due to poor appetite and that the calorie count was ordered to assess the resident's caloric intake. The DON admitted that there was no designated licensed nurse to review daily weights to identify significant weight changes and that the dietitian was responsible for monitoring weight trends. The facility's policies and procedures for weights and calorie counts were reviewed, revealing that weights must be taken per physician's order and recorded in the electronic medical record, and that calorie counts must be initiated within 24 hours of a physician's order and documented accurately.
Failure to Monitor Psychotropic Medication Side Effects
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate monitoring of fluoxetine (Prozac) for a resident diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome and anxiety disorder. The resident was admitted with a history of progressive weakness and had completed intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The resident was prescribed Prozac for depression, but there was no documented evidence of monitoring for medication side effects or adverse effects after multiple administrations of the drug. Interviews with the pharmacist and registered nurse confirmed that licensed nurses were responsible for monitoring and documenting any behavior episodes and adverse effects of psychotropic medications, but this was not done for the resident in question. The Director of Nursing stated that it was essential for the administering RN to monitor and document any adverse drug effects and target behaviors to determine the drug's efficacy. The facility's policy and procedure on psychotherapeutic drug management required informed consent, black box warnings, behavior monitoring, and care plan documentation, none of which were adequately followed in this case. This failure had the potential to cause a decline in the resident's physical and/or psychosocial well-being due to possible unidentified adverse effects.
Food Safety Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet food safety requirements in the kitchen when a bag of leftover food was observed in the patient nourishment refrigerator without a date or label indicating a 3-day expiration date and the patient's name. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the refrigerator was for resident use only and that leftover food needed to be labeled with a resident's name and dated to ensure it was not given to the wrong resident. The facility's policy indicated that patient food brought into the facility needed to be covered, dated, and labeled with a 3-day expiration date and a patient's name. The failure to label the food properly had the potential to result in residents experiencing food-borne illnesses. Additionally, trays of fresh eggs were observed in the dairy and poultry refrigerator without labels indicating if the eggs were pasteurized. The Executive Chef (EC) and the Director of Food Services (DFS) confirmed that the eggs were not pasteurized and were used in the cafeteria grill for staff and visitors. The facility's policy indicated that fresh shell eggs that are not pasteurized should only be used for hard-cooked, fried, or hard-poached eggs and must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for 15 seconds. The DFS stated that the facility would start ordering pasteurized eggs only since the facility's vendor offered fresh eggs that were pasteurized.
MD's Absence from QAA Committee Meetings
Penalty
Summary
The Medical Director (MD) failed to attend the quarterly Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) Committee meetings for three consecutive sessions, as required by the facility's Policy and Procedure (P&P) titled, Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program. This was confirmed during an interview and record review with the Director of Nursing (DON), who verified that the MD did not attend the meetings on 9/18/2023, 12/18/2023, and 3/21/2023. The facility's attendance logs and the QAA Committee documentation indicated that the MD was a key member of the committee and was expected to provide oversight and input on QAPI and Performance Improvement Projects (PIP). The DON acknowledged the importance of the MD's attendance for effective communication with providers and input on quality improvement initiatives.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices for IV Sites
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow infection prevention and control practices for two residents with peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. Resident 19's IV site was observed to be undated and unlabeled, and the Registered Nurse (RN) acknowledged that the IV site needed to be removed for infection control. The facility's policy required peripheral IV sites to be changed every 96 hours. Resident 19 had been admitted with multiple diagnoses, including chronic pain and opioid dependence, and had active orders for IV medications. The failure to date and label the IV site was confirmed during an observation and interview with the RN and the Director of Nursing (DON), who reiterated the facility's policy on IV site management. Similarly, Resident 77's IV site was also observed to be undated and unlabeled, with the tape coming off on one side. The resident stated that the IV site had been inserted about two weeks prior to admission. The RN confirmed that peripheral IV sites needed to be changed every three days and that the admitting nurse should have removed and reinserted the IV if it was not labeled. The DON confirmed the facility's policy of changing IV sites every 96 hours to prevent infection. The facility's policy and procedure on IV Therapy Peripheral: Access and Care required all peripheral IV sites to be changed every 96 hours unless veins were difficult to access and maintain.
Latest citations in California
Two residents with dementia, schizoaffective disorder, and major depressive disorder, both with moderately impaired cognition and needing moderate ADL assistance, were found unclothed together in one resident's bed. One resident later stated she did not want sexual activity and did not consent, while the other resident could not recall the encounter. An LVN reported that both residents verbally consented at the time but acknowledged no assessment had been done to determine their capacity to consent to sexual activity. The DON identified the incident as sexual abuse and confirmed that allowing sexual activity without prior capacity assessment was inconsistent with facility policy and that the resident was not protected from sexual abuse.
Two residents with dementia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, and moderately impaired cognition, both needing moderate assistance with ADLs, were found unclothed together in one resident’s bed. The resident later stated she did not consent to sexual contact, while the other resident did not recall any sexual activity. An LVN documented the incident and acknowledged it constituted sexual abuse that should have been reported immediately to the abuse coordinator and appropriate agencies, but did not report it. The administrator, who serves as the abuse coordinator, stated she relies on staff to notify her immediately of such allegations so they can be reported to CDPH, law enforcement, and the Ombudsman, but this did not occur, resulting in the allegation not being reported as required.
A resident with Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis reported being punched in the face by another resident, resulting in facial bruising. The resident’s MDS showed intact cognition, and a change in condition evaluation documented the assault; however, the MD was not notified until more than a day later. The care plan directed licensed nurses to assess the resident’s body, and staff observed a purplish bruise on the right lower eyelid/orbital area, but this was not documented in the progress notes. Required every-shift monitoring for 72 hours after the change in condition was not documented on multiple day shifts. The DON confirmed lack of awareness of the bruise and acknowledged missing documentation and monitoring, despite facility policies requiring immediate provider notification and complete, accurate charting of changes in condition.
A nurse left a medication cart unlocked and unattended in the hallway while administering insulin to a resident with diabetes, cardiac, and post-surgical conditions. The cart was out of the nurse's direct line of sight, contrary to facility policy requiring medication carts to be locked when not in use. The DON confirmed that medications should be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
A resident’s legal representative requested copies of the resident’s medical records through a faxed request from a law office’s third-party service, but the records were not provided within the required timeframe. The MRD confirmed receiving the request and stated he had forwarded the documents to the DON for review over a month earlier and had not received them back to release. Upon review of federal requirements for record access, the ADON acknowledged that the facility did not comply with the regulation requiring provision of copies within two working days of request.
Two CNAs violated privacy and confidentiality requirements when one CNA used a personal cell phone to record and photograph two residents during a perceived altercation and then sent the video to another CNA. The residents, who had significant medical conditions including paraplegia, seizures, dysphagia, and severe cognitive impairment, were dependent on staff for ADLs. The second CNA reported that a family member later took her phone without permission, accessed the contents, and transmitted the videos and photos to facility leadership. Facility staff, including an LVN, the DSD, and the administrator, stated that HIPAA rules and facility policies prohibit staff from recording residents on personal devices and allow resident photographs only with consent and for medical purposes as part of the chart, and that the facility’s "Stop and Watch" process requires observation and reporting, not filming.
A resident with a stage 4 sacrococcygeal PI, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, moderate cognitive impairment, and high assistance needs was not provided care consistent with the facility’s pressure injury prevention policy. Although the care plan included daily wound treatment and use of a LAL mattress, it lacked an individualized repositioning schedule and did not document education or reminders about repositioning. Facility documentation showed only that the resident was assisted to roll each shift, with no evidence of q2h turning in bed or of how often incontinence briefs were checked and changed. After the resident refused Foley catheter reinsertion, the IDT did not identify incontinence as a risk factor or add new wound-protective or moisture-preventive interventions, and the subsequent care plan for non-compliance omitted such measures. The TXN and DON confirmed that repositioning and protection of the wound from incontinence were not clearly implemented or reflected in the care plan, despite policy requirements.
A resident with Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment, and significant assistance needs for mobility and toileting experienced two early-morning falls resulting in head injuries. After the first fall, the IDT documented potential interventions such as a bed alarm and floor mat but did not identify the cause of the fall, did not obtain a physician order for the floor mat, and did not ensure the care plan addressed supervision or bed alarm function. Before and after the falls, the care plan lacked interventions for supervision despite poor safety awareness and failure to use the call light, and the second fall occurred when the resident slid from bed while reaching for a snack bag placed on the bedside table. IDT follow-up documentation for the second fall was incomplete, and staff acknowledged that fall causes were not identified and resident-centered interventions were not fully implemented.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple neurological diagnoses was dependent on staff for hygiene and mobility. During an IDT meeting, the resident’s family member communicated specific care preferences, but facility staff did not develop or update a comprehensive person-centered care plan to include these preferences. Review of care plans over several months showed no documentation of the communicated preferences, despite facility policy requiring the IDT to create a measurable, time-framed care plan based on assessed needs and expressed preferences.
A resident with COPD and severely impaired cognition, dependent on staff for all ADLs and mobility, had a physician order for continuous supplemental O2 at a fixed rate of 2 L/min. During observations, the resident was found receiving O2 at 3 L/min. An LVN recognized the discrepancy and reported it to an RN supervisor, but there was no documentation of any clinical rationale for the increased flow, no physician notification, and no order change. The care plan directed staff to administer O2 as ordered, and facility policy required verification of the order, documentation of flow rate and rationale, and appropriate reporting, which were not followed.
Failure to Protect Cognitively Impaired Resident From Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident was free from sexual abuse when two cognitively impaired residents were found unclothed together in one resident's bed without prior assessment of their capacity to consent to sexual activity. One resident had dementia, schizoaffective disorder, and major depressive disorder, with documentation of fluctuating capacity to understand and make decisions and a Minimum Data Set (MDS) indicating moderately impaired cognition and a need for moderate assistance with ADLs. During an interview at her bedside, this resident stated she did not want to engage in sexual activity and did not consent to sexual contact with the other resident. The second resident involved also had dementia, schizoaffective disorder, and major depressive disorder, with an MDS showing moderately impaired cognition and a need for moderate assistance with ADLs. In an interview, he stated he liked women and liked to socialize with women but could not recall whether he engaged in sexual activity with the first resident. An LVN reported observing both residents unclothed in the first resident's bed and stated that, at the time of the incident, both residents verbally consented to sexual activity, but she was not aware of any assessment having been performed to determine either resident's capacity to consent. The DON stated the incident was considered sexual abuse, that it was not the facility's practice to allow sexual activity without appropriate assessment, and that the facility failed to ensure the resident was protected from sexual abuse, contrary to the facility's abuse prevention policy.
Failure to Report Alleged Sexual Abuse Between Cognitively Impaired Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an allegation of sexual abuse between two residents to the State Survey Agency, Ombudsman, and local law enforcement as required by federal regulations and the facility’s own abuse reporting policy. A nurse documented that one resident (Resident 2) and another resident (Resident 4) were found unclothed together in Resident 2’s bed, and the nurse acknowledged that this situation constituted sexual abuse and should have been reported immediately to the abuse coordinator and appropriate agencies, but she did not report the incident. The facility’s policy stated that all staff are mandated reporters and must notify appropriate authorities within two hours of becoming aware of abuse and immediately notify the Abuse Prevention Coordinator and their supervisor. Resident 2 had dementia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, fluctuating capacity to understand and make decisions, and moderately impaired cognition, and required moderate assistance with ADLs. During an interview at her bedside, Resident 2 stated she did not consent to sexual contact with Resident 4. Resident 4 also had dementia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, moderately impaired cognition, and required moderate assistance with ADLs, and stated he did not recall engaging in sexual activity with any residents. The Administrator, who served as the abuse coordinator, stated she was responsible for reporting all abuse allegations to CDPH, law enforcement, and the Ombudsman, and that staff were responsible for notifying her immediately of sexual abuse allegations so they could be reported and investigated. The failure of staff to notify the Administrator and report the incident resulted in the sexual abuse allegation not being reported as required, causing a delay in an onsite investigation by CDPH.
Failure to Assess, Notify, and Monitor Resident After Facial Trauma
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow professional standards of nursing practice in assessing and monitoring a resident after a reported change of condition related to facial trauma. The resident was admitted with Parkinson’s disease, age-related osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis, and had intact cognitive skills for daily decision-making per a recent MDS. On the evening of 3/26/2026, a Change in Condition Evaluation documented that another resident hit this resident on the nose and both cheeks. The evaluation showed that the attending physician was not notified until 10 p.m. on 3/27/2026, approximately 26.5 hours after the reported incident, and the physician’s recommendation was to monitor the resident’s nose and cheeks for any changes and pain. The resident’s care plan, initiated on 3/26/2026, documented the report that another resident hit him on the nose and both cheeks and included an intervention for licensed nurses to check and assess the resident’s body. In an interview, the resident described that the other resident came into the room, stood on the left side of the bed, and punched him in the face. A photograph taken two days after the alleged incident showed a purplish-blue bruise on the right lower orbital area, although the resident declined to provide a copy of the picture. A CNA later reported observing a purple bruise on the resident’s right lower eyelid on 3/27/2026, described as extending from the inner to the middle lower eyelid and about the size of the tip of her fifth digit. During record review and interviews, an LVN stated that on 3/27/2026 the resident’s right lower eyelid had a dime-sized purplish bruise, but there was no documentation of this bruise in the progress notes. The LVN also stated that the resident should have been monitored every shift for 72 hours after the change of condition, yet there was no documented evidence of monitoring on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shifts on 3/27/2026, 3/28/2026, and 3/29/2026. The DON reported not being made aware of the right eyelid bruise, confirmed that the resident should have been monitored every shift for at least 72 hours following the change of condition, and acknowledged there was no confirmed documentation of monitoring on the identified shifts. Facility policies required immediate physician consultation for significant changes in condition and complete, accurate documentation of changes and services provided, but the facility failed to identify, document, and monitor the resident’s change of condition in accordance with these policies.
Plan Of Correction
Facility Response Submission of the Plan of Correction does not constitute admission or agreement by the Provider of the truth of the facts alleged or conclusion set forth in this statement of deficiencies. The Plan of Correction is prepared and/or executed solely because it is required by the provision of Federal and State laws. This Plan of Correction constitutes the facility's credible allegation of compliance Corrective Action On 4/7/2026 Resident 1 was reassessed by LVN 3 and no skin issue was identified. On 4/7/2026 LVN 3 received one-on-one in-service by DON regarding importance of documenting details about resident's change of condition and monitoring every shift for 72 hours. Identification of other residents and corrective action On 4/8/2026 DON and/or designee reviewed audits provided by medical records for all change of condition in month of April to ensure proper documentation and monitoring are in place. No other deficient practice noted. Measures to prevent recurrence On 4/7/2026 LVN 3 received one-on-one in-service by DON regarding importance of documenting details about resident's change of condition and monitoring every shift for 72 hours. On 4/8/2026 Licensed nurses received in-service by DON regarding importance of documenting details about resident's change of condition and monitoring every shift for 72 hours. Monitoring and incorporation into the QA system HID will audit change of conditions using Change of Condition Audit form daily Monday-Friday and will report any finding during daily stand-up meeting Monday-Friday on-going. DON or designee will review change of conditions from prior day during daily clinical meetings (Monday -Friday) on going to ensure the nurse notified the attending physician regarding resident's significant change of condition and documented. Any deficient finding will be reported to DON and/or administrator for further corrective action/recommendation. Any trend of deficient finding(s) will be documented on Change of Condition Audit Form and will be reviewed during the monthly QA meeting for further review and/or recommendation(s). Administrator who will then report to the Quality Assurance (QA) team during monthly Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) for further evaluation/recommendation and to provide feedback and program modification if needed x3 months or until compliant. Date Corrective action to be completed: 4/8/2026
Medication Cart Left Unlocked During Medication Pass
Penalty
Summary
During a medication pass for a resident with a history of surgical aftercare, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a licensed nurse prepared and administered Novolog insulin using a pen-injector. The nurse left the medication cart unlocked and unattended in the hallway, approximately two feet outside the resident's bedroom doorway, while administering the injection inside the room. The cart was out of the nurse's direct line of sight during this time. The nurse acknowledged that the cart was left unlocked and should have been secured when not in direct view. Facility policy and procedure documents reviewed indicated that medication carts must be kept closed and locked when out of sight of the medication nurse or aide, and that compartments containing drugs and biologicals are to be locked when not in use. The Director of Nursing confirmed that medications should be locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access by unlicensed staff and residents. The failure to lock the medication cart during the medication pass was observed and confirmed through interviews and record review.
Plan Of Correction
From 4/4/2025 through 4/7/2025, the DON, DSD, and ADSD completed 1:1 inservices with licensed staff regarding the facility policy and procedure titled Storage of Medications. Medication carts must be kept locked when unattended. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 3 times a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 2 times a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 1 time a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will random monitor medication carts being locked when unattended for 1 month. System effectiveness will be evaluated during the facility's monthly Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee meetings for three (3) months.
Failure to Timely Provide Resident Medical Records Upon Request
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely access to medical records as required under 42 CFR 483.10(g)(2) for one resident. The resident’s face sheet showed an admission date of November 18, 2025, with multiple diagnoses, but no additional clinical details were provided. A legal representative’s office faxed an initial request for the resident’s medical records on February 26, 2026. As of March 26, 2026, the legal representative’s staff reported that the office had not yet received the requested records from the facility. On April 2, 2026, the Medical Record Director (MRD) confirmed documentation that a third-party service for the law office had requested the resident’s medical records on February 26, 2026. The MRD stated he had submitted the requested documents to the Director of Nursing (DON) for review over a month prior but had not received them back to proceed with releasing the records. During a concurrent interview and record review, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) reviewed the State Operations Manual Appendix PP guidance on residents’ rights to access personal and medical records, which requires that copies be provided within two working days of request. The ADON acknowledged that this regulatory requirement was not followed by the facility.
Plan Of Correction
F0573 Right to Access/Purchase Copies of Records What corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those Residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice? Medical Records Director (MRD) released medical records for Resident 1 as requested by the legal representative (Legal Staff) on April 21, 2026. How will other individuals with the potential to be affected by this deficient practice be identified and protected? No other Resident was identified to have been effected by the deficient practice. What systemic changes will be implemented to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur? The Quality Assurance Committee met on April 14, 2026 to review the Policy and Procedure which was then forwarded to the Knolls West Post Acute legal team for further evaluation. Revision of the policy will be discussed and approved by the Quality Assurance Committee to ensure the facility meets all Federal and State Regulations. F0573 Right to Access/Purchase Copies of Records (CONT.)The Administrator and the Medical Records Director (MRD) are responsible for informing the requesting party for the demand for payment for the requested medical documentation being provided and until payment is received the facility will hold the chart copies.How corrective action(s) will be monitored to ensure solutions are being achieved and sustainedThe Resident's Responsible Party will be notified upon receipt of the Medical Records Request and review in the presence of the facility representative. Records will be provided if it does not pertain to any legal matters after payment is received. The Administrator and/or Designee is responsible for reporting to the Quality Assurance Committee on a monthly basis and monitoring to ensure that corrective action is implemented and evaluated for its effectiveness. The same will be reviewed on a quarterly basis to the Quality Assurance Committee meeting x 3 quarters or until 100% compliance is achieved and sustained.Date of CompletionApril 23, 2026
Unauthorized Resident Recording and Disclosure Violating Privacy and Confidentiality
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a failure to protect residents’ privacy and confidentiality when a CNA used a personal cell phone to record and photograph two residents without their knowledge or consent, and then shared that content with another CNA. One resident had paraplegia, depression, muscle weakness, dorsalgia, and polyneuropathy, was cognitively intact, and dependent on staff for ADLs. The other resident had diagnoses including seizures, dysphagia, acute kidney dysfunction, and muscle weakness, was able to make needs known but could not make medical decisions, had severely impaired decision-making, and was also dependent on staff for ADLs. Both residents were therefore in a position of dependence on staff for care at the time of the incident. According to CNA 2, on a specific date she recorded a video of the two residents because one resident started an altercation with the other. She stated she recorded the incident for “evidence” and to show CNA 1, acknowledging that recording residents was not part of facility policy and that she should not have recorded or taken photographs of them. CNA 1 confirmed that she received the video on her personal cell phone from CNA 2 and stated that the recording was made for “safety purposes” due to a situation that was perceived as potentially escalating to physical aggression. CNA 1 reported that she did not share or post the video on social media or distribute it to others, but that a family member took her phone without permission and accessed its contents. CNA 1 further stated that this family member sent the video and pictures of the two residents to the facility, and that she notified the facility that her phone had been taken but did not disclose that it contained videos or photographs of the residents because she was unaware that the family member had accessed or distributed them. The DSD reported receiving a text message from an unknown number containing approximately two videos and an undetermined number of photographs of the two residents, along with the names of CNA 1 and CNA 2. The DSD, LVN 2, and the Administrator each stated that staff were required to follow HIPAA regulations, that staff were not permitted to record or possess videos or photographs of residents on personal devices, and that any photographs of residents required consent and had to be for medical purposes as part of the medical record. Facility policies on confidentiality, residents’ rights, and dignity stated that unauthorized release, access, or disclosure of resident information, including video or audio, was prohibited and that staff must protect resident privacy and treat residents with dignity and respect. The videos received by the DSD did not show an altercation between the residents, and staff interviews confirmed that filming residents was not part of the facility’s “Stop and Watch” process, which instead required observation, intervention, and reporting of changes in condition or behaviors to nursing staff.
Plan Of Correction
This Plan of Correction is the facility's credible allegation of compliance. Preparation and/or execution of this plan of correction does not constitute admission or agreement by the provider of the truth or facts alleged, or conclusions set forth in the statement of deficiencies. The plan of correction is prepared and/or executed solely because it is required by the provisions of federal and state law. F0583 Personal Privacy/Confidentiality of Records How corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice: Corrective actions were immediately implemented for Resident 1 and Resident 2 upon identification of the deficient practice. The facility initiated an investigation on 03/23/2026 and conducted immediate interviews with staff and residents utilizing structured interview tools to assess scope, impact, and additional potential concerns. Interviews confirmed the incident was isolated and no additional residents reported privacy violations or concerns. The staff members involved were removed from duty immediately. Following completion of the investigation, both employees were terminated in accordance with facility policy due to violation of resident rights, HIPAA, and facility confidentiality policies. Both employees completed formal Declarations and Attestations of Deletion of Unauthorized Recordings, confirming removal of all recordings and non-distribution of content. Documentation includes: Ashley Zelaya, CNA – Declaration executed 03/30/2026 at 9:21 AM, attesting deletion of all recordings and acknowledgment of policy violation Leslie Bram Reyes, CNA – Declaration executed 03/26/2026 at 10:42 AM, attesting deletion of all recordings and acknowledgment of policy violation Residents and/or responsible parties were notified. Social Services completed assessments with no identified psychosocial harm. All corrective actions were completed by 03/26/2026. How the facility identifies other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken. A facility-wide audit was initiated on 03/25/2026 using the Briarcrest Comprehensive Privacy, Recording, and Resident Rights Audit Tool. The audit included direct observation, staff interviews, and resident interviews to evaluate compliance with privacy practices, personal device use, and HIPAA requirements. Interviews were conducted using standardized staff and resident interview tools to ensure consistency and thoroughness in data collection. Findings from the audit confirmed that no additional residents were affected by the deficient practice and no additional incidents of unauthorized recording or disclosure were identified. Staff were immediately re-educated by Director and staff development on HIPAA Privacy Rule requirements, the facility's prohibition on personal device recordings, and the appropriate use of the Stop and Watch process for reporting changes in resident conditions. This corrective action was completed by 03/27/2026. What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes will the facility make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur. The facility implemented systemic changes to prevent recurrence of the deficient practice by reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized recordings and strengthening staff accountability related to resident privacy and confidentiality. Staff completed mandatory re-training by the Director of Staff Development on Resident Rights, HIPAA, and Privacy/Confidentiality requirements. Staff were required to re-acknowledge facility policies related to confidentiality and personal device use. The facility implemented routine supervisory rounding to monitor compliance with personal device restrictions. In addition, the facility installed visible signage at the receptionist area clearly articulates that video recording is strictly prohibited inside resident rooms and in any facility areas where residents are present. The facility also posted signage throughout the entire facility, in both English and Spanish, indicating that video recording is not allowed to ensure clear communication to staff, visitors, and all individuals entering the facility. Privacy and HIPAA compliance were further integrated into new employee orientation, annual competencies, and ongoing in-service education. The Director of Staff Development completed initial re-education by 03/27/2026, and staff completed required training by 04/05/2026. How the facility plans to monitor its performance to make sure that solutions are sustained. To ensure sustained compliance, the facility incorporated privacy and confidentiality monitoring into its Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. The facility implemented an ongoing monitoring system beginning on 03/25/2026 utilizing the established audit tool, which confirmed that no additional residents were affected, and no further incidents occurred during the initial audit period. The facility will continue monitoring through weekly audits for four consecutive weeks, followed by monthly audits for three months. These audits will include direct observation of staff practices, verification of compliance with personal device policies, and evaluation of adherence to HIPAA and privacy requirements. Audit findings will be documented using standardized tools and reviewed by the Director of Nursing, with results reported to the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee for analysis and trending. If any issues are identified, immediate corrective action will be implemented, including re-education and progressive discipline as appropriate. If no trends or repeat deficiencies are identified after the monitoring period, the facility will discontinue routine auditing and remove the issue from active QAPI monitoring. Dates when corrective action will be completed. 4/17/2026
Failure to Implement Repositioning and Moisture Management for Stage 4 Pressure Injury
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide care and services to prevent deterioration of a stage 4 sacrococcygeal pressure injury in accordance with its own pressure injury prevention policy. The resident had a documented stage 4 PI of the sacral region, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, moderate cognitive impairment, and required substantial/maximal assistance with toileting hygiene, rolling, and transfers. A Braden Scale score of 16 identified the resident as at risk for pressure injury. The Skilled Evaluation Nurse note indicated a pressure-reducing device for the bed but did not indicate that the resident was to be turned and repositioned every two hours. The resident’s care plan for the stage 4 sacrococcyx PI included cleansing with normal saline, applying Santyl ointment, and covering with dry and foam dressings daily, as well as providing pressure relief and a low air loss mattress to support body alignment and position. However, the care plan did not include an individualized repositioning schedule or education and reminders about the importance of repositioning. Documentation from the facility’s records showed that the resident was assisted to roll left and right every shift, but there was no documentation that the resident was turned and repositioned every two hours while in bed, nor was there documentation of the frequency of incontinence brief checks and changes after each episode. After the resident refused reinsertion of a Foley catheter, nursing progress notes documented the refusal but the IDT wound management conference record did not identify incontinence as a risk factor affecting healing of the stage 4 PI and did not document any new recommendations following the catheter refusal. A subsequent care plan addressing the resident’s potential for worsening condition related to non-compliance with Foley catheter reinsertion did not include wound protective measures or moisture-preventive interventions. During interviews, the treatment nurse acknowledged uncertainty about how often the resident was turned/repositioned or how frequently incontinence briefs were checked and changed, and confirmed that the care plan did not include measures to ensure turning at least every two hours or effective measures to protect the sacrococcyx PI. The DON stated that staff were supposed to ensure turning at least every two hours and protection of the wound dressing from incontinence, and that the IDT did not address this risk, so the care plan was not revised, despite facility policy requiring prompt cleaning after incontinence, use of barrier products, individualized repositioning schedules, and ongoing review of interventions for effectiveness.
Failure to Identify Fall Causes and Implement Supervision and Safety Interventions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to keep the environment free from accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents for a resident with significant fall risk. The resident had diagnoses including stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer, Parkinson’s disease, and hypertension, and was assessed as moderately cognitively impaired, with poor decision-making and a need for assistance with toileting, transfers, and ambulation. On one occasion, the resident was found on the floor at approximately 4:05 AM with a right forehead laceration requiring transfer to an acute care hospital for suturing. Following this first fall, the IDT Fall Management Follow-Up record listed interventions such as a medication regimen review, bed in lowest position, landing floor mat, and bed alarm, but there was no documented evidence identifying the cause of the fall. The resident’s care plan addressing strength and safety awareness deficits did not include supervision for safety despite poor safety awareness and not remembering to use the call light. The care plan for the actual fall with minor injury did not include ensuring that the bed alarm was functioning. Additionally, physician orders from 9/10/2025 to 1/29/2026 did not contain an order for a floor mat, despite this intervention being recommended in the IDT record. A second fall occurred at around 4:10 AM when the resident was again found on the floor next to the bed, holding a snack bag. The resident, described as alert but forgetful, stated that she had been trying to reach a snack bag on the bedside table and slid down from the bed, and redness was observed on the left side of the forehead after reportedly hitting the bedside table. The IDT Fall Management Follow-Up record for this second fall was incomplete, with no checked interventions. Interviews with the MDS nurse and DON confirmed that the IDT records should have identified the causes of the falls, that frequent monitoring and supervision were not care planned despite the resident’s cognitive impairment and poor safety awareness, and that the recommended floor mat was never ordered or applied, contrary to the facility’s own policies on assessing falls and developing comprehensive person-centered care plans.
Failure to Incorporate Resident Care Preferences Into Person-Centered Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a failure to develop a comprehensive person-centered care plan that incorporated a resident’s specific care preferences. The resident was readmitted on 8/31/2025 with multiple diagnoses, including metabolic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, blindness in the right eye, a history of TIA, and cerebral infarction without residual deficits. An MDS dated 10/30/2025 documented that the resident’s cognition was severely impaired and that the resident was dependent on staff for oral hygiene, toileting hygiene, personal hygiene, and movement. On 3/17/2026, the IDT met with a family member, who communicated specific care preferences for the resident. During interviews, the SSD and DSD confirmed that the family member had provided detailed care preferences at the 3/17/2026 IDT meeting, but a review of the resident’s care plans from 8/31/2025 to 3/31/2026 showed no documented care plan addressing those preferences. The DSD stated that a care plan should have been developed to reflect the resident’s care preferences, that it is the MDS nurse’s responsibility to develop the care plan, and that the absence of such a care plan could result in the preferences not being honored. The Administrator stated that the care plan is essential as it is used by staff as a guide to understand and implement the resident’s plan of care. The facility’s policy on Comprehensive Person-Centered Care Plans required the IDT to develop a comprehensive person-centered care plan with measurable objectives and time frames to meet identified needs, which was not done in this case.
Failure to Administer Oxygen Therapy as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to administer oxygen therapy as ordered by the physician for a resident with COPD. The resident was admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had severely impaired cognition, requiring total staff assistance for all ADLs and mobility. A physician’s order dated 3/27/2026 directed that the resident receive continuous supplemental oxygen at a fixed rate of 2 L/min, with no indication that staff could adjust the flow rate. The resident’s care plan for altered respiratory status related to COPD instructed staff to administer oxygen as ordered. On 3/31/2026, during observations at the bedside at 8:45 a.m. and 9:40 a.m., the resident was noted to be receiving oxygen at 3 L/min, which did not match the physician’s order. An LVN reported that the resident was on 3 L/min when he checked vital signs that morning and stated this was not the ordered rate; he said he reported this to the previous shift’s RN supervisor but was unsure what action was taken. Another RN supervisor confirmed there was no documentation in the record to support an increased flow rate or any notification to the physician about the change from 2 L/min to 3 L/min, and reiterated that the order was for a fixed rate of 2 L/min. During a concurrent observation and interview, the prior RN supervisor acknowledged the resident was on 3 L/min and that the flow rate needed to be corrected to match the order. The facility’s oxygen administration policy required staff to verify a physician order, document the flow rate and rationale, and report information per professional standards, which was not followed in this instance.
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