The Cove At La Jolla
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in La Jolla, California.
- Location
- 7160 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037
- CMS Provider Number
- 555545
- Inspections on file
- 29
- Latest survey
- May 19, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Cove At La Jolla during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with impaired mobility and a history of falls did not have fall mats properly placed as required by their care plan, with one mat left standing against the wall after a transfer. Additionally, multiple hallways had loose, water-damaged flooring with bubbles and separations, creating tripping hazards confirmed by the DES and acknowledged by the ADM.
Surveyors identified that multiple residents received food that was cold, bland, unappetizing, or not as described on the menu. Residents reported repeated meals, unidentifiable food, and issues with food allergies and preferences not being accommodated. Observations and interviews confirmed that food was often served at the correct temperature but lacked flavor and variety, and menu postings were difficult for residents to access or read.
A kitchen staff member was observed serving food with an uncovered beard and mustache during breakfast tray line, contrary to facility policy requiring beard restraints for all facial hair. The staff member believed trimmed facial hair did not require coverage, but both policy review and the RD confirmed that all facial hair must be covered to prevent food contamination.
Two residents were not provided with their requested meal preferences, including one who was served eggs despite a documented dislike and another who was denied a sandwich for dialysis appointments, contrary to facility policy and stated resident rights. Staff interviews confirmed that resident preferences were not properly accommodated or communicated.
A resident with obstructive sleep apnea who required a CPAP/BIPAP machine did not have a care plan developed or implemented upon admission, despite documentation of the need for the device. Staff interviews and record reviews confirmed the absence of a care plan addressing the use, maintenance, and infection control of the machine, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with obstructive sleep apnea used a CPAP/BIPAP machine without a physician's order, and staff were unaware of proper cleaning procedures for the device. The resident maintained the machine herself, and a physician's order was not obtained until several days after admission, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with a documented broccoli allergy was served broccoli at dinner after staff failed to follow established dietary verification procedures. The CNA delivering the meal did not check the tray for allergens, and the LPN responsible for tray accuracy did not notice the broccoli. The DON confirmed that multiple staff were responsible for ensuring dietary compliance, but the process failed, resulting in the resident being exposed to an allergen.
The facility failed to accurately code the MDS for three residents at high risk for elopement who required WanderGuard wristbands. Despite physician orders and care plans indicating the use of WanderGuards, the MDS assessments were incorrectly coded, leading to CMS being unaware of the residents' wandering behaviors. The MDSN acknowledged the oversight, and the DON highlighted the importance of accurate MDS coding for safety monitoring.
The facility failed to follow food safety standards, including improper storage of wet dishware, inadequate labeling of powdered thickener, and poor glove and hand hygiene practices during food service. These actions posed a risk of cross-contamination and bacterial growth, as observed by the CDM during a survey.
The facility failed to respond to call lights in a timely manner for several residents, leading to unmet needs and potential safety risks. Residents reported waiting 15 to 30 minutes or more for assistance, particularly during night shifts and weekends. Interviews with staff confirmed that call lights should be answered within five minutes, but the facility's policy lacked a specific timeframe.
A resident with significant femur fractures experienced severe hip pain, but the facility's care plan only included repositioning as a non-pharmacological intervention, despite physician orders for a broader range of methods. The resident reported that no other interventions were offered, and the DON confirmed the care plan did not reflect the resident's preferences, leading to a deficiency in pain management.
A resident with a urinary tract infection and an indwelling catheter had inaccurate fluid intake and output documentation, with non-numerical entries and incorrect calculations in their MAR. Staff interviews revealed that the process for measuring and reporting urine output was not followed, leading to discrepancies in the resident's clinical record. The DON confirmed the inaccuracies, highlighting the importance of precise documentation for assessing fluid balance.
The facility failed to address delayed call light responses identified by resident council meetings. Despite adding the issue to their QAPI plan and conducting staff in-services, the problem persisted due to lack of documentation and inadequate data analysis. The facility's QAPI compliance goal was inconsistently met, and the staff in-services did not emphasize keeping call lights on until residents' needs were met.
Failure to Maintain Safe Environment: Improper Fall Mat Placement and Unaddressed Flooring Hazards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that fall mats were properly placed for a resident with impaired mobility and a history of falls. According to the care plan, floor mats were to be placed on both sides of the resident's bed following a previous fall. However, during observation, one mat was found standing against the wall instead of on the floor, and staff confirmed it had not been returned after a transfer, rendering it ineffective in preventing injury. Additionally, the facility did not identify or address loose and water-damaged flooring in three hallways. Observations revealed multiple areas where the flooring was bubbling up and separating at the seams, creating tripping hazards under hand railings and near resident rooms. The Director of Environmental Services confirmed the presence of these hazards, and the Administrator acknowledged that hallways should be free of such risks to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
Failure to Provide Palatable and Appropriately Served Food
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure food and drink were palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature for fifteen of fifty-one sampled residents. Multiple residents reported receiving food that was cold, bland, unappetizing, or not as described on the menu. Specific complaints included cold sausage with brussels sprouts, dry and hard scrambled eggs, canned vegetables, tough chicken, and repeated servings of disliked items such as carrots. Some residents also noted that food was unidentifiable, lacked flavor, or appeared to be leftovers from previous days. Additionally, there were reports of residents not receiving requested items, such as sandwiches for dialysis appointments, and issues with food allergies not being accommodated. During a Resident Council Meeting, several residents echoed these concerns, citing rubbery pancakes, repeated meals, and difficulty accessing or reading the posted menu. Observations of the tray line and test trays confirmed that food temperatures were within facility standards but the food was consistently described as bland and in need of seasoning. The Registered Dietician acknowledged the importance of assessing and documenting residents' food preferences and dislikes, as well as providing alternatives, but the facility's practices did not align with these expectations. The facility's policy stated that residents' food preferences would be adhered to within reason, with substitutes and condiments available unless contraindicated, but these standards were not consistently met.
Failure to Ensure Beard Restraint Use by Kitchen Staff
Penalty
Summary
During a breakfast tray line observation, a kitchen staff member, specifically the Dietary Supervisor, was seen plating food while having an uncovered beard and mustache. The staff member stated that he believed it was acceptable to serve food without a beard restraint if his facial hair was trimmed and groomed. However, review of the facility's DRESS CODE policy indicated that all facial hair must be covered with a beard restraint. The Registered Dietician confirmed that the expectation was for any staff with facial hair to wear a beard restraint to prevent contamination of residents' food.
Failure to Honor Resident Preferences for Meals and Dietary Choices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the rights of two residents regarding their preferences and choices in care. One resident, who had hemiplegia and hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular disease, expressed a dislike for eggs but was served an omelette for breakfast despite her meal ticket clearly indicating eggs as a disliked item. Staff interviews confirmed that meal trays were supposed to be checked for resident preferences by both dietary and nursing staff, but this process failed to prevent the resident from receiving food she did not want. Facility policy and admission documents also stated that resident preferences should be accommodated, but this was not followed in practice. Another resident, diagnosed with protein-calorie malnutrition, attended dialysis appointments three times a week and requested a sandwich, Nepro supplement, and napkins for these visits. Despite making this request to multiple staff members, including the dietician, the resident continued to receive only three cups of puree food and Nepro, which he discarded. The dietician acknowledged the request but did not document it or discuss it with the interdisciplinary team, and the resident's dietary preference was not accommodated. The facility's own documents indicated that residents have the right to reasonable accommodation of their needs and preferences, but this was not upheld in these cases.
Failure to Develop and Implement Care Plan for CPAP/BIPAP Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a patient-centered care plan for a resident who was admitted with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and required the use of a CPAP/BIPAP machine. Upon observation and interview, it was found that the resident was using a BIPAP machine at the bedside and was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the device herself. However, a review of the electronic medical record by a licensed nurse confirmed that there was no care plan in place addressing the use of the CPAP/BIPAP machine. Further interviews with facility staff, including the Minimum Data Set Nurse and the Director of Nursing, revealed that the resident's hospital history documented the need for a CPAP machine, but no care plan was created until several days after admission. The facility's own policy required the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive, person-centered care plan to address each resident's medical and nursing needs, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Provide Physician Order and Proper Care for CPAP/BIPAP Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care services for a resident who used a CPAP/BIPAP machine. The resident, admitted with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, was observed using a BIPAP machine at her bedside and reported cleaning and maintaining the device herself. Upon review of the resident's electronic medical record, it was found that there was no physician's order for the use of the CPAP/BIPAP machine at the time of observation, despite documentation from a recent hospital history and physical indicating the resident's use of such a device. A physician's order was not obtained until several days after the resident's admission. Additionally, interviews with licensed nurses revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the proper cleaning procedures for the CPAP/BIPAP machine. One nurse stated she would need to consult the Director of Nursing about the facility's policy, while another admitted to not knowing how to clean the device. The facility's policy requires that CPAP/BIPAP devices be administered as ordered by a physician and that interventions be implemented to minimize associated risks, but these procedures were not followed in this case.
Resident Served Allergen Despite Documented Broccoli Allergy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a documented allergy to broccoli was served broccoli with their dinner meal. The resident's allergy was recorded in the facility's Allergy Report, and the incident was confirmed through interviews with the resident, a CNA, and a licensed nurse. The CNA who delivered the meal admitted to missing the required check to ensure the meal matched the resident's dietary restrictions. The licensed nurse, who was responsible for verifying meal tray accuracy before delivery, stated she did not recall seeing broccoli on the tray. The Director of Nursing confirmed that three staff members—the kitchen staff, the licensed nurse, and the CNA—were responsible for ensuring dietary compliance, but the process failed at multiple points. Facility policy required that food preferences and allergies be adhered to and that food trays be checked by both the dietary department and nursing staff prior to delivery. Despite these policies, the resident received a meal containing an allergen, indicating a breakdown in the established verification process. The incident was substantiated through observation, interviews, and record review, and placed the resident at increased risk of an allergic reaction.
Inaccurate MDS Coding for WanderGuard Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately assess and code the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for three residents who were at high risk for elopement and required WanderGuard wristbands. Resident 1, diagnosed with encephalopathy, had a physician's order for a WanderGuard and was categorized as high risk for elopement, yet the MDS was coded to indicate no alarm was in use. Similarly, Resident 5, with dementia, and Resident 103, with encephalopathy, both had physician's orders for WanderGuards and were also categorized as high risk for elopement, but their MDS assessments were inaccurately coded to show no alarms were in use. The Minimum Data Set Nurse (MDSN) acknowledged the oversight in coding for these residents, which resulted in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) being unaware of the residents' wandering behaviors. The Director of Nursing (DON) emphasized the importance of monitoring elopement and wandering behaviors as safety issues and expected the MDS to accurately reflect residents at risk for elopement. The failure to properly code the MDS assessments meant that CMS was not informed of the residents' current status and the interventions in place to prevent elopement.
Food Safety and Hygiene Deficiencies in Kitchen Operations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food safety, as observed during a survey. Firstly, dishware was improperly stored while still wet, which was noted during an initial kitchen tour. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) acknowledged that wet dishware poses a risk of bacterial growth, which could affect all residents consuming food from the kitchen. The facility's policy from 2018 mandates that dishes should be air-dried before stacking and storing, which was not followed. Additionally, the facility did not properly label powdered thickener containers with necessary dates, such as received, opened, and use-by dates, leading to potential confusion about the product's safety. Furthermore, during a lunch trayline observation, a kitchen staff member was seen not changing gloves or performing hand hygiene between tasks, which the CDM identified as a cross-contamination risk. The facility's sanitation policy requires that dishes be handled by the rim and that hands should not contact food surfaces, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Delayed Call Light Responses in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call lights were answered in a timely manner for six residents, leading to unmet needs and potential safety risks. The issue was highlighted in Resident Council meeting minutes from March, April, and May, where slow call light responses were noted, and the administration's response was merely documented as 'Noted.' Interviews with residents revealed consistent complaints about delayed responses, particularly during nighttime, weekends, and after meals when staffing was perceived to be inadequate. Resident 10, who was admitted with acute cystitis, reported waiting over 20 minutes for assistance, especially after meals and during night shifts. Resident 4, with congestive heart failure, experienced similar delays, particularly at night and on weekends, affecting her ability to receive timely help for going to bed and using the bathroom. Resident 24, diagnosed with cellulitis, also noted staffing shortages on weekends, leading to delayed call light responses. Additional residents, including Resident 15 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Resident 19 with acute respiratory failure, and Resident 7 with hemiplegia, reported waiting times of 15 to 30 minutes or more for call light responses. Interviews with CNAs and the DON confirmed that call lights should be answered within five minutes to ensure resident needs and safety, yet the facility's policy lacked a specific timeframe, only stating that lights should be answered within a 'reasonable time.'
Deficiency in Comprehensive Pain Management Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident admitted with significant fractures in the left femur. Despite the physician's orders, which included a range of non-pharmacological interventions for pain management such as dim lighting, relaxation, distraction, music, and massage, the care plan only listed repositioning as an intervention. This oversight was confirmed during interviews with the resident and the Director of Nursing (DON), who acknowledged that the care plan did not reflect the resident's preferences or the full range of suggested interventions. The resident, who experienced severe hip pain, reported that the facility managed her pain solely with medication and repositioning, without offering any other non-pharmacological interventions. A review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) corroborated this, showing that repositioning was the only non-pharmacological method attempted. The facility's policy mandates the development of a comprehensive person-centered care plan by the interdisciplinary team, but this was not adhered to in the case of this resident, leading to a deficiency in meeting her pain management needs.
Inaccurate Fluid Intake and Output Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately calculate and document the fluid intake and urinary output for a resident with an indwelling catheter, which is crucial for monitoring fluid balance. The resident, who was admitted with a urinary tract infection, had discrepancies in the recorded input and output values over several days. Observations revealed that the urine in the catheter tubing was dark yellow and cloudy, indicating potential issues with fluid balance. Interviews with staff, including a CNA and licensed nurses, highlighted that the process for measuring and reporting urine output was not followed correctly, leading to inaccurate documentation. The Medication Administration Record (MAR) for the resident showed incorrect calculations of fluid intake and output, with non-numerical entries such as 'x 2' and 'x 5' instead of measurable amounts. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the MAR was inaccurate and emphasized the importance of precise documentation for assessing the resident's fluid status. The facility's policy on charting and documentation underscores the necessity of accurate records to guide treatment and care, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Address Delayed Call Light Responses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately address root cause issues related to delayed call light responses, as identified by the resident council meetings. Despite adding call light responses to their Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan in March 2024, the issue persisted in subsequent months. The facility conducted staff in-services and included call light responses in their morning Angel Rounds, but these efforts were not documented and only verbally communicated during stand-up meetings. Additionally, the facility had been conducting call light response audits since January 2024 using a computerized system, but the data was not analyzed by staff shifts or nursing units, which hindered the identification of specific problem areas. The facility's QAPI compliance goal was divided into three response time categories: under 5 minutes, over 5 minutes, and 30 minutes. However, the facility sometimes met the compliance goal and other times did not. The staff in-services did not emphasize the importance of keeping call lights on until residents' needs were fully met. The facility's policy on Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, dated January 2022, outlined the use of tools such as Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and the Five Why's to identify root causes, but these were not effectively utilized to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed call light responses.
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.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.



