Orchard Health And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Pulaski, Georgia.
- Location
- 1321 Pulaski School Road, Pulaski, Georgia 30451
- CMS Provider Number
- 115522
- Inspections on file
- 13
- Latest survey
- April 3, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Orchard Health And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with cognitive impairment and multiple psychiatric diagnoses was sexually and physically abused by another resident with a known history of sexually inappropriate and aggressive behaviors. Despite documented incidents and behavioral health recommendations, the facility did not implement or communicate effective interventions, resulting in the abusive event being witnessed by an LPN and confirmed by hospital and law enforcement reports.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of sexual aggression did not receive individualized behavioral health services or nonpharmacological interventions, despite documented worsening behaviors and staff awareness of the risks. The care plan lacked specific interventions for sexual aggression, and staff did not implement recommended strategies, resulting in the resident sexually abusing another resident.
Facility administration failed to provide adequate oversight and did not take appropriate action on allegations of resident-to-resident abuse. A resident with a history of sexually aggressive behavior assaulted another resident, and staff were aware of prior threats but did not implement effective monitoring or interventions. The administration also did not update procedures or ensure QAPI plans addressed abuse prevention, and there was no evidence of systematic monitoring or data collection for adverse events.
Facility staff did not maintain an effective QAPI program for sexual abuse prevention, failing to identify or address recurring abuse allegations. Despite multiple reports of inappropriate touching and abuse, the QAPI committee made no procedural changes, and PIP documentation lacked critical data and follow-up. Leadership confirmed that no new interventions or processes were implemented after a resident sexually abused another, with staff only instructed to report incidents to the DON and Administrator.
Failure to Protect Resident from Sexual and Physical Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a cognitively impaired resident from sexual and physical abuse by another resident with a known history of sexually inappropriate, agitated, and hostile behaviors. The resident who was abused had diagnoses including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's, and major depressive disorder, and was assessed as having moderate cognitive impairment. The perpetrating resident had diagnoses of anxiety disorder, mild intellectual disabilities, and was newly diagnosed with hypersexuality. This resident had a documented history of making sexually inappropriate statements, attempting to enter other residents' rooms, and displaying aggressive behaviors toward both staff and other residents. Despite the perpetrating resident's ongoing behavioral issues, including documented incidents of sexual aggression and physical violence, the facility did not implement adequate interventions or monitoring as outlined in their own policies and behavioral health recommendations. The care plan for the perpetrating resident identified inappropriate sexual behaviors and wandering, but interventions were limited to behavior monitoring without clear evidence of effective preventive strategies. Staff and leadership were aware of the resident's behaviors, including recent threats to staff, but failed to communicate these risks effectively or to update care plans and interventions accordingly. The incident occurred when the perpetrating resident entered the victim's room, physically assaulted her, and committed sexual abuse. The event was witnessed by an LPN, who intervened and separated the residents. The victim was assessed and sent to the hospital, where a sexual assault was confirmed. Law enforcement was notified, and the perpetrating resident was arrested. The facility's failure to implement and communicate appropriate interventions and to follow up on behavioral health recommendations directly contributed to the occurrence of this abuse.
Removal Plan
- R48 was assessed for injury, changes in behavior, trauma, and pain. NP gave orders to send R48 to the Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The patient was sent to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. MD and family were notified. R48 was discharged back to the center from the hospital. Center nurses began observation on the patient to ensure feelings of safety with no noted distress. Patient had a visit with behavioral health for a psychosocial support visit. Patient refused to see the behavioral health NP. Patient did have visit by hospice. Behavior health visit for the patient completed.
- R121 was immediately removed from R48 room by the LPN Charge Nurse and placed on one-on-one observation by a CNA until police arrived at the center to test the patient. Patient R121 was arrested.
- Skin audits were conducted on all residents to evaluate for any signs of abuse by the facility charge nurses and nurse managers. R48 noted with bruising to the thigh. No other adverse findings for other patients were audited.
- Resident with BIMs of 10 and above were interviewed by licensed nursing staff.
- In-service education was initiated for staff and to include abuse prohibition, abuse reporting, burnout, and de-escalation for all staff of the facility. Education was provided by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON) Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Nurse Manager, or Social Services Director.
- A Resident Council Meeting was held. Abuse & Neglect Prevention to include Residents Rights reviewed by Activities Director. R48 was in attendance at the meeting.
- Interviews were completed on all residents who are interviewable to identify any concerns for abuse by the Social Services Director, Director of Nursing (DON), Activity Director (AD), and Nurse Managers. All denied any type of abuse or neglect.
- R48 was interviewed by the Administrator. Expressed no problems at this time and was happy and planning to attend activities.
- A Root Cause Analysis was completed for the Abuse Prevention. Root Cause identified that the center failed to implement interventions to protect the residents as outlined on the behavior health visit. A communication tool was developed to improve the communication between the behavior provider and center to provide notification of any recommendations timely. The behavior provider will meet with the DON, ADON, and or nurse supervisor upon entrance and exit to make aware of any new recommendation and to receive report of new adverse events. Education of this process has been provided to the nurse leadership, SSD, and behavior provider by the DON.
- Education was provided to all cognitive residents regarding the Elder Justice Act and reporting of abuse by the Social Services Director and the Director of Social Services.
- Education provided to the center leadership team by the Governing Body on abuse prohibition policy to reviewing adverse events during Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI), recognizing trends to create proactive measures to reduce further reoccurrences, and utilization of non-pharmacological interventions as warranted for patients to promote safety of all patients.
- Re-education was completed for staff and to include abuse prohibition, abuse reporting to include physical and sexual aggression, burnout, and de de-escalation for all staff of the facility. Education was provided by the Director of Nursing (DON) Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Nurse Manager, or Social Services Director. All staff have been in serviced which totals 100%. No staff shall work until they have completed in-service education. Contract and newly hired associates will be educated upon hire on abuse prohibition, abuse reporting, burnout, and de-escalation by the Nurse Manager, DON, or ADON.
- Audits started by the social service director to interview residents to ensure they feel safe, and associates' interviews have been completed to ensure they know the process for reporting and can identify abuse, including sexual and physical aggression. Any noncompliance identified will be addressed by the Administrator assistant and/or [NAME] by written education, and incidents identified will be reported following the HFRD reporting protocol.
- The DON, Financial Controller, and Nurse Managers notified all current non-interviewable resident representatives via written notification on Abuse & Neglect Prevention Policy, and the Elder Justice Act and reporting.
- An ADHOC QAPI meeting was held with the Medical Director, center leadership, and Governing Body to notify of the deficiencies cited and the interventions implemented to ensure that the deficient practices do not reoccur. The Abuse Policy was reviewed with no needed revisions needed.
Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Services and Interventions for Sexual Aggression
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with a history of severe cognitive impairment, catatonic schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and a diagnosis of hypersexuality received necessary behavioral health care and services. Despite documented evidence of worsening sexual behaviors and sexual aggression, there were no physician orders or interventions in place to monitor or address these behaviors. The resident's care plan did not include specific problems, care areas, or interventions related to sexual abuse, sexual aggression, or sexual behaviors, and there was no revision to the care plan after documentation of sexually aggressive behaviors. Staff interviews and record reviews revealed that nonpharmacological interventions for sexual behaviors were not implemented or documented, even though behavioral health services had recommended such interventions. The resident exhibited inappropriate sexual behaviors, including making sexual comments to staff, attempting to kiss a nurse, and stating intentions to commit sexual assault. On one occasion, the resident sexually abused another resident in her room, and staff had to physically intervene to stop the incident. Documentation also showed that staff had been threatened by the resident in the weeks leading up to the incident. Although staff could describe examples of nonpharmacological interventions for managing sexual behaviors, these interventions were not put into practice for the resident in question. The care plan only referenced inappropriate sexual behavior under a general behavior category, without individualized or targeted interventions. The lack of appropriate assessment, care planning, and implementation of nonpharmacological interventions contributed to the opportunity for the resident to sexually and physically abuse another resident.
Removal Plan
- R121 was discharged from the facility and was arrested and did not return to the facility.
- The Assistant Administrator, DON, Division [NAME] President, and the medical director reviewed the facility's policy titled Behavioral Health. No revisions were indicated through review.
- An audit was completed by DN for residents with sexual inappropriate behaviors complete of all patients. A review of the plan of care was completed to ensure that nonpharmacological interventions were captured for residents that exhibited behaviors. A referral was initiated as appropriate by the DON.
- In-service education was initiated for RNs and LPNs and included identifying behavioral health needs, updating the plan of care and implementing interventions in the plan of care as outlined in the facility's Behavioral Health Policy to include nonpharmacological interventions. CNAs provided education on abuse reporting to include sexual inappropriate behaviors. Education was provided by the DON, Assistant Director of Nursing, Nurse Manager, or Social Services Director. All RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and CMAs have been in serviced. No staff shall work until they have completed in-service education. No new hires.
- An audit tool was developed by DON to review patients with inappropriate behaviors to ensure they have a non-pharmacological intervention noted on care plan. Any noncompliance noted will be addressed through written education by assistant administrator and/or DON.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse and Inadequate Oversight
Penalty
Summary
Facility administration failed to provide protective oversight to ensure the highest practicable physical and psychosocial well-being of residents. Specifically, administration did not take appropriate action on allegations of resident-to-resident physical and sexual abuse. One resident, who had a history of sexually aggressive behaviors, entered another resident's room and sexually and physically assaulted her. Staff and the DON were aware of prior threatening behaviors by the perpetrator, including threats to staff, but there was no evidence of effective monitoring or intervention to address these behaviors before the incident occurred. The administration did not complete a thorough investigation or implement non-pharmacological interventions for residents with inappropriate behaviors, as required. Behavioral health notes confirmed that the resident with aggressive behaviors was seen by a behavioral consultant, but there was no documentation or evidence that interventions specifically targeting sexual behaviors were put in place. The facility also failed to update or change procedures after multiple abuse allegations, and the QAPI team did not implement new plans or monitoring systems in response to these events. Additionally, the administration did not ensure that concerns related to abuse prevention were identified or that QAPI plans were implemented to address resident-to-resident abuse. The facility's abuse policies were not fully enacted, and there was a lack of systematic feedback, data collection, and monitoring for adverse events. The administrator could not recall details of the incident and did not take further action to revise processes or provide additional staff education following the assault, despite multiple allegations of abuse within the facility.
Removal Plan
- Police was notified by DON regarding the incident for R121 and an arrest was made.
- Ad hoc QAPI and performance improvement plan (PIP) was developed and initiated by the Director of Quality and Regulatory Services (DOQRS). The meeting discussion included plan development and citations issued for F-835, F-867, F-600, and F-740. The Medical Director was made aware by the Director of Nursing. The existing Abuse policies were reviewed and concluded no revisions were needed.
- The Division [NAME] President provided education to the Administrator on job description to include roles, responsibilities, and duties to ensure the safety of all residents. Education provided on the abuse prohibition policy to include reviewing adverse events during QAPI, recognizing trends to create proactive measures to reduce further reduce reoccurrences to ensure the safety of all residents.
- Corrective action for other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice.
- All residents who reside in the center have the potential to be impacted by the deficient practice.
- Systemic changes were made to ensure that the deficient practice would not recur.
- Oversight was provided by the Divisional Nurses (DN), Program Director of SSD, and Divisional [NAME] President (DVP) to ensure the Administrator and the DON were informed about and adhered to the Abuse policy in their day-to-day operations. The administrator was placed on administrative leave pending investigation, and oversight was provided by the Senior Director of Clinical Services (SRDCS). Oversight was provided by the Senior Director of Clinical Services (SRDCS), Program Director of SSD, and Director of Quality and Regulatory Services (DQRS). Education was provided to Administrator Assistant by DVP to ensure the day to day operations were being followed to include adhering to the Abuse policy, QAPI education was also provided to the leadership team to include monitoring and follow-up for adverse events and being proactive by tracking and trending to identified what resources are needed to be proactive when inappropriate behavior is noted by Director of Quality and Regulatory Services and Sr Director of Clinical Standards. DVP, Sr. DCS, and DORQ confirmed that education had been completed with staff on abuse, including intervening to protect a patient from further abuse. DVP and/or DN completed a review to ensure that audits were completed for F600, F867, and F740, ensuring that patients were safe, and that staff understood the education on non-pharmacological interventions for inappropriate sexual behavior, and QAPI review completed as indicate on reportable for trends. Audits will continue until the removal of IJ.
- Quality Assurance Plans were implemented to monitor facility performance, ensuring that corrections are implemented and remain permanent. An audit tool was developed and initiated by the Assistant Administrator and is being used daily to monitor the implementation of the Plan of Correction. The Assistant Administrator, Director of Nursing, or Assistant Director of Nursing will be responsible for ensuring the completion of this tool. The audits will be validated by the Governing body to include DVP, SrDCS, DOQR, and/or DN. The results of the monitoring completed under this plan of correction will be submitted monthly to the QAPI committee for review and further follow-up. The Audit tool will continue until the QAPI committee deems it is no longer necessary. Any noncompliance noted will be addressed through written education by the Divisional [NAME] President.
Failure to Maintain Effective QAPI Program for Sexual Abuse Prevention
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain an effective Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, specifically regarding the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) for sexual abuse. The QAPI committee did not identify or prioritize problems and opportunities based on performance indicator data, resident and staff input, or other relevant information. Despite multiple allegations of sexual abuse, including a significant incident where one resident sexually abused another in her room, the QAPI team did not implement any changes in procedures or action plans to address these issues. Meeting minutes from several months showed that abuse allegations were discussed, but no procedural changes were made. The facility's PIP documentation for incidents of inappropriate touching and abuse lacked essential elements such as baseline data and identification of barriers, and did not specify which residents were involved. The PIP was marked as ongoing, but no further information or updates were provided to the survey team. The QAPI process, as outlined in the facility's own policy, was not followed, and the committee failed to conduct root cause analyses or implement systematic actions to address the recurring abuse allegations. Interviews with facility leadership confirmed that after months of abuse allegations, the only action taken was to instruct nursing staff to report incidents to the DON and Administrator, with no changes to existing procedures. Staff were required to discuss incidents with leadership before reporting, and no new processes or interventions were introduced following the sexual abuse incident. The facility's approach to handling sexual abuse remained unchanged, limited to notifying authorities and family, without any proactive measures to prevent recurrence or address systemic issues.
Removal Plan
- The QAPI committee reviewed reportable adverse events to determine if any trends were identified, noted that some behaviors were a result of GDRs, and established a communication tool to provide to the behavioral health provider upon entrance and to schedule an exit meeting after the visit to include review of GDRs.
- An ad hoc meeting was held by the Director of Quality and Regulatory to review F-835, F-867, F-740, and F-600, and a performance improvement plan was developed.
- The policy for abuse education was reviewed to include response to sexual abuse and non-pharmacological interventions to manage behaviors.
- Patient interviews were completed by social service director to interview residents to ensure they feel safe and associate interviews to ensure they know process for reporting and can identify abuse to include sexual and physical aggression. Audit will continue until IJ removed.
- QAPI education was provided to include trending RCA to analyze resources needed to decrease or prevent reoccurrence.
- A communication tool was developed and implemented by DON to improve the communication between the behavior provider and center to provide notification of any recommendations timely. The behavior provider will meet with the DON, ADON, and/or nurse supervisor upon entrance and exit to make aware of any new recommendation and to receive report of new adverse events.
- Nurse Managers will update the patient care plan with any non-pharmacological interventions to the patient care plan.
- An audit tool was developed by DON to review patients with inappropriate behaviors to ensure they have non-pharmacological interventions noted on care plan. Audit will continue until IJ removed.
- Education of this process has been provided to the nurse leadership and behavior provider by the DON.
- Any noncompliance will be brought back through QAPI process and addressed through the PDSA framework to identify RCA through the QAPI committee.
- A daily review for oversight will be completed by the Divisional President and/or Senior Director of Clinical Standards to ensure that audits were completed for F600, F867, and F740, ensuring that patients were safe and that staff understood the education on non-pharmacological interventions for inappropriate sexual/physical behavior, and QAPI review completed as indicated on reportable for trends.
- Any noncompliance noted will be addressed through written education by the Divisional President.
Latest citations in Georgia
The facility failed to follow its abuse investigation policy when responding to an allegation that a male resident wandered into a female shared room, allegedly sat on a resident’s bed, inappropriately touched her leg, stared at another resident, and opened the bathroom door to watch a third resident brushing her teeth. The allegation was reported by a cognitively intact resident and involved residents with varying levels of cognitive impairment. The investigation, conducted by the Administrator and former DON, relied only on interviews with a RN and a CNA, did not obtain required written, signed, and dated witness statements, and did not include interviews with other residents to assess their sense of safety. Despite these omissions and incomplete documentation, the facility’s final report concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated.
A resident with protein calorie malnutrition and a terminal prognosis was admitted on hospice with corresponding physician orders and a care plan, but hospice services were not coded on either the admission or quarterly MDS assessments. The MDS Coordinator and two MDS LPNs confirmed that, despite the resident receiving hospice care, Section O of both MDS assessments incorrectly indicated the resident was not on hospice, which the Administrator and DON acknowledged resulted in inaccurate MDS data.
Surveyors found that PTAC unit filters in two resident rooms on one hallway were not maintained free of visible grey, fuzzy debris, despite facility policy requiring regular inspection and cleaning or replacement at least every three months. Across multiple observations on different days, the condition of the dirty filters remained unchanged. The Maintenance Director reported he is responsible for monthly cleaning and checks, including spot checks and inspections in construction areas, and did not dispute the observed dust accumulation when shown. The Administrator confirmed that maintenance staff are responsible for monthly PTAC filter cleaning as part of preventative maintenance and acknowledged that this issue could negatively affect residents’ health and well-being.
A resident with intact cognition and known skin integrity risks reported being left on a bedpan for an extended period and not being adequately cleaned by a CNA. The following shift, another CNA found the resident on soiled linens with a blister on the left upper thigh but did not report this new skin issue to the charge nurse or DON. Subsequent documentation showed development of an open area on the thigh associated with pain, and later NP evaluation identified a larger wound requiring sharp excisional debridement. These events show failure to provide adequate incontinent care and to promptly assess and report a new wound, contrary to the facility’s abuse/neglect prevention policy and CNA responsibilities.
A cognitively intact resident with skin-related diagnoses reported delayed and inadequate incontinent care after using a bedpan, describing prolonged waits for staff response and feeling not properly cleaned by a CNA. The next morning, another CNA found feces-soiled linen and a blister on the resident’s left upper thigh, later documented as a new open area. The resident texted the Administrator stating that a CNA had left feces on her and that she had developed a painful blister, but the Administrator did not report this allegation of neglect to the State Survey Agency as required by facility policy.
A resident with lymphedema and identified risk for pressure ulcers developed a new open wound on the upper thigh, documented by a NP with specific wound measurements. Although the existing care plan included interventions to observe and document skin changes, the care plan was not updated to include this new wound. The Wound Care Nurse and the resident confirmed the wound location, while the MDS Coordinator reported not receiving recent weekly wound reports and only recently learning of the wound. The MDS Coordinator confirmed that the care plan had not been revised in real time as required by facility procedures, resulting in a failure to implement care plan interventions for the newly developed pressure ulcer.
The facility did not complete a required Georgia Criminal History Check System (GCHEXS) fingerprint background check for a CNA, as identified during review of ten employee files with a census of eighty residents. The facility’s abuse-prevention policy required criminal background checks for all employment candidates, but there was no documentation of a fingerprint records check for this CNA. The HR manager, who is responsible for background and fingerprint checks and maintaining employee files, confirmed that the GCHEXS fingerprint check had not been conducted, resulting in a deficiency under F-Tag 600.
Surveyors found that four of six resident shower rooms were not kept free of hazards or adequately cleaned. On one floor, razors were on the floor, dirty gloves and a comb were on a shower bed, floors were stained, an opened gallon of bath soap and a bottle of chemical-resistant spray were present, and a razor and hair clippers were in a bag on the floor along with a shower cap and toothbrush. On other floors, surveyors observed multiple opened containers of skin and hair cleaner, conditioner, and skin ointment, along with a strong urine odor. Unit managers and the Environmental Senior Director stated that CNAs were responsible for cleaning after each resident and that environmental services cleaned shower rooms daily, and acknowledged that items should not be left on the floor and that product containers should be closed.
Surveyors found that staff did not follow standard and transmission-based precautions when handling ice on two floors. On one floor, the ice scoop cover on top of the ice machine had visible black specks near the end of the scoop used to dispense ice. On another floor, the ice scoop was observed submerged in ice and water inside the cooler used to serve residents, despite the unit manager acknowledging that the scoop should not be left in the cooler. The Maintenance Director reported that maintenance cleaned and checked ice machines regularly, while nursing staff were responsible for cleaning scoops and covers. The SDC/Infection Control nurse stated that all staff had been in-serviced on hand hygiene and ice scoop protocol, including that scoops should be stored in a holder after use and never left in the ice.
A resident with multiple serious conditions, moderate cognitive impairment, and total dependence for ADLs was placed in bed with side rails intended to assist with positioning, despite the MDS indicating no bed rail use. Facility records showed no evidence of safe rail spacing or regular inspection of the bed and rails. The assigned CNA, who came on duty late in the evening, last saw the resident around the start of the shift and did not check on him again for several hours, relying on the resident to use a call light. In the early morning, the CNA and an RN found the resident partially out of bed, entrapped in the half side rail, requiring multiple staff to free and reposition him. The resident was unresponsive except for moaning, with altered mental status and respiratory failure documented by EMS and the ER, and later expired at the hospital. The facility’s failure to provide required monitoring and to ensure safe side rail use resulted in neglect and Immediate Jeopardy.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Allegation of Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to conduct a thorough investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse in accordance with its policy titled “Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation or Misappropriation-Reporting and Investigating.” The policy required that all allegations be thoroughly investigated, including reviewing documentation and evidence, interviewing any witnesses, interviewing staff on all shifts who had contact with the resident, and completely documenting the investigation, with written, signed, and dated witness statements. A facility-reported incident documented that a male resident was wandering into a female three-bed room, allegedly inappropriately touching one resident, staring at another for a length of time, and then opening the bathroom door and staring at a third female resident while she was brushing her teeth. The allegation was initially reported by a cognitively intact resident (BIMS score 15) and involved another resident with moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score 8) and a resident with severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score 99). The Administrator reported that the investigation of this incident was conducted by the former DON and herself after the allegation was reported by a RN. She stated that this was not the first time the alleged male resident had wandered into other residents’ rooms and described the allegation as the male resident entering a resident’s room, sitting on the resident’s bed, and allegedly touching the resident’s leg. Staff interviews for the investigation were limited to the RN and a CNA, and the Administrator acknowledged that no written witness statements were obtained, contrary to facility policy. She also confirmed that no additional residents were interviewed to assess their sense of safety following the incident. The facility’s final investigation report concluded that the allegation was unsubstantiated, despite the lack of comprehensive interviews, written statements, and full documentation required by the facility’s abuse investigation policy.
Failure to Accurately Code Hospice Services on MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure accurate completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for a resident receiving hospice services. The facility’s policy on Certification of Accuracy of the MDS requires that appropriate health professionals correctly document residents’ medical, functional, and psychosocial problems using the Resident Assessment Instrument. The resident in question was admitted with diagnoses including protein calorie malnutrition and had a care plan dated 01/09/2026 indicating a terminal prognosis and admission to hospice, with a goal to honor advance directives and provide comfort with dignity. Physician’s orders dated 12/09/2025 also included an order to admit the resident to hospice. Despite this, review of the admission MDS and a subsequent quarterly MDS showed that hospice services were not coded in Section O (Special Treatments, Procedures and Programs), even though both assessments documented a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of five, indicating severely impaired cognition. Interviews with the MDS Coordinator and two MDS LPNs confirmed that the resident had been on hospice since admission and that both the admission and quarterly MDS assessments were incorrectly coded as not on hospice. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that the MDS should present an accurate clinical picture for a given period and stated that this was a clerical error, resulting in CMS not receiving correct hospice coding for the resident. The Administrator and DON stated their expectation that MDS assessments accurately reflect residents’ services and confirmed that failure to code hospice in the MDS results in an inaccurate reflection of the data.
Failure to Maintain Clean PTAC Unit Filters in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s failure to maintain Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) unit filters in a safe, clean condition in two resident rooms on the Sapphire Hallway. The facility’s written policy titled "Instructions" requires that air filters be removed and inspected for cleanliness, washed or replaced if dirty, and at a minimum replaced or thoroughly cleaned every three months. During multiple observations in one room on 3/22/2026, 3/24/2026, and 3/25/2026, the PTAC unit filter was noted to have visible grey, fuzzy debris accumulation, with no change in condition across all three observations. Similar repeated observations on those same dates in another room showed the PTAC unit filter also contained visible grey, fuzzy debris accumulation that remained unchanged. In an interview, the Maintenance Director stated he is responsible for cleaning and checking the PTAC filters monthly, including conducting monthly checks and random inspections in areas where construction is occurring, and confirmed that the maintenance department is responsible for ensuring filters are clean and functioning properly. He also stated that expectations include spot checks of PTAC units. However, during an observation of one of the affected rooms in his presence, dust accumulation was again observed on the PTAC unit filter, and he did not dispute the finding. In a separate interview, the Administrator stated that the maintenance department is responsible for cleaning PTAC filters, which are supposed to be cleaned monthly, and that her expectation is for preventative maintenance to be completed monthly and as needed, noting that a potential negative outcome is the impact on residents’ health and well-being.
Neglect of Incontinent Care and Delayed Wound Reporting Leading to Thigh Wound
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prevent neglect and to assess and provide timely wound and incontinent care to a cognitively intact resident with known skin integrity risks. The resident, who had diagnoses including a disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and lymphedema, was care planned as being at risk for pressure ulcer development and skin integrity issues, with interventions directing staff to observe, document, and report any changes in skin status. On a night shift, the resident reported being left on a bedpan for approximately an hour and a half. When the CNA on that shift (CNA BB) assisted with post-toileting care, the resident told her she did not feel adequately cleaned; CNA BB did not recheck or further clean the resident and left the room. The next morning, the resident reported burning in the left upper thigh and informed another CNA (CNA EE) that she had not been cleaned well. During morning care, CNA EE found the pad under the resident soiled with feces and wet with urine and observed a blister on the resident’s left upper thigh, but did not report the new blister to the charge nurse or DON. A subsequent Skin Wound Note documented a new open area on the left posterior thigh with the resident reporting pain while sitting on the bedpan. Later, an NP wound care consult documented that the thigh wound had been present for approximately two weeks per nursing report and measured 3.5 cm x 4.0 cm x 0.2 cm, requiring sharp excisional debridement to remove necrotic tissue and decrease bacterial burden. On observation by the surveyor with the Wound Care Nurse, the left upper thigh area was open to air, shiny pink and granular, about the size of a half dollar. These findings demonstrate that the facility did not follow its abuse/neglect prevention policy and CNA job responsibilities to provide necessary care and to report changes in condition, resulting in neglect of incontinent care and delayed wound assessment and treatment for this resident.
Failure to Report Allegation of Neglect to State Survey Agency
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to timely report an allegation of neglect to the State Survey Agency (SSA) as required by its own abuse and neglect reporting policy. The facility’s policy, dated 1/2025, states that any complaint, allegation, observation, or suspicion of resident neglect must be immediately communicated to the Abuse Coordinator and promptly investigated and documented, and that all alleged violations involving mistreatment, abuse, or neglect will be thoroughly investigated under the direction of the Administrator in accordance with state and federal law. Despite this, the Administrator acknowledged that an allegation of neglect reported by a resident was not reported to the SSA. The resident involved was cognitively intact, with a BIMS score of 15, and had diagnoses including a disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and lymphedema. The resident reported that during a night shift she requested assistance for incontinent care after using a bedpan and experienced multiple delays before a CNA assisted her. She stated that when the CNA finally provided care, she did not feel adequately cleaned, and the CNA did not verify cleanliness before leaving. The next morning, another CNA found soiled linen with feces and a blister on the resident’s left upper thigh, which the resident reported as burning. A subsequent skin/wound note documented a new open area on the left posterior thigh. The resident texted the Administrator describing that a CNA had left feces on her and that she had developed a painful blister. The Administrator confirmed receiving this text but did not report the allegation of neglect to the SSA, despite being aware it should have been reported.
Failure to Update and Implement Care Plan for Newly Developed Pressure Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a failure to implement and update the care plan for a newly developed pressure ulcer for one resident. The facility’s policy "RAI Care Planning Management" requires a comprehensive, accurate assessment and real-time modification of the care plan when changes occur. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including a disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and lymphedema. A recent MDS quarterly assessment showed the resident was cognitively intact (BIMS 15), at risk for pressure ulcer development, and had no unhealed pressure ulcers at that time. The existing care plan, dated 6/6/2024, identified potential for pressure ulcer development and skin integrity issues related to immobility and lymphedema, with interventions to observe, document, and report changes in skin status, including wound size, stage, and signs of infection. Subsequently, a NP wound report documented a new open wound on the resident’s thigh that had been present for approximately two weeks, with specific measurements recorded. During observation and interview, the Wound Care Nurse and the resident confirmed the wound was on the left upper thigh, which differed from the NP report that referenced the right thigh. The MDS Coordinator reported she previously received weekly wound sheets from the Wound Care Nurse but had not received one in about a month, and that the DON was now responsible for emailing the weekly wound report. She verified that the last wound report she received did not include this resident and stated that new wounds should be discussed in the morning management meeting and the care plan updated in real time. The MDS Coordinator confirmed she only recently became aware of the upper left thigh wound and that the resident’s care plan had not been updated to reflect this new wound, resulting in a failure to implement care plan interventions for the newly developed pressure ulcer.
Failure to Complete Required GCHEXS Fingerprint Check for CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a Georgia Criminal History Check System (GCHEXS) fingerprint check was conducted for one CNA among ten employee files reviewed, despite a census of eighty residents and a written policy requiring criminal background checks for all employment candidates. The policy titled "Freedom of Abuse Abuse Prevention Fast Alert" dated 1/2025 states that, as part of pre-employment screening, all candidates must authorize a criminal background check for conviction of crimes. During record review with the Human Resources Manager (HRM), there was no documentation of a fingerprint records check for CNA BB, and the HRM confirmed that this CNA did not have a GCHEXS fingerprint check conducted. The HRM also stated that she is responsible for background checks, fingerprint checks, reference checks, and maintaining employee files. This failure to complete the required fingerprint background check for CNA BB resulted in noncompliance cited under F-Tag 600. No resident-specific medical histories, conditions, or direct resident care events were described in the report related to this deficiency.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Clean Conditions in Multiple Resident Shower Rooms
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to accident hazards and inadequate environmental controls in multiple resident shower rooms. On the 4th floor, observation with the Unit Manager showed four razors on the floor, dirty gloves and a dirty comb on a shower bed, stained/dirty floors, an opened gallon bottle of complete bath soap, and a bottle of chemical resistant spray in the shower room. A razor and hair clippers were found in a black bag on the floor, and a shower cap and toothbrush were lying on the floor. The 4th floor Unit Manager stated that CNAs were supposed to clean up before showering residents and acknowledged that the items found should not be on the floor. The Environmental Senior Director reported that shower rooms were cleaned daily, with responsibilities including cleaning high-touch areas, sweeping and mopping floors, removing linen, and cleaning the area, and stated there had been no complaints about showers not being cleaned. On the 3rd floor, observation with the Unit Manager revealed an open bottle of skin and hair cleaner, an open bottle of conditioner, and an open bottle of skin ointment in the resident shower room. The 3rd floor Unit Manager stated that items in the shower room should be closed and that CNAs were to clean after each resident. On the 2nd floor, observation with the Unit Manager revealed two opened gallon containers of skin and hair cleaner and a strong urine odor in the shower room. The 2nd floor Unit Manager stated that the soap should have a top on it and that CNAs were responsible for cleaning after each resident. These observations and interviews showed that four of six resident shower rooms were not maintained free of hazards and were not cleaned as expected by facility staff, creating the potential for injury and spread of infection as stated in the report.
Improper Ice Scoop Handling and Storage Breaches Infection Control Protocol
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program related to improper handling and storage of ice scoops on two of four floors. On the 4th floor, observation of the ice scoop and scoop cover showed black specks near the end of the scoop used to put ice in cups, and the scoop cover was located on top of the ice machine. The 4th floor Unit Manager stated that kitchen staff cleaned the scoops once a week and acknowledged that the scoop should be clean. On the 3rd floor, observation of the ice chest/cooler used to serve residents revealed the ice scoop submerged in ice and water. The 3rd floor Unit Manager later confirmed that the ice scoop was not supposed to be left in the cooler. The Maintenance Director reported that maintenance staff were responsible for cleaning the ice machines, which were checked weekly and monthly, while nursing staff were responsible for cleaning the ice scoops and covers. The Staff Development Coordinator/Infection Control staff stated that all staff had been trained in infection control procedures, including hand hygiene and handling of the ice scoop and holder, and that staff had been educated that the ice scoop should be placed in the scoop holder after use and never left in the ice. Documentation in the maintenance logbook showed monthly checks and cleaning of all four ice machines, and the ice machine cleaning log showed that the ice machines on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors and in the kitchen had been cleaned on specific dates. Staff training records indicated that an in-service on handwashing and ice scoop protocol had been provided for all staff.
Neglect Related to Inadequate Supervision and Unsafe Side Rail Use Leading to Entrapment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from neglect related to inadequate supervision and oversight of side rail use, resulting in entrapment. Facility policies on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation required protections to prevent neglect, defined as failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress. The policy on Proper Use of Bed Rails required a person-centered approach, attempts at alternatives before bed rail use, and ensuring correct installation, use, and maintenance of bed rails, including attention to entrapment risk. For this resident, the Medicare 5-day MDS indicated moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 8), total dependence on staff for all ADLs, and documented that bed rails were not used, while an admission assessment documented side rails were placed to assist with movement in bed. Facility records showed no evidence that safe rail spacing and regular inspection of side rails and beds had been completed. The resident had multiple serious medical diagnoses, including acute and subacute infective endocarditis, end stage renal disease, hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, bacteremia, and cervical disc degeneration, and was dependent on staff for all ADLs. Nursing staff last observed the resident at 12:46 am when a sponge bath was provided; there was no documented monitoring or ADL assistance between 12:46 am and 4:30 am. The assigned CNA reported coming on duty at 11:00 pm, seeing the resident up with the bed in a low position, placing the call light in the resident’s hands, and not seeing or checking the resident again until approximately 4:30–5:00 am, stating that the resident did not press the call light during that time. Around 5:00 am, the CNA requested help from the RN, reporting that the resident needed assistance. The RN found the resident with the lower part of his body hanging off the bed and the upper body still on the bed, with his elbow wedged into the half side rail, requiring three staff to reposition him back into bed. The RN stated the resident, who was quadriplegic, was no longer as alert as when put to bed, did not respond to sternal rubs, had open but unfocused eyes, and was not verbally interactive. The CNA described finding the resident on his knees, all the way out of bed, with one hand tangled in the side rail, and noted that he was moaning but not talking after being returned to bed. Progress notes documented that EMS was called for evaluation and treatment due to the resident’s condition, and hospital ER records indicated he arrived with altered mental status and respiratory failure, agonal respirations, and a GCS of 3. The facility’s Maintenance Director stated bedrails had been checked the prior year but could not provide proof, and requested documentation of safe rail spacing and regular inspection was not provided.
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