Riverdale Center For Nursing And Healing
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Riverdale, Georgia.
- Location
- 315 Upper Riverdale Road, Riverdale, Georgia 30274
- CMS Provider Number
- 115144
- Inspections on file
- 21
- Latest survey
- March 15, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Riverdale Center For Nursing And Healing during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with bradycardia, epilepsy, and vascular dementia did not receive a required annual comprehensive MDS assessment within the regulatory timeframe. Facility policy required a comprehensive assessment to be completed within a specified ARD window, but the last full comprehensive MDS for this resident was done more than a year before surveyor review. Staff interviews confirmed that the prior MDS coordinator failed to complete the assessment, despite an established process that uses an entry tracking assessment, payor-source–driven scheduling, and an MDS Clinical List to identify due assessments.
Surveyors found that MDS assessments were not accurately completed for two residents. One resident with multiple medical conditions, including epilepsy and vascular dementia, had a quarterly MDS that documented no falls, even though facility incident records and staff interviews confirmed an unwitnessed fall that led to hospital transfer. Another resident with peripheral vascular disease had an MDS indicating daily bed rail use, while observations over several days, the resident’s own statements, the care plan, and physician orders all showed that no bed rails were present or ordered. The MDS Coordinator and unit leadership acknowledged that the MDS coding for both residents was incorrect.
The facility's kitchen had several sanitation and safety deficiencies, including a soiled ceiling vent, an exposed electrical outlet, peeling paint, warped food trays, and a dirty eyewash sink. Interviews revealed a lack of awareness and timely action regarding these issues, indicating gaps in communication and oversight within the facility's maintenance processes.
A nonverbal resident with multiple medical conditions was found to have the call light out of reach on several occasions. Staff interviews confirmed the resident's inability to use the call light, and the care plan lacked interventions for this issue. The facility's policy requires accommodating individual needs, but no alternative alert system was in place for the resident.
A facility failed to implement a comprehensive oxygen care plan for a resident, resulting in the resident not receiving the prescribed oxygen therapy. The care plan indicated the need for oxygen due to ineffective gas exchange, but observations showed the resident with oxygen tubing on her forehead and the flow set incorrectly. Staff interviews confirmed the care plan did not reflect the physician's orders, and the DON and Administrator acknowledged the inconsistency and lack of adherence to the physician's recommendations.
The facility failed to update care plans for three residents, leading to potential care discrepancies. One resident with COPD frequently removed her prescribed continuous oxygen, which was not documented in her care plan. Another resident's care plan lacked a physician's order for continuous oxygen, and the flow was incorrectly set. A third resident's care plan was not updated after an incident of inappropriate touching, leaving her vulnerable. Staff interviews confirmed these deficiencies, and the DON acknowledged the need for accurate care plans.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dependent on staff for ADLs was not provided necessary grooming care, specifically shaving, despite multiple requests. Observations confirmed the resident needed a shave, and interviews with staff revealed a lack of documentation and adherence to the facility's grooming policy.
The facility failed to administer oxygen therapy according to physician orders for two residents. One resident's oxygen was not attached and set at a lower flow rate than prescribed, while another resident was observed without oxygen during an activity, despite a continuous oxygen order. Staff interviews confirmed the discrepancies and lack of adherence to care plans.
Failure to Complete Required Annual Comprehensive MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a timely comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for one resident, resulting in noncompliance with required assessment timeframes. Facility policy titled "MDS 3.0 Completion" stated that an annual comprehensive assessment must be completed using an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) no more than 366 days from the most recent prior comprehensive assessment and no more than 92 days from the most recent quarterly assessment. The resident’s electronic medical record showed an admission date of 02/18/2024 with diagnoses including bradycardia, epilepsy, and vascular dementia. Record review revealed that the last full comprehensive MDS assessment for this resident was completed on 01/24/2025, and no subsequent comprehensive assessment was completed within the required annual timeframe. During interviews, the MDS Coordinator II confirmed that a comprehensive assessment was not completed for this resident in February 2026, as required, and attributed the missed assessment to the previous MDS Coordinator’s failure to complete it. The Administrator stated that the MDS department should follow the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual for guidance. The MDS Coordinator II further explained that the facility’s system for ensuring timely assessments involves completing an entry tracking assessment upon admission and then scheduling further MDS assessments based on the resident’s payor source, using the MDS Clinical List and the MDS tab to identify which assessment is due and when. Despite this system, the required annual comprehensive MDS assessment for this resident was not completed within the regulatory timeframe.
Inaccurate MDS Coding for Falls and Bed Rail Use
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure accurate completion of MDS assessments for two residents. For one resident with diagnoses including bradycardia, epilepsy, and vascular dementia, the quarterly MDS dated 01/19/2026 documented no falls in Section J, despite facility incident records showing the resident sustained a substantiated unwitnessed fall on 12/06/2025, during which the resident was unresponsive, did not respond to commands, and was transported to the hospital via 911. The resident later stated he had fallen in the past and gone to the hospital once, and an LPN reported the resident had two unwitnessed falls and was sent to the hospital in December 2025 for a fall with possible seizure activity. The MDS Coordinator confirmed that the fall on 12/06/2025 should have been coded on the 01/19/2026 quarterly MDS and that Section J was not accurately completed. For another resident admitted and readmitted with diagnoses including peripheral vascular disease, the quarterly MDS dated 12/18/2025 documented a BIMS score of 15 in Section C and indicated daily use of bed rails in Section P. However, the resident’s care plan dated 12/21/2025 contained no focus area for restraint use, and the physician’s orders contained no order for restraints. Multiple observations over several days showed the resident in bed or in the room without any bed rails on the bed. The resident stated he did not have bed rails and could transfer without them. The MDS Coordinator confirmed that the MDS incorrectly documented bed rail use, and the Unit Manager stated the resident did not use bed rails, there were no physician’s orders for bed rails, and an audit of bed rail use had been provided to the MDS Coordinator for updating MDS assessments.
Kitchen Sanitation and Safety Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen environment, which posed potential safety and sanitation hazards to all 121 residents receiving an oral diet. Observations revealed several deficiencies, including a ceiling vent in the dietary hallway that was soiled with dust and debris, an exposed electrical outlet in the dishwashing room, peeling paint above the stove and oven area, and numerous metal food trays that were warped and unserviceable. Additionally, the eyewash sink was found with a visible brown substance pooled in it, covered by a tray. Interviews with the Dietary Services Manager (DSM) and the Maintenance Director (MD) indicated that the facility had an electronic work order system for repairs, but there was a lack of awareness and timely action regarding the identified issues. The DSM was unaware of the dirty vent and the missing faceplate on the electrical outlet, while the MD confirmed the need for cleaning and repairs. The Administrator also expressed unawareness of the deficiencies, highlighting a gap in communication and oversight within the facility's maintenance and sanitation processes.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Nonverbal Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate the needs of a resident, identified as R60, by not ensuring that the call light was within reach. Observations on multiple occasions revealed that R60, who is nonverbal and has several medical conditions including dysphagia, muscle weakness, and cerebral palsy, was lying in bed with the call light out of reach. The facility's policy on Accommodation of Needs requires that residents' individual needs and preferences be reasonably accommodated, yet R60's care plan did not include goals or interventions related to the accessibility of the call light. Interviews with staff, including an LPN and the Unit Manager, confirmed that R60 could not use the call light and that staff checks on her frequently. However, the Unit Manager acknowledged that an alternative method should be in place for R60 to alert staff in case of distress. The Administrator was unaware of R60's inability to use the call light and confirmed the need for an emergency alert system for R60, as she cannot rely on her roommate for assistance.
Failure to Implement Oxygen Care Plan for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement a comprehensive oxygen care plan for a resident, identified as R60, which resulted in the resident not receiving the prescribed oxygen therapy. The care plan for R60, dated December 26, 2024, indicated that the resident required oxygen therapy due to ineffective gas exchange and had a tendency to remove the oxygen from her nose. Despite this, observations on March 17, 2025, revealed that R60 was nonverbal and lying in bed with the oxygen tubing on her forehead and the oxygen flow set at 2.5 LPM, contrary to the physician's order of 3.5 LPM. Interviews with staff, including an LPN and the Unit Manager, confirmed that the oxygen was not attached as required and that the care plan did not reflect the physician's orders. Further interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator highlighted that there was no documentation in the care plan for R60's oxygen orders, and staff were not following the physician's recommendations. The DON acknowledged that the care plan, physician's orders, and oxygen flow should be consistent, and staff should visit the resident more frequently if she was known to remove her oxygen. The Administrator confirmed that all orders, including those for oxygen, should be followed according to the physician's recommendations, but this was not being done for R60.
Failure to Revise Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to revise care plans for three residents, leading to potential discrepancies in the care provided. For one resident with chronic respiratory failure and COPD, the care plan did not reflect the resident's behavior of removing her oxygen, which was prescribed to be worn continuously. Observations showed the resident frequently without her oxygen, and interviews with staff confirmed the lack of documentation allowing this behavior. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the inconsistency between the care plan and the physician's orders, emphasizing the need for staff to follow the prescribed orders. Another resident's care plan did not include the physician's order for continuous oxygen at 3.5 LPM. Observations revealed the resident's oxygen was not attached, and the flow was set at 2.5 LPM, contrary to the physician's order. Interviews with staff confirmed the omission of the oxygen order in the care plan and the incorrect flow setting. The Respiratory Therapist admitted to attempting to wean the resident off oxygen without documenting or consulting the physician, further contributing to the care plan's inadequacy. The third resident's care plan was not updated to address an incident of inappropriate touching, leaving the resident vulnerable. Interviews with the MDS Coordinator and Social Services Director confirmed the absence of an updated care plan to reflect the incident. The DON and Administrator acknowledged the need for the care plan to include measures addressing the resident's vulnerability following the incident.
Failure to Provide Grooming Care for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary grooming care for a resident, identified as R70, who was dependent on staff for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). R70, who had severe cognitive impairment and required assistance with ADLs, was observed on multiple occasions needing a shave, which was not provided despite his requests. Interviews with R70 revealed that he had asked for a shave several times but was told by staff that they did not have time. Observations confirmed that R70 had facial hair and needed grooming. The facility's policy on ADLs, which was revised in January 2024, mandates that residents unable to perform ADLs should receive necessary services to maintain grooming and personal hygiene. However, interviews with staff, including a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed that the facility did not maintain a grooming log, and there was no documentation of resident grooming. The DON confirmed that residents should not have to wait days for grooming if requested, and the Administrator acknowledged that residents' grooming requests should be honored.
Failure to Administer Oxygen Therapy as Prescribed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer oxygen therapy in accordance with physician orders for two residents, R60 and R17. R60, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including dysphagia, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath, had a physician's order for oxygen at 3.5 liters per minute (LPM) via nasal cannula continuously. However, observations revealed that R60's oxygen was not attached, and the flow was set at 2.5 LPM instead of the prescribed 3.5 LPM. The care plan for R60 did not include goals and interventions for oxygen therapy, and the respiratory therapist attempted to wean R60 off oxygen without documenting or consulting the physician. R17, diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia and COPD, had a physician's order for continuous oxygen at 3 LPM via nasal cannula. Observations showed that R17 was not wearing her oxygen while participating in an activity in the dining area, contrary to the continuous oxygen order. The care plan for R17 included interventions for managing her respiratory condition, but the prescribed oxygen therapy was not adhered to during the observed period. Interviews with facility staff, including the Unit Manager, Respiratory Therapist, Director of Nursing, and Administrator, confirmed the discrepancies between the physician's orders and the actual administration of oxygen therapy. The staff acknowledged that the orders were not followed as prescribed, and the care plans did not reflect the necessary interventions for oxygen management, leading to a deficiency in providing safe and appropriate respiratory care for the residents.
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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