Roswell Center For Nursing And Healing Llc
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Roswell, Georgia.
- Location
- 1109 Green Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075
- CMS Provider Number
- 115422
- Inspections on file
- 20
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Roswell Center For Nursing And Healing Llc during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
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.
Drugs and biologicals were not labeled according to professional standards, and medications, including controlled substances, were not stored in locked or separately locked compartments as required.
A resident with dysphagia was left unsupervised with a meal, leading to choking and death. The facility failed to include necessary one-to-one meal assistance in the care plan, despite medical orders and evaluations indicating the need. Staff interviews revealed issues with care plan audits and documentation, contributing to the oversight.
A resident with dysphagia and complex medical needs was left unsupervised with a meal, leading to a fatal choking incident. The resident required one-on-one assistance during meals, which was not provided due to a breakdown in staff communication and adherence to care plans. The facility's failure to update the care plan and ensure proper supervision resulted in the resident's death.
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision and care planning, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy for a resident who choked and expired after being left unsupervised with a meal. Other residents suffered harm due to falls, burns, and IV complications. Staff interviews revealed gaps in communication and oversight, contributing to these deficiencies.
Two residents in an LTC facility suffered injuries due to inadequate supervision. One resident, requiring two-person assistance, was transferred by a single CNA, resulting in a femur fracture. Another resident sustained second-degree burns from hot coffee served without temperature checks. Both incidents highlight lapses in safety protocols.
A resident with a complex medical history experienced harm due to inadequate monitoring of IV therapy. The LPN failed to document or check the IV infusion rate every two hours, leading to infiltration and significant swelling. Emergency services were called, and the resident was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The facility did not maintain cleanliness around the garbage dumpsters, with the dumpster lid left open and debris present underneath. The Dietary Manager confirmed these issues and had previously raised concerns with the housekeeping manager, but the source of the debris was unknown.
The facility failed to follow infection control protocols during incontinent care for several residents. Observations revealed that CNAs did not wash or sanitize hands between handling soiled and clean items, nor change gloves as required. Interviews with staff confirmed these lapses, indicating a systemic issue in adhering to infection control protocols.
The call light system on the Jasmine Unit was found to be malfunctioning, preventing residents from calling for assistance. A resident reported the issue had persisted since the weekend, and staff were unaware until a surveyor's inspection. Maintenance checks were inconsistent, contributing to the problem. Temporary measures, such as distributing bells, were implemented.
A resident's advanced directive was inaccurately documented in the EMR, showing both DNR and Full Code statuses. Despite the care plan and POLST form indicating DNR, staff were confused, and the resident was unaware of her code status, expressing a preference for resuscitation.
A resident with multiple diagnoses and moderate cognitive impairment was not provided with person-centered activities that met her preferences, such as reading books. Despite being on a 1:1 activity list, the resident did not receive books for her tablet, and the Interim Activities Director was unaware of this need until a surveyor's visit.
A resident with a pescatarian diet was not provided with adequate meal options to meet her dietary preferences, as the facility's menu only offered fish four times a month. Despite the resident's request for fish daily and the Registered Dietician's acknowledgment of this possibility, the care plan was not updated to reflect this need. Additionally, the resident was served undercooked vegetables and hard rice, unsuitable for her mechanical soft diet.
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.
Failure to Properly Label and Secure Medications
Penalty
Summary
Drugs and biologicals in the facility were not labeled according to currently accepted professional principles. Additionally, all drugs and biologicals were not stored in locked compartments, and controlled drugs were not kept in separately locked compartments as required. These actions constitute a failure to comply with regulations regarding the proper labeling and secure storage of medications and controlled substances within the facility.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident diagnosed with dysphagia, which ultimately led to the resident's death by choking on a sandwich. The resident, a male with a complex medical history including cerebral palsy, functional quadriplegia, and dysphagia, required total dependence on all activities of daily living and had been prescribed one-to-one assistance during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. Despite these requirements, the resident was left unsupervised with a meal for 32 minutes, during which time he choked on a sandwich and was later found unresponsive. The resident's care plan did not include the necessary intervention of one-to-one assistance while eating, despite the speech therapy evaluation and physician orders indicating the need for such supervision. The facility's failure to customize the care plan to address the resident's specific needs for meal supervision was a critical oversight. Additionally, the facility's MDS nurse did not include the dysphagia diagnosis in the resident's chart and care plan, which contributed to the lack of appropriate supervision during meals. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and accountability regarding the auditing of care plans and the inclusion of therapy diagnoses. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that audit processes were not perfect due to recent changes in ownership and leadership, while the MDS nurse admitted to not always entering therapy diagnoses with medical diagnoses. This lack of proper documentation and oversight resulted in the resident being left without the necessary supervision, leading to the tragic outcome.
Removal Plan
- The policy for comprehensive care plans was reviewed and/or revised by the Administrator and Regional Director of Clinical Operations without a recommendation for revisions.
- The MDS Nurse reviewed care plans for 45 of 45 in-house residents identified with a diagnosis of dysphagia. Thirty care plans were updated to include a diagnosis of dysphagia current and active care plans for dysphagia and appropriate levels of meal supervision.
- The DON in-serviced the MDS team and licensed nurses on the Center's Comprehensive Care Plan policy and development/implementation and adherence of care plans. (RNs nine of nine equaling 100%; LPNs 42 of 43 equaling 97.7%; OVERALL 98%).
- Employees on leave of absence, vacation, agency staff, or new hires will be re-educated by the Staff Development Coordinator, DON, or Nursing Supervisor prior to returning to duty, and will not be given an assignment until they are given additional on-site education.
- The DON and Regional Director of Clinical Operations reviewed residents in the past thirty days with a new diagnosis of dysphagia to ensure that care plans were updated as appropriate.
- The Administrator reviewed the results of the audits and shared the findings with the Ad Hoc Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee.
Failure to Supervise Resident with Dysphagia Leads to Fatal Choking Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary supervision and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care during meals for a resident diagnosed with dysphagia, which ultimately led to the resident's death by choking on a sandwich. The resident, a male with a complex medical history including cerebral palsy, functional quadriplegia, and dysphagia, required total dependence for ADL care and was non-verbal. Despite these needs, the resident was left unsupervised with a meal for 32 minutes, contrary to the prescribed one-on-one assistance during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. The resident's care plan was not updated to reflect the need for one-on-one assistance during meals, despite clear indications from the Speech Therapy Transitional Evaluation and Plan of Treatment that such supervision was necessary. The facility's policies on ADL and meal assistance were not adhered to, as the resident was left to consume a meal independently without the required supervision. This oversight was compounded by a lack of communication and coordination among staff, as evidenced by the CNA's decision to leave the resident's meal tray in the room without ensuring the resident was fed. Interviews with facility staff revealed a breakdown in the implementation of care plans and supervision protocols. The CNA assigned to feed the resident did not complete the task due to shift timing issues, and the subsequent CNA did not arrive in time to prevent the incident. The facility's Director of Nursing acknowledged gaps in the care planning process, citing frequent changes in ownership and leadership as contributing factors to the oversight. The failure to provide adequate supervision and assistance during meals directly resulted in the resident's death by choking.
Removal Plan
- The Regional Director of Operations and the Administrator reviewed the dining assistance policies to ensure alliance with CMS/State regulation.
- The Administrator, DON, and the Regional Director of Clinical Operation conducted mandatory retraining for nurses on supervision of ADL care including feeding/dining assistance assignments.
- The DON and/or Administrator retrained nursing staff that ADL care/meal assistance must continue uninterrupted and cannot be halted or delayed due to a shift change.
- The Administrator and DON assessed staffing levels during meal service to ensure adequate assistance.
- An emergency Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Ad Hoc meeting was conducted with the Administrator, DON, RDO, RDCO, and Medical Director to review the removal plan and root cause analysis.
Failure in Supervision and Care Planning Leads to Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility's administration failed to ensure protective oversight, leading to a series of deficiencies that resulted in Immediate Jeopardy for one resident and harm to others. A resident, identified as R200, was found unresponsive in bed after being left unsupervised with a food tray for 30 minutes by a CNA. The resident, who had a diagnosis of dysphagia, expired due to choking. The facility had not developed a comprehensive care plan for R200 that addressed the need for supervision during meals, despite the resident's known condition. Additionally, the facility failed to prevent harm to other residents. One resident, R46, sustained a right femur fracture from a fall, while another, R206, suffered second-degree burns from spilled hot coffee. A third resident, R204, experienced pain and swelling from an infiltrated intravenous site, necessitating emergency room treatment. These incidents highlight the facility's failure to ensure adequate supervision and care, as well as the lack of proper care planning and staff training. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON and MDS Nurse, revealed gaps in communication and oversight. The DON admitted to not understanding why the dysphagia diagnosis was omitted from R200's care plan and acknowledged issues with the facility's audit processes due to frequent changes in ownership and leadership. The MDS Nurse confirmed the omission of therapy diagnoses in care plans and could not recall specific details about R200's condition. These deficiencies underscore the facility's failure to maintain accurate and comprehensive care plans and to ensure staff adherence to policies and procedures.
Removal Plan
- A Root Cause Analysis of the Care plans for residents with a diagnosis of dysphagia and ADL care for dependent residents who require assistance with dining system breakdown was completed by the Regional Director of Operation, Regional Director of Clinical Operations, Administrator, and DON.
- The administrator hosted an Ad Hoc QAPI meeting with the Medical Director, DON, RDCO, and Director of Operations to review the center's ADL Care for Dependent Residents and Care Plan performance improvement measures.
- The Regional Director of Operations, RDCO, Medical Director, Administrator, and DON reviewed residents receiving swallow therapy to identify residents with a diagnosis of dysphagia to ensure that care plans were updated as appropriate.
- The Administrator identified Improvement Activities and Performance Improvement Projects based on trends and identified potential opportunities upon completion of the care plan and swallowing therapy audit.
- A review of the residents receiving swallow therapy audit was reviewed by the IDT members to validate care plans were updated appropriately to identify the level of dining assistance required.
- The MDS Nurse(s) reviewed and updated care plans on residents identified with a diagnosis of dysphagia.
- The RDCO provided re-education to the Administrator and DON on the policies and procedures related to ADL Care for Dependent Residents and Comprehensive Care Plans.
- The DON will assign Nurse Managers daily to each unit to provide supervision during meal service for those residents diagnosed with dysphagia, including those who are non-verbal or visually impaired.
- The Administrator reviewed the results of the audits and shared the findings with the Ad Hoc QAPI Committee.
- A review of the diagnosis report after the facility audited the residents diagnosed with dysphagia discovered that 30 of 45 needed updates to their care plan interventions for feeding assistance.
- The assignments for meal supervision were revised to 45 residents assigned meal supervision as an intervention for their individualized risk.
- The Administrator and the DON completed a review of staffing levels to ensure adequate assistance availability during mealtimes.
- A daily assignment sheet will be used to identify residents who require assistance with ADLs, specifically dining to ensure availability of assistance, as appropriate.
- The Administrator and DON will review assignment sheets daily to monitor compliance.
- Interviews were conducted with staff to ensure that staff were in-serviced and were knowledgeable of where to retrieve assignments on a daily basis, and to ensure that staff understood requirements for supervision, one-on-one assistance, and tray set-up for residents.
- A new Dining Time for Meal Delivered to Units was implemented with new dining times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Inadequate Supervision Leads to Resident Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents for two residents, resulting in harm. The first incident involved a resident with multiple diagnoses, including multiple sclerosis and dependence on a wheelchair, who required extensive assistance with transfers. Despite this, a CNA attempted to transfer the resident alone, resulting in the resident being lowered to the floor and sustaining a right femur fracture with a possible patella fracture. The resident had previously communicated the need for two-person assistance, but the CNA did not seek additional help. The second incident involved a resident with dementia and other medical conditions who sustained second-degree burns to the bilateral buttocks and left hip after spilling hot coffee. The coffee was served directly from the machine without temperature monitoring, and the resident was left to manage the hot beverage independently. The resident reported the incident to staff, but the severity of the burns was not immediately addressed, leading to the resident being sent to the hospital for treatment. Both incidents highlight a lack of adherence to safety protocols and inadequate supervision, resulting in significant injuries to the residents. The facility's failure to ensure proper transfer assistance and monitor the temperature of hot beverages contributed to these accidents, demonstrating a need for improved staff training and adherence to established safety policies.
Failure to Monitor IV Therapy Leads to Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly monitor a resident receiving intravenous (IV) therapy, leading to complications. The resident, an elderly female with a complex medical history including normal pressure hydrocephalus, hypertension, and other conditions, was admitted to the facility and required IV fluids for nausea and vomiting. The facility's policy required qualified nursing staff to manage infusion therapy, but the assigned LPN did not adhere to the expected monitoring protocols. On the night in question, the LPN assigned to the resident's care failed to document or monitor the IV infusion rate every two hours as required. The LPN also took the resident's blood pressure on the same arm where the IV was inserted, which is against best practices as it can cause complications. Despite the resident's care plan indicating a risk for dehydration and the need for close monitoring, the LPN did not adequately check on the resident, resulting in the IV site becoming swollen and painful. The situation escalated when a family member called emergency services due to the resident's pain and the facility's lack of response. Upon arrival, paramedics noted significant swelling in the resident's arm, indicating that the IV had been infiltrated for several hours. The resident was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The LPN involved did not respond to inquiries about the incident and later resigned from the facility.
Improper Disposal of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness around the garbage dumpsters, as observed during a tour of the kitchen. The garbage dumpster, used by the entire facility, was found with its lid open when not in use, contrary to the facility's policy. Additionally, there was debris underneath the dumpster and an open blue trash can nearby. The Dietary Manager confirmed these observations and mentioned having previously raised concerns about the cleanliness of the dumpster area with the housekeeping manager. However, the source of the debris and the open trash can was unknown to her.
Infection Control Lapses During Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to infection control protocols related to hand hygiene during activities of daily living (ADL) care for several residents. The facility's policy on hand hygiene requires staff to wash or sanitize their hands before moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site during resident care. However, observations revealed that staff did not follow these protocols during incontinent care for multiple residents. For instance, during incontinent care for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and mobility issues, a CNA did not wash or sanitize hands between handling soiled and clean items, nor before applying barrier cream and a clean brief. This resident was at risk for skin breakdown and urinary tract infections due to incontinence, as noted in their care plan. Similar lapses were observed with other residents, including one with severe cognitive impairment and another who was cognitively intact, where CNAs failed to change gloves or sanitize hands between handling contaminated and clean items. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and the Director of Nursing, confirmed these lapses in protocol. The CNAs admitted to not washing or sanitizing hands between handling dirty and clean items, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that gloves should be changed between handling soiled and clean briefs. These observations and interviews highlight a systemic issue in the facility's adherence to infection control protocols during ADL care.
Call Light System Malfunction on Jasmine Unit
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the call light communication system was functioning adequately on the Jasmine Unit, as observed by surveyors. The facility's policy requires staff to report any issues with the call light system immediately and provide alternative solutions until the problem is resolved. However, observations and interviews revealed that the call lights were not working in several rooms, and residents were unable to call for assistance. A resident, identified as R160, reported that the call lights had been out of order since the weekend, and she had to wait for staff to pass by and yell for help. The maintenance assistant confirmed that some call lights needed new batteries or light bulbs, but the issue persisted during the survey. The maintenance assistant stated that call light functionality is checked once or twice a week, but the maintenance director mentioned that under the new operating company, the checks are conducted monthly. This discrepancy in maintenance checks may have contributed to the prolonged malfunction of the call lights. An LPN was observed distributing bells to residents as a temporary measure, indicating a lack of awareness about the non-functioning call lights until the surveyor's inspection. The facility's failure to maintain a working call system compromised the residents' ability to request assistance, as evidenced by the non-functioning call lights in multiple rooms.
Conflicting Code Status Documentation in EMR
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accurate documentation of an advanced directive for a resident, leading to conflicting code statuses in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). The resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, had a documented code status of both Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Full Code simultaneously. The EMR dashboard showed conflicting information, with the resident's care plan indicating a DNR status, while the Physician Orders listed both DNR and Full Code as active. The Physician Order for Life-sustaining Treatment (POLST) form, signed by the resident and medical staff, indicated a DNR status. Interviews with staff revealed confusion regarding the resident's code status. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) stated that she would have treated the resident as Full Code based on the dashboard information. The Unit Manager mentioned updating the code status based on recent orders, while the Director of Nursing (DON) suggested a system glitch due to a change in facility ownership might have caused the discrepancy. The resident was unaware of her current code status and expressed a preference for resuscitation if needed, contradicting the documented DNR status.
Failure to Provide Person-Centered Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a resident, identified as R59, with person-centered activities that met her individual needs and preferences. R59, who has multiple diagnoses including Peripheral Vascular Disease, Hypertension, and moderate cognitive impairment, expressed a desire to be outside in all seasons and a love for reading. Despite these preferences being documented in her Activities Care Plan, which included a goal for her to participate in activities of choice 3-5 times weekly, R59 reported not receiving any books to read. During an interview, she mentioned having a reader but no books, and it was noted that she owns a tablet that requires books to be downloaded. The Interim Activities Director (IAD) was unaware of R59's need for books on her tablet until it was brought to her attention during a surveyor's visit. Although the IAD had a list for 1:1 activities and R59 was on it, the IAD's visits consisted mainly of talking to the residents rather than addressing specific activity requests. This lack of communication and follow-through on R59's stated preferences led to the deficiency in providing an ongoing program of activities tailored to her needs.
Failure to Accommodate Pescatarian Dietary Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate a resident's pescatarian dietary preferences, which include plant-based foods and fish, as required by the facility's Menu Policy. The resident, who has a complex medical history including parkinsonism, anemia, and dementia, expressed dissatisfaction with the food options provided, stating a preference for fish, cottage cheese, peas, and potato salad. Despite the resident's request for fish to be a daily option, the facility's menu only offered fish four times a month, failing to meet the resident's dietary needs. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident was served undercooked vegetables and rice that were too hard to consume, which did not align with her prescribed mechanical soft diet. The Kitchen Manager confirmed the inadequacy of the meal preparation and acknowledged the limited availability of fish options due to restricted order guides. Despite the Registered Dietician's acknowledgment that the resident could have fish daily, the updated care plan did not reflect any dietary interventions to provide fish daily, indicating a lack of follow-through in addressing the resident's dietary preferences.
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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