Bria Of Woodriver
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Wood River, Illinois.
- Location
- 393 Edwardsville Road, Wood River, Illinois 62095
- CMS Provider Number
- 145655
- Inspections on file
- 51
- Latest survey
- February 13, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9 (7 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Bria Of Woodriver during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to ensure call lights were answered in a timely manner, as multiple cognitively intact and moderately impaired residents who require varying levels of assistance with ADLs reported routinely waiting 30–60 minutes or more for help, particularly with toileting and personal care. Residents described staff being on their phones, unwilling to work, and not responding to call lights, with some residents experiencing incontinence episodes while waiting. The Ombudsman reported numerous complaints and repeated visits about delayed call light response, and Resident Council minutes and grievances over several months documented call lights remaining on for over an hour on all shifts and staff sitting at the desk while call lights and doorbells rang. The DON stated she expected call lights to be answered within 10–15 minutes, and the facility’s policy required calls to be answered as soon as possible.
Two residents with documented elopement risk and significant cognitive/psychiatric conditions eloped through the front entrance due to failures in supervision, rounding, and elopement controls. One resident, severely cognitively impaired and care-planned as high elopement risk with a wander guard, left in a wheelchair during the night and was not discovered missing for several hours, later being found miles away. Staff did not consistently perform visual rounds, relied on assumptions and verbal assurances instead of confirming the resident’s presence, and some were unaware of his elopement risk or the existence of an elopement risk binder. Wander guard documentation showed repeated periods when the device was not in place or not available, and staff gave conflicting accounts about its use. The front door alarm was configured so it did not sound at the nurse stations, and several leaders were unaware of this limitation, while residents had access to the door code. Another resident, also care-planned for elopement risk with hallucinations and delusions, exited the same front door and was found across a busy road, demonstrating additional failure to implement care-planned checks and monitoring.
Staff were not adequately trained or competent in providing tracheostomy care, resulting in multiple residents being sent to the hospital for routine trach management, improper CPR performed on a resident with a tracheostomy, and repeated failures to perform necessary interventions. Paramedics and fire department personnel reported frequent non-emergent calls for basic trach care, and staff interviews confirmed a lack of training and comfort with tracheostomy procedures.
Nursing staff lacked the training and supplies needed to provide proper tracheostomy care, resulting in inadequate airway management for several residents. Two residents with tracheostomies did not receive appropriate ventilation during CPR, as staff attempted to bag over the mouth instead of the tracheostomy tube, and both died. Other residents were sent to the hospital for issues like secretions and tube dislodgement that staff could not manage. EMS and fire department personnel reported frequent calls for basic tracheostomy care that should have been handled by facility staff, and multiple staff members confirmed they had not received training on tracheostomy care or CPR for these residents.
Two residents with tracheostomies who were full code did not receive proper CPR when staff failed to provide ventilation through the tracheostomy during resuscitation. Staff either attempted to ventilate via the mouth or did not provide ventilation at all, citing lack of knowledge and equipment compatibility. Both residents died following these incidents, and staff interviews confirmed unfamiliarity with correct CPR procedures for tracheostomy patients.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and complex medical needs exhibited significant changes in condition, including dilated pupils, cool skin, and decreased responsiveness, which were observed by two CNAs but not reported to nursing staff. Approximately 15-20 minutes later, the resident was found unresponsive, and CPR was initiated, but the resident was already cold and stiffening. Facility policy required reporting such changes, but the lack of communication between CNAs and licensed staff led to a delay in assessment and intervention.
A resident's medical records were not provided in a timely manner after an attorney's request due to staff turnover, poor communication, and failure to follow established procedures. Multiple attempts by the attorney's office to obtain the records went unaddressed until the issue was escalated, revealing gaps in the facility's process for handling medical record requests.
A resident with severe burns and recent skin grafts did not receive wound care as ordered, including missed dressing changes, lack of required bacitracin ointment, and unsanitary wound care practices. Documentation was incomplete, and staff were unclear on orders, leading to wound infection, increased pain, and hospital readmission for further surgical intervention.
A resident with recent burn and skin graft surgery experienced severe pain and bleeding when a nurse attempted to remove a xeroform dressing from the donor site without pre-medicating or following wound care orders. The resident was not given pain medication prior to the procedure, and the dressing was not supposed to be removed according to the hospital's instructions. Staff interviews confirmed the resident's pain was not managed appropriately during the incident.
A resident with Alzheimer's and Dementia experienced a decline in condition, including refusal of oxygen therapy, reduced meal intake, and weight loss, which was not adequately documented or communicated to medical staff. This led to a delay in treatment and hospitalization for pneumonia and other conditions.
The facility failed to properly identify, assess, and monitor pressure ulcers, and provide physician-prescribed treatment for four residents. One resident developed an unstageable pressure ulcer that went untreated for 23 days, while another developed three pressure ulcers, including an infected sacral ulcer. Inconsistencies in treatment documentation and administration, along with communication issues between staff and the wound nurse practitioner, contributed to these deficiencies.
A facility failed to adhere to its Abuse Policy and Prevention Program when Lorazepam went missing from a non-communicative resident's medication supply. Despite video footage suggesting an agency nurse's involvement, the facility delayed notifying law enforcement, contrary to policy. The Director of Nursing believed an investigation was needed before reporting, leading to a deficiency in handling the incident.
A facility failed to timely report suspected misappropriation of Lorazepam for a non-communicative resident. The medication was discovered missing, and video footage was inconclusive. The DON delayed notifying police, believing an investigation was needed first, contrary to facility policy requiring immediate reporting. The administrator later acknowledged the delay, highlighting a deficiency in policy adherence.
The facility failed to provide timely meals for four residents, leading to grievances and dissatisfaction. One resident experienced a two-hour delay for dinner, while another missed breakfast due to communication issues among kitchen staff. The Director of Nursing and Administrator acknowledged the expectation for timely meal service, but the facility's policy was not followed, resulting in unmet nutritional needs.
A resident with a right hip fracture had surgical staples removed without a physician's order, leading to discomfort when a staple was left in the incision. The DON confirmed the absence of the required order, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with a history of colon resection surgery and a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis did not have a colonoscopy scheduled despite a physician's order. The DON cited difficulties in contacting doctors' offices, and the facility lacked a policy on radiology/diagnostic services, contributing to the delay.
Two residents in an LTC facility developed worsening pressure ulcers due to inadequate care and failure to follow care plans. One resident, with multiple health issues, was not provided a low air loss mattress and developed severe ulcers. Another resident, severely cognitively impaired, had inconsistent treatment documentation for pressure ulcers. The facility's policies on skin management were not consistently followed, leading to significant deficiencies in wound care management.
The facility failed to date opened insulin pens for five residents, as observed during a survey. Two LPNs, one an agency nurse and the other new, were unaware of the requirement to date insulin pens upon opening. The DON expected staff to date insulin pens due to their 28-day expiration but was unaware of the undated pens. The facility's policy mandates proper medication storage.
The facility failed to provide food that was palatable, attractive, and at a safe temperature. Residents reported ongoing issues with cold meals, despite forming a special food committee to address these concerns. Observations confirmed delays in meal service and inadequate food temperatures, with only one out of six items meeting the required standards.
The facility failed to follow infection control policies for four residents, leading to deficiencies in infection prevention. Staff did not wear required gowns or perform hand hygiene during wound care and medication administration, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and infection. These actions violated the facility's Enhanced Barrier Precautions policy.
The facility failed to protect residents from resident-to-resident physical abuse, involving incidents where a cognitively impaired resident was hit with a cane by another resident, resulting in a hematoma, and another altercation where hair was grabbed, causing a scratch. These incidents highlight deficiencies in the facility's abuse prevention measures.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and a history of wandering eloped from the facility despite having a wander guard. The resident was found at a nearby apartment building after being reported missing. The facility's policy requires immediate response to door alarms, but staff failed to monitor and respond effectively, allowing the resident to exit unsupervised.
A resident who was always incontinent of urine and frequently incontinent of bowel did not receive timely incontinent care, as observed by surveyors. The resident's care plan required regular checks to keep her clean and dry, but during an observation, her brief was found heavily soiled, and the CNA responsible could not recall the last check. Interviews confirmed that checks were expected every two hours, but this was not followed, leading to the resident's hospitalization with sepsis and dehydration.
A resident reported being scratched and attacked by CNAs, leading to police involvement and one CNA's arrest. However, an earlier complaint about a CNA being rough and rude was not reported or investigated, violating the facility's abuse prevention policy.
A resident reported incidents of abuse by CNAs, including being scratched and attacked, to the administrator. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting of such allegations, the administrator was not informed by staff or the DON. The facility's policy mandates documentation and reporting of all incidents to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which was not followed in this case.
A long-term care facility failed to provide timely medications for four residents, leading to missed doses of critical drugs like insulin and antihypertensives. The facility's pharmacy was located far away, causing delays, and staff reported issues with access to the automated medication dispensing machine. Residents with serious conditions, including pulmonary hypertension and diabetes, were affected, with one resident requiring emergency evaluation due to discomfort and dehydration.
A resident experienced a delay in receiving pain medication due to a CNA administering it instead of a licensed nurse, violating the facility's medication administration policy. The incident was reported, and the responsible RN, an agency nurse, was not allowed to return.
A resident admitted with serious infections requiring IV antibiotics did not receive the medications as ordered due to delays and unavailability. Tigecycline was not administered despite being available, and Voriconazole could not be obtained. The facility failed to document the reasons for these omissions, resulting in the resident not receiving antibiotics for 48 hours.
A resident in an LTC facility was physically and mentally abused by staff members who forcibly put her to bed against her will, resulting in bruising and fear. Despite her cognitive intactness and medical conditions, including schizophrenia and anxiety, the staff ignored her protests and used a mechanical lift to move her, violating her rights and causing distress.
The facility failed to provide complete incontinent care for a resident with a history of UTIs and other medical conditions. A CNA did not perform hand hygiene and did not clean the resident's right side during care. The resident was later hospitalized with a UTI and other complications, and had a positive urine culture for E. Coli. The facility's incontinence care policy was not followed.
The facility failed to have enough CNAs working to meet the needs of the residents, resulting in a resident being left soaked in urine overnight due to short staffing. Interviews with staff confirmed frequent short staffing on night shifts, and the facility was unable to provide a staffing policy.
A resident was denied her medications, including pain, muscle spasm, heart, and seizure medications, for about three days due to issues with pharmacy delivery and communication. The facility's records showed multiple instances where medications were not given as ordered, and the required steps to resolve these issues were not consistently followed.
The facility failed to install the correct bed rail and obtain consent from the resident or their representative prior to the installation and use of bed rails for four residents. Observations and interviews confirmed that the facility had not been obtaining the necessary consents for bed rail use, despite their policy mandating it.
Ongoing Failure to Respond Timely to Resident Call Lights
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure call lights were answered in a timely manner for multiple residents, despite a policy directing staff to respond to resident calls as soon as possible. Interviews and record reviews showed that six residents, several of whom were cognitively intact and required assistance with activities of daily living such as toileting, hygiene, dressing, and transfers, reported frequent and prolonged delays in call light response. One resident who uses a wheelchair and needs substantial/maximal assistance stated that call lights are typically unanswered for at least 30 minutes or more and that this concern is repeatedly raised at Resident Council meetings without improvement. Another cognitively intact resident who can perform most tasks independently reported that residents regularly complain that staff are on their phones, do not want to work, and fail to answer call lights. Additional residents with moderate cognitive impairment and functional limitations described waiting long periods for toileting assistance, including one resident who reported feeling embarrassed after wetting the bed because staff did not respond quickly enough to the call light. Another wheelchair-bound resident needing partial to moderate assistance with ADLs stated it was not uncommon to wait about forty minutes, especially at night, for staff to respond. Other residents reported that staff “do not want to work” and that call lights are often unanswered for an hour or more, causing stress when help is needed. The Ombudsman confirmed receiving numerous complaints and making several visits regarding delayed call light response, noting the problem persisted. Resident Council minutes and written grievances over several months documented repeated reports of call lights remaining on for over an hour on all shifts, staff sitting at the desk while call lights and doorbells rang, and concerns that nurses were not assisting CNAs with answering call lights. The DON acknowledged awareness of some complaints and stated an expectation that call lights be answered within 10–15 minutes, while the written policy required answering resident calls as soon as possible.
Failure to Supervise and Prevent Elopement of Two At-Risk Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision and prevent elopement for two residents, both of whom had identified elopement risk and/or cognitive or psychiatric conditions. One resident (R2) had multiple diagnoses including dementia with agitation, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, aphasia, chronic respiratory failure, facial weakness after stroke, and unsteadiness on feet. His MDS documented severe cognitive impairment and need for assistance with transfers and supervision or touching assistance for wheelchair mobility. R2’s care plans repeatedly identified him as high risk for elopement and falls, with interventions including use of a wander guard, monitoring of its function and placement every shift, replacement every 90 days, redirection from exits, and assistance with ADLs. Multiple elopement risk assessments over many months rated him as high risk. On the night of his elopement, R2 exited through the front door around 2:05 AM in his wheelchair. Facility video and external agency camera footage showed him leaving the front lobby, moving toward a neighboring assisted living facility, remaining in that area for a period, then traveling along the road and out of camera view. Staff on duty did not identify him as missing until approximately 8:00 AM, despite expectations from leadership and multiple staff interviews that residents should be rounded on and visually seen at least every two hours to confirm safety. Night staff, including the assigned CNA and LPN, reported they did not lay eyes on R2 for extended periods, relied on verbal assurances rather than direct observation, and in one case mistook his roommate for him during rounds. Staff also reported they were not informed that R2 was at risk for elopement, were unaware of an elopement risk binder, and did not initiate a head count or elopement process when they could not locate him. R2 was ultimately located by police approximately 4.4 miles away from the facility in his wheelchair. The report also documents systemic issues with the facility’s elopement prevention systems and door alarms. Although R2’s care plan required a wander guard, multiple medication administration notes in the weeks before and after the elopement documented that his wander guard was not in place or not available on several dates, and staff noted he frequently removed it. Leadership and staff gave conflicting accounts about whether R2 had a wander guard the night of the elopement and whether he was considered an elopement risk. The front lobby door alarm did not sound at the nurse’s stations like other exits, and several key staff, including the DON, HR, and RNC, were unaware that the front door alarm could not be heard from the nursing stations. The maintenance director confirmed that the front and north doors were set differently due to high traffic and that the front door alarm only sounded locally at the door. Staff interviews further showed inconsistent knowledge of elopement risk identification, reliance on residents knowing door codes, and lack of clear rounding policy at the time, all contributing to the failure to supervise and prevent R2’s elopement. A second resident (R4) was also identified as at risk for elopement due to delusions and stated intent to leave, with care plan interventions including 1:1 as needed, 15–30 minute checks as needed, and use and monitoring of a wander guard. R4 eloped through the front door and was found across a busy two-lane road approximately 500 feet from the facility entrance. The report attributes both residents’ elopements to the facility’s failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision, including failure to consistently implement care-planned elopement interventions, failure to ensure functioning and properly monitored wander guards, and failure to maintain an effective door alarm system that alerted nursing staff when at-risk residents approached or exited through the front door.
Failure to Ensure Competent Tracheostomy Care by Qualified Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff were educated and competent in providing necessary care and services for residents with tracheostomies, as required by each resident's written plan of care. Multiple residents with tracheostomies experienced repeated episodes where staff were unable to perform routine tracheostomy care, such as suctioning, cleaning, and tube changes. In several cases, residents were sent to the hospital for issues that should have been managed within the facility, including removal of mucus plugs, tracheostomy replacement, and management of secretions. Documentation revealed that staff did not perform suctioning when residents exhibited symptoms such as secretions or emesis from the tracheostomy, and there was a lack of documentation of interventions to prevent repeated tracheostomy dislodgement in one resident. One resident was found unresponsive, and staff performed CPR incorrectly by bagging the resident's mouth instead of the tracheostomy, as they were unaware of the correct procedure. Staff interviews confirmed that neither the LPNs nor CNAs had received training on tracheostomy care or emergency response for residents with tracheostomies. The local fire department and paramedics reported frequent calls to the facility for non-emergent tracheostomy issues, such as suctioning and cleaning, which they considered routine care that should be managed by facility staff. In several instances, emergency responders found that the facility lacked necessary equipment, such as suction tips, and that staff were not using available equipment properly. The deficiency was further evidenced by staff statements indicating a lack of formal or routine training on tracheostomy care, with some staff expressing discomfort and lack of knowledge in providing such care. The facility's own documentation and job descriptions required staff to remain current in facility policies and procedures, including specialized care needs such as tracheostomy care. Despite this, the facility assessment indicated that tracheostomy care was a service provided, yet staff were not adequately prepared to deliver this care, resulting in repeated hospital transfers and, in one case, a resident death.
Removal Plan
- Tracheostomy in-service was completed
- All nurses, including agency nurses, were educated
Failure to Provide Safe and Appropriate Tracheostomy Care
Penalty
Summary
Nursing staff failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for residents with tracheostomies, as evidenced by a lack of knowledge, skills, and necessary supplies. Multiple staff members, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, reported not having received training on tracheostomy care or CPR for residents with tracheostomies. During emergencies, staff were unable to properly ventilate residents with tracheostomies, as they did not know how to use the bag-valve-mask (BVM) with a tracheostomy tube and instead attempted to ventilate via the mouth, which is not appropriate for these residents. In several cases, staff were unable to suction or replace tracheostomy tubes due to lack of training or proper equipment, resulting in inadequate airway management. Two residents with tracheostomies, both full code, experienced respiratory distress and required CPR. In both cases, staff did not provide ventilation through the tracheostomy tube during resuscitation efforts, and only performed chest compressions or attempted to bag over the mouth. There were multiple reports of staff not having the correct tubing or not knowing how to attach the BVM to the tracheostomy. Both residents died in the facility, with death certificates pending. Other residents with tracheostomies were sent to the hospital for issues such as secretions, mucus plugs, or tracheostomy tube dislodgement, which could not be managed by facility staff due to lack of training or supplies. Emergency medical services and local fire department personnel reported frequent calls to the facility for non-emergent tracheostomy care needs, such as suctioning or cleaning, which should have been managed by facility staff. In several instances, EMS had to use their own equipment to suction residents, as the facility lacked necessary supplies like suction tips. Staff interviews confirmed that there was no routine or formal training on tracheostomy care, and some staff expressed discomfort or lack of proficiency in caring for residents with tracheostomies. The facility's own policy required routine tracheostomy care and suctioning as needed, but this was not consistently provided.
Removal Plan
- Tracheostomy in-service was completed and all nurses, including agency nurses, were educated prior to the start of their next scheduled shift.
Failure to Provide Proper CPR for Residents with Tracheostomies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) according to accepted professional standards for two residents with tracheostomies who were full code status. In both cases, staff did not provide adequate respiratory ventilation through the residents' primary airway, the tracheostomy, during resuscitation efforts. Instead, staff attempted to provide ventilation via the mouth or did not provide ventilation at all, despite the presence of bag valve masks (BVMs) in the room, which were not compatible with the tracheostomy or staff did not know how to use them properly. For the first resident, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and a tracheostomy, staff initiated CPR after the resident was found unresponsive and cyanotic. However, they were unable to attach the BVM to the tracheostomy and instead covered the tracheostomy with a gloved hand and attempted to bag via the mouth, ultimately providing only chest compressions without ventilation. For the second resident, who had anoxic brain damage, paraplegia, respiratory failure, and a tracheostomy, staff also failed to ventilate through the tracheostomy. Staff attempted to bag via the mouth, not realizing the need to ventilate through the tracheostomy, and were unfamiliar with the correct procedure and equipment. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge and training regarding CPR for residents with tracheostomies, as well as issues with equipment availability and compatibility. The facility's own policies required that residents with tracheostomies receive care to maintain a patent airway and that CPR be performed per BLS guidelines, but these were not followed. Both residents died following these events, and the failures were confirmed through interviews, record reviews, and observations by surveyors.
Removal Plan
- Staff were inserviced on performing CPR on residents with tracheostomies
- CPR Policy was reviewed
- CPR equipment was verified as available in the Facility
- CPR audits were initiated
- QAPI Meeting was held
Failure to Report Change in Condition Leads to Delayed Response and Resident Death
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to report a resident's significant change in condition to nursing staff for timely assessment and intervention. The resident, who had a history of anoxic brain damage, paraplegia, respiratory failure, and tracheostomy status, was noted by two CNAs to have dilated pupils, cool skin, decreased responsiveness, and increased muscle stiffness during care. Despite these notable changes from the resident's baseline, neither CNA informed the nurse on duty about the observations. Approximately 15-20 minutes after the initial observations, one of the CNAs returned to check on the resident and found the individual unresponsive. The CNA then notified the nurse, who arrived after a short delay, and CPR was initiated. Multiple staff members, including a paramedic and other CNAs, later confirmed that the resident was cold to the touch and already stiffening during resuscitation efforts, indicating a significant lapse in timely recognition and response to the change in condition. Interviews with staff, including the DON and Medical Director, confirmed that facility policy requires staff to report any change in a resident's condition to a nurse, and if the assigned nurse is unavailable, to another available nurse. However, the CNAs involved did not communicate the observed changes, and the facility's policy did not specifically address communication protocols between nurse aides and licensed nursing staff. This failure to report and respond to the resident's change in condition resulted in a delay in assessment and intervention.
Removal Plan
- Clinical and agency staff were in-serviced on timely assessments
- Notification of Change Policy was reviewed
- QAPI meeting was held
- 24 hour reports were reviewed for change in condition
Failure to Provide Timely Access to Resident Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely access to a resident's medical records as required, specifically for one resident whose records were requested by an attorney. The process for handling medical record requests was disrupted when the staff member responsible for medical records was terminated, and the responsibility was transferred to the Business Office Manager, who was coordinating with the Regional Medical Records person. There was confusion and lack of communication regarding the receipt and processing of the request, with the Administrator and other staff members unaware of the outstanding request until much later. Documentation shows that the attorney's office made multiple attempts to request the records, including sending faxes, making phone calls, and mailing the request. The facility's fax numbers and process for handling requests contributed to the delay, as one fax number went directly to a copier/fax machine and was not monitored as closely as the secure fax/email. The previous medical records staff member indicated that she had started processing the request but was terminated before completion, and the request was not properly handed off or tracked. The facility's own policies require that all medical record requests be given to the Administrator and outline steps for processing such requests, including verification of authority and notification of costs. However, these procedures were not followed, resulting in a significant delay in providing the requested records. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and documentation of the multiple attempts made by the attorney's office to obtain the records.
Failure to Follow Wound Care Orders Resulting in Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow written wound care orders for a resident who was admitted with third-degree burns on the right foot, type 2 diabetes, and recent surgical aftercare. Upon admission, the resident's hospital discharge summary and care plan included specific instructions for wound care, including the use of bacitracin and xeroform dressings, daily washing, and dressing changes. However, documentation and interviews revealed that these orders were not consistently followed. The Treatment Administration Record (TAR) showed no wound care was signed off for two consecutive days, and there was no PRN order for wound care in the TAR. Staff interviews indicated confusion about the wound care orders, with some nurses expressing discomfort or lack of familiarity with the severity of the wounds, and others admitting to not performing wound care as required. The resident and family members reported that wound care was rarely performed, dressings were not changed or washed as ordered, and wound care was sometimes conducted in unsanitary conditions, such as on the floor of the resident's room. The wound care nurse admitted to removing a dressing that was supposed to remain in place and to not having the required bacitracin ointment available, substituting A&D ointment without notifying the provider or obtaining new orders. Communication lapses were evident, as the facility did not inform the hospital or the Director of Nursing about the lack of bacitracin, and the wound care nurse did not consistently document wound care in the TAR, instead making late entries in progress notes due to computer issues. As a result of these failures, the resident's wounds declined, leading to infection, increased pain, and ultimately hospital readmission for wound cellulitis and additional surgical intervention. Laboratory results showed elevated white blood cell counts, and wound cultures were positive for multiple organisms. The resident, his family, and clinical staff all described a pattern of missed or improperly performed wound care, lack of adherence to physician orders, and inadequate documentation, which directly contributed to the resident's deteriorating condition and need for further hospitalization.
Failure to Provide Safe and Appropriate Pain Management During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of third-degree burns to the right foot, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and recent skin graft surgery was admitted to the facility with specific wound care and pain management orders. The resident's care plan included interventions to provide treatment as ordered, and physician orders were in place for acetaminophen and oxycodone to be administered as needed for pain. Upon admission, the resident's wound care orders from the hospital specified that the xeroform dressing on the donor site (left thigh) should be left in place, washed daily, and not removed until healed. Despite these orders, a wound care nurse attempted to remove the xeroform dressing from the resident's thigh, causing the resident to experience severe pain and bleeding. The nurse did not pre-medicate the resident prior to the dressing removal attempt, and only stopped after the resident expressed extreme pain and refused further care. The nurse later discovered the correct wound care instructions, which indicated the dressing should not have been removed. Documentation and interviews confirm that the resident was not provided adequate pain management before the procedure, and the wound care was not performed according to the physician's orders. The resident reported significant distress, stating that the dressing was removed without proper pain control, resulting in severe pain and bleeding. Staff interviews corroborated that the resident was in extreme pain during the dressing removal and that pain medication was only administered after the incident. The facility's pain management policy emphasizes the importance of addressing pain as reported by the resident, but this was not followed in this instance, leading to unnecessary suffering.
Failure to Monitor and Document Resident's Decline
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess, monitor, and treat a change in condition for a resident, leading to a delay in treatment and subsequent hospitalization. The resident, who had Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, was admitted with a history of influenza and was on oxygen therapy, which she frequently refused. Despite her refusal to use supplemental oxygen and a noticeable decline in her condition, including reduced meal intake and weight loss, there was a lack of documentation and communication regarding her deteriorating state. The resident's vital signs showed concerning changes, such as low blood pressure and oxygen saturation, yet there were no nursing notes or assessments documenting these changes or any notification to the physician. Staff interviews revealed that the resident was not eating well, appeared sluggish, and was not her usual self, but these observations were not adequately documented or communicated to the medical team. The resident was eventually sent to the hospital with altered mental status, hypotension, and dehydration, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia, acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, and other conditions. The facility's policies required notification of the physician for significant changes in a resident's condition and documentation of any unusual events or changes. However, these protocols were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and communication regarding the resident's decline. The Director of Nurses acknowledged the oversight in monitoring the resident's weight loss and meal intake, and the Medical Nurse Practitioner confirmed that they were not informed of the resident's decline, which contributed to the delay in addressing her medical needs.
Deficiencies in Pressure Ulcer Care and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly identify, assess, and monitor pressure ulcers, and provide the physician-prescribed treatment for four residents. One resident developed a pressure ulcer of unknown stage while at the facility and did not receive treatment for 23 days, during which time it became unstageable. Another resident developed three pressure ulcers while at the facility, including a sacral pressure ulcer that became infected. The facility's records failed to document necessary assessments and treatments, and there were inconsistencies in the treatment administration records. For one resident, the facility's records did not document a Braden Scale assessment before a certain date, and there was a lack of documentation regarding the monitoring, assessment, or treatment of a pressure ulcer for several weeks. The resident's treatment administration record showed that the resident refused dressing changes multiple times, and there were discrepancies between the treatment recommendations and the documented orders. Another resident's records failed to document an admission assessment, and there were inconsistencies in the documentation of skin conditions and pressure ulcers. The facility's staff did not consistently follow the prescribed treatment orders, and there were instances where treatments were not administered as ordered. The facility's policy required that pressure injuries be evaluated and documented weekly, but this was not consistently done. Additionally, there were communication issues between the wound nurse practitioner and the facility staff, leading to delays in implementing treatment recommendations. The facility's failure to adhere to its own policies and procedures contributed to the deficiencies in pressure ulcer care.
Failure to Timely Report Drug Diversion Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to its Abuse Policy and Prevention Program concerning a case of drug diversion involving a resident who was unable to communicate due to impaired cognition. The incident involved the disappearance of Lorazepam, a medication provided by hospice, which was scheduled to be administered every six hours. The medication was last administered at 6 AM by the midnight nurse, and it was discovered missing during the evening shift on January 10th. The facility's policy required an immediate investigation and notification to local law enforcement if there was a reasonable suspicion of a crime, but this was not done in a timely manner. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator reviewed video footage, which was inconclusive in identifying the individual responsible for the medication's disappearance. However, the footage showed an agency nurse spending an unusual amount of time with the narcotic box open and going in and out of a hospice resident's room. Despite these observations, the facility delayed notifying the police, as the DON believed she needed to complete her investigation before contacting law enforcement. This delay was contrary to the facility's policy, which required immediate reporting of suspected crimes. The incident report was eventually filed with the local police department, but not until several days after the medication was confirmed missing. The police report indicated that the facility had narrowed down the suspect to one nurse and had video footage of the incident. The delay in reporting the incident to law enforcement was acknowledged by the Administrator, who stated that the notification should have been completed more promptly. The facility's failure to adhere to its policy resulted in a deficiency in handling the drug diversion incident appropriately.
Delayed Reporting of Suspected Medication Misappropriation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to inform local law enforcement in a timely manner regarding the suspected misappropriation of a narcotic medication, Lorazepam, for a resident who was unable to communicate due to impaired cognition. The incident was initially identified on January 11, 2025, when it was discovered that a card of Lorazepam was missing. The medication was last administered at 6 AM by the midnight nurse, and upon further investigation, it was found that a card was missing from the narcotics count. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) and other staff reviewed video footage, which was inconclusive, and attempted to locate the missing medication without success. The facility's policy required immediate reporting to local law enforcement when there was a reasonable suspicion of a crime. However, the DON delayed notifying the police until January 15, 2025, as she believed she needed to complete her investigation first. The facility's administrator later clarified that the policy was to report incidents of suspected crime immediately, regardless of the completion of an internal investigation. The delay in reporting was acknowledged by the administrator, who stated that the notification to the police should have been completed more timely. The facility's abuse policy and prevention program outlined the requirement to contact local law enforcement when there is a reasonable suspicion of a crime, especially if it involves serious bodily harm. In this case, although the resident did not suffer a negative outcome, the failure to report the suspected misappropriation of medication in a timely manner constituted a deficiency in the facility's adherence to its own policies and regulatory requirements.
Failure to Provide Timely Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide three meals daily at regular times for four residents, as required by their policy. Resident 6, who was admitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis, reported a significant delay in receiving dinner, which took over two hours to be served. This incident was documented in a grievance, highlighting the issue of staff being on their phones instead of attending to meal service. Resident 7, diagnosed with moderate protein calorie malnutrition and oral dysphagia, also reported that meals were consistently late, creating uncertainty about meal times. Resident 8, with protein calorie malnutrition and ileostomy status, filed a grievance after not receiving breakfast despite being present in the dining hall, indicating a lack of communication among kitchen staff. Resident 10, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease, similarly reported that meals were always late. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both acknowledged the expectation for residents to receive three meals a day served on time, as per the facility's policy. The policy specifies that meals should be served at regular times comparable to normal mealtimes in the community, with breakfast at 7:30 AM, lunch at 11:30 AM, and dinner at 5:30 PM. However, the grievances and resident statements indicate a failure to adhere to these scheduled meal times, resulting in dissatisfaction and unmet nutritional needs for the residents involved.
Failure to Obtain Physician's Order for Staple Removal
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain a physician's order for the removal of surgical staples from a resident's right hip incision. The resident, who was admitted with a diagnosis of right hip fracture, had staples removed from the incision site without a documented physician's order in the medical record. A nurse's progress note indicated that staples were removed and steri-strips applied, but later documentation revealed that a staple was left in the incision, causing discomfort to the resident. The Director of Nurses confirmed the absence of a physician's order for the staple removal and stated that staff are expected to have such an order before performing the procedure. The facility's policy requires physician orders to be followed as written, and any questions about the order should be clarified with the physician.
Failure to Schedule Colonoscopy for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to schedule a colonoscopy for a resident, identified as R2, despite a physician's order dated 9/10/24. R2, who has a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis and a history of colon resection surgery, was sent to the hospital with a bowel obstruction that was cleared before returning to the facility. R2 expressed concern about not having had a colonoscopy in 5 or 6 years, which was confirmed by his Power of Attorney (POA), who emphasized the importance of the procedure given R2's medical history. The Director of Nurses (DON) acknowledged difficulties in scheduling the colonoscopy due to unreturned calls from doctors' offices. Despite being aware of the POA's concerns, the appointment had not been made. The facility's administrator confirmed the absence of a policy on radiology/diagnostic services, which may have contributed to the delay in scheduling the necessary procedure for R2.
Failure in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the development of pressure ulcers and provide appropriate care for residents at risk or already suffering from pressure ulcers. For Resident 1, who had multiple health conditions including diabetes, dementia, and impaired mobility, the facility did not implement the necessary interventions as outlined in the care plan. Despite being at risk for pressure ulcers, Resident 1 was observed on a regular mattress instead of a low air loss mattress, which was part of the care plan. The resident developed a stage 2 pressure ulcer on the left heel, which worsened to an unstageable ulcer, and a new stage 3 ulcer on the right buttock, along with a deep tissue injury on the coccyx. The facility staff failed to document these new ulcers and did not obtain treatment orders promptly. Resident 2, who was severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for mobility, also suffered from inadequate pressure ulcer care. The resident developed an unstageable pressure ulcer on the coccyx and a deep tissue injury on the right heel. The facility's treatment administration records showed that prescribed treatments were not consistently documented as completed. Additionally, there was confusion regarding the diagnosis of a Kennedy ulcer, which was not confirmed by the physician or nurse practitioner. The facility's policies on skin management and pressure injury treatment were not followed consistently. The staff failed to implement prevention protocols, such as regular turning and repositioning of residents, and did not ensure that treatment orders were obtained and documented for new skin impairments. These lapses in care and documentation contributed to the worsening of pressure ulcers in both residents, highlighting significant deficiencies in the facility's wound care management.
Failure to Date Opened Insulin Pens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that opened medications were labeled with open dates for five residents, as observed during a survey. On the specified date, an LPN was observed with a medication cart containing insulin pens for three residents, none of which were labeled with the date they were opened. The LPN, who was an agency nurse, stated she was unaware that insulin pens needed to be dated upon opening and did not know when the pens were initially opened. Another LPN, who was new, was also observed with a medication cart containing an undated insulin pen for a different resident. She similarly stated she was unaware of the requirement to date insulin pens upon opening. The Director of Nurses (DON) expressed that all staff are expected to date insulin pens when opened, as they expire after 28 days, but was not aware of the undated pens in the medication carts. The facility's policy requires medications to be stored safely and properly, following manufacturer recommendations.
Deficiency in Food Quality and Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, attractive, and maintained at a safe and appetizing temperature. Observations during meal times revealed that food was served on Styrofoam plates without proper insulation, leading to cold meals. Residents, including those who were cognitively intact and those with moderate cognitive impairment, consistently reported dissatisfaction with the temperature and quality of the food. Complaints were made during resident council meetings and through a special food committee, but no improvements were noted over a period of at least six months. During a breakfast service, it was observed that trays were not distributed promptly, resulting in further cooling of the food. Additionally, the kitchen ran out of bowls, causing a delay in meal service. A sample tray taken after the last tray was distributed showed that the food was not visually appealing, with a gray and yellowish hue, and lacked flavor. Temperature checks revealed that only one out of six food items was within the acceptable temperature range, with others being significantly below the required 135°F. The facility's policies on food preparation and dining services were not adhered to, as evidenced by the repeated complaints and observations of cold food. Meeting minutes from the food committee indicated ongoing issues with food temperatures, but no documentation was available for recent months. Staff interviews corroborated the residents' complaints, highlighting a persistent problem with food quality and service that had not been addressed effectively by the facility.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to infection control policies and guidelines for four residents, leading to deficiencies in infection prevention and control. For Resident 54, multiple staff members, including CNAs and a wound nurse, entered the resident's room, which was under enhanced precautions, without wearing the required gowns. During wound care, the wound nurse did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene after removing old dressings, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Resident 20 experienced a similar issue when a wound nurse did not wash her hands or apply disinfectant between changing gloves while treating open and bleeding wounds. This lack of proper hand hygiene before donning new gloves posed a risk of infection. Additionally, Resident 58's wound care was compromised when the wound nurse failed to change gloves or perform hand hygiene between cleansing different pressure ulcers, despite the resident having a diagnosis of osteomyelitis in one of the wounds. For Resident 65, an LPN administered medication via a g-tube without performing hand hygiene or wearing a gown, as required by the facility's Enhanced Barrier Precautions policy. The LPN mistakenly believed that only the resident's roommate required precautions. The facility's policy mandates the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact resident care activities, which was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Prevent Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from resident-to-resident physical abuse, as evidenced by incidents involving three residents. One resident, who is severely cognitively impaired and diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Psychosis, was involved in an altercation with another resident. This altercation resulted in the cognitively intact resident hitting the impaired resident on the head with a cane, causing a hematoma. The incident was reported to the Director of Nursing, and the police were called, but no report was generated. The facility's abuse policy defines physical abuse as the infliction of injury that requires medical attention, which occurred in this case. Another incident involved a moderately cognitively impaired resident with diagnoses of Schizoaffective Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Major Depression Disorder. This resident was involved in an argument with the severely cognitively impaired resident over belongings, leading to a physical altercation where hair was grabbed, and a scratch was inflicted. The facility's failure to prevent these incidents and protect the residents from harm highlights a deficiency in their abuse prevention and intervention measures.
Resident Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the elopement of a resident, identified as R71, who was at high risk for elopement due to multiple medical conditions, including chronic ischemic heart disease, cognitive communication deficit, and anxiety disorder. R71 was known to be exit-seeking and had a history of wandering, as documented in the care plan and physician order sheet. Despite having a wander guard in place, R71 managed to leave the facility on at least two occasions, as confirmed by staff interviews and video footage reviewed by the facility administrator. On one occasion, R71 was found at an apartment building next to the facility after being reported missing by staff. The wander guard alarm was supposed to alert staff when R71 approached the doors, but it was noted that the resident was able to exit the building by hanging on the access door, which opened after 15 seconds. Staff were not immediately aware of R71's absence, and it was only after a search and a call from 911 that the resident was located and returned to the facility. The facility's policy on elopement and unsafe wandering prevention emphasizes the importance of securing the environment and responding immediately to door alarms. However, the report indicates that the staff did not effectively monitor or respond to the alarms, allowing R71 to elope. The failure to ensure adequate supervision and secure the environment contributed to the resident's ability to leave the facility unsupervised.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely incontinent care for a resident, identified as R54, who was always incontinent of urine and frequently incontinent of bowel. The resident's care plan aimed to keep her clean, dry, and odor-free, with interventions to provide incontinence care when needed. However, during an observation on September 11, 2024, it was noted that the resident's incontinent brief was heavily soiled with yellow urine, and the pad underneath was also stained. A CNA, V13, who was responsible for the resident's care, could not recall the last time the resident was checked, indicating a lapse in the two-hourly checks that were supposed to be conducted as per facility policy. Interviews with other CNAs and the Director of Nursing confirmed that incontinence checks were expected to be performed every two hours. Additionally, the resident's son reported finding his mother wet on previous occasions and mentioned that she had been hospitalized with sepsis and dehydration. The facility's policy on incontinence care, dated September 2023, emphasized the importance of keeping residents dry, comfortable, and odor-free to prevent skin breakdown, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Failure to Investigate Resident's Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate an allegation of abuse for a resident who reported incidents involving Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). On a specific date, the resident stated that she had been scratched on the back with a call light by one CNA and attacked by another. She reported these incidents to the administrator, who then involved the police, resulting in one CNA being jailed. However, a progress note from an earlier date documented the resident's complaint about a night CNA being rough and rude, but no further action or investigation was recorded. The facility's policy mandates that any incident, allegation, or suspicion of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment must be reported immediately to the administrator or a designated individual in their absence. Despite this policy, the administrator was not informed of the resident's earlier complaint, and no investigation was initiated at that time. This oversight indicates a failure to adhere to the facility's abuse prevention and reporting protocols, as the staff did not report the resident's allegations as required.
Failure to Report Allegation of Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident, identified as R73, who was part of a sample of 40 residents reviewed for abuse. On a specific date, R73 reported to the administrator that she had experienced incidents with some CNAs, including being scratched on the back with a call light and being attacked by another CNA. Despite R73's alert and oriented status, as documented in her Minimum Data Set, the facility did not report the allegation of abuse as required by their policy. The facility's policy mandates that any incident, allegation, or suspicion of abuse must be reported immediately to the administrator or a designated individual in their absence. However, the administrator stated that neither the staff nor the Director of Nursing informed her of R73's allegations. The facility's policy also requires that all incidents be documented and reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health within specified timeframes, depending on the severity of the incident. In this case, the failure to report the allegation of abuse was a violation of the facility's abuse prevention policy.
Medication Administration Delays in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide routine medications in a timely manner for four residents, resulting in missed doses of critical medications such as insulin, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants. Resident 1, who was admitted with multiple serious conditions including pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure, did not receive several prescribed medications on a specific date due to the facility's pharmacy being located 274 miles away. The nurse's notes indicated that the medications were not available upon the resident's arrival. Resident 2, admitted with conditions such as thoracic aortic aneurysm and major depressive disorder, also missed several doses of important medications over two days. The nurse's notes documented that the medications were awaiting delivery from the pharmacy, and the resident was eventually sent to the emergency department for evaluation due to complaints of discomfort and dehydration. Similarly, Resident 3 did not receive a medication for excessive secretions, and the pharmacist noted issues with the prescription fill due to either diagnosis or insurance problems. Resident 4, with a complex medical history including cerebral infarction and diabetes, did not receive multiple medications due to awaiting pharmacy delivery. The facility's staff, including a nurse practitioner and the director of nursing, acknowledged the issues with medication availability, citing problems with pharmacy location and access to the automated medication dispensing machine. Agency nurses reported not having access to the dispensing machine, which further contributed to the delay in medication administration.
Medication Administration Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a competent licensed nurse to administer medication to a resident, leading to a deficiency in medication administration. A resident, who was cognitively intact, had a care plan in place for pain management, which included administering Acetaminophen as needed. On a specific date, the resident requested pain medication at 2:30 AM, but it was not administered until 5:30 AM by a CNA, who was not licensed to give medications. The resident reported the incident to the day shift nurse, and it was noted that the medication was not properly documented in the Medication Administration Record by the responsible RN. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator were informed of the incident, and the CNA admitted to administering the medication. The RN involved was an agency nurse, and the facility decided not to allow her to return. The facility's policy on medication administration requires that all medications be administered by licensed personnel, which was not followed in this case, leading to the deficiency.
Failure to Administer IV Medications as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer intravenous (IV) medications as ordered for one resident, identified as R2, who was admitted with serious infections requiring specific IV antibiotics. Upon admission, R2 had orders for Tigecycline and Voriconazole to be administered every 12 hours. However, there was a delay in obtaining these medications from the pharmacy. The facility's progress notes indicate that the pharmacy was contacted about the IV antibiotics, and it was communicated that one of the antibiotics would not be available until the following day. Additionally, the pharmacy later informed the facility that they could not provide Voriconazole due to its hazardous nature and their inability to mix it. Despite receiving Tigecycline from the pharmacy on the evening of June 13, 2024, the facility did not administer the medication as ordered, and there was no documentation explaining the omission. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the Tigecycline should have been administered since it was available. Consequently, R2 did not receive any antibiotics for 48 hours after leaving the hospital, which was confirmed by the medical assistant for the infectious disease doctor. The facility's medication administration policy requires documentation and notification if medications are not given as ordered, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Prevent Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent employee-to-resident abuse, resulting in a resident, R2, experiencing both physical and mental abuse. R2 was found with bruising under both eyes and on her left forearm, and she reported feeling scared and unsafe in the facility. The incident occurred when R2 was in her wheelchair and was not ready to go to bed due to pain in her feet and not needing much sleep. Despite her protests, two staff members, identified as V12, an LPN, and V15, a CNA, forcibly put her to bed using a mechanical lift, during which R2 was yelled at and physically handled, causing her distress and injury. R2's medical history includes diagnoses such as osteoarthritis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia, among others. She is cognitively intact, as indicated by her BIMS score of 15. The incident was reported to another LPN, V13, who documented R2's account of the abuse, including being yelled at and physically pulled by her wrists, resulting in a bruise and a small cut. The police were notified, and an investigation was initiated, confirming the abuse allegations. The facility's investigation corroborated R2's claims, with evidence including camera footage showing V12 and V15 entering R2's room with a sit-to-stand lift. Despite R2's resistance and her expressed desire not to go to bed, the staff members forced her into bed, violating her rights. The facility's abuse policy affirms residents' rights to be free from abuse, yet this incident highlights a significant failure in protecting those rights.
Failure to Provide Complete Incontinent Care Leading to UTI
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide complete incontinent care to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for a resident with a history of UTIs and other medical conditions. During an observation, a CNA did not perform hand hygiene after changing gloves and did not clean the resident's right side during incontinent care. The resident's care plan indicated a need for total assistance with toileting, and the facility's policy required cleaning from front to back, which was not followed. The resident was later admitted to the hospital with a UTI, altered mental status, and other conditions, and had a positive urine culture for E. Coli. The resident's medical records documented multiple hospital admissions related to UTIs and other complications, including acute metabolic encephalopathy, seizure, sepsis, fecal impaction, and hypoxemia. The Director of Nurses acknowledged that staff should complete incontinent care for any incontinent resident. The facility's incontinence care policy emphasized the importance of keeping residents dry, comfortable, and odor-free, and required proper perineal cleaning, which was not adhered to in this case.
Inadequate CNA Staffing Leads to Resident Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to have enough CNAs working to meet the needs of the residents, as evidenced by the experience of one resident (R3). On the night of 4/29/24, R3, who is continent of bowel and bladder if assisted by staff, was unable to reach her call light or cell phone and was not checked on by staff throughout the night. As a result, R3 was left soaked in urine until she managed to call the facility around 5:00 AM. The CNA who responded, V7, confirmed that they were short-staffed and busy. R3 experienced chafing from lying in urine all night, although it had cleared up by the time of the interview. R3's cognitive status was confirmed to be intact with a BIMS score of 15. Interviews with staff members, including an LPN and multiple CNAs, corroborated the issue of short staffing, particularly on night shifts due to call-offs. The facility's Director of Nurses (DON) stated that they use a staffing grid based on census and attempt to cover shifts with their own staff or agency CNAs when someone calls off. However, the CNA schedule documented only three CNAs working on several nights, including the night of 4/29/24. The facility was unable to provide a staffing policy, further highlighting the deficiency in meeting the required staffing levels to ensure resident care.
Failure to Administer Medications as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure medications were administered as ordered by the physician for one resident (R3). R3 reported that she was denied her medication and experienced a delay in receiving her prescriptions, which she had been getting delivered to her home before moving to the facility. The resident was without her medications, including pain medication, muscle spasm medication, heart medications, and seizure medications, for about three days. The resident's Medication Administration Records (MAR) for March, April, and May 2024 documented multiple instances where medications were not given, including Trileptal, Amlodipine, Atorvastatin, Jardiance, Lamictal, Lisinopril, Coreg, Metformin, Baclofen, and Venlafaxine. Progress notes indicated ongoing issues with medication delivery from the pharmacy and communication problems between the facility and the pharmacy. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that when a medication is not available, the nurse is supposed to call the pharmacy to resolve the issue. However, the documentation showed that medications were frequently not given or not available, and the reasons were not always clearly documented. The facility's Medication Administration policy requires that if a medication is ordered but not present, the nurse should check for misplacement, call the pharmacy, and obtain it from a contingency or convenience box if available. If the physician's order cannot be followed, the physician should be notified, and a note should be made in the resident's record. These steps were not consistently followed, leading to the deficiency in medication administration for R3.
Failure to Obtain Consent for Bed Rail Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to install the correct bed rail and obtain consent from the resident or their representative prior to the installation and use of bed rails for four residents. Observations revealed that residents had bed rails installed without documented consent. For instance, one resident with a diagnosis of weakness and hemiparesis was observed using a bed rail without prior consent. Another resident with a cerebral vascular accident diagnosis had a grab bar installed without consent. Similar deficiencies were noted for two other residents who had bed rails installed without documented consent, despite their medical conditions requiring such assistance for bed mobility and transfers. Interviews with the facility staff, including the administrator and the MDS/restorative nurse, confirmed that the facility had not been obtaining the necessary consents for bed rail use. The facility's policy on bed rails, dated October 2021, mandates that all residents be assessed for bed rail use upon admission and significant change, and that consent should be obtained. However, this procedure was not followed, leading to the deficiency. The administrator acknowledged the oversight and mentioned that they were now in the process of obtaining the required consents.
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A resident with end stage renal disease on dialysis, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, who was care planned as high risk for falls, slid from a high-back wheelchair and sustained a left femur fracture. The care plan called for proper seating, posture reminders, and use of a non-skid/dycem pad in the wheelchair, but on the day of the fall the RN found the resident on the floor with the chair in an upright position and no non-slip pad in place. CNAs described differing routines for how the resident was transferred and positioned after dialysis and dinner, including expectations that the chair be slightly reclined and the resident monitored in a TV room, while the DON’s investigation did not confirm whether required fall-prevention devices were in use and acknowledged the resident had previously slid from his wheelchair.
A resident with hemiplegia, gait abnormalities, lack of coordination, and cognitive deficit, who required substantial assistance with ADLs including turning in bed, fell from bed during peri-care when a CNA asked the resident to turn onto her side and the resident’s legs went over the bed edge. Staff later reported that residents should be positioned in the middle of the bed before turning to prevent falls. An RN assessed the resident after the fall, and the resident was subsequently evaluated by an NP and sent to the hospital, where an intertrochanteric femur fracture associated with a traumatic event was diagnosed.
Two cognitively intact residents reported separate incidents in which CNAs used profane, disparaging, and humiliating language toward or about them during personal care. In one event, a male CNA providing incontinence care to a roommate refused to close the room door, argued with a resident about the request, and repeatedly used the term “mother f***er” in reference to that resident while care was being given. In another event, two CNAs entered a resident’s room after a recent hospice bath, with one CNA stating the resident “stinks” and that no one, including hospice, wanted to care for him because he always complained. Both residents had no documented history of making false abuse allegations, and the reported staff statements are inconsistent with the facility’s abuse policy defining mental and verbal abuse as including humiliation, harassment, and disparaging or derogatory terms.
A resident with ESRD on dialysis, right BKA, osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s fell in his room and was assisted back to bed by an RN and CNA. The RN documented an assessment and later gave PRN tramadol, while the CNA reported the resident said “Oww” when his left leg was moved and screamed during care. The next day, a CNA reported that the resident screamed that his left leg hurt when being dressed and informed two RNs, and another CNA later heard the resident repeatedly say he was in pain but did not notify a nurse. Despite multiple pain complaints, documentation shows only one PRN tramadol dose and no thorough assessment of the left leg pain or MD notification for change in condition. The resident was later sent from dialysis to the ER for leg pain, where an X-ray showed a distal femur fracture requiring surgical repair, and the hospital record noted it was unclear if any evaluation had been done after the fall.
A resident had an active order for enhanced barrier precautions due to a PICC, with signage posted instructing staff to wear gloves and a gown during device care and use. A RN was observed performing PICC care and disconnecting the resident from IV antibiotic therapy while wearing gloves but no gown. The infection control nurse confirmed that enhanced barrier precautions require both gloves and a gown for PICC handling, and facility policy specified glove and gown use for high-contact device care activities.
A resident re-admitted after right femur fracture repair, with dementia and multiple comorbidities, had a PRN order for oxycodone 5 mg q4h for moderate to severe pain. Nursing documentation later that day described the resident yelling, screaming, and exhibiting severe pain, but the MAR shows no pain medication was given at that time, and only acetaminophen 325 mg was administered hours later. The RN and DON acknowledged that the resident was non-verbal, that oxycodone was ordered and available from the emergency supply, and that acetaminophen alone was not adequate for post-surgical pain, yet the narcotic was not administered until many hours after delivery from the pharmacy, contrary to the facility’s pain management policy.
Two residents experienced failures in required physician and family notification. For one resident on Lithium with multiple comorbidities, staff did not notify the psychiatrist of a documented high Lithium level and continued administering Lithium at the increased dose until the resident became lethargic and was later hospitalized with Lithium toxicity. For another resident with Parkinson’s disease and high fall risk who requires total assistance with ADLs, staff did not document physician or family notification after unwitnessed falls that resulted in bruising to the buttock, hip discoloration, and a head abrasion, despite internal policy requiring immediate notification for significant changes in condition and injuries.
Two residents experienced deficiencies in assessment and monitoring when staff did not adequately evaluate or document significant changes in condition and post-fall injuries. One resident with multiple chronic conditions and on lithium became markedly lethargic, unable to sit upright, and had difficulty swallowing, with CNAs repeatedly reporting these changes to an RN who documented only a bruise and no detailed assessment or frequent monitoring; a previously elevated lithium level had not been reported to the psychiatrist. Another resident with Parkinson’s disease and high fall risk had an unwitnessed fall and was later found by CNAs to have a large dark purple bruise covering most of the right buttock, but nursing staff either assessed only exposed skin or gave conflicting accounts of having noted the bruise, and documentation and post-fall assessments did not reflect this injury as required by facility policy.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions, moderate cognitive impairment, and independent ambulation was placed in a Geri-chair by a CNA who was not assigned to the resident, and a sheet was tied around the resident’s waist and the back of the chair, preventing the resident from getting up. The CNA stated she used the sheet as a seat belt and safety precaution because the resident was wandering into other residents’ rooms and disturbing them, acknowledging that tying a sheet in this way is considered a restraint and is not allowed. The resident, who does not use a wheelchair or Geri-chair and normally ambulates without assistive devices, remained in the chair until discovered by a day-shift CNA, who noted the resident could not get up as usual and saw the sheet restraining the resident. Facility leadership, including the administrator, DON, physician, and social services, confirmed that the Geri-chair and tied sheet constituted a physical restraint applied without assessment, IDT involvement, physician order, consent, or documented medical symptoms warranting restraint, contrary to facility policies prohibiting such use and requiring immediate reporting of potential abuse. A subsequent skin assessment documented discoloration/bruising to the resident’s upper and lower extremities.
Staff failed to follow the facility’s mandatory gait belt policy and individual transfer care plans for multiple cognitively impaired residents with conditions such as DM, CHF, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, cerebral infarction, and Alzheimer’s disease. CNAs repeatedly transferred residents between bed, wheelchair, and toilet without gait belts, instead lifting under the axillae, pulling on clothing, and moving wheelchairs into place while residents were partially supported. In one instance, a wheelchair was not locked during a transfer, causing a resident to end up on the edge of the bed and nearly fall. CNAs later acknowledged that gait belts are supposed to be used for transfers, and facility policy specifies that gait belts are mandatory for all physical assist transfers.
Failure to Implement Fall-Prevention Interventions for High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement and maintain fall prevention interventions for a resident identified as high risk for falls, resulting in the resident sliding from a high-back wheelchair and sustaining a left femur fracture. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including end stage renal disease with dialysis dependence, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, abnormal posture, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The resident’s care plan identified him as high risk for falls and included interventions such as reminding him of good posture in the wheelchair, redirecting him to bed if slouching or fatigued, ensuring he was properly seated, and placing a non-skid mat/dycem non-slip pad in the wheelchair to prevent sliding. On the evening of the fall, the RN responded to the resident yelling and found him on the floor between his recliner (high-back wheelchair) and nearby furniture; the resident stated he had been sleeping in the recliner in front of the heater and slid down. The RN observed that the wheelchair was in the upright position rather than reclined as usual and that there was no non-slip pad on the chair. Interviews and record review showed inconsistent implementation of the resident’s fall-prevention plan and lack of clear follow-through on the circumstances of the fall. One CNA reported that on the day of the fall, the resident returned from dialysis already in his chair, likely transferred there by transport staff using a sheet, and that she did not transfer him into the chair herself. Another CNA, who routinely cared for the resident, stated that transport staff typically placed him in bed on return from dialysis and that staff would later transfer him to his high-back wheelchair with a mechanical lift before dinner, recline the chair slightly after dinner, and position him in the TV room so staff could monitor him and prevent him from falling asleep and sliding out. The DON, who investigated the fall, did not recall speaking with the RN or the CNA involved, did not know whether a non-slip pad was in place at the time of the fall, and acknowledged that the resident had slid out of his wheelchair in the past. The DON identified sliding from the wheelchair as the root cause of the fall and stated that the resident’s left leg fracture was from this fall.
Failure to Maintain Bed Safety During Peri-Care Resulting in Resident Fall and Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s safety during incontinence/peri-care, resulting in a fall from bed and a fracture. The resident had been readmitted with diagnoses including hemiplegia and hemiparesis affecting the right dominant side, multiple neoplasm sites, lack of coordination, and abnormalities of gait and mobility. A recent Minimum Data Set indicated the resident had a cognitive deficit and required partial to substantial assistance with ADLs such as turning in bed, bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene. During peri-care, a CNA reported completing cleaning of the resident’s front and then asking the resident to turn onto her side; the resident turned onto her right side, her legs went over the side of the bed, and she fell out of the bed. Another CNA stated that when providing peri-care, staff should ensure the resident is in the middle of the bed before turning them so they do not go too far and fall out. Following the fall, an RN reported being informed by the CNA that the resident had fallen out of bed while being cleaned and was asked to assess the resident. After the resident was returned to bed, the RN noted the resident nodded when asked if she had pain. A nurse practitioner later saw the resident in her wheelchair and noted she did not show signs of pain until her right hip and thigh were palpated, after which the resident’s power of attorney requested hospital transfer. Hospital records showed the resident was admitted with an intertrochanteric right femur fracture and was transferred to another hospital for surgery. The medical director stated that this type of fracture is associated with a traumatic event.
Failure to Protect Residents From Verbal and Mental Abuse by CNAs
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect residents from verbal and mental abuse by CNAs. One cognitively intact resident, R1, reported that on a morning the prior week, a Black male CNA entered the shared room around 5:55 AM to provide incontinence care to R2 and left the door open. When R1 told the CNA the door needed to be closed, the CNA replied that he does not close doors when working. After R1 stated he could make a complaint to the state, the CNA responded, “Do what you have to do mother f***er.” R1 then got out of bed, closed the door himself, and went to the bathroom. R1 reported this incident that morning to the Activity Director (V3), describing that an African American male CNA had used unkind words toward him related to his request to close the door. R2, who is also cognitively intact, corroborated the incident, stating that while he was receiving perineal care from a CNA, R1 and the CNA argued about the door being closed. R2 reported that during the care, while the CNA was wiping his perineal area, the CNA called R1 a “mother f***er.” After R1 closed the door and went to the bathroom, R2 stated that the CNA continued talking about R1 and referred to him as a “mother f***er” multiple times, with the term directed toward R1. The Administrator (V1) later interviewed the Black male CNAs and contacted an agency CNA (V10) who had worked that night; V10 admitted to swearing in the room while providing care to R2, stating he hit his foot and yelled out profanity, but denied swearing at residents. R1’s care plan and staff interviews indicated he had no history of making false abuse statements, and R2’s records similarly showed no history of false abuse allegations. A second incident of verbal and mental abuse involved R2 and two CNAs, V7 and V8. R2 stated that on a day shortly after a hospice aide had given him a bath, V7 and V8 entered his room to clean him and get him up. According to R2, V7 said, “You stink.” When R2 responded that he should not smell because he had just received a bath the day before, V7 allegedly stated, “Everyone in this place hates taking care of you.” R2 reported that these comments made him upset and feel bad about himself. R1, who was present in the room, stated that as soon as V7 entered, she told R2 that he stinks, and when R2 replied that he had just had a bath, V7 said, “No one want to take care of you, you are always complaining, not even hospice.” The facility’s abuse policy defines mental abuse as including humiliation and harassment, and verbal abuse as the willful use of disparaging and derogatory terms to residents or within hearing distance, which aligns with the language reported in both incidents.
Failure to Timely Assess and Treat Post-Fall Leg Pain Leading to Delayed Fracture Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident received timely medical evaluation and treatment after a fall resulting in a fractured leg. The resident had multiple diagnoses including end stage renal disease with dialysis dependence, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, abnormal posture, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the fall incident note, the resident fell in his room and was found on the floor between his recliner and nearby furniture. The RN who responded reported performing a full assessment, including range of motion, and stated the resident could not move his left leg very much but considered this baseline and noted no pain complaints. She administered PRN tramadol later that night, documented for pain at a level 3, but stated she sometimes gives tramadol and melatonin to help him sleep and was unsure why pain was marked on the MAR. A CNA present after the fall reported that when the RN moved the resident’s left leg, he said “Oww” and began cussing, and that he screamed during incontinence care, though this was described as normal for him. On the following day shift, a CNA reported that when attempting to dress the resident, he screamed that his left leg hurt and stated he had fallen the previous day. The CNA immediately informed two RNs, who, according to the CNA, acknowledged the prior fall and said they were taking care of it; one RN later stated she did not recall being told about pain, and the other said she was leaving at end of shift after being told the resident had leg pain. Another CNA caring for the resident later that day and night reported the resident repeatedly said “don’t touch me, I’m in pain,” but she did not report this to a nurse because she believed it was normal for him to yell. Progress notes and records from this period show only one PRN tramadol dose given and no documented assessment of the resident’s left leg pain or notification of the physician regarding a change in condition between the fall and his transfer out. The next day, at the dialysis center, the resident appeared agitated and pointed to his left leg, prompting transfer to the ER, where imaging revealed a minimally displaced distal femur fracture requiring intramedullary nailing. The hospital history and physical noted it was unclear if any evaluation had been performed after the fall at the facility.
Failure to Use Required PPE During PICC Care Under Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program when staff did not follow required personal protective equipment (PPE) use for a resident on enhanced barrier precautions. The resident (R4) had a physician order dated 3/31/26 for enhanced barrier precautions related to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), with a start date of 3/26/26. An enhanced barrier precaution sign was posted on the resident’s bathroom door, instructing staff to wear gloves and a gown during device care and use. On 3/31/26 at 11:12 AM, a registered nurse (V16) was observed in the resident’s room handling the PICC line and disconnecting the resident from an antibiotic while wearing gloves but no gown. During an interview, the infection control nurse (V7) stated that enhanced barrier precautions are used to help limit infections and that staff are required to wear both gloves and a gown when handling a PICC. The facility’s Enhanced Barrier Precautions Protocol, revised 7/26/21, specified that gloves and gowns were to be used during high-contact care activities, including device care or use. This sequence of observations, interviews, and record review showed that despite existing orders, signage, and policy requiring both gloves and gowns for high-contact device care under enhanced barrier precautions, the registered nurse did not wear a gown while performing PICC care for the resident.
Failure to Administer Ordered PRN Narcotic for Severe Post-Surgical Pain
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide ordered pain medication to a resident following right femur fracture repair. The resident was re-admitted with diagnoses including peripheral vascular disease, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, unspecified dementia, falls, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Physician orders dated December 2025 included oxycodone 5 mg every 4 hours as needed for moderate or severe pain. On 12/27/25 at 1:38 PM, nursing notes documented the resident exhibiting yelling and screaming behaviors and severe pain, with interventions listed as scheduled pain medication and PRN medication administration. However, the Medication Administration Record for December 2025 shows no pain medication was administered at 1:38 PM, and instead acetaminophen 325 mg was given later at 3:34 PM. During interviews, the RN stated the resident was confused and non-verbal, with pain indicated by facial grimacing and behaviors, and confirmed the resident had scheduled acetaminophen and PRN oxycodone available, noting that if waiting for pharmacy delivery, narcotics could be pulled from the emergency supply. The DON reported that discharge instructions from the hospital included narcotic prescriptions and that oxycodone was available in the emergency supply box. The DON confirmed the resident arrived at 10:27 AM, that the nurse’s note at 1:38 PM documented severe pain, and that no pain medication was administered at that time despite an order for oxycodone 5 mg for moderate to severe pain. The DON also stated that acetaminophen alone would not be adequate for pain control following hip surgery and was unsure why nursing did not administer the narcotic. The controlled substance record shows oxycodone was delivered to the facility at 10:00 PM and first administered at 1:00 AM the following day. The facility’s pain management policy states that pain management will be provided to residents who require such services, consistent with professional standards of practice and the person-centered care plan.
Failure to Notify Physician and Family of Abnormal Labs and Post-Fall Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a physician of an abnormal laboratory result for a resident receiving Lithium, as well as failure to notify a physician and family of injuries following unwitnessed falls for another resident. One resident, a 65-year-old with multiple medical diagnoses including paranoid schizophrenia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic heart disease, anxiety disorder, and restlessness/agitation, had a physician order for Lithium that was increased over time to 300 mg twice daily as of early March 2026. A laboratory result dated March 10, 2026, showed a Lithium level of 1.40 mmol/L, flagged as high, with no documentation that the physician was notified of this abnormal result. The MAR shows that staff continued to administer Lithium 300 mg twice daily from March 5 through March 15, 2026, without documented physician notification or dose adjustment in response to the elevated level. On March 15, 2026, progress notes document that this resident became very lethargic, unable to stand or transfer, and unable to answer questions, with continued lethargy and inability to respond even to simple questions later that evening. The notes indicate that the physician and DON were contacted at that time and that the resident was sent to the hospital via emergency services. Hospital records show the resident was admitted with a primary diagnosis of Lithium toxicity and that a subsequent Lithium level was critically high at 1.73. The resident’s psychiatrist later stated he was not aware of the elevated Lithium level obtained on March 10, 2026, and that facility staff were expected to notify him of high or low Lithium levels so that medication doses could be adjusted and the resident monitored for changes in condition. The deficiency also includes a second resident, a 64-year-old with multiple diagnoses including altered mental status, Parkinson’s disease, lack of coordination, muscle wasting and atrophy, and difficulty walking, for whom the facility failed to notify the physician and family of injuries after unwitnessed falls and subsequent bruising. This resident requires total assistance for toileting, hygiene, and dressing. An incident report dated March 20, 2026, documents a fall by the nurses’ station with no initial injury noted and physician and family notification at that time; however, a large dark purple bruise covering most of the right buttock was later observed, and the post-fall follow-up assessment dated March 23, 2026, does not show documentation that the physician or family were notified of this bruise. Staff interviews show inconsistent accounts regarding when the bruise was noticed and who was informed, and a CNA reported that the bruise had been observed and reported to the nurse. Additionally, an earlier incident report dated February 23, 2026, documents an unwitnessed fall with yellow discoloration to the left hip and an abrasion to the posterior head, with no progress note documentation that the physician or family were notified of these injuries, despite facility policy requiring immediate notification of the physician and family for significant changes in condition or injuries.
Failure to Assess Change in Condition and Complete Post-Fall Body Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to adequately assess and respond to a change in condition for one resident (R1) and to perform a complete post-fall body assessment for another resident (R5). R1, a 65-year-old with multiple medical diagnoses including hypotension, hypertension, coronary artery disease, paranoid schizophrenia, urinary retention, anxiety disorder, and restlessness/agitation, was documented on the MDS as alert and oriented and requiring substantial to maximum assistance with ADLs. On the morning of March 15, 2026, R1’s nurse (V5) observed her leaning to one side in her wheelchair after breakfast and instructed CNAs to put her to bed to prevent a fall. V5 noted a bruise on R1’s left shoulder but did not document any further assessment of her condition. Despite multiple CNAs (V8, V9, V10) recognizing that R1 was very lethargic, leaning forward and to the side, unable to sit upright, having difficulty swallowing food and water, gagging, and appearing in a daze, there was no detailed nursing assessment or frequent monitoring documented for R1 during the morning shift. Later that day, during shift change, another nurse (V7) observed R1 to be very lethargic, barely responsive to her name, and unable to stand or transfer. V7 had not been informed of any change in condition and was unfamiliar with R1’s baseline. After R1’s family expressed alarm at her condition, V7 confirmed with CNAs that R1 usually got up with assistance and used a bedside commode but was now unable to get up or sit on the commode even with assistance from three staff. V7 obtained vital signs, which were stable, but R1 remained lethargic. V7 notified the physician and the DON and arranged for R1 to be sent to the hospital via emergency services. Progress notes from the evening documented that R1 was very lethargic, moaning but unable to speak or answer even simple questions. Hospital records showed R1 was admitted with a primary diagnosis of lithium toxicity, with a critically high lithium level of 1.73 mmol/L. A prior lab result from March 10, 2026, showed an elevated lithium level of 1.40 mmol/L, with no documentation that the physician was notified. R1’s psychiatrist (V14) stated he was not aware of the elevated lithium level and that facility staff were expected to notify him of high or low lithium levels so that dosing and monitoring could be adjusted. The deficiency also includes the facility’s failure to conduct and document a complete post-fall body assessment for R5, a 64-year-old with altered mental status, Parkinson’s disease, lack of coordination, muscle wasting and atrophy, difficulty walking, dysphagia (oral phase), and cognitive communication deficit. R5 required total assistance for toileting, hygiene, and dressing. An incident report dated March 20, 2026, documented that R5 had an unwitnessed fall by the nurses’ station, was on a blood thinner, and was sent to the hospital, with no injury initially noted. Upon R5’s return from the hospital on March 22, 2026, a progress note stated that a full body assessment was conducted and no new skin issues were noted, and subsequent post-fall assessments through March 23, 2026, also documented no skin issues. However, CNAs (V16 and V17) later observed a large dark purple bruise covering almost the entire right buttock during a full body assessment on March 23, 2026. CNA V17 reported seeing this bruise the evening of March 22, 2026, when assisting R5 to the toilet and stated she immediately notified nurse V6. CNA V21 confirmed being informed of the bruise during shift change. Nurse V5, who cared for R5 on the morning of March 23, 2026, stated he only assessed exposed skin and did not see the bruise. V6 initially stated she was unaware of the bruise but later changed her statement to say she had done a complete body check on admission and noted the bruise. The ADON (V20) stated that when a bruise is found, staff must document its size, location, color, tenderness or pain, and notify the physician of injuries or changes in condition. The facility’s Accident and Incident Policy requires documentation of the extent of injury, assessment, and at least 72 hours of daily documentation after an incident, which was not reflected in R5’s records regarding the buttock bruise.
Resident Improperly Restrained in Geri-Chair With Sheet and No Medical Justification
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a resident who was physically restrained in a Geri-chair using a sheet without a physician’s order, consent, or documented medical justification. The resident is an older adult with multiple medical diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia, COPD, hypertensive heart disease without heart failure, hyperlipidemia, urinary incontinence, edema of unspecified eye, and bipolar disorder. The MDS documented a BIMS score of 9, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and showed the resident required only supervision or touching assistance for sit-to-stand and ambulation tasks, did not use a wheelchair or scooter, and was ambulatory without assistive devices. The care plan documented the resident as an adult with chronic health conditions and co-morbidities living in LTC, with recognition that such circumstances may be viewed as a form of trauma, but did not document any history of being a perpetrator or recipient of mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. On the night in question, a CNA who was not assigned to the resident placed the ambulatory resident into a Geri-chair on the third floor and tied a sheet around the resident’s waist and the back of the chair, using it as a seat belt. The CNA stated she did this around 3:30 a.m. because the resident was walking from room to room, entering other residents’ rooms, pulling on residents while they were sleeping, and other residents were getting upset. The CNA reported that the resident was awake, clapping, able to move arms and legs, but could not get out of the Geri-chair because it was reclined “like a couch.” The CNA acknowledged that wheelchairs do not come with seat belts, that tying a sheet over a resident who does not use a Geri-chair is considered a restraint, and that using a sheet in this way is not allowed, but stated she believed she was helping and using it as a safety precaution to keep the resident from falling out and to keep the resident with her while she went from room to room. The resident remained in the Geri-chair with the sheet tied until discovered by a day-shift CNA after 7:00 a.m., who found the resident in the dining room, noted that the resident could not get up as usual, and on closer inspection saw the sheet restraining the resident from getting out of the chair. The day-shift CNA reported the situation to a nurse and the resident was removed from the chair around 7:10–7:15 a.m. Subsequent review of security footage by the administrator and DON confirmed the resident sitting in the hallway in a Geri-chair with a sheet tied over the lap, and multiple staff, including the administrator, DON, attending physician, and social services director, identified the Geri-chair and tied sheet as a restraint, noting that the resident is ambulatory and does not utilize a Geri-chair. A skin/shower worksheet dated several days later documented skin discoloration/bruising to the resident’s upper and lower extremities. The facility’s written policies state that physical restraints are to be used only as a last resort after alternatives have been tried and failed, based on assessment and IDT determination, and that the facility prohibits abuse, neglect, exploitation, and mistreatment, with employees required to immediately report any incident, allegation, or suspicion of potential abuse or neglect to the administrator or an immediate supervisor who must immediately report it to the administrator. In this incident, the resident was restrained without assessment, IDT involvement, physician order, consent, or documented medical symptoms warranting restraint, and the restraint was applied solely at the CNA’s discretion. Additional staff interviews further described the circumstances and staff awareness. The DON confirmed that the resident is ambulatory, does not use assistive devices, does not utilize a Geri-chair, and is able to transfer independently, and stated that placing the resident in a Geri-chair and tying a sheet over the resident would be considered a restraint. The attending physician stated that someone took it upon themselves to place the resident in a Geri-chair and used a sheet to tie the resident down, described this as wrong and never okay, and characterized it as the aide’s misguided independent action. The social services director stated the resident ambulates independently with moderate cognitive impairment, does not require a wheelchair or Geri-chair, and that having something wrapped around the resident’s legs or thighs in this manner is technically a restraint. The administrator stated that the Geri-chair was considered a restraint because it was not assigned to the resident, and the sheet was also a restraint because it was tied over the resident’s lap, and confirmed that the resident is mobile and does not use a chair or other devices. The report also details staff knowledge and recognition of the restraint and the reporting chain. The CNA who discovered the resident in the morning stated she had received abuse prevention training and knew that use of restraints is prohibited and considered abuse, and that there are different levels of restraints. She reported the situation to a nurse but did not directly notify the administrator. The house supervisor LPN stated she was told by the CNA that the resident was in a Geri-chair and was wet, but she did not hear that the resident was tied with a sheet; she stated that if she had heard that the resident was restrained, she would have immediately assessed the resident and notified the administrator, acknowledging that restraints are not allowed and that the resident ambulates independently and does not use a Geri-chair. The night-shift LPN assigned to the resident stated he saw the resident in the Geri-chair, with hands visible and no distress, but did not see the sheet tied around the waist and was not aware the resident was restrained; he stated he had received abuse prevention and restraint education. Another CNA on orientation reported seeing the resident rolled into the dining room and giving the resident water but did not see the sheet being tied and acknowledged that such use would be considered a restraint. Facility documentation, including the final incident investigation report and policy excerpts, confirms that the resident was physically restrained in a Geri-chair using a sheet, without physician orders, consent, or medical justification, and that this constituted inappropriate use of a physical restraint and a failure to protect the resident from abuse and to follow facility policies on restraint use and abuse prevention.
Failure to Use Gait Belts and Follow Transfer Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in which staff did not follow the facility’s mandatory gait belt transfer policy or residents’ care plans requiring gait belt use for physical assist transfers. One resident with Type 2 DM, CHF, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a walker, gait belt, and one-person assist for transfers was observed being transferred from wheelchair to bed by a CNA who did not use a gait belt, instead pulling under the resident’s arm and by the waistband of his pants. Another resident with Parkinson’s disease, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt and walker or sit-to-stand device with one-person assist for transfers was transferred to and from the toilet by a CNA without a gait belt or walker; the CNA used one hand to guide the resident’s hip and the other to pull the wheelchair into position behind the resident. A third resident with dementia, cerebral infarction, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt, sit-to-stand device, and one-person assist for transfers was repeatedly transferred without a gait belt. The CNA lifted the resident under both axillae from bed to a high-back wheelchair, then into and out of the bathroom using the handrail and lifting under one axilla, again without a gait belt. During a subsequent transfer from wheelchair to bed, the CNA did not lock the wheelchair and did not apply a gait belt; as the resident grabbed the bed rail and the CNA lifted under the axilla, the wheelchair rolled away, leaving the resident sitting on the edge of the bed and nearly falling before the CNA was able, after several attempts, to get the resident’s legs and feet onto the bed. A fourth resident with Alzheimer’s disease, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt and walker with one-person assist for transfers was transferred between wheelchair and toilet by a CNA who did not use a gait belt, instead pulling the resident up by her pants and under her arm and then holding onto the pants while pulling the wheelchair into position. Multiple CNAs later stated that gait belts are used for transferring residents, and the facility’s written policy states that use of a gait belt for all physical assist transfers is mandatory.
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