Forest City Rehab & Nrsg Ctr
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Rockford, Illinois.
- Location
- 321 Arnold Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61108
- CMS Provider Number
- 145937
- Inspections on file
- 57
- Latest survey
- March 9, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 21
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Forest City Rehab & Nrsg Ctr during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with an elevated PSA lab result had a documented provider order for a urology referral, but the facility failed to ensure the appointment was scheduled. The NP wrote on the lab report for the resident to see a urologist, and the referral order appeared on the active order summary. The DON stated the referral should have been placed in the medical appointment scheduler’s mailbox, but the scheduler reported no notification of the order and no urology appointment in the schedule book. Review of the electronic medical record confirmed there was no evidence the resident ever saw a urologist.
A resident with schizoaffective disorder died, and afterward an LPN used the resident’s bank information saved on a phone to make 34 charges totaling $4,910.79, including a $1,000 PayPal transfer to herself, and kept the resident’s cell phone at home. The LPN told police the resident had verbally allowed her to use remaining funds after paying for cremation and to keep the phone, but there was no documentation or witnesses to this alleged agreement. Facility policy and the employee handbook prohibited misappropriation of resident property and barred staff from taking residents’ money or belongings.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions, moderate cognitive impairment, and known risk for weight loss experienced a marked decline in oral intake after family-imposed limits on outside food deliveries, but staff failed to consistently document meal intakes, obtain updated weights, or notify the provider and dietitian as required by the care plan and facility policy. CNAs and nurses observed that the resident disliked facility food, frequently refused meals, and appeared to be losing weight, yet intake records were incomplete for several days and no new weight was taken after an earlier documented weight, despite poor or refused intakes. The dietitian’s review was based only on the chart and did not trigger new interventions or a current weight, the resident was not brought to nutritional risk meetings during this period, and the DON later deemed the intake charting unacceptable, while hospital records shortly after transfer documented severe protein-calorie malnutrition and a significantly lower weight.
A resident with multiple comorbidities, moderate cognitive impairment, incontinence, and dependence for hygiene had documented erythema and skin breakdown to the buttocks and peri-area and an order for zinc barrier cream, but nursing staff did not complete or document thorough, ongoing skin assessments. Over approximately one month, records showed only a brief note that the area remained "stable" and a shower sheet indicating buttock redness, without any detailed wound classification, size, tissue description, or drainage. A CNA reported a very red buttock area and use of barrier cream, while an RN acknowledged not inspecting the skin before hospital transfer and not documenting wound assessments beyond treatment administration. The DON and wound care nurse confirmed the absence of required weekly wound assessments despite a facility policy mandating weekly documentation of all skin impairments, and the resident was later found in the ED to have a sacral ulcer.
A staff member with a beard prepared pureed food in the kitchen without wearing a beard covering, in the presence of the Dietary Manager, and continued food preparation without the required restraint. Both the staff member and facility policy confirmed that beard coverings are mandatory during food preparation.
A resident with a suprapubic indwelling urinary catheter was observed multiple times in public areas with their urinary drainage bag uncovered and urine visible, contrary to facility policy requiring privacy bags to promote dignity. The DON confirmed that privacy coverings are expected for catheter bags.
A resident with a history of CVA and bilateral carotid stenosis, whose care plan required built-up utensils for meals, was repeatedly provided only standard or plastic utensils. The resident was observed struggling to eat independently, and staff confirmed the need for adaptive utensils to support his feeding abilities.
Three residents were found to have as-needed orders for psychotropic or anti-psychotic medications, such as haloperidol and lorazepam, without required stop or duration dates. These orders had start dates but did not comply with the facility's policy limiting such medications to 14 days, as confirmed by the DON.
Two residents with urinary catheters did not receive proper catheter care, as their drainage bags were either not positioned below the bladder or were found touching the floor. One resident's catheter bag was repeatedly placed on a wheelchair seat, preventing urine drainage, and the resident developed a UTI. Another resident's catheter bag was observed lying on the floor without a dignity bag. Staff interviews and facility policy confirmed these practices did not meet required standards for catheter care and infection prevention.
Two residents experienced medication administration errors when an LPN failed to prime an insulin pen as required and another LPN administered the wrong allergy medication. These actions led to a medication error rate above the acceptable threshold.
A resident was denied a requested bedtime snack, with staff and dietary personnel confirming that only diabetic residents or those with weight loss are provided snacks in the evening. The resident's care plan and physician orders did not restrict snack access, yet the facility's practice excluded non-diabetic residents from receiving snacks outside scheduled meal times.
Two residents with advanced pressure ulcers did not have their prescribed wound care treatments completed or documented on multiple occasions, particularly on weekends. The wound care nurse confirmed that treatments were not signed off as completed in the Treatment Administration Record, in violation of facility policy requiring documentation after each administration.
A resident with a history of mental illness and prior abuse made an allegation of assault against a CNA after returning from the hospital. The facility did not immediately report the allegation to the administrator or state agency as required, and the accused CNA continued to have contact with the resident. The administrator and LPN did not promptly interview the resident or gather additional details, and the required investigation and reporting were delayed, violating the facility's abuse prevention policy.
A resident with a history of mental illness and prior abuse returned from the hospital and accused a staff member of assault. The allegation was relayed from a CNA to an LPN, who texted the Administrator but did not receive a response. The Administrator was not informed in person until the next day, and the required report to the state agency was not submitted promptly, as confirmed by the DON.
A resident with a history of mental illness and prior abuse returned from the hospital and accused a staff member of assault. The allegation was not immediately investigated, and the staff member continued working until later identified and sent home. Staff did not promptly interview the resident or remove the alleged perpetrator, despite facility protocols requiring immediate action.
A resident's family member reported an allegation of sexual abuse to facility staff after the resident was discharged. The administrator was informed but did not report the allegation to IDPH within the required timeframe, as facility policy mandates immediate reporting of abuse allegations. The report was made two days after the initial notification, resulting in a delay.
The facility failed to serve food at appropriate temperatures, affecting four residents who reported receiving cold meals. Observations showed that food temperatures were below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, with residents expressing dissatisfaction and needing to reheat their meals.
The facility failed to maintain proper food temperatures and prevent cross-contamination during meal service on the second floor, affecting all 94 residents. Food items were held below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and residents reported their meals were often cold. Additionally, a dietary aide was observed using the same gloves to handle multiple food items and surfaces without changing gloves or performing hand hygiene, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including stage 2 pressure ulcers, did not receive timely wound assessments and treatments as prescribed, leading to the deterioration of their condition. The facility failed to conduct an initial wound assessment within 24 hours of admission, and treatment orders were not consistently followed, resulting in the resident's pressure injuries worsening to an unstageable state.
A facility failed to provide a resident with prescribed medications when he left on an overnight pass. The resident's medication strip was not available, and the LPN did not know which medications were needed. The facility's procedures for sending medications with residents were not followed, leading to the deficiency.
A facility failed to report an alleged abuse incident to the administrator. A resident's daughter reported that her mother was pushed by a CNA, but the scheduler did not inform the administrator. The administrator, unaware of the incident, later reviewed video footage and found no contact between the CNA and the resident. The facility's policy mandates immediate reporting of such allegations to the administrator, which was not adhered to.
A facility failed to administer physician-ordered anticoagulants to two residents, leading to significant medication errors. One resident, with a history of embolic strokes, missed six doses of Xarelto due to pharmacy issues, resulting in an acute embolic stroke and subsequent hospitalization, where the resident passed away. Another resident went without anticoagulant medication for five days due to delays in delivery. Staff interviews revealed issues with access to the automated medication dispensing system and confusion about medication availability.
The facility failed to prevent the progression of a pressure injury from stage 1 to stage 3 for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, due to inadequate follow-up and documentation. Additionally, another resident with a deep tissue injury did not have the prescribed off-loading boot in place, indicating a lapse in implementing care plan interventions. These deficiencies highlight a failure to adhere to pressure ulcer prevention protocols.
A resident with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder experienced significant weight loss, but the facility failed to conduct regular weight monitoring or provide a dietitian assessment for nine months. Observations showed the resident's meals were often untouched and out of reach, and staff interviews revealed a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding nutritional care. Despite a care plan intervention, no actions were taken in 2024 to address the resident's nutritional needs.
The facility failed to implement enhanced barrier precautions for a resident with a stage III pressure injury, as a CNA provided care without wearing a gown and was unaware of the wound's status. Additionally, another CNA did not follow proper infection control procedures during incontinence care, discarding soiled linen on the floor and not changing gloves after care, contrary to facility policies.
The facility failed to prevent cross-contamination during a lunch service on the first floor. A cook was observed handling hamburger patties with gloved hands that had touched potentially contaminated surfaces without changing gloves, leading to grease transfer onto bread and plates. This action violated the facility's Food Safety and Sanitation policy, which requires changing gloves when they become dirty or before starting a new task. This deficiency potentially affects all residents on the first floor.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was involuntarily transferred to the hospital without notifying their representative. Despite being listed as the emergency contact, the resident's spouse was not informed of the transfer, as required by the facility's policy. Staff interviews revealed assumptions about notification, but no documentation confirmed it, indicating a communication breakdown.
A facility failed to ensure accurate documentation of a resident's advanced directive. The resident's electronic medical record and physician orders indicated a DNR status, while the POLST form showed a full code, creating a discrepancy. Staff interviews confirmed that the code status should be consistent across all documentation, but this was not the case, indicating a failure in the facility's process.
The facility failed to provide proper wound care management for two residents. One resident's liver drain dressing was not changed since hospital discharge, and there was no documentation of monitoring the site. Another resident's wounds were not assessed or dressed according to orders, and her care plan did not address her wound history. Staff confusion and lack of adherence to facility policies contributed to these deficiencies.
A resident with an indwelling urinary catheter was found without a catheter secure device, leading to the catheter being pulled tightly and coming out twice. CNAs were unaware of the missing secure device, and the resident's care plan did not document the use of such a device. The facility's policy requires catheters to be secured to prevent trauma, which was not followed.
The facility failed to store and date respiratory equipment for two residents, leading to potential contamination. One resident's oxygen tubing and CPAP mask were not dated and improperly stored, while another resident's nebulizer mask and CPAP equipment were also undated and uncovered. The DON confirmed the lack of adherence to the facility's policy requiring weekly changes and dating of equipment.
The facility failed to properly administer medications for two residents. A resident with diabetes missed doses of Trulicity due to pharmacy issues and lack of timely action by the facility. Another resident received insulin without following manufacturer's instructions, risking incomplete dosing. These deficiencies highlight lapses in medication management and adherence to protocols.
The facility failed to date opened insulin pens for two residents, leading to a deficiency in medication storage. An LPN confirmed administering insulin from undated pens, which should have been dated upon opening. The DON acknowledged the requirement for dating insulin pens due to potency degradation after 28 days.
The facility failed to provide safe feeding recommendations and adequate supervision for four residents with dietary restrictions. Residents with dysphagia and other conditions were observed consuming inappropriate diets and eating unsupervised, contrary to their care plans and physician orders. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the need for supervision, but the facility did not adhere to its policies on dietary management.
A resident with a history of aggressive and inappropriate behaviors physically and sexually abused other residents. Despite documented incidents and a criminal background, the facility failed to manage the resident's behaviors, resulting in harm to multiple residents. The facility's abuse prevention policy was not effectively implemented, leading to significant deficiencies.
A resident with a history of aggressive and inappropriate behaviors was inadequately supervised, leading to multiple incidents of physical aggression and sexual misconduct. Despite known risks and escalating behaviors, the facility failed to implement effective supervision and interventions, resulting in harm to other residents.
A resident developed an additional Stage 2 pressure wound and experienced worsening of existing wounds due to the facility's failure to identify, assess, and implement appropriate wound treatment and prevention interventions. The care plan lacked necessary interventions, and wound care treatments were not documented or performed as required.
The facility failed to inform a resident's family/POA of a significant change in condition and hospitalization. Despite the policy requiring notification and documentation, the family/POA was not informed, and there was no documentation in the resident's Progress Notes.
Failure to Schedule Urology Appointment After Abnormal PSA Result
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care according to provider orders and resident preferences by not scheduling a urology appointment for one resident after an abnormal lab result. The resident’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) lab result dated 5/14/25 showed a high value, and the nurse practitioner documented on the lab result form that the resident should be referred to urology. An order dated 5/16/25 for a referral to urology related to the high PSA was present on the resident’s active Order Summary Report as of 5/19/25. The DON confirmed that the nurse practitioner had written for the resident to see a urologist and stated that the referral should have been placed in the medical appointment scheduler’s mailbox so the appointment could be made. The medical appointment scheduler reported that no urology appointment had been scheduled for the resident and that there were no entries in the appointment schedule book, stating he believed the appointment was not made because he was never notified of the order or referral. Review of the resident’s electronic medical record by the DON showed no indication that the resident had seen a urologist. This sequence of events demonstrates that despite a documented high PSA result and a corresponding provider order for a urology referral, the internal process for communicating and acting on the referral order failed, resulting in the resident not receiving the ordered urology consultation.
Misappropriation of Deceased Resident’s Funds and Personal Property by LPN
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident’s property from misappropriation by staff. The resident had a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and was documented as having expired on a specified date. After the resident’s death, the resident’s sister-in-law reported that multiple charges were made to the resident’s bank account by an LPN, including a $1,000 PayPal transfer to the LPN. Bank statements showed that beginning the day after the resident expired, 34 charges totaling $4,910.79 were made from the resident’s account, including the $1,000 PayPal charge. The sister-in-law also reported that the LPN had the resident’s cell phone at her home. The Administrator stated he first became aware of the situation when police arrived and informed him of the allegations. A police officer reported that the LPN admitted to making purchases using the resident’s bank account after the resident expired, using bank information saved on a phone, and admitted to having the resident’s cell phone at her residence. The LPN claimed the resident had told her she could have the money in his bank account after paying for his cremation and could keep the cell phone, but there was no documentation of this agreement and no witnesses. Facility policy defined misappropriation of resident property as the wrongful use of a resident’s belongings or money without consent and stated residents have the right to be free from misappropriation, and the employee handbook stated staff should never borrow or take money or personal belongings from residents.
Failure to Monitor and Respond to Declining Intake Leading to Severe Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to identify, document, and update nutritional interventions for a resident with known risk factors and a history of weight loss, resulting in severe weight loss. The resident had multiple diagnoses including diabetes, atherosclerosis of the aorta, asthma, hypothyroidism, GERD, cataracts, dysphagia, lack of coordination, and gait/mobility abnormalities, and was assessed as having moderate cognitive impairment and requiring supervision to eat. The care plan, initiated months earlier, identified risk for weight gain/loss related to diabetes and hypothyroidism and directed staff to monitor and document meal intake percentages at all three meals and to refer to the physician/dietitian if there was a 5% weight loss over 30 days or 10% over 180 days. The facility’s weight summary showed a weight of 128 pounds in July and 113.6 pounds on 1/6/26, with no subsequent facility weight obtained before the resident’s hospital admission on 1/16/26, when the hospital documented a weight of 80 pounds and severe protein-calorie malnutrition. From 1/6/26 onward, documentation of the resident’s food intake was incomplete and inconsistent despite clear indications of poor intake. The facility’s meal intake records showed the resident consumed 0–25% of breakfast and lunch on 1/6/26 with no entry for the evening meal, no documented intake at all from 1/7/26 through 1/10/26, and refusals to eat on 1/11, 1/13, and 1/15. On 1/12, the resident ate 0–25% at breakfast and lunch, with no entry for the evening meal. A psychiatry note dated 1/15/26 recorded staff reports that the resident had not been eating and that after the family placed a spending limit on the resident’s food delivery app card, she reportedly stopped eating. A dietary progress note on 1/15/26, based only on chart review and not an in-person assessment, stated that the resident’s intakes had been poor, that she required 1:1 supervision with meals, and that she was on appetite stimulants and multiple nutritional interventions, but it did not prompt a new weight or updated interventions in response to the recent decline in intake. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the resident’s intake had declined significantly when her ability to order outside food was reduced, and that this change was not followed by timely weights, consistent intake documentation, or notification to the provider or dietitian. CNAs reported that the resident disliked facility food, often refused substitutes, and had markedly decreased intake after her food delivery spending was limited; they stated they reported this to nurses, but intake documentation remained sparse or missing for several days. Nursing staff, including an LPN and an RN, acknowledged that when a resident stops eating, a weight should be obtained and the provider and dietitian notified, and that in this case no weight was entered after 1/6/26 despite visible weight loss and very low or refused intakes. The dietary manager and dietitian both stated they were not made aware of the extent of the poor or undocumented intakes, and the resident was not discussed in nutritional risk meetings during the period in question. The DON reviewed the intake records and characterized the charting as completely unacceptable, noting that CNAs are expected to document every meal and that such documentation is essential to monitor whether residents are meeting nutritional needs. The facility’s own weight policy called for a systematic interdisciplinary effort to identify and track residents with significant changes in appetite and decreased oral intake in the last seven days, but this process was not effectively implemented for this resident between 1/6/26 and 1/16/26.
Failure to Perform and Document Ongoing Skin Assessments for At-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to complete thorough initial and ongoing skin assessments for a resident at risk for skin breakdown who had documented redness to the buttocks and peri-area. The resident had multiple diagnoses including diabetes, atherosclerosis of the aorta, asthma, hypothyroidism, GERD, cataracts, dysphagia, lack of coordination, and gait/mobility abnormalities. A facility assessment showed moderate cognitive impairment, dependence on staff for toilet hygiene, substantial to maximal assistance needs for personal hygiene, and supervision for bed mobility. An order dated 12/16/25 directed application of zinc barrier cream to the buttocks twice daily and as needed for incontinence, and a care plan initiated the same day identified impaired skin integrity related to incontinence with erythema, excoriation, and skin breakdown to the peri-area and buttocks. Despite these identified risks and care needs, the electronic medical record contained no documented nursing skin assessment of the buttocks from 12/16/25 until the resident’s transfer on 1/16/26. A progress note on 12/25/25 stated that zinc barrier cream to the buttocks and perineal area continued and that the area remained stable, but did not include wound classification, size, tissue description, or drainage. A shower sheet dated 1/6/26 documented redness to the buttocks, yet there was still no corresponding nursing skin assessment with detailed wound characteristics. When the resident was sent to the hospital on 1/16/26 for abnormal labs, the emergency department record documented a sacral ulcer. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of thorough and ongoing skin assessments. A CNA reported the resident had a “real red area” on her buttocks and that barrier cream was applied, and stated CNAs report skin issues to nurses. The RN who sent the resident to the hospital acknowledged she did not inspect the resident’s skin before transfer, had last seen the resident’s bottom 3–4 days earlier, noted redness and irritation, and admitted she did not document skin assessments, only the barrier cream on the treatment record without size or description. The DON confirmed there were no skin/wound assessments since 12/16/25 except for a brief 12/25/25 note and stated she would expect location, appearance, and size to be charted. The wound care nurse described documenting only what she saw visually and monitoring without consistent, detailed assessments, and acknowledged the resident had persistent redness to the peri-area and buttocks and that it was possible the wound opened. The facility’s wound policy required weekly assessment and documentation of any skin impairments by the wound nurse or designee, which was not followed for this resident.
Failure to Ensure Beard Coverings Worn During Food Preparation
Penalty
Summary
A staff member with a beard was observed preparing pureed bread and vegetables in the kitchen without wearing a beard covering, as required by facility policy. The Dietary Manager was present in the kitchen during this time but did not ensure the staff member wore the appropriate beard restraint. The staff member continued to prepare and puree food for the noon meal without donning a beard cover, despite acknowledging that facility policy mandates beard coverings when preparing food. The facility's Food Safety and Sanitation policy, dated 9/17/23, specifies that beard restraints should be worn at all times during food preparation.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity with Uncovered Urinary Drainage Bag
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a suprapubic indwelling urinary catheter was repeatedly observed in public areas, including the dining room and from the hallway while in bed, with their urinary drainage bag visible and not covered by a privacy bag. The urine in the collection bag was visible to others on multiple occasions. The facility's Director of Nursing confirmed that privacy bags should be used to maintain resident dignity, and the facility's dignity policy specifies the use of privacy coverings for urinary catheter bags as an example of promoting dignity and respect.
Failure to Provide Adaptive Utensils for Resident with CVA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adaptive utensils to a resident who required them for independent feeding due to a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and bilateral carotid stenosis. The resident's care plan specified the need for built-up silverware at meals, and meal tickets confirmed this requirement. However, during observations on two consecutive mornings, the resident was given only standard or plastic utensils and was seen attempting to eat with these, resulting in difficulty managing his food. Staff interviews confirmed the resident's need for weighted utensils to assist with eating and to promote strength in his affected hand. The facility's policy also indicated that adaptive eating equipment should be provided to residents who need them to promote feeding independence.
Lack of Stop Dates for PRN Psychotropic and Anti-Psychotic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that as-needed (PRN) psychotropic and anti-psychotic medications had appropriate stop or duration dates for three residents reviewed for pharmacy services. Specifically, one resident had an order for haloperidol as needed every 8 hours, and two residents had orders for lorazepam as needed at varying intervals. All of these orders had documented start dates but lacked required stop or duration dates. According to the facility's own policy, as-needed psychotropic and anti-psychotic medications are limited to 14 days, but this was not reflected in the orders reviewed. The Director of Nursing confirmed that PRN psychotropic and anti-psychotic medications require a stop date.
Failure to Maintain Proper Catheter Bag Positioning and Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate catheter care for two residents with urinary catheters, as observed through multiple instances where catheter drainage bags were not properly positioned. For one resident with a history of prostate cancer and obstructive and reflux uropathy, the catheter bag was repeatedly found resting on the seat of a wheelchair next to the bed, which was lower than the seat, resulting in the bag being below the level of the bladder. This improper positioning prevented urine from draining into the bag. The resident subsequently developed blood in the urine, was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and was started on antibiotics. Staff interviews confirmed that catheter bags should be positioned below the bladder to ensure proper drainage and prevent complications. Another resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive and reflux uropathy, and benign prostatic hyperplasia was observed on several occasions with the urinary catheter bag not placed in a dignity bag and the lower half of the collection bag lying on the floor. Staff interviews and facility policy confirmed that catheter bags and tubing should not touch the floor to prevent infection. The facility's own catheter care policies were not followed in both cases, as the drainage bags were not maintained in appropriate positions to ensure proper urine flow and infection control.
Medication Administration Errors Result in Elevated Error Rate
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications as ordered by the physician, resulting in a medication error rate of 7.14% based on 28 observed opportunities with 2 errors. In one instance, a resident with type two diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathic arthropathy was ordered to receive 15 units of Humalog insulin via pen three times daily. The LPN administering the insulin did not prime the insulin pen and needle by wasting two units prior to injection, contrary to facility policy and standard practice. The LPN stated that she only primes the pen when opening a new one, not with each administration. The facility's policy requires priming the pen with two units before every use to ensure the correct dose is delivered. In another case, a resident with an order for cetirizine 10 mg daily for allergies was instead given loratadine 10 mg by an LPN. The DON confirmed that cetirizine and loratadine are different allergy medications. The facility's medication administration policy requires verification of the right medication, dose, route, time, and resident identity before administration. These failures resulted in the facility exceeding the acceptable medication error rate threshold.
Failure to Provide Snacks to Non-Diabetic Resident Upon Request
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident was not provided a snack outside of scheduled meal service times, despite expressing a desire for a bedtime snack. The resident reported not receiving snacks and stated that when a request was made, the Dietary Manager responded that only diabetic residents receive snacks. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, the Dietary Manager, and the Dietitian, confirmed that snacks are only provided to diabetic residents or those with weight loss, and that no snacks are offered to other residents in the evening. Review of the resident's diet order and care plan showed no restrictions or physician orders prohibiting snacks outside of scheduled meal times.
Failure to Complete and Document Pressure Injury Treatments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pressure injury treatments were completed and properly documented for two out of three residents reviewed for pressure injuries. For one resident with a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the left lower back and multiple comorbidities including diabetes, COPD, and peripheral vascular disease, the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) showed that prescribed wound care treatments were not signed off as completed on several weekend dates. The wound care nurse confirmed that treatments should be documented after completion and that if not documented, it is considered not done. The resident's care plan required wound management per treatment orders, and facility policy mandated that staff initial the TAR after each administration. Similarly, another resident with a stage 3 pressure ulcer on the right ankle, along with diagnoses such as right-sided hemiplegia, obesity, and traumatic brain injury, had wound care treatments that were not signed off as completed on multiple weekend dates. The wound care nurse again confirmed the lack of documentation and reiterated the importance of following treatment orders. The care plan for this resident also required wound care per treatment orders, and the facility's policy specified that physician-ordered treatments must be documented on the TAR after each administration.
Failure to Timely Report, Investigate, and Protect Resident Following Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its abuse prevention policy in the case of one resident with a history of mental illness and prior abuse. After the resident returned from the hospital and made an allegation of assault against a staff member, the required immediate reporting to the administrator and to the Department of Public Health was not completed within the policy's specified timeframe. The administrator was notified via text message by the LPN, but did not respond, and the nurse did not follow up with a phone call as required. The administrator did not initiate the investigation or report the allegation to the state agency until the following day, missing the two-hour reporting window outlined in the facility's policy. Additionally, the staff member accused of abuse continued to have contact with the resident after the allegation was made, contrary to the policy that requires immediate removal of the accused from resident contact pending investigation. The administrator did not interview the resident about the incident, and the LPN did not gather further details from the resident. The initial and final abuse investigation reports were not sent to the state agency until days after the incident, further demonstrating a failure to follow established procedures for timely reporting, investigation, and protection of the resident during the investigation process.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately report an allegation of abuse involving a resident with a history of mental illness and prior abuse. The resident, identified as being at risk for abuse and/or neglect, returned from the hospital and made a statement accusing a staff member of assault. This statement was heard by a CNA, who relayed it to an LPN shortly after the resident's return. The LPN then texted the Administrator/Abuse Coordinator about the allegation, but did not receive a response. The Administrator was not informed in person until the following day and acknowledged that the report to the state survey agency was delayed. The Director of Nursing later confirmed that there was no record of a timely report being sent to the state agency regarding the abuse allegation, and the initial report was only sent several days after the incident. The facility's policy required immediate reporting of all abuse allegations, but this protocol was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Immediately Investigate and Suspend Staff After Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately investigate an allegation of abuse and did not immediately suspend the alleged perpetrator while the investigation was ongoing for one resident. The resident, who had a history of mental illness and prior abuse, returned from the hospital and made a statement identifying a staff member as the person who assaulted her. This statement was relayed to a nurse, who then informed the administrator via text message, but the administrator did not respond at that time. The nurse did not interview the resident for further details, and the administrator did not speak to the resident about the allegation upon being notified the next day. The alleged perpetrator continued to work until later in the day when they were identified and sent home. Documentation shows that the staff member involved wrote a statement about the incident, and the resident's care plan indicated a risk for abuse, instructing staff to follow facility policy for all suspected or reported instances. Despite these protocols, the facility did not act immediately to investigate the allegation or remove the alleged perpetrator from duty, as confirmed by interviews with staff and review of time cards. The initial and final abuse allegation investigations were sent to the state agency several days after the incident.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Sexual Abuse to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse within the required timeframe to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). After a resident was discharged home, her daughter reported to facility staff that the resident had alleged being sexually assaulted during her stay. The daughter initially contacted the facility regarding a missing cell phone and, during the conversation, mentioned the allegation of sexual abuse. This information was relayed to the facility administrator by the admissions staff. Despite being informed of the allegation, the administrator did not immediately report the incident to IDPH, believing that reporting was unnecessary since the resident was no longer at the facility. The facility's own policy requires that allegations of abuse be reported to IDPH immediately, but not later than two hours after the allegation is made if it involves abuse or serious bodily injury. The report to IDPH was ultimately made two days after the initial allegation was received, exceeding the required reporting timeframe.
Failure to Serve Food at Appropriate Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at a temperature that met resident satisfaction, affecting four residents who were reviewed for food temperatures. Observations and interviews revealed that residents consistently received food that was cold by the time it was served. One resident reported that the Dietary Manager informed him that the food temperature met state requirements, but it was still cold when served. Another resident mentioned frequently needing to reheat his food in the microwave, while a third resident expressed a preference for warmer food but chose to eat it cold. A fourth resident noted that the food was usually cold upon receipt, and using the microwave to reheat it would result in long wait times due to the number of residents needing to do the same. During an observation on the second floor, it was noted that the dietary aide had forgotten the thermometer initially but later checked the food temperatures. The recorded temperatures for various food items, including regular and pureed textures, were below the facility's policy requirement of maintaining a minimum temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit on the steam table before serving. The temperatures ranged from 104 to 129 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a failure to adhere to the facility's food safety and sanitation policy, which contributed to the residents' dissatisfaction with the food temperature.
Food Temperature and Cross-Contamination Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper food temperatures and prevent cross-contamination during meal service on the second floor, affecting all 94 residents residing there. Observations revealed that various food items, including shredded chicken, rice, and corn, were held at temperatures below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit on the steam table. Residents reported that their food was often cold by the time it was served, with some resorting to reheating their meals in a microwave. The Dietary Manager was unaware of the required holding temperatures and confirmed that there was no temperature log for the second floor steam table. Additionally, cross-contamination risks were identified when a dietary aide was observed using the same gloves to handle multiple food items and surfaces without changing gloves or performing hand hygiene. The aide touched containers, the steam table, and various food items, including cheese and lunch meat, without using tongs or changing gloves. The facility's policy requires proper handwashing techniques and glove changes to prevent the spread of infection and cross-contamination, which were not followed in this instance.
Failure to Timely Assess and Treat Pressure Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess and treat a resident's pressure injuries in a timely manner, leading to the deterioration of the resident's condition. The resident, who was admitted with multiple medical conditions including sepsis, diabetes, and stage 2 pressure ulcers on both buttocks, did not receive the prescribed wound treatments consistently. The resident's treatment orders, which required wound care twice daily, were not followed, resulting in missed treatments over a ten-day period. There was no documentation of the resident refusing treatment, and the initial wound assessment was delayed by a week. The wound care nurse, V3, confirmed that the resident's wounds were not assessed upon admission, and the admitting nurse failed to identify the existing pressure injuries. The Director of Nursing, V2, acknowledged that the wound treatment orders were entered but not initiated as required. The Licensed Practical Nurse, V4, who was covering the wound care position, did not perform the necessary assessments due to the resident's admission occurring after her shift. The facility's policy mandates that wound assessments should be conducted within 24 hours of admission, but this was not adhered to in this case. The lack of timely wound assessment and treatment contributed to the resident's pressure injuries worsening from stage 2 to an unstageable condition. The facility's wound policy emphasizes the importance of systematic wound care to promote healing and prevent deterioration, but the failure to implement these practices resulted in the resident's condition deteriorating. Interviews with staff, including the Nurse Practitioner, V5, highlighted the necessity of following treatment orders and documenting any refusals, which was not done in this instance.
Failure to Provide Medications for Resident on Overnight Pass
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident had his prescribed medications when leaving the facility on an overnight pass. The resident, identified as R1, did not have his medication strip available when he left the facility with his power of attorney (POA). The nurse's notes did not document that R1 left the building, and a handwritten note given to R1's POA indicated that the medication strip was not available. The medications that R1 was supposed to receive during his time away included several psychotropic and other medications for conditions such as schizophrenia, hypertension, and anxiety. The Director of Nursing (DON) explained the procedure for sending medications with residents who leave the facility, which involves using small envelopes to label and send the medications. However, the LPN involved, V4, stated that the medication strip was not in the medication cart and did not know which specific medications were supposed to be given to R1. V4 also mentioned that she did not have access to the medication machine and did not check if the medications were available there. The facility's guidebook and policy on administering medications emphasize the importance of ensuring medications are sent with residents when they leave for extended periods.
Failure to Report Alleged Abuse to Administrator
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse to the administrator for one of the residents reviewed for abuse. The incident involved a resident who allegedly reported to her daughter that she was pushed by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) after receiving a ham sandwich. The daughter's report was communicated to the facility's scheduler, who did not inform the administrator. The administrator was unaware of the incident until an interview conducted by surveyors. Upon reviewing video footage, the administrator found no contact between the CNA and the resident. The facility's Abuse Prevention policy requires employees to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the administrator immediately, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Administer Anticoagulants Leads to Resident's Stroke
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with a history of embolic strokes received physician-ordered anticoagulants, leading to significant medication errors. Resident R167, who had a history of strokes due to embolism, was readmitted to the facility with a physician's order for Xarelto, an anticoagulant. However, the medication was not administered as prescribed due to issues with obtaining it from the pharmacy, resulting in the resident missing six doses. This failure contributed to R167 experiencing an acute embolic stroke, requiring emergency transport to the hospital, where the resident later passed away. The deficiency also involved another resident, R116, who was prescribed Rivaroxaban for atrial flutter. The facility failed to administer the anticoagulant for five days due to delays in receiving the medication from the pharmacy. This lapse in medication administration was documented in the resident's electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR), which showed that the medication was on order but not delivered. The facility's policies and procedures for administering medications were not followed, leading to these significant medication errors. Interviews with facility staff, including the Director of Nursing and Licensed Practical Nurses, revealed a lack of access to the automated medication dispensing system and confusion about the availability of medications. The Director of Nursing admitted to not being aware of the medication's availability and the issues with the automated system. The facility's failure to ensure timely administration of anticoagulants as ordered by physicians resulted in Immediate Jeopardy, highlighting a breakdown in the medication management process.
Removal Plan
- All licensed nursing staff have been re-educated to ensure residents admitted have medications available, are aware of the process in place to ensure commonly prescribed medications are readily available, are aware of the steps to take when medications are not available. Education includes an emphasis on the importance of securing medications, such as blood thinners/anticoagulants.
- The Administrator re-educated licensed clinical management nursing staff on the process to follow-up with pharmacy when authorization is required.
- A system is in place to ensure commonly available medications are available through pharmacy, back up pharmacy and the backup medication dispensing system.
- Re-education is completed by Administrator/DON/MDS/clinical management directors. All licensed nursing staff have been contacted via phone by the Administrator/DON/MDS/or clinical management directors and prior to the beginning of the next shift worked and will sign education sheets ensuring the licensed nursing staff was re-educated.
- A house audit was completed which consisted of the Director of Nursing ensuring that all residents prescribed blood thinners are receiving the prescribed medications, per physician orders.
- New licensed nursing staff hired are educated to ensure residents admitted to the facility have medications available, are aware of the process in place to ensure commonly prescribed medications are readily available, are aware of the steps to take when medications are not available.
- On the spot education for licensed nursing staff is being conducted to ensure residents admitted have medications available, are aware of the process in place to ensure commonly prescribed medications are readily available, are aware of the steps to take when medications are not available.
- A weekly audit of 5 residents will continue for four months to ensure residents have all medications are available, including blood thinners and all medications are received in a timely manner, per physician orders.
- The DON or designee perform QAPI audits of 5 residents a week for 4 months to ensure medications are administered as prescribed.
- An analysis of the audits are presented through QAPI quarterly. QAPI Audits are completed using direct observation, resident interview and medical record review.
- A root cause analysis was completed to determine process breakdown, barriers and process improvement. The root cause analysis was completed by the IDT which included the Administrator, clinical management licensed staff, pharmacy representation, corporate clinical staff and the medical director.
- All QAPI audits will be analyzed and reviewed in quarterly QAPI. This is overseen by the medical director and administrator. QAPI will determine if further audits will continue after the completion of 4 months.
Failure in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to appropriately follow up on a report of a stage 1 pressure injury for a resident, leading to the progression of the injury to a stage 3 pressure ulcer. The resident, who was admitted with severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for personal hygiene and mobility, was at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Despite a reddened area being noted by a CNA during a bed bath, no nursing progress notes or skin assessments were found until the injury had progressed to a stage 3. The facility's policy required thorough weekly examinations by a licensed nurse, but the initial assessment and documentation were not completed in a timely manner. Another resident, who returned from the hospital with a deep tissue injury to the right heel, did not have the prescribed off-loading boot in place during a care and dressing change. The resident's care plan required maintaining off-loading heel boots and repositioning every 1-2 hours, but these interventions were not consistently implemented. The facility's policy on pressure ulcer and skin condition assessment did not adequately address pressure ulcer prevention, contributing to the oversight in care. The facility's failure to implement timely interventions and follow established protocols for pressure ulcer prevention and care resulted in the progression of pressure injuries for two residents. The lack of documentation and communication among staff members further exacerbated the situation, as necessary notifications and assessments were not completed as required by the facility's policies.
Failure to Monitor and Address Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate nutritional care for a resident, identified as R103, who experienced significant weight loss. R103, a male resident with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, was not weighed or assessed by a dietitian for nine months following a notable weight loss. Observations revealed that R103 was pale, cachectic, and his meals were often untouched and out of reach, indicating a lack of proper nutritional monitoring and intervention. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, ADON, and Restorative Nurse, highlighted a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding nutritional monitoring and interventions for R103. The LPN admitted to not checking if residents received the correct diet, while the Restorative Nurse mentioned inconsistent weight monitoring and documentation. The Dietary Manager confirmed that no nutritional assessment had been conducted since January 2024, and there were no documented interventions to address R103's weight loss. The Dietitian, who had been at the facility for 2 to 3 months, was unaware of R103's weight concerns and emphasized the importance of regular weight monitoring and re-approaching residents who refuse to be weighed. Despite a care plan intervention to weigh the resident monthly and refer to a dietitian if significant weight loss occurred, no actions were taken in 2024 to address R103's nutritional needs. The facility's policy required regular weight monitoring and dietitian review, but these were not followed, leading to the deficiency.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement enhanced barrier precautions for a resident with a pressure injury. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed providing care to a resident with a stage III pressure injury on the coccyx without wearing a gown, despite the requirement for enhanced barrier precautions, which include wearing a gown and gloves during high-contact care activities. The CNA was unaware of the wound's status, and there was no enhanced barrier precaution sign on the resident's door or an isolation cart in the hallway. The Director of Nursing confirmed that enhanced barrier precautions should be in place for residents with wounds to prevent contamination and spread of infection. Additionally, the facility failed to follow proper infection control procedures during incontinence care for another resident. A CNA was observed discarding soiled linen on the floor and not changing gloves after providing care, which is against the facility's policy. The CNA carried soiled linen through the hallway without bagging it and did not change gloves before assisting the resident into a wheelchair. The Director of Nursing stated that soiled linen should be bagged and gloves changed after care to prevent contamination, as per the facility's policies on linen handling and perineal care.
Failure to Prevent Cross-Contamination During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to handle food in a manner that prevents cross-contamination, as observed during a lunch service on the first floor. The Dietary Manager, V32, stated that the noon meal included an open face turkey sandwich and alternatives such as hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. During the lunch service, the cook, V33, was observed handling hamburger patties with gloved hands that had previously touched potentially contaminated surfaces, including handles, bags, and food containers. V33 did not change gloves between tasks, resulting in a layer of grease on the gloves, which then transferred to slices of bread and the tops of plates, leaving grease streaks. The facility's Food Safety and Sanitation policy, revised in September 2023, requires that single-use gloves be changed as soon as they become dirty or torn and before beginning a different task. V32 acknowledged that V33 should have used tongs or changed gloves to prevent cross-contamination. This failure to adhere to the facility's policy on glove use has the potential to affect all residents residing on the first floor, as noted in the facility's resident census, which showed 81 out of 164 residents live on that floor.
Failure to Notify Resident's Representative of Involuntary Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's representative of an involuntary transfer to the hospital for a resident with severe cognitive impairment. The resident, identified as having multiple diagnoses including stroke, nicotine dependence, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was admitted to the facility from the hospital. Shortly after admission, the resident expressed a desire to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA) but was deemed unsafe to do so due to disorientation and confusion. The decision was made to involuntarily transfer the resident back to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. The facility's records, including the social service note and progress notes, did not indicate that the resident's spouse, who was listed as the emergency contact and surrogate decision maker, was notified of the transfer. Interviews with facility staff, including the Social Services Assistant Director and the Director of Nursing, revealed that there was an assumption that the notification had been made, but no documentation was found to confirm this. The staff involved in the transfer process did not communicate effectively to ensure the resident's representative was informed. The facility's policy on changes in resident condition requires notifying the resident's responsible party of significant changes, including involuntary transfers. However, in this case, the policy was not followed, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and confirmation of notification to the resident's spouse. This oversight highlights a breakdown in communication and adherence to established procedures for notifying family members or representatives during critical events.
Inconsistent Advanced Directive Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accuracy of a resident's advanced directive, specifically for one resident reviewed for advanced directives. The resident's electronic medical record indicated a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status, which was consistent with the physician's orders dated April 17, 2024. However, the POLST (Practitioner Order For Life-Sustaining Treatment) form dated September 13, 2024, indicated the resident was a full code, creating a discrepancy between the documented code status and the POLST form. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed that the code status should be consistent across all documentation, including the electronic medical record, physician orders, and POLST form. The facility's policy requires that any changes in code status be communicated to nursing by social services, and that the POLST form should match the physician's orders. The inconsistency in the resident's code status documentation was identified during a review of the resident's records, highlighting a failure in the facility's process to ensure accurate and consistent documentation of advanced directives.
Deficiencies in Wound Care Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper treatment orders and care for two residents with wound care needs. For the first resident, there was no evidence of a care plan addressing the management of an accordion drain for a liver abscess. The resident's dressing, placed at the hospital, had not been changed since admission to the facility. The facility's records lacked documentation of monitoring or changing the dressing for the liver drain, and there was a noted shortage of PICC line dressing change kits. Staff interviews revealed confusion about the necessity of dressing changes for the drain site, and the facility's policy on post-operative drains was not followed. The second resident had wounds on her left second toe and right dorsal foot, which were not properly assessed or dressed according to orders. The wound care nurse observed that the resident's wounds were not covered with the prescribed dressings, and an initial wound assessment was not conducted for the right dorsal foot wound. The resident's care plan did not address her history of these wounds, and the facility's wound policy, which requires documentation of wound assessments, was not adhered to. Both cases highlight a lack of adherence to treatment orders and facility policies, resulting in inadequate wound care management. The facility's failure to conduct initial wound assessments and ensure proper dressing changes for the residents' wounds contributed to the deficiencies identified during the survey.
Failure to Secure Catheter for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter had a catheter secure device in place, as observed during a survey. The resident, identified as R49, was found lying in bed without a catheter secure device, and the catheter tubing was pulled tightly to the left with the drainage bag secured to the lower part of the bed frame. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) V28 and V29, who were providing a bed bath to the resident, were unaware of the absence of the secure device. The resident communicated through nodding that his catheter had come out twice, indicating a lack of securement. The Director of Nursing (DON), identified as V2, confirmed that the facility uses catheter secure devices to prevent trauma and tension on the catheter tubing and that these should be offered to all residents with catheters. The resident's care plan, dated prior to the observation, indicated a risk for complications related to catheter use but did not document the use of a catheter secure device or any refusal of such a device. The facility's catheter care policy, dated 2018, mandates that indwelling catheters be secured to prevent trauma, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Failure to Properly Store and Date Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store and date respiratory equipment for two residents, leading to potential contamination. For the first resident, a male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues, the oxygen tubing and CPAP mask were not marked with the date they were initiated, and the equipment was improperly stored. The oxygen tubing was found in contact with the floor, and the CPAP mask was hanging from a drawer knob, both uncovered. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that respiratory equipment should be stored in a baggie when not in use to prevent contamination and should be dated according to the facility's policy. For the second resident, a male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea, the nebulizer mask and tubing also lacked date markings. The CPAP facemask and tubing were found uncovered on the bedside table. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there were no orders to change the tubing, resulting in a lack of documentation. The facility's policy requires that oxygen equipment be changed and dated weekly and as needed, but this was not adhered to for these residents.
Medication Administration Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications properly for two residents, leading to deficiencies in pharmaceutical services. Resident R62, who has a history of anxiety disorder, Type 2 Diabetes, emphysema, bipolar disorder, and hypertension, did not receive her prescribed diabetic medication, Trulicity, as scheduled in September 2024. The medication was not sent by the pharmacy, and the facility did not take timely action to resolve the issue, resulting in missed doses on two occasions. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the missed doses until later, indicating a lapse in communication and medication management. Resident R153, a Type 2 diabetic, did not receive his fast-acting insulin according to the manufacturer's instructions. An LPN administered the insulin without wiping the pen tip with alcohol, priming the pen, or holding the plunger button for the recommended duration, which could result in an incomplete dose. The Director of Nursing confirmed these steps were not followed, which are necessary to ensure the full dose of insulin is delivered. These actions demonstrate a failure to adhere to proper medication administration protocols, potentially compromising resident care.
Failure to Date Opened Insulin Pens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly date opened insulin pens for two residents, R153 and R166, which is a requirement for medication storage. During an inspection of the 200-hall medication cart, it was observed that R153's fast-acting insulin pen had a yellow sticker with sections for Date Open, Date Expire, and Initials, all of which were left blank. The pen showed signs of being opened, as indicated by a damaged red tamper seal and some insulin being dispensed. The LPN, V9, confirmed administering insulin from this pen earlier in her shift and acknowledged that the pen should have been dated upon opening. R153's Order Summary Report confirmed an active order for fast-acting insulin to be administered four times daily. Similarly, R166's long-acting and fast-acting insulin pens were found with blank yellow stickers for Date Open, Date Expire, and Initials, and no other dates were documented on the pens. The seals on these pens were also damaged, indicating they had been opened. V9 admitted to administering insulin from these undated pens and confirmed that they should have been dated when opened. R166's Order Summary Report showed active orders for both fast-acting and long-acting insulin. The Director of Nursing, V2, stated that insulin pens are supposed to be dated upon opening, as their potency degrades after 28 days, and mentioned that staff had been recently in-serviced on this procedure.
Inadequate Supervision and Dietary Management for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe feeding recommendations for four residents, leading to potential safety hazards. Resident R2, diagnosed with dysphagia, bipolar disorder, and dementia, was observed being given potato chips by the Assistant Director of Nursing, despite being on a mechanical soft diet. The speech therapist confirmed that R2 should not have been given potato chips and required supervision due to swallowing difficulties. Similarly, Resident R3, with diagnoses including hemiplegia and dysphagia, was observed eating potato chips and a regular diet unsupervised, contrary to his care plan that required a pureed diet and 1:1 assistance during meals. Resident R6, diagnosed with dysphagia following cerebral infarction, was observed feeding himself a pureed diet rapidly without supervision, contrary to his physician's orders that required 1:1 supervision and cueing for swallowing safety. The speech therapist confirmed that R6 needed supervision to ensure safe eating practices. Resident R9, with chronic bronchitis and COPD, was observed feeding himself a whole sandwich in bed without assistance, despite his care plan indicating a need for a pureed diet and 1:1 hand feeding. The speech therapist noted that R9 should have been receiving the diet specified in his orders. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that all residents on altered diets require some level of supervision, and those needing 1:1 supervision should not be served food until staff are ready to sit with them. The facility's policies on pureed and mechanical soft diets emphasize the need for individualized dietary modifications based on residents' swallowing and chewing abilities. However, the facility failed to adhere to these policies, resulting in residents receiving inappropriate diets and inadequate supervision during meals.
Failure to Prevent Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were free from physical and sexual abuse by a resident (R1) with a history of aggressive and inappropriate behaviors. R1, who had a criminal background and diagnoses including dementia and cognitive communication deficit, exhibited escalating aggressive behaviors towards staff and other residents. Incidents included R1 punching another resident (R2) in the face, flipping a resident (R3) out of a chair, and exposing himself to a resident (R4). Despite R1's documented history of aggression and inappropriate behavior, the facility did not adequately assess or manage the risks posed by R1, leading to multiple instances of abuse and harm to other residents. R1's aggressive behaviors were documented in various notes and reports, including instances of physical aggression towards staff and residents, and sexually inappropriate behavior. R1's criminal history background check revealed felony convictions and a history of violent behavior. Despite these red flags, R1 was admitted to the facility and his aggressive behaviors were not effectively managed. Staff reported multiple incidents where R1 was physically and verbally aggressive, including trapping a CNA in his room while masturbating, placing a choke hold on staff, and throwing a can of pop at a CNA. These behaviors escalated to physical assaults on residents, including punching R2 and flipping R3 out of a chair. The facility's failure to adequately assess and manage R1's behaviors resulted in significant harm to other residents. R1's care plan and risk assessments did not accurately reflect the severity of his behaviors, and interventions were insufficient to prevent further incidents. The facility's abuse prevention policy was not effectively implemented, leading to multiple instances of abuse and harm to residents. The Immediate Jeopardy was identified and later removed when R1 was placed on 1:1 supervision and subsequently discharged from the facility with police involvement.
Removal Plan
- R1 no longer resides in the facility.
- R2 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- R3 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- R4 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- All staff are in the process of being re-educated on the abuse policy to ensure residents are free from physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place.
- The Administrator/DON/MDS/management directors will complete the education. All staff will be educated via phone prior to the beginning of the next shift worked and will sign education sheets on keeping from physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place.
- A list of identified offenders was reviewed by Social Service staff to ensure a safety plan is in place, per the plan of care.
- New hires will be educated on ensuring residents are kept free from physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place during orientation.
- On the spot education on abuse training knowledge is completed to ensure compliance System: Education to be completed by the start of next scheduled shift.
- A weekly audit of 10 residents will continue to ensure residents free of physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place.
- Audits will be completed by Social Services Director or designee and an analysis presented through QAPI.
- Audits are completed using direct observation, resident interview and medical record review.
- A root cause analysis was conducted to identify barriers and further education needed.
- All audits will be analyzed and reviewed in quarterly QAPI. This is overseen by the medical director and administrator. QAPI will determine if the audits will continue at that time.
Failure to Supervise Resident with Escalating Aggressive and Sexual Behaviors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately supervise a resident with known escalating behaviors of physical and sexual aggression. This resident, who had a history of aggressive and inappropriate behaviors, was not properly monitored despite multiple incidents of aggression towards staff and other residents. The resident's behavior included physical aggression such as punching another resident in the face and flipping another resident out of a chair, as well as sexually inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself to a female resident. Despite these incidents, the resident was only placed on 15-minute checks, which were inconsistently documented and not effectively implemented, leading to further incidents of aggression and sexual misconduct. The resident's medical history included diagnoses of dementia, cognitive communication deficit, and a history of criminal behavior, including felony convictions and substance abuse. The facility's records show that the resident exhibited aggressive behaviors shortly after admission, including physical aggression towards staff and other residents, and sexually inappropriate behavior towards a staff member. Despite these behaviors, the facility's response was inadequate, with inconsistent supervision and failure to implement effective interventions to manage the resident's behavior. Interviews with staff revealed that the supervision checks were not consistently performed or documented, and there was confusion among staff about who was responsible for monitoring the resident. The facility's policy on safety and supervision of residents was not effectively followed, leading to multiple incidents of aggression and sexual misconduct by the resident. The failure to provide adequate supervision and implement effective interventions resulted in the resident being able to continue exhibiting aggressive and inappropriate behaviors, ultimately leading to the resident being discharged with police involvement after sexually assaulting another resident.
Removal Plan
- R1 no longer resides in the facility.
- R2 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- R3 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- R4 is at baseline and continues to reside safely in the facility.
- All staff are in the process of being re-educated on the abuse policy to ensure residents are free from physical and sexual abuse and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place.
- Education includes supervising residents with escalating behaviors, monitoring and placing interventions in place.
- A system is in place to ensure supervision checks are completed as identified by the facility.
- The form is reviewed daily by clinical management to ensure it is completed and accurate.
- The Administrator/DON/MDS/management directors will complete the education.
- All staff will be educated via phone prior to the beginning of the next shift worked and will sign education sheets on ensuring residents are free from physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place.
- A list of identified offenders was reviewed by Social Service staff to ensure a safety plan is in place, per the plan of care.
- New hires will be educated on ensuring residents are kept free from physical and sexual abuse, identifying abusive behaviors and behavior management for residents with a safety plan in place during orientation.
- On the spot education on abuse training, identifying escalating behaviors, monitoring and placing interventions in place.
- A knowledge check is completed to ensure compliance.
- A system is in place to ensure supervision checks are completed.
- Education to be completed by the start of next scheduled shift.
- A weekly audit of 10 residents will continue to ensure residents free of physical and sexual abuse, staff identifying escalating behaviors, monitoring and placing interventions in place and a system is in place to ensure supervision checks are completed.
- Audits will be completed by Social Services Director or designee and an analysis presented through QAPI.
- Audits are completed using direct observation, resident interview and medical record review.
- A root cause analysis was conducted to identify barriers and further education needed.
- All audits will be analyzed and reviewed in quarterly QAPI. This is overseen by the medical director and administrator.
- QAPI will determine if the audits will continue at that time.
Failure to Provide Adequate Pressure Ulcer Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to identify, assess, and implement pressure wound treatment and prevention interventions for a resident, leading to the development of an additional Stage 2 pressure wound and the worsening of existing wounds. The resident was admitted with a Stage 3 pressure wound on the left heel and a wound on the sacrum, but the care plan did not include any treatment or prevention interventions. The resident did not receive any wound care treatments from the time of admission until several weeks later, and there was no documentation of a complete wound assessment during this period. The Wound Care Physician's evaluations indicated that the resident's wounds worsened over time, and a new Stage 2 pressure wound developed. The facility's Wound Care Nurse and Director of Nursing confirmed that wound care treatments were not documented and therefore likely not performed. The resident did not refuse wound care, and the lack of treatment was attributed to failures in the facility's processes and documentation. The facility's policy required weekly wound assessments and documentation, but these were not completed as required. The care plan was inadequate, lacking necessary interventions such as a turning/repositioning schedule and special mattress. The facility's staff acknowledged the deficiencies in wound care and documentation, which contributed to the resident's deteriorating condition.
Failure to Notify Family/POA of Resident's Change in Condition and Hospitalization
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to inform a resident's family/Power of Attorney (POA) of a significant change in the resident's condition and subsequent hospitalization. On 1/3/24, a resident (R1) was found to be lethargic, with an altered mental status, elevated heart rate, and low oxygen levels. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called, and R1 was transported to the hospital. However, the facility did not notify R1's POA, who later learned of the hospitalization from the hospital staff. Interviews with the facility's Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurse (RN) confirmed that the standard procedure is to notify the family/POA and document this communication in the Nurse's Notes, but this was not done in R1's case. The facility's Change in Resident's Condition Policy, reviewed on 2/1/22, mandates that nursing or social service staff alert the family of a resident's change in condition and document the communication in the resident's medical record. Despite this policy, there was no documentation in R1's Progress Notes indicating that the family/POA was informed of the change in condition or the hospitalization. The lack of communication and documentation represents a failure to adhere to the facility's policy and ensure the family/POA was promptly informed of the resident's critical condition and transfer to the hospital.
Latest citations in Illinois
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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