White Oak Post Acute Care
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Location
- 2828 Westfork, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
- CMS Provider Number
- 195488
- Inspections on file
- 39
- Latest survey
- March 18, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 10
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at White Oak Post Acute Care during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident who was incontinent and dependent for bed mobility developed new skin changes on the buttocks that were first observed by a CNA and reported to an LPN, who noted reddened, open skin and applied skin prep but did not notify the MD or responsible party and did not ensure documentation of the assessment. No skin assessment was recorded at that time, and several days later a treatment nurse identified a new stage 3 sacral pressure ulcer during a body audit, at which point the NP and family were notified and wound treatment orders were obtained. This sequence of events reflects a failure to follow the facility’s policy requiring immediate notification of the physician, resident, and family when a reddened area or wound is identified.
The facility failed to follow its Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy requiring gown and glove use during high-contact care for residents with wounds and indwelling devices. A resident with a stage 3 pressure ulcer and another resident with multiple lower extremity ulcers and an indwelling urinary catheter were on EBP, yet a treatment nurse performed wound care and a CNA emptied a urinary catheter and changed a brief wearing only gloves and no gown. In one case, EBP signage was missing from the door; in others, signage was present but not followed. The DON later confirmed that residents with wounds and urinary catheters should be on EBP and that staff should wear both gown and gloves for wound care and catheter care.
A resident with multiple pressure ulcers did not have required interventions, such as turning and heel floating, accurately documented by CNAs on several shifts. Staff interviews confirmed that documentation was incomplete, despite physician orders and facility policy requiring timely and accurate recordkeeping.
A nurse left multiple oral and liquid medications at the bedside of a cognitively intact resident without a physician's order for self-administration, contrary to facility policy. The resident confirmed the medications were her morning doses, which she had not yet taken. Both the LPN and DON acknowledged that medications should not have been left at the bedside without proper authorization.
A resident with a history of cognitive impairment and high fall risk fell on the smoking patio due to inadequate supervision. The resident, identified as a wanderer and unsafe smoker, was left unsupervised when the assigned smoking aide was not present, leading to the resident's fall while attempting to maneuver his wheelchair over uneven concrete.
A resident with a history of falls experienced an unwitnessed fall, and the facility failed to notify the physician and family as required by policy. Interviews revealed that the charge nurse did not complete an incident report or communicate the fall to the necessary parties, despite the resident being a high fall risk. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the incident, highlighting a lapse in protocol adherence.
A facility failed to complete a comprehensive MDS assessment in a timely manner for a resident admitted to the facility. The resident's admission MDS assessment was still 'in progress' beyond the required 14-day timeframe. Interviews with the MDS coordinator and DON confirmed the delay, indicating non-compliance with regulatory requirements for timely assessments.
A facility failed to implement fall prevention interventions for a resident with paraplegia and a history of falls. The care plan required a fall mat at the bedside, but observations showed it was not in place. Interviews with the resident and staff revealed inconsistencies in the use of the fall mat, with some staff only using it during transfers. The MDS coordinator and DON confirmed the expectation for continuous use of the fall mat to minimize fall risk.
A facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident within 7 days after the completion of the Admission MDS assessment. The resident's care plan only included a baseline care plan without specific interventions for ADL assistance, fall risk, nutritional services, or skin care. Staff confirmed the comprehensive care plan was not completed by the required date, indicating a lapse in policy adherence.
The facility failed to document required census checks for two residents with severe cognitive impairments, one at risk of elopement and the other with a history of wandering. Despite physician's orders for regular checks, the Task logs showed no documentation of these checks. Interviews with staff confirmed the absence of documentation, highlighting a lapse in maintaining accurate records.
The facility did not maintain adequate CNA staffing levels on several night shifts, falling short of the required 4 CNAs by having only 3. This staffing deficiency was confirmed by interviews with CNAs and the facility's administrator, highlighting a failure to meet the facility's own staffing policy.
The facility failed to notify the Ombudsman of emergency transfers for two residents, as required by policy. One resident with a history of cerebral infarction and falls was transferred after a fall, and another resident with dementia was transferred for evaluation. These transfers were not documented on the Ombudsman Emergency Transfer Log.
The facility failed to implement comprehensive care plans for three residents, leading to deficiencies in care. A resident with hemiplegia did not receive a required PT evaluation after a fall. Another resident's wandering behavior was not documented in the care plan despite staff observations. A third resident with a history of falls did not receive the ordered 30-minute checks, as staff were unaware of the requirement. These oversights highlight significant gaps in communication and documentation within the facility.
A resident with Morbid Obesity and Functional Quadriplegia did not receive timely incontinent care, resulting in her being left saturated in urine for several hours. Despite activating the call light at 7 p.m., care was not provided until the shift change at 10 p.m. The facility's protocol requires incontinent care every two hours and before shift changes, which was not followed in this instance.
The facility failed to document ADL care accurately for two residents, both requiring extensive assistance. One resident, with a thoracic spinal cord injury, and another with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, had multiple missing entries in their bed bath logs. Staff interviews confirmed the absence of documentation, highlighting a breach in maintaining complete medical records.
A facility failed to administer Ativan as ordered for a resident with Bipolar Disorder. The nurse received an order for Ativan 1 mg IM for agitation and aggression but did not administer it because the resident calmed down. The nurse did not contact the nurse practitioner to discontinue the order, contrary to facility policy. The DON stated that staff should follow physician's orders and contact the physician if a medication is not given.
The facility failed to ensure nursing staff had the necessary competencies, resulting in unsafe resident transfers and inadequate smoking interventions. A resident was injured during an improper transfer, and several residents were found smoking unsupervised in non-designated areas. Staff lacked training and documentation of competency, contributing to these deficiencies.
The facility failed to effectively use its resources, leading to deficiencies in resident care. A resident requiring a Hoyer lift was injured during an improper transfer by a CNA. Additionally, several residents identified as unsafe smokers were found smoking unsupervised, and staff lacked training in implementing safe smoking interventions. The facility also failed to ensure staff competency, with no documented evaluations or skills check-offs for several employees.
The facility failed to ensure resident safety in transfers and smoking practices. A resident requiring a Hoyer lift was improperly transferred, resulting in a fall and injury. Additionally, residents assessed as unsafe smokers were found smoking unsupervised, with staff unaware of their needs. Documentation and communication lapses contributed to these deficiencies.
The facility failed to refer residents with mental health diagnoses for PASRR Level II evaluations as required. Four residents with conditions such as Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Depression did not have the necessary evaluations on file. Staff interviews confirmed the oversight in submitting the required forms to the state agency.
A resident with End Stage Renal Disease did not receive the prescribed liberal renal diet, which included a 1000 ml fluid restriction and no soups. The resident reported receiving soup and insufficient food portions. Observations and staff interviews confirmed the resident's lunch lacked protein and included soup, contrary to dietary orders.
The facility failed to properly store medications, with loose pills found in two medication carts and expired drugs in one. Additionally, a medication refrigerator was observed to be at an incorrect temperature, with no corrective action taken. These deficiencies were confirmed by the LPNs and DON.
The facility did not ensure dietary staff were trained to test the chemical dishwasher for chlorine. An observation revealed a staff member using the dishwasher without testing for chlorine, and interviews confirmed the lack of training and documentation for five dietary staff.
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food storage and labeling, affecting 81 residents. Observations revealed multiple food items in the kitchen, refrigerator, freezer, and dry pantry without proper labels indicating open or expiration dates. An interview confirmed these items should have been labeled according to the facility's policy.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents understood the binding arbitration agreement they signed upon admission. Both residents, admitted from the hospital, stated they were not aware of what an arbitration agreement was and confirmed that no one explained it to them. The staff member responsible assumed understanding due to a lack of questions, leading to uninformed consent.
The facility failed to implement an effective QAPI process, resulting in ongoing noncompliance with quality deficiencies such as therapeutic diets, food storage, abuse reporting, and enhanced barrier precautions. Despite notes indicating compliance, the current administrator confirmed the lack of documentation and acknowledged the deficiencies affecting 88 residents.
The facility failed to implement an effective infection prevention and control program, as staff did not adhere to PPE requirements for residents on Enhanced Barrier Precautions. An LPN administered medications without a gown, and a CNA provided care without PPE. Additionally, urine-soiled laundry was not promptly removed from a resident's room, posing an infection control risk.
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, and homelike environment, with issues such as uncovered and broken light fixtures, scuffed walls, missing paint, rusted vents, and broken blinds observed in multiple rooms and hallways. A resident reported a windowsill board with exposed nails had been in disrepair for about a month. Staff confirmed these concerns, acknowledging the facility's failure to maintain a proper environment.
The facility failed to accurately code MDS assessments for two residents, one with a PASRR Level II status and another receiving hospice care. The assessments did not reflect the residents' actual conditions, as confirmed by staff interviews, indicating a lapse in following the facility's policy for accurate resident assessments.
The facility failed to implement comprehensive care plans for residents, leading to deficiencies such as unrecorded hospice status, improper ostomy care, missed medical appointments, and unaddressed transfer and smoking needs. These oversights were confirmed through staff interviews and record reviews.
A resident with Type 2 DM and a foot ulcer did not receive scheduled baths on several Saturdays over four months, despite being cognitively intact and not refusing care. The facility's policy required assistance with bathing at least three times weekly, but there was no documentation of completed baths. Interviews confirmed the lack of documentation and failure to provide scheduled care.
A resident experienced a significant delay in receiving assistance after activating the call light, with staff failing to respond in a timely manner. Despite the call light being visibly lit, multiple staff members passed by without providing care. Interviews revealed inconsistencies in the facility's call light response protocol, with staff acknowledging that a 30-minute wait is unacceptable.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment was given a bottle containing a blue liquid resembling a cleaning agent, leading to stomach upset and burning sensations. The resident also alleged a CNA used her food stamp card for personal use. Despite attempts to contact the DON, ADON, and administrator, the facility failed to report these allegations of physical and financial abuse to the state survey agency within the required timeframe.
A resident with a history of Cerebral Vascular Infarction, Aphasia, and Dysphagia did not receive continuous enteral feeding as ordered by the physician. Observations showed the feeding tube was not running for several hours, and the pump displayed error messages. Staff interviews confirmed the deficiency, as the resident's feeding was not administered as prescribed.
The facility did not post daily nurse staffing information in a location accessible to residents and visitors. An observation revealed no staffing data sheets were displayed, and interviews with staff confirmed the last sheet was completed the previous day.
A paraplegic resident in a LTC facility developed a Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) on the left heel due to the facility's failure to follow physician orders to float the heels. Despite being at risk for pressure ulcers, the resident's heels were observed resting on the footboard multiple times without heel boots, leading to new pressure-related injuries. Staff interviews confirmed the resident required assistance with repositioning, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the deficiency.
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as staff did not adhere to Enhanced Barrier Precautions for two residents with wounds and indwelling devices. Staff were observed not wearing gowns during high-contact activities and improperly handling a urinary drainage bag, risking infection. Additionally, staff did not perform proper hand hygiene, failing to wash hands after removing soiled gloves and before applying new ones.
A resident with intact cognition and dependent on transfers requested to be moved out of bed around 6:20 a.m. but was not transferred until after 9:45 a.m. The CNA acknowledged the request but delayed the transfer, requiring a two-person assist. Both the ADON and DON confirmed the delay was unacceptable, indicating a failure to accommodate the resident's needs.
A resident with cerebral infarction and muscle disorders, dependent on staff for toileting, was left in a wet gown and pillow due to delayed incontinence care. Despite the facility's policy for two-hourly checks, staff failed to change the resident's brief on time, as confirmed by observations and interviews with the resident and staff.
A facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for a diabetic resident, as insulin was documented as administered even when blood glucose levels were below the prescribed threshold. Interviews with LPNs confirmed these were documentation errors, and the DON verified that insulin should not have been documented as given if not administered.
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for residents with indwelling devices, leading to infections and inadequate treatment. A resident with a PEG and nephrostomy tube did not receive necessary dressing changes or site monitoring due to a lack of orders, resulting in sepsis and infections. Another resident with a nephrostomy tube also did not receive proper care, as there were no documented orders or regular dressing changes. Staff interviews revealed confusion over responsibilities, contributing to the deficiency.
A cognitively impaired resident with exit-seeking behaviors eloped from an LTC facility, despite wearing a wander guard. The resident, known for removing the guard and expressing a desire to leave, was found over a mile away after crossing a busy highway. Staff failed to notice the resident's absence until alerted by a Good Samaritan, indicating insufficient supervision and reliance on the wander guard.
A facility failed to ensure admission orders for a resident with a PEG and nephrostomy tube were obtained and entered into the electronic medical record. This oversight resulted in the resident not receiving necessary dressing changes or site monitoring, leading to hospitalization with sepsis, a nephrostomy-associated UTI, and an infected PEG tube. Interviews revealed a lack of clarity among staff regarding responsibility for obtaining and entering these orders.
The facility failed to maintain its QAPI program due to the administrator's lack of involvement and communication with the governing body. The Director of Nursing was left responsible, but quarterly QAPI meetings were not held since the previous administrator's departure, potentially affecting 87 residents.
The facility failed to complete a comprehensive assessment to determine necessary resources for resident care during routine and emergency operations. The assessment tool had numerous blank sections, failing to reflect the needs of 87 residents, including those with psychiatric diagnoses, pressure ulcers, and requiring special care. The administrator confirmed the incomplete documentation.
The facility failed to maintain an effective QAPI program, as required by its policy. The DON, responsible for the program, could not provide documentation of QAPI meetings or evidence of quarterly meetings with the Medical Director. The facility had not held these meetings since the previous administrator's departure, and monthly internal QAPI meetings with department heads were also not conducted. The management company was unaware of these lapses.
A resident with a traumatic brain injury and unspecified convulsions did not receive prescribed Vimpat due to unavailability at the facility. Despite having orders to administer the medication every 12 hours, several LPNs did not administer it, citing its absence. Although some LPNs claimed to have requested the medication from the pharmacy, there was no documentation to support these claims until days later. The DON confirmed the lack of notification and documentation regarding the medication request, acknowledging the failure as unacceptable.
The facility did not adhere to the approved menu and failed to document menu substitutions, affecting residents' nutritional needs. A resident received a meal that differed from the meal ticket, and staff confirmed the discrepancy. The Dietary Manager admitted to making substitutions due to delivery issues but did not record these changes or inform the Registered Dietician, as required by policy.
The facility failed to store food according to professional standards, affecting 77 residents. Moldy sprouted red beans were found in a container during a kitchen tour. S22DM confirmed the beans got wet and should have been discarded, violating the facility's dry food storage policy.
The facility failed to provide mandatory effective communication training to all direct care staff, as required by federal and state laws. Three CNAs did not attend the only training session offered, and no make-up sessions were scheduled. The DON confirmed the oversight, and the Administrator expected compliance with training requirements.
Failure to Promptly Notify Physician of New Sacral Skin Breakdown
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately notify a physician when there was a significant change in a resident’s skin condition, as required by its own skin program policy. The policy stated that when a resident develops a reddened area or wound, the licensed nurse must notify the resident, family, and physician of the reddened area or wound, with physician notification to occur during normal office hours unless a treatment order is needed. Resident #3 had a significant change in skin condition that was not promptly communicated to the physician, despite the facility’s policy and the resident’s risk factors. Resident #3 was admitted on 05/06/2024 and had a significant change MDS dated 01/22/2026 indicating the resident was always incontinent of bowel and bladder, dependent for bed mobility, and had no unhealed pressure ulcers at that time. On 02/14/2026, a CNA working day shift observed three dime-sized, fluid-filled blisters on the resident’s buttocks and reported this finding to the nurse. The LPN on duty acknowledged that it was reported to her that the resident had a skin condition on the buttocks, which she described as reddened and open, and she applied skin prep to the area. The LPN confirmed she did not notify the doctor or the resident’s responsible party and did not recall whether she documented her assessment. There was no documentation of a skin assessment for Resident #3 on 02/14/2026 in the medical record. On 02/18/2026, during a weekly body audit, a treatment nurse discovered a stage 3 pressure ulcer on the resident’s sacrum, measuring 8.1 cm in length, 9.2 cm in width, and 0.1 cm in depth, identified as an in-house acquired, new onset pressure ulcer with full-thickness skin loss. The nurse documented the wound, notified the nurse practitioner and responsible party, and obtained new treatment orders. The wound care nurse practitioner’s assessment on 02/19/2026 confirmed an acute stage 3 pressure injury with exposed adipose tissue and three open areas measured together as one wound. Interviews confirmed that the earlier skin changes reported on 02/14/2026 were not communicated to the physician at that time, resulting in a delay in physician notification until 02/18/2026.
Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Residents With Wounds and Indwelling Catheters
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement and maintain its Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy for residents requiring infection prevention measures. The facility’s written policy, dated January 2025, required the use of gown and gloves during high-contact resident care activities for residents with applicable conditions or devices, such as wounds and indwelling urinary catheters, even if multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) status was unknown. High-contact activities were defined to include dressing, bathing, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens or briefs, assisting with toileting, urinary catheter care, and wound care. Resident #5 had a physician’s order for EBP related to a stage 3 pressure ulcer of the left buttock, and Resident #R1 had multiple non-pressure chronic ulcers of the left lower extremity, pressure ulcers of the left ankle and heel, and an indwelling urinary catheter documented in the care plan. On multiple observations, staff did not follow the EBP requirements for gown use during direct care of these residents. A treatment nurse provided wound care to Resident #5 wearing gloves but no gown, and there was no EBP signage on the resident’s door at that time. Later, a CNA was observed emptying Resident #R1’s indwelling catheter wearing gloves but no gown, despite EBP signage on the door, and confirmed she had not donned a gown. The same CNA was subsequently observed changing Resident #5’s brief while wearing gloves but no gown and acknowledged she had forgotten to wear a gown, even though an EBP sign was posted above the resident’s bed. The treatment nurse later confirmed she did not wear a gown for Resident #5’s wound care and stated she only used gowns for “big wounds or infections.” The DON stated that residents with infections, PEG tubes, wounds, colostomies, ostomies, urinary catheters, tube feedings, and pressure ulcers should be on EBP and confirmed staff should wear gown and gloves when emptying urinary catheters or providing wound care.
Failure to Accurately Document Pressure Ulcer Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate and complete medical records in accordance with accepted professional standards for one resident with pressure ulcers. Specifically, for a resident admitted with multiple pressure ulcers, including Stage 3 and Stage 4 wounds, physician orders required that the resident's heels be floated and that the resident be turned and repositioned every two hours. However, a review of the resident's ADL flowsheets revealed missing documentation for these interventions on several shifts. The assigned CNAs did not record whether the required care was provided during these periods. Interviews with staff confirmed that CNAs were responsible for documenting all ADL tasks, including pressure ulcer interventions such as turning and floating heels. One CNA acknowledged that documentation was not completed for the specified dates, citing lack of computer access at times, but stated that care was provided. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the documentation was incomplete and that the required interventions were not accurately recorded in the resident's medical record.
Medications Left at Bedside Without Physician Order for Self-Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications were administered safely and in accordance with professional standards of quality. Specifically, a nurse left a cup containing 13 pills and two cups with liquid and supplement medications at the bedside of a resident without a physician's order for self-administration. The facility's policy requires that residents may only self-administer medications if the attending physician and the Interdisciplinary Care Planning Team have determined the resident has the capacity to do so safely. In this case, there was no such order in place for the resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, confirmed that the medications left at her bedside were her morning medications, which she had not yet taken. The nurse admitted to leaving the medications at the bedside because the resident preferred to take them later, and acknowledged that this was not in accordance with facility policy or physician orders. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that there were no orders for self-administration and that medications should not have been left at the bedside without supervision.
Inadequate Supervision Leads to Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision for a resident identified as a wanderer, unsafe smoker, and high fall risk. This resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, managed to enter the smoking patio unsupervised and subsequently fell when attempting to maneuver his wheelchair over uneven concrete. The incident occurred over a weekend when the assigned smoking aide was not present on the patio, leaving the resident without necessary supervision. The resident's clinical records indicated a history of cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and cognitive communication deficit. He was assessed to have a high fall risk and required frequent monitoring due to his tendency to wander and inability to remember to ask for assistance. Despite these assessments, there was no documented evidence that the required 30-minute checks were performed during the timeframe reviewed. Interviews with staff and other residents confirmed that the smoking aide was not present on the patio during the incident, and the resident was able to self-propel his wheelchair unsupervised. The facility's policies required a smoking aide to be present from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to monitor residents, but this was not adhered to, leading to the resident's fall and the immediate jeopardy situation.
Removal Plan
- The outside patio fence gate is to remain closed.
- Administrator/DON/Designee will monitor the smoke patio area by using a monitoring form to ensure adequate supervision provided to residents.
- Disciplinary action up to termination will take place if this occurs again.
- All staff will be in-serviced by Administrator/DON/Designee on providing supervision to resident while out on smoke patio, the smoke monitor will remain outside and must be relieved by other staff to leave that area.
- All staff members will be required to complete the training prior to working their shift.
- No employee will be allowed to begin their shift until the training has been received.
- Audit reports will be submitted to the Administrator and QAPI committee for review and new interventions implemented as needed.
Failure to Notify Physician and Family After Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper notification procedures were followed after a resident experienced a fall. The resident, who had a history of falling and was identified as a high fall risk, experienced an unwitnessed fall over a weekend. Despite the facility's policy requiring the charge nurse to notify the physician and family in the event of a fall, there was no documented evidence that this notification occurred. The resident's clinical record and nursing notes did not show any communication with the physician or family regarding the fall. Interviews with the nursing staff, including the charge nurse and LPN on duty during the incident, confirmed that the required notifications were not made. The charge nurse admitted to not completing an incident report or notifying the necessary parties. The Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing both confirmed that the charge nurse should have followed the established protocol, which includes completing an incident report and notifying the family and nurse practitioner. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the fall until the interview, indicating a breakdown in communication and adherence to the facility's policies.
Failure to Complete Timely MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment in a timely manner for a resident, identified as R1, who was admitted to the facility. The resident's admission MDS assessment, with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of February 12, 2025, was still marked as 'in progress' beyond the required 14-day completion timeframe. Interviews with the MDS coordinator and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the admission MDS for R1 was not completed within the mandated period, indicating a lapse in adhering to regulatory requirements for timely assessments.
Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement fall prevention interventions as outlined in the care plan for a resident at risk for falls. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including paraplegia and an unspecified injury at the T7-T10 level of the thoracic spinal cord, was identified as cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 14. The care plan included the use of a fall mat as an intervention to minimize the risk of injury from falls. However, observations on two consecutive days revealed that the fall mat was not present at the resident's bedside as required. Interviews with the resident and staff confirmed the lack of consistent implementation of the fall mat intervention. The resident reported falling out of bed in previous months and stated that no ongoing safety interventions, including the fall mat, were in place post-accidents. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in the understanding and application of the fall mat intervention, with one CNA stating it was only used during transfers, contrary to the care plan's requirement for continuous use at the bedside. The MDS coordinator and DON confirmed the expectation for the fall mat to be in place at all times to reduce fall risk, highlighting a failure in adherence to the care plan.
Failure to Develop Timely Comprehensive Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident within the required timeframe of 7 days following the completion of the comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment. The resident was admitted to the facility, and the Admission MDS assessment had an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of January 10, 2025. However, by February 24, 2025, the resident's care plan only included a baseline care plan with no specific tasks or interventions listed for activities of daily living assistance, fall risk interventions, nutritional services, or skin care measures. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the oversight. The staff member responsible for completing MDS assessments and care plans acknowledged that the comprehensive care plan should have been completed by January 17, 2025, but was not. The Director of Nursing also verified the ARD and confirmed the absence of a comprehensive care plan by the required date, indicating a lapse in adhering to the facility's policy for timely care plan development.
Failure to Document Census Checks for Residents at Risk of Elopement and Wandering
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately document census checks for two residents identified as being at risk for elopement and wandering. Resident #5, who was admitted with cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis, had a severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 3. Physician's orders required census checks every 30 minutes due to the resident's risk of elopement. However, a review of the Task log from February 13 to February 15, 2025, showed no documentation of these checks. Interviews with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the checks were not documented as required. Similarly, Resident #6, admitted with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage and hemiplegia, also had severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 5. The resident's physician's orders required hourly checks due to a history of wandering. However, the Task log from February 13 to February 24, 2025, lacked documentation of these checks. Interviews with the LPN and CNA assigned to Resident #6, as well as the DON, confirmed the absence of required documentation. Both residents' cases highlight a failure in maintaining accurate records of census checks, which are crucial for minimizing risks associated with elopement and wandering.
Insufficient CNA Staffing on Night Shifts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sufficient certified nursing assistant (CNA) staff to meet the needs of its residents, as required by its policy titled 'Sufficient Staff.' The policy mandates a specific staffing ratio of 8 CNAs for both the day and evening shifts, and 4 CNAs for the night shift. However, on multiple occasions, specifically on 12/22/2024, 12/29/2024, 01/11/2025, and 01/12/2025, the night shift was staffed with only 3 CNAs instead of the required 4. Interviews with several CNAs confirmed that the staffing levels on these dates were insufficient to provide adequate care. The facility's administrator acknowledged the staffing shortfall during an interview, confirming the deficiency in meeting the required staffing levels.
Failure to Notify Ombudsman of Emergency Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the Ombudsman of facility-initiated emergency transfers for two residents. The facility's policy requires that the Social Services Director or designee provide copies of notices for emergency transfers to the Ombudsman, which can be sent on a monthly basis. However, the facility did not document the emergency transfers of two residents on the Ombudsman Emergency Transfer Log, as required by their policy. Resident #5 was admitted with a history of cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, history of falling, and cognitive communication deficit. On 12/26/2024, Resident #5 experienced a fall resulting in an emergency transfer to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, but this transfer was not documented on the Ombudsman Emergency Transfer Log. Similarly, Resident #6, who was admitted with dementia, dysphagia, and cognitive communication deficit, was transferred to a local hospital on 11/05/2024, but this transfer was also not documented on the log. The Social Services Director confirmed the omissions during an interview.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for three residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident #3, who was admitted with hemiplegia and dementia, experienced a fall on January 1, 2025. Despite the care plan being updated to include a physical therapy (PT) screening, the therapy staff was not informed, and the screening was not completed as required. Interviews with the PT director and assistant confirmed that they were unaware of the fall and the need for a PT evaluation, which should have been conducted the day after the fall. Resident #4, who was severely cognitively impaired, exhibited wandering behaviors that were not reflected in his care plan. Although staff members, including CNAs and an LPN, observed the resident wandering into other residents' rooms and different halls, this behavior was not documented in the elopement risk assessment or care plan. The MDS coordinator confirmed that the resident's wandering should have been reported and included in the care plan, but it was not. Resident #5, who had a history of falls and cognitive impairment, had a physician's order for every 30-minute checks due to falls. However, the care plan did not include this order, and staff were unaware of the need for more frequent checks. Interviews with CNAs and an LPN revealed that they were performing checks every two hours instead. The MDS coordinator and DON confirmed the oversight, acknowledging that the order was not documented in the care plan or other records, leading to a failure in implementing the necessary checks.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services to maintain good personal hygiene for a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living independently. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Morbid Obesity and Functional Quadriplegia, was assessed to require extensive assistance for ADL care and was always incontinent. On a specific day, the resident activated the call light at 7 p.m. requesting incontinent care, but did not receive assistance until the new shift arrived at 10 p.m., leaving her saturated in urine. Interviews with staff revealed that the CNA assigned to the resident's care was not aware of any missed care prior to shift change, despite the resident's report and the confirmation from another CNA who found the resident saturated. The Director of Nursing confirmed that incontinent care should be provided every two hours and before shift changes, indicating a lapse in the facility's adherence to its care protocols.
Failure to Document ADL Care for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate documentation of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care for two residents, leading to a deficiency in maintaining proper medical records. Resident #8, who was admitted with unspecified thoracic spinal cord injury and acute pain due to trauma, required extensive assistance for ADL care. However, the bed bath log for Resident #8 showed missing documentation on multiple dates, indicating a lack of recorded care or refusals. Similarly, Resident #9, admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, morbid obesity, and hypertensive heart disease with heart failure, also required extensive assistance for ADL care. The bed bath log for Resident #9 also revealed several dates with no documentation of bed baths being given or refused. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the absence of documentation for the specified dates. An LPN stated that CNAs are responsible for charting bed baths, including any refusals, and upon review, confirmed the missing entries for Resident #9. Another staff member reviewed the charts for both residents and confirmed the lack of documentation for the mentioned dates. This failure to document ADL care accurately is a breach of the facility's policy on maintaining complete and legal records of resident care.
Failure to Administer Medication as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. A handwritten telephone order for Ativan 1 mg IM was issued for the resident to address agitation and aggression. However, the medication was not administered as ordered. The nurse, S2RN, confirmed receiving the order but chose not to administer the medication because the resident had calmed down. S2RN did not contact the nurse practitioner to discontinue the order, which was a deviation from the facility's policy that requires medication to be administered in accordance with physician's orders. The Director of Nursing, S1DON, stated that staff are expected to follow physician's orders and should contact the ordering physician if a medication is not administered.
Deficiencies in Staff Competency and Resident Safety
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff had the appropriate competencies and skills to provide safe care for residents, as evidenced by several incidents. One significant incident involved a resident who required a Hoyer lift and assistance from two staff members for transfers. However, a CNA attempted to transfer the resident independently without the lift, resulting in the resident falling and sustaining a laceration above the left eyebrow. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge on how to identify and implement residents' assessed transfer needs, indicating a systemic issue in training and competency verification. Another deficiency was observed in the facility's handling of residents who smoked. Several residents identified as unsafe smokers were found smoking unsupervised in non-designated areas, with some possessing smoking paraphernalia despite being assessed as requiring supervision. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and training regarding their roles in implementing safe smoking interventions and monitoring residents' smoking behaviors. The facility did not have an effective system to assess and communicate smoking safety interventions, leading to unsafe conditions for residents who smoked. Additionally, the facility failed to document and verify the competency of its nursing staff. Personnel files reviewed showed no evidence of competency skills check-offs for several CNAs and LPNs. Interviews with staff and administration confirmed that competency checks were not consistently performed upon hire or annually, and there was no documentation to support that staff were competent in their roles. This lack of competency verification contributed to the unsafe practices observed in resident care and smoking interventions.
Deficiencies in Resident Care and Safety Due to Inadequate Training and Oversight
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer its resources effectively and efficiently, leading to several deficiencies in resident care. One significant incident involved a resident who required a Hoyer lift and two staff members for transfers. However, a CNA attempted to transfer the resident independently without the lift, resulting in the resident falling and sustaining a laceration above her left eyebrow. The CNA and other nursing staff were unaware of how to identify and implement the resident's assessed transfer needs, as there was no documentation in the care plan or resident summary regarding the required assistance and devices for transfers. Another deficiency was observed in the facility's handling of residents who smoked. Several residents identified as unsafe smokers were found smoking unsupervised in unapproved areas without protective gear. The facility lacked an effective system to assess and implement safe smoking interventions, and staff were not informed of their roles in ensuring smoking safety. This led to residents possessing smoking paraphernalia and smoking in non-designated areas, posing a risk to their safety. Additionally, the facility failed to ensure that licensed nurses and CNAs were competent in the skills required to meet resident needs. There was no documented evidence of performance evaluations or competency skills check-offs for several staff members. Interviews revealed that competency checks were not conducted, and new hires were allowed to provide direct resident care without demonstrating their competency. This lack of oversight and training contributed to the deficiencies observed in resident care and safety.
Deficiencies in Resident Transfer and Smoking Safety
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents remained free from accident hazards and received adequate supervision and assistance to prevent accidents. Specifically, the facility did not have an effective system in place for nursing staff to identify and implement a resident's assessed transfer needs. This deficiency was highlighted when a resident, who required a Hoyer lift and two staff members for transfers, was independently transferred by a CNA without the lift, resulting in a fall and injury. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge on how to identify residents' transfer needs, and documentation did not clearly indicate the required assistance for transfers. Additionally, the facility failed to implement safe smoking interventions for residents identified as unsafe smokers. One resident, assessed as an unsafe smoker, was observed smoking unsupervised in an unapproved area, while another resident, not listed as a smoker, was found smoking unsupervised with smoking paraphernalia. A third resident, also assessed as an unsafe smoker, was observed with smoking materials in his possession at an undesignated time and area. Staff interviews indicated that the facility lacked an effective system to assess and implement interventions for smokers, and there was a reliance on verbal communication rather than documented procedures. The deficiencies in both transfer assistance and smoking safety were compounded by inadequate documentation and communication among staff. The facility's policies on safe lifting and smoking were not effectively implemented, leading to situations where residents were at risk of harm. Staff were often unaware of residents' specific needs and the appropriate interventions required, resulting in unsafe practices and potential harm to residents.
Failure to Submit PASRR Level II Evaluations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents with identified mental health diagnoses were referred for a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Level II evaluation as required. This deficiency was identified for four residents out of six sampled records reviewed for PASRR compliance. Specifically, residents with diagnoses such as Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, Paranoid Personality Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder did not have the necessary PASRR Level II determinations on file. The absence of these determinations indicates a failure to submit the required Resident Review Forms to the appropriate state agency for evaluation. Interviews conducted with facility staff confirmed the oversight. S20SW, responsible for submitting PASRRs, acknowledged that new mental health diagnoses should prompt a submission for a PASRR Level II referral. However, she verified that the necessary forms for the affected residents were not sent. Similarly, S16CON confirmed that residents with approved mental health diagnoses should have had the forms submitted for PASRR Level II determinations, which were not completed for the residents in question.
Failure to Provide Ordered Therapeutic Diet
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain acceptable nutritional parameters for a resident with End Stage Renal Disease by not providing the ordered therapeutic diet. The resident, who was dependent on dialysis, was prescribed a liberal renal diet with a 1000 ml fluid restriction and was not to receive soups or broths. However, the resident reported frequently receiving soup and insufficient food portions that did not satisfy his hunger. An observation confirmed that the lunch tray lacked protein, consisting only of 1/2 cup of California blend vegetables and 1/2 cup of parslied noodles. Interviews with staff members corroborated the resident's claims. A dietary staff member confirmed the contents of the lunch and dinner trays, which included soup that the resident should not have received. The registered dietitian acknowledged that the resident should have received increased protein with his meals and confirmed the error in the meal provided. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the resident should have been served the liberal renal diet as ordered, indicating a failure in adhering to the prescribed dietary plan.
Medication Storage Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored according to accepted professional principles, as observed during a survey. Two medication carts, Med Cart A and Med Cart B, were found to contain loose pills, which were confirmed by the LPNs responsible for these carts. Additionally, Med Cart B contained an expired bottle of sterile water, which was also confirmed by the LPN. These findings indicate a lack of adherence to the facility's policy on medication storage, which requires that medication storage areas be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner, and that discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated drugs or biologicals not be used. Furthermore, the facility failed to maintain proper storage temperatures for medications in Med Frig D. The refrigerator was observed to have a temperature of 29 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below the required range of 36-45 degrees Fahrenheit. This refrigerator contained several insulin pens and vials of antibiotics. The temperature log for the refrigerator showed previous instances of temperatures being out of range, which were not reported or addressed. The DON confirmed that the responsibility for monitoring and reporting temperature logs lies with the nursing staff, and that the observed temperatures were inappropriate.
Failure to Train Dietary Staff on Dishwasher Chlorine Testing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all dietary staff hired were trained on how to test the chemical dishwasher for chlorine. During an observation, a staff member was seen placing various items through a low temperature dishwasher without testing for chlorine. In an interview, the staff member confirmed that he was not trained on how to test the dishwasher for chlorine. Additionally, a dietary manager confirmed that all kitchen staff should use the chemical rinse method to sanitize dishes and admitted that there was no documentation or proof of training for the five dietary staff hired to operate the dishwasher.
Deficiency in Food Storage and Labeling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, potentially affecting 81 residents served from the kitchen. During an initial tour of the kitchen, several items were found without proper labeling or dating, including containers of parsley flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and a ground garlic and ginger mix. These items lacked labels indicating an open date or expiration date, which is against the facility's policy for food safety guidelines. Further observations in the refrigerator revealed additional items without proper labeling, such as sliced American cheese, shredded cheese, boiled eggs, concentrated liquid coffee, and fruit salad deluxe. Some items, like pepperoni, were past their expiration date. In the freezer, opened and unsealed boxes of premade pancakes, French fries, and white sheet cake were found without labels. The dry pantry also contained an opened, unsealed box of fish fry without a label. An interview with S7DEM confirmed that these items should have been labeled with open dates and/or expiration dates, which they were not.
Failure to Ensure Residents Understood Arbitration Agreement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents understood the binding arbitration agreement they signed upon admission. This deficiency was identified for two residents, who were admitted from the hospital and signed the Optional Binding Arbitration form without understanding its contents. Both residents stated during interviews that they were not aware of what an arbitration agreement was and confirmed that no one explained the agreement to them before they signed it. The staff member responsible for explaining the admissions process, S6CAC, confirmed that she reviewed the admissions packet and contractual agreements with the residents while they were in the hospital. However, she assumed the residents understood the arbitration agreement because they did not ask any questions. This assumption led to the residents signing the agreement without a clear understanding, resulting in the facility's failure to ensure informed consent for the arbitration agreement.
Failure to Implement Effective QAPI Process
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement appropriate plans of action to correct and ensure ongoing compliance with identified quality deficiencies. This deficiency was observed through a review of the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Team Meeting Notes, which indicated ongoing monitoring and audits for complaint surveys conducted between June and August 2024. Despite these notes, the facility continued to exhibit noncompliance in areas such as therapeutic diets, food storage, abuse reporting, and enhanced barrier precautions, as identified in both complaint and annual surveys. During an interview, the current administrator, who was not present during the last QAPI meeting, confirmed the lack of additional documentation to support the facility's compliance claims. The administrator acknowledged the ongoing deficiencies identified by the survey team, indicating that the facility's QA/QAPI process was ineffective in addressing and rectifying these issues. The deficiencies had the potential to affect the 88 residents residing in the facility.
Infection Control Deficiencies in PPE Use and Laundry Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by two main deficiencies. Firstly, staff did not adhere to the required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for residents on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). Specifically, an LPN was observed administering medications through a PEG tube to a resident with a gastrostomy infection without wearing a gown, despite the facility's policy requiring gown and gloves for high-contact care activities. Similarly, a CNA provided incontinence care to a resident with a stage 4 pressure ulcer without donning any PPE, contrary to the physician's order for EBP related to wounds. Secondly, the facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment by not promptly removing urine-soiled laundry from a resident's room. Observations revealed that urine-soiled laundry remained on the floor of a resident's room for an extended period, despite the responsibility of CNAs to remove such items. Interviews with staff confirmed that the laundry should have been picked up after each shift, and it was acknowledged that leaving urine-soiled laundry on the floor posed an infection control risk.
Facility Fails to Maintain Safe and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as observed in multiple rooms and hallways. In Room A, issues included uncovered and broken fluorescent light fixtures with dead bugs, scuffed walls and baseboards, stained floor tiles, missing window blinds, dusty serving carts, rusted air conditioner vents, and deteriorating sheetrock on the ceiling. Similar conditions were noted in other areas, such as Room B, where a missing threshold transition piece and scuffed doors were observed, and Room C, which had scuffed walls with dried brown substances and rusted air conditioner vents. Room D had rotten sections of wood around the waterfall area, non-functioning recessed lights, and rusted air conditioner vents. Hallways E and F had scuffed walls, handrails, and baseboards, with broken blinds in resident rooms. In Room G, scuff marks, indentations, and missing paint were noted on the walls, while Room H had similar wall damage, a hole in the bathroom sheetrock, and broken blinds. Room I presented a safety hazard with a windowsill board propped up with exposed nails, which had been in this condition for about a month according to a resident. Interviews with staff confirmed the presence of these environmental concerns and acknowledged that the facility should be maintained in a safe and homelike manner, which it was not. The issues observed had the potential to affect the entire census of 88 residents residing in the facility.
Inaccurate MDS Assessments for PASRR and Hospice Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate assessments for two residents, leading to deficiencies in their Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding. For one resident, who had been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder, the facility did not accurately code the annual MDS assessment regarding the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Level II status. The resident's clinical record showed an approved Level II PASRR, but the MDS assessment did not reflect this, as it was incorrectly marked as 'no' for PASRR evaluation and left blank for serious mental illness. This discrepancy was confirmed during an interview with a staff member. Another resident, who had been diagnosed with Chronic Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure and had a cardiac pacemaker, was admitted to a hospice agency. However, the resident's quarterly MDS assessment did not indicate hospice care, as the relevant section was left unchecked. This oversight was confirmed by a staff member during an interview, who acknowledged that the resident was indeed receiving hospice services. The facility's policy on conducting accurate resident assessments was not effectively implemented, as evidenced by these inaccuracies in the MDS assessments.
Deficiencies in Care Plan Implementation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for several residents, leading to deficiencies in care. Resident #4's care plan did not reflect their hospice status, despite being admitted to a hospice agency. This oversight was confirmed by the MDS coordinator, who acknowledged the care plan should have included this information. Resident #14's ostomy care was not provided according to physician orders, as observed when an LPN failed to clean the ostomy site before applying a new bag, which was confirmed by the LPN and the Assistant Director of Nursing. Resident #32 missed a scheduled nephrology appointment due to a lack of staff available to accompany her, despite being ready and waiting for transportation. The facility's appointment log incorrectly indicated that she attended the appointment, which was later confirmed as a no-show by the nephrologist's office. Interviews with staff revealed a breakdown in communication and scheduling, resulting in the missed appointment. Resident #54's care plan did not document the necessary assistance and devices required for transfers, despite being dependent on staff and requiring a Hoyer lift. This was confirmed by an LPN. Additionally, Resident #75's care plan failed to address his smoking status, even though staff were aware of his smoking habits. The MDS coordinator confirmed that smoking status should be included in care plans, identifying residents as safe or non-safe smokers with appropriate interventions.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Baths for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident who was unable to carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without assistance received the necessary services to maintain good grooming and personal hygiene. Specifically, Resident #32, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and had a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with a foot ulcer, did not receive scheduled baths on several Saturdays over a four-month period. The facility's policy required residents to be assisted with bathing at least three times weekly, but there was no documentation of completed baths for Resident #32 on specified dates. Interviews with Resident #32 and staff confirmed the lack of documentation and the failure to provide the scheduled baths. Resident #32 stated she was supposed to receive baths on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays but had not received them on Saturdays for the past four months, and she had never refused a bath. Staff interviews corroborated the resident's account, and it was acknowledged that there should have been documentation of the baths being performed or refused, which was not available.
Delayed Response to Call Light
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely response to call lights, which is a critical aspect of accommodating resident needs and preferences. Specifically, Resident #192 experienced a significant delay in receiving assistance after activating the call light. On the morning of September 17, 2024, Resident #192, who was wet and needed changing, pressed the call light for help. Despite the call light being visibly lit in the hallway, multiple staff members passed by without entering the room to provide care. It was not until 9:42 a.m., nearly 43 minutes after the initial activation, that CNA staff entered the room to assist the resident. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in the facility's call light response protocol. The ward clerk, S22WC, stated that the front desk is alerted when a call light is pressed, and after five minutes, a CNA is paged overhead. However, it was noted that a resident should not wait 30 minutes for a response. Both S3ADN and S2DON confirmed that any staff in the hallway should respond to a call light within 3-5 minutes, and acknowledged that a 30-minute wait is unacceptable. This incident highlights a breakdown in the facility's policy for timely call light response, resulting in a deficiency in accommodating resident needs effectively.
Failure to Timely Report Abuse and Misappropriation Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report allegations of physical abuse and misappropriation of resident property to the facility administrator and the state survey agency in a timely manner. The incident involved a resident who was moderately cognitively impaired and had been given a bottle by a CNA, which was later found to contain a blue liquid with a strong smell resembling a cleaning agent. The resident experienced stomach upset and burning sensations after consuming a sip from the bottle. Despite attempts to contact the Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and the administrator, the incident was not reported to the state survey agency within the required timeframe. The resident also alleged that the same CNA had used her food stamp card for personal use, leaving only 12 cents on it. This was reported to a social worker, who confirmed that the administrator conducted an investigation into the allegations. However, the allegations of both physical and financial abuse were not reported to the state survey agency as required by the facility's policy, which mandates reporting within two hours for abuse allegations. Interviews with staff members revealed that the CNA who discovered the blue liquid reported the incident to an LPN, who then attempted to notify the DON and ADON via text messages. The ADON confirmed receiving a text about the incident the following morning and assessed the liquid as detergent. The administrator acknowledged being informed of the allegations the morning after the incident and admitted that the allegations should have been reported to the state survey agency within the required timeframe.
Failure to Administer Enteral Feeding as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received enteral feedings as ordered by the physician. The resident, who had a history of Cerebral Vascular Infarction, Aphasia, and Dysphagia, was assessed with a BIMS of 0, indicating they were rarely or never understood. The physician's orders specified that the resident should receive continuous enteral feeding of Glucerna 1.2 at 70ml/hour for 22 hours daily, with a 2-hour break for routine care. However, observations on a specific day revealed that the resident's feeding tube was not running at multiple times throughout the day, and the pump displayed error messages indicating issues such as an empty bag, clog in line, and valve not loaded. Interviews with staff confirmed the deficiency. An LPN was observed attempting to restart the pump and hang a new bottle of Glucerna, acknowledging that the pump should have alarmed when empty. A registered dietitian and a consultant confirmed that the resident did not receive the continuous enteral feeding as ordered, as the feeding was not running from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the day in question. This failure to administer the feeding as prescribed constituted a deficiency in the care provided to the resident.
Failure to Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nurse staffing data was posted daily in a prominent location accessible to residents and visitors. On 09/19/2024, an observation at 9:45 a.m. revealed that no staffing data sheets were displayed. During an interview at 9:50 a.m., S3ADN, who was responsible for posting the staffing data, confirmed that the last staffing data sheet was completed on 09/18/2024. Another interview at 9:55 a.m. with S1ADM corroborated that the last daily staffing data sheet was completed on 09/18/2024.
Failure to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Paraplegic Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary treatment and services to prevent the development of new pressure ulcers for a resident, resulting in actual harm. The resident, who is paraplegic with no sensation in the lower extremities, was observed multiple times with his feet resting directly on the footboard of the bed, contrary to the physician's order to float the heels. This oversight led to the development of new areas of discoloration on both heels, which were later assessed as a Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) on the left heel. The resident's clinical records indicated a history of spinal cord injury and osteomyelitis, with a Braden Scale assessment showing a risk for pressure ulcers. Despite this, the resident's care plan, which included floating the heels, was not followed. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident's heel boots were not applied, and his heels were not floated as required, leading to the development of pressure-related injuries. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and LPNs, confirmed that the resident required assistance with repositioning and that the responsibility for floating the heels and applying heel boots was not adequately fulfilled. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the deficiency, confirming that the resident's feet should not have been on the footboard and that the heels should have been floated at all times while in bed.
Infection Control Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by multiple instances of staff not adhering to Enhanced Barrier Precautions for residents with wounds and indwelling medical devices. Specifically, staff members were observed not wearing gowns while providing care to two residents who were on Enhanced Barrier Precautions. This included activities such as transferring a resident and performing wound care, which are considered high-contact activities requiring the use of gowns and gloves. Additionally, the facility did not ensure proper handling of a urinary drainage bag for one of the residents. During a transfer, a staff member placed the urinary drainage bag above the level of the resident's bladder, which could potentially lead to backflow and increase the risk of infection. This action was confirmed by the staff involved, who acknowledged the mistake and the requirement to keep the drainage bag below the bladder level. Furthermore, the facility's staff failed to perform proper hand hygiene during the care of a resident. Observations revealed that staff members did not wash their hands after removing soiled gloves and before applying new ones, which is a critical step in preventing the spread of infection. Interviews with the staff confirmed their awareness of the hand hygiene policy, yet they did not adhere to it during the care of the resident.
Failure to Timely Transfer Resident Out of Bed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate the needs of a resident who requested to be transferred out of bed in a timely manner. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Cerebral Infarction and Primary Disorders of Muscles, had a BIMS score of 15, indicating intact cognition, and was dependent on transfers. According to the resident's care plan, she required assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to impaired mobility and needed a mechanical lift for transfers. On the morning of the incident, the resident requested to be transferred out of bed around 6:20 a.m., but the request was not fulfilled until after 9:45 a.m. Interviews conducted with the staff revealed that the CNA acknowledged the resident's request but did not transfer her until much later, citing the need for a two-person assist. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) both confirmed that the delay in transferring the resident was unacceptable. The incident highlights a failure in the facility's ability to reasonably accommodate the resident's needs and preferences, as the resident was left in bed for an extended period despite her request to get up.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care for a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living independently. The resident, who had diagnoses including Cerebral Infarction and Primary Disorders of Muscles, was dependent on staff for toileting hygiene and required substantial assistance with mobility in bed. Despite having intact cognition, the resident expressed frustration over being left in a wet gown and pillow, indicating a lack of timely care. Observations confirmed that the resident's under pad and brief were wet with urine, and staff acknowledged the delay in providing necessary care. Interviews with staff revealed that incontinence checks and care were not performed according to the facility's policy, which required checks every two hours and changes as needed. A CNA admitted to not changing the resident's brief within the required timeframe, and both the Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing confirmed the expectation for two-hourly checks and care. The deficiency was identified through observations and interviews, highlighting a failure in adhering to the facility's incontinence care policy.
Inaccurate Insulin Administration Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for a resident with diabetes, as required by professional standards. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired, had specific physician orders for insulin administration based on blood glucose levels. However, the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for July 2024 showed that insulin was documented as administered even when the resident's blood glucose levels were below the threshold of 200, contrary to the physician's orders. This discrepancy was confirmed by interviews with the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) involved, who admitted to documentation errors, stating that insulin was not actually administered when the blood glucose levels were below 200. The Director of Nursing (DON) also reviewed the MAR and confirmed the findings, acknowledging that insulin should not have been documented as given if it was not administered. The resident himself confirmed that insulin was only supposed to be administered when his blood glucose was 200 or higher, aligning with the physician's orders. This documentation error indicates a failure in maintaining accurate medical records, which is a critical aspect of resident care management, especially for those with conditions like diabetes that require precise medication administration.
Failure to Provide Site Care for Indwelling Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents with indwelling devices received appropriate treatment and care according to professional standards of practice. Resident #1 was admitted with a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube and a nephrostomy tube, but the facility did not obtain or enter orders for site monitoring and dressing changes. As a result, Resident #1 did not receive any dressing changes or site monitoring for these devices from admission until being transferred to the emergency room with sepsis and infections related to the PEG and nephrostomy tubes. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding who was accountable for the dressing changes and site monitoring for residents with indwelling devices. Several staff members, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and the Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed that there were no orders entered for Resident #1's PEG and nephrostomy tube care, and as such, these tasks were not documented or performed. The absence of these orders meant that the necessary care did not populate in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) or Treatment Administration Record (TAR), leading to a failure in providing essential care. Resident #3 also experienced a similar issue, where there were no documented orders or care provided for a nephrostomy tube. The resident reported that the dressing was not changed regularly, and the wound care nurse only changed it occasionally while attending to other wounds. The facility's failure to enter and follow through with necessary orders for site care and monitoring resulted in inadequate care for residents with indwelling devices, contributing to significant health issues.
Inadequate Supervision Leads to Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately supervise a cognitively impaired resident who exhibited exit-seeking behaviors, resulting in the resident's elopement. The resident, who had a severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 4, was known to wander and had an elopement risk score of 11, indicating a high risk for elopement. Despite wearing a wander guard, the resident was able to remove it, and on the morning of the incident, the resident was found 1.1 miles away from the facility, having crossed a high-traffic highway. The resident's care plan had been updated to reflect the risk of elopement, and interventions such as hourly checks and the use of an electric monitoring device on the resident's wheelchair were implemented. However, these measures were insufficient as the resident was able to leave the facility unnoticed. Staff interviews revealed that the resident frequently expressed a desire to leave and had previously attempted to exit through a window and the front door, triggering alarms that were not adequately responded to. On the day of the incident, staff assumed the resident was heading to the dining room for breakfast and did not notice the resident's absence until alerted by a Good Samaritan. The facility's reliance on the wander guard and lack of sufficient supervision contributed to the resident's ability to leave the premises without detection, highlighting a significant lapse in monitoring and response to the resident's known behaviors.
Failure to Obtain and Enter Admission Orders for Critical Site Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer its resources effectively and efficiently by not ensuring that all admission orders were obtained, clarified, and entered into the resident's electronic medical record. This deficiency was highlighted when a resident was admitted with a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube and a nephrostomy tube, but the facility did not obtain or enter physician orders for site monitoring and dressing changes. As a result, the resident did not receive any dressing changes or site monitoring for these critical sites from the time of admission until they were transferred to the emergency room with an elevated temperature and altered mental status. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding who was accountable for obtaining and entering these orders. The Director of Nursing (DON) and other staff members confirmed that orders for monitoring and dressing changes were not entered into the electronic medical record, which meant they did not appear in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) or Treatment Administration Record (TAR) for nurses to follow. This oversight led to the resident developing sepsis, a nephrostomy-associated urinary tract infection, and an infected PEG tube, as diagnosed in the hospital.
Failure in QAPI Program Oversight
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the administrator was accountable to the governing body, which resulted in a deficiency related to the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. The administrator, identified as S1ADM, did not participate in the QAPI program since assuming the position, leaving the responsibility to the Director of Nursing (S2DON). The facility's policy required the governing body and executive leadership to be responsible for the QAPI program, ensuring it is ongoing, defined, implemented, and maintained. However, the facility did not hold the required quarterly QAPI Committee Meetings with the Medical Director since the previous administrator's departure in February 2024. Interviews revealed that the Director of Nursing was expected to report to the governing body and that the management company, contracted by the governing body, expected the administrator to report to them. Despite these expectations, the administrator did not inform the management company that the facility was not conducting QAPI meetings as per company policy. The lack of communication and oversight led to the failure in maintaining the QAPI program, potentially affecting the care of 87 residents.
Incomplete Facility-Wide Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a comprehensive facility-wide assessment to determine the necessary resources for competent resident care during both routine operations and emergencies. This deficiency was identified through a review of the facility's CMS 672 form and the Facility Assessment Tool. The CMS 672 form, dated June 10, 2024, indicated a census of 87 residents with various care needs, including those with indwelling catheters, incontinence, pressure ulcers, psychiatric diagnoses, and those requiring special care such as hospice, chemotherapy, and dialysis. Despite these documented needs, the Facility Assessment Tool, updated on May 14, 2024, was found to have numerous blank sections, failing to reflect the current resident population's needs accurately. The blank sections in the Facility Assessment Tool included critical areas such as psychiatric/mood disorders, heart/circulatory system, neurological system, and other medical conditions. Additionally, essential categories related to resident support and care needs, such as activities of daily living, mobility, skin integrity, mental health, and medication management, were also left uncompleted. Furthermore, the assessment failed to identify the facility resources needed for daily and emergency care, including nursing services, food and nutrition services, therapy services, and medical supplies. During an interview, the administrator confirmed responsibility for the assessment and acknowledged the incomplete documentation, which did not accurately reflect the facility's current population and their needs.
Failure to Maintain Effective QAPI Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective, comprehensive, data-driven Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. This deficiency was identified during a review of the facility's undated QAPI policy, which stated that the facility should focus on indicators of the outcomes of care and quality of life. The policy required the Quality Assurance (QA) Committee to meet at least quarterly and maintain documentation of the ongoing QAPI program. However, during the review, no documentation of the QAPI plan or supporting documentation was produced for review. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the Director of Nursing (DON) was responsible for the QAPI program but was unable to provide any meeting minutes or evidence of quarterly QAPI Committee meetings with the Medical Director. The facility had not held these meetings since the previous administrator left in February 2024, and the DON was unsure of when the most recent meeting occurred or what was discussed. Additionally, the facility's monthly internal QAPI meetings with department heads had not occurred. The facility's management company was unaware that the facility was not conducting QAPI meetings per company policy, and the facility's Governing Body, consisting of the Owner/CEO and CFO, had contracted the management company to manage the facility's day-to-day operations.
Failure to Administer Seizure Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors, specifically regarding the administration of Vimpat, a seizure medication. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including unspecified convulsions and traumatic brain injury, had a physician's order for Vimpat to be administered via PEG tube every 12 hours. However, the medication was not administered on multiple occasions from May 2, 2024, to May 10, 2024, due to its unavailability at the facility. Interviews with several LPNs revealed that although they were aware of the medication order, they did not administer the medication because it was not available during their shifts. Some LPNs mentioned sending faxes or making verbal requests to the pharmacy, but there was no documentation to confirm these actions before May 8, 2024. The facility's contracted pharmacists confirmed that the first request for Vimpat was made on May 8, 2024, and the medication was delivered on May 10, 2024. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the nurses should have notified her when the medication was not received by May 3, 2024, but she did not receive any notification. The DON confirmed that the process for requesting unavailable medication involved sending a fax to the pharmacy and placing the confirmation in a pharmacy binder, but there was no evidence of such requests for the resident's Vimpat. The failure to administer the prescribed medication was acknowledged as unacceptable by the DON.
Failure to Follow and Document Menu Substitutions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the nutritional needs of its residents by not adhering to the approved menu and failing to document menu substitutions. An observation on June 6, 2024, revealed that a resident received a meal that did not match the meal ticket, which listed pancakes, blueberry sauce, sausage patty, hot cereal, orange juice, 2% milk, and a beverage of choice. Instead, the resident was served a meal consisting of a sausage patty, grits, a boiled egg, 2% milk, a biscuit, grape jelly, and butter. The resident confirmed that meals often did not follow the menu on the meal ticket. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN and the Dietary Manager (DM), confirmed the discrepancy. The DM admitted to substituting food items due to inconsistent food deliveries but failed to record these substitutions or provide a revised menu. The DM also acknowledged that the facility's Registered Dietician was not informed of these changes, which is against the facility's policy. The facility administrator confirmed that any meal substitutions should be documented and communicated to the Registered Dietician.
Improper Food Storage in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, which had the potential to affect 77 residents who were served meals from the kitchen. During a tour of the kitchen, sprouted red beans with a large amount of mold were observed in a 5-gallon clear plastic container. Through an interview, S22DM stated that the red beans must have gotten wet and confirmed the observation, acknowledging that the red beans should have been discarded. The facility's undated policy on dry food storage indicated that dry foods, including dried beans, should be stored in a cool, dry place and noted that dry foods could be contaminated even if they do not require refrigeration.
Failure to Provide Mandatory Communication Training to Direct Care Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that effective communication training was conducted as mandatory training for all direct care staff. This deficiency was identified during a review of personnel files and interviews, which revealed that three Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) did not attend the mandatory training on effective communication. The facility's Facility Assessment Tool and policy on in-service training indicated that all staff members are expected to be effective communicators, and ongoing education is required by federal and state laws. However, there was no documented evidence that the CNAs attended the training session held on April 17, 2024, which focused on customer service and effective communication. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the training on effective communication was only provided once, and not all direct care staff attended. The DON acknowledged that no make-up training was offered for those who missed the session, including the three CNAs in question. Additionally, there were no additional training sessions scheduled to address this gap. The Administrator confirmed that the DON was responsible for providing all required trainings and expected the facility to comply with state and federal regulations.
Latest citations in Louisiana
A resident with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dementia, and legal blindness, who was care planned as being at risk for burns from hot liquids and to receive hot beverages in lidded cups at temperatures not exceeding 130°F, sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to the left thigh after spilling coffee during a group activity. The facility’s policy required hot beverages to be cooled to 120–130°F and mandated temperature monitoring, but the coffee served at the time of the incident was reported by dietary staff to be 140°F, and the coffee temperature log did not include documentation for the 10:00 a.m. service when the spill occurred. This failure to adhere to the hot beverage policy and to consistently monitor and document beverage temperatures resulted in actual harm to the resident.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple chronic conditions, and hospice services required extensive assistance for transfers. During a transfer from wheelchair to bed performed by a CNA, the resident’s left lower leg rubbed against an enabler bar that had a missing end cap, creating a sharp edge. An LPN observed a large laceration on the leg and identified the defective enabler bar as the source of injury. The resident was sent to the ED, where a deep, 25.5 cm stellate laceration required extensive cleaning, internal and external sutures, a tetanus shot, and subsequent daily wound care and antibiotics due to delayed healing. The incident occurred despite facility policies and the Maintenance Supervisor’s responsibilities requiring regular inspection of bed rails and enabler bars for hazards.
The facility did not maintain the required 8 consecutive hours of daily RN coverage on multiple days, as time card records showed that the only scheduled RN worked less than 8 hours on several occasions. The administrator confirmed that this RN was the sole RN scheduled during the period reviewed and acknowledged that full daily RN coverage was not provided on the identified days.
The facility failed to maintain adequate supplies of clean bath towels and bed linens despite its own assessment identifying the need to keep sufficient PAR levels for these items. A resident with a history of traumatic brain injury and another with type 2 DM and asthma, both cognitively intact, reported that towels and linens were often unavailable, with one resident’s family providing personal linens due to frequent shortages. The grievance log documented a complaint about missing personal towels and sheets, and staff, including laundry personnel, a CNA, and the ADON, confirmed that clean towels and bed linens were frequently unavailable during multiple weeks, affecting all residents in the facility.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and multiple comorbidities, assessed as high risk for elopement due to prior exit-seeking and wandering, was found alone outside near the front entrance in a flower bed by an oncoming LPN. The LPN assisted the resident and notified staff inside, and the responsible party later reported the same event. Despite a written wandering and elopement policy requiring notification of regulatory agencies after such incidents, the Administrator acknowledged that this elopement was not reported to the State Survey Agency as required by state law.
A resident with multiple conditions, including type 2 DM, dementia with behavioral symptoms, gait abnormalities, and an anxiety disorder, was documented in progress notes as having eloped and been found outside in a flower bed, and later was found to have a diabetic ulcer on the right heel. Review of the comprehensive care plan showed it was not revised to address either the elopement or the new diabetic ulcer, and the MDS coordinator acknowledged that the care plan should have been updated to reflect these changes in condition.
A resident with type 2 DM, dementia, mobility impairments, and other comorbidities was admitted with a documented deep tissue injury on the right heel, but no corresponding MD wound care orders or treatments were recorded for approximately one month despite a care plan directive to assess for skin breakdown and treat as ordered. A NP note referenced treatment with gentian violet and foam, yet this was not supported by physician orders or the TAR. Later, a wound care nurse identified a diabetic ulcer on the same heel and initiated gentian violet and foam dressings after an order was finally obtained, with treatments documented on only a few dates. The resident was later seen in the ED for cellulitis related to the diabetic heel ulcer and discharged with antibiotics, and both the wound care nurse and NP confirmed gaps in assessment, ordering, and follow-up of the heel wound.
Staff failed to follow infection control protocols during incontinence care for two residents, including not performing required hand hygiene between glove changes and after contact with stool, and placing soiled items on clean linens. CNAs provided perineal care, handled residents’ clean clothing, body surfaces, wheelchairs, and room surfaces, and managed soiled briefs and pads without appropriate glove changes or hand sanitizing, contrary to facility policy. Both CNAs later acknowledged they should have performed hand hygiene and changed gloves correctly, and the DON confirmed that staff are expected to follow these infection prevention practices.
Two residents were not treated in a manner that promoted dignity and quality of life. One resident with left-sided weakness and a flaccid arm following a stroke requested a bedpan, but a CNA told her she was wearing a diaper and could use it instead, despite therapy having recommended bedpan use and the resident not wanting to use a diaper. Another resident with vascular dementia, a history of C. diff enterocolitis, heart failure, and depression, and a moderately impaired BIMS score continued to receive meals on disposable dishware in the dining room even though contact isolation precautions had been discontinued, and nursing leadership confirmed this should not have occurred.
A resident with paraplegia, severe cognitive impairment (BIMS 6), and dependence for mobility and hygiene was repeatedly observed in bed and in a Geri chair without access to a call light, despite facility policy requiring call lights to be within easy reach when residents are in bed or confined to a chair. On multiple occasions throughout the day, the call light was found on the floor or hanging on the side of the bed, out of the resident’s reach. The resident reported being unable to reach the call light, and both a CNA and the DON acknowledged that the call light was not within reach and should have been accessible.
Resident Burn from Overheated Coffee and Failure to Follow Hot Beverage Policy
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and that residents received adequate supervision to prevent accidents, specifically related to serving hot beverages. The facility had a written policy titled “Serving Hot Beverages and Soup,” revised in 07/2007, which required the Food Service Department to monitor the temperature of all hot liquids to prevent burns if they contacted skin. The policy specified that coffee should be chilled to 120–130°F before being served and that the Food Service Department was responsible for ensuring all hot beverages, including those for activities, left the kitchen at the proper temperature. However, the coffee temperature log for March only included entries for 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with no slot or documentation for 10:00 a.m. coffee temperatures, despite coffee being served at that time. Resident #1 was admitted with diagnoses including Parkinson’s disease, unspecified dementia, essential tremor, and legal blindness. A quarterly MDS with an ARD of 12/31/2025 showed a BIMS score of 13, indicating the resident was cognitively intact, and Section GG indicated no functional limitation in upper extremity range of motion. The resident’s care plan included a focus that the resident was at risk for burns from hot liquids, with interventions such as encouraging consumption of hot liquids while sitting at a table, requiring use of a cup with a lid for all hot beverages, and specifying that the temperature of hot liquids should not exceed 130°F. Another care plan focus addressed impaired visual function related to legal blindness, with interventions to provide activities adjusted to the resident’s visual disability. During a 10:00 a.m. group activity, Resident #1 spilled hot coffee on her lap. The dietary manager later confirmed that coffee was served at 6:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m., and that the dietary aide who prepared the coffee for the incident reported the coffee temperature as 140°F, which exceeded the facility’s policy limit of 130°F. Resident #1 reported that she spilled coffee on herself while sitting at a table in the activity room and that the coffee was hot and burned when it was spilled. Subsequent nursing and NP assessments documented two in-house–acquired wounds on the resident’s left upper thigh: one described as a blister and one as a burn, later characterized by the NP as a full-thickness (3rd degree) burn and a partial-thickness (2nd degree) burn. These findings, combined with the lack of documented 10:00 a.m. temperature monitoring and the reported serving temperature of 140°F, demonstrate that the facility did not follow its hot beverage policy and failed to protect the resident from an avoidable burn hazard.
Failure to Maintain Safe Enabler Bar Results in Severe Leg Laceration
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that a resident’s enabler bar was free from accident hazards, resulting in an actual injury. The facility’s own Bed and Side Rails policy required a designee to inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails, including grab bars and assist bars, as part of a regular maintenance program. The Maintenance Supervisor job description also required daily tours of the property to identify and correct hazardous conditions and liability hazards. Despite these requirements, the enabler bar on one resident’s bed had a missing end cap, creating a sharp edge that was not identified or corrected prior to use. The affected resident had been admitted with multiple diagnoses, including Peripheral Vascular Disease, Malnutrition, Chronic Kidney Disease, Depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease, and had a BIMS score of 5, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The resident was receiving hospice services and required extensive assistance of one staff person with transfers, as documented in the care plan. On the date of the incident, a CNA assisted the resident with a transfer from a wheelchair to the bed. During this transfer, the resident’s left lower leg rubbed against the enabler bar that had the missing end cap and sharp edge. Nursing documentation recorded that the CNA called an LPN to the room and the LPN observed a large laceration on the resident’s left lower leg with bleeding, which the CNA reported had occurred during the transfer. The LPN noted that the enabler bar had a missing end cap, resulting in a sharp edge, and that the resident’s leg had contacted this area during the transfer. The resident was sent to the emergency department, where records described a very large stellate laceration measuring 25.5 cm on the lateral left lower leg, extending deep to the fascia and requiring extensive cleaning and a complicated repair with internal and external sutures, as well as a tetanus vaccination. Subsequent physician notes documented that the wound required ongoing assessment, daily wound care, and two courses of Bactrim DS due to the extent and depth of the laceration and delayed healing, with sutures removed in stages over several weeks.
Failure to Maintain Required Daily RN Coverage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a registered nurse (RN) was on duty for 8 consecutive hours per day, 7 days a week, as required. Review of the time card report for staff member S5RN from 02/22/2026 through 03/24/2026 showed that on five specific dates—02/25/2026, 02/26/2026, 02/27/2026, 02/28/2026, and 03/01/2026—there were fewer than 8 consecutive hours of RN coverage, with recorded work times of 6.50, 7.48, 6.48, 7.50, and 7.50 hours respectively. During an interview on 03/25/2026 at 9:35 a.m., the Administrator (S1) confirmed that S5RN was the only RN scheduled between 02/22/2026 and 03/21/2026 and acknowledged that the facility did not have 8 consecutive hours of RN coverage on the identified dates. No additional information was provided in the report regarding specific residents, their medical conditions, or any clinical events occurring during the periods without full RN coverage.
Failure to Maintain Adequate Supply of Clean Towels and Bed Linens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents with a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment by not ensuring the consistent availability of clean bath towels and bed linens. The facility’s own Facility Assessment Tool, updated on 03/23/2026, identified bed and bath linen as non-medical supplies for which PAR levels must be maintained at all times to ensure adequate supplies. Despite this, multiple interviews and record reviews showed that clean linens and towels were often unavailable. One resident, admitted on 12/05/2022 with diagnoses including diffuse traumatic brain injury and allergic rhinitis and a BIMS score of 15 (no cognitive impairment), reported that bath towels and bed linens were often unavailable, most recently during the week of 03/15/2026 through 03/21/2026. Another resident, admitted on 07/12/2023 with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma and a BIMS score of 15, had filed a grievance on 01/10/2026 reporting that personal bath towels and sheets were missing from the laundry and later reported that family had to provide personal linens because the facility frequently lacked bath towels and bed linens. Staff interviews corroborated these reports: a laundry staff member stated the facility frequently did not have clean bath towels and bed linens available for residents; a CNA reported that clean bath towels and bed linens were unavailable for residents during the week of 03/08/2026 through 03/14/2026; and the ADON confirmed that the facility did not have clean bath towels and bed linens available for residents on 03/23/2026. This pattern of unavailability affected the facility’s census of 58 residents.
Failure to Report Resident Elopement to State Survey Agency
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report a resident elopement to the State Survey Agency as required by state law and by the facility’s own Wandering and Elopement Policy dated 11/15/2023. That policy directs that when a resident returns after an elopement, the DON or charge nurse must examine the resident, notify the attending physician, complete an incident/accident report, document the event in the medical record, and notify regulatory agencies per state guidelines. Record review showed that one resident, admitted on 01/09/2026, had multiple diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognitive communication deficit, aphasia, muscle wasting and atrophy, gait and mobility abnormalities, disorientation, unspecified dementia with anxiety, psychotic and mood disturbance, anxiety disorder, and essential hypertension. A Quarterly MDS documented a BIMS score of 4, indicating severely impaired cognition, and the resident was assessed as an elopement risk level 3 due to a history of attempted elopement at home, wandering with purpose in the facility, and exit-seeking behavior. Progress notes and interviews confirmed that on 02/08/2026 the resident was found outside the facility alone in the flower bed at the front of the building, bent over with hands in the dirt, by an oncoming nurse arriving for her shift. The LPN reported she parked her car, went to assist the resident, and alerted staff inside that the resident was outside alone. The resident’s responsible party similarly reported that the resident had been found outside alone in front of the facility on that date. During interview, the Administrator confirmed that the resident, who had dementia and a BIMS score of 4, had been found outside in the flower bed in front of the facility and acknowledged that this incident was not reported to the State Survey Agency, constituting a failure to report the elopement in accordance with state law and facility policy.
Failure to Revise Care Plan After Elopement and Development of Diabetic Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to revise a resident’s comprehensive care plan following significant changes in condition, specifically an elopement and the development of a diabetic ulcer. The resident was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognitive communication deficit, aphasia, muscle wasting and atrophy at multiple sites, gait and mobility abnormalities, disorientation, unspecified dementia with associated anxiety, psychotic and mood disturbances, an anxiety disorder, and essential hypertension. Progress notes documented that the resident was found outside the facility in a flower bed, bent over with hands in the dirt, after having eloped from the building. Further review of the resident’s progress notes showed that a diabetic ulcer was identified on the resident’s right heel the day after the elopement. Despite these documented changes in condition, review of the resident’s comprehensive care plan revealed no revisions to address the actual elopement event or the new diabetic ulcer on the right heel. During an interview, the MDS Coordinator confirmed that the resident’s care plan should have been revised to reflect both the elopement and the development of the diabetic ulcer, but it was not.
Failure to Implement and Document Diabetic Foot and Heel Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice and the comprehensive care plan for a resident with diabetes and multiple comorbidities. The resident was admitted with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognitive communication deficit, aphasia, muscle wasting and atrophy, gait and mobility abnormalities, disorientation, unspecified dementia with associated psychiatric symptoms, anxiety disorder, and hypertension. On admission, the Minimum Data Set and skin assessment documented a deep tissue injury on the right heel. A nurse practitioner’s progress note dated shortly after admission described a deep tissue injury on the right heel being treated with gentian violet and foam and noted the heel was tender to touch. However, there were no corresponding physician’s orders for wound care treatment on the January and early February physician order sheets, and the treatment administration records for that same period showed no wound care treatments provided. The resident’s care plan for diabetes included an approach to check the body for breaks in the skin and treat promptly as ordered by the physician, but the facility did not develop and implement specific approaches addressing the documented right heel injury. A wound care nurse’s progress note later identified a diabetic ulcer on the right heel, described as tender and spongy, and documented application of gentian violet–soaked gauze and foam dressing. Only then was a physician’s order written to monitor the right heel and apply gentian violet dampened gauze and a protective dressing on specified days, with the treatment administration record showing documentation of these treatments on only three dates. The resident’s responsible party reported that the resident was discharged and subsequently required emergency department treatment for cellulitis due to a diabetic ulcer on the right heel, for which antibiotics were prescribed. The wound care nurse confirmed the initial documentation of a deep tissue injury without any physician’s orders for treatment and that the diabetic ulcer was not identified until nearly a month after admission, and the nurse practitioner confirmed he examined the right heel only once during that period.
Failure to Follow Hand Hygiene and Glove Protocols During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an infection prevention and control program during incontinence care, specifically related to hand hygiene, glove use, and handling of soiled linens. The facility’s own policy for bladder incontinence care requires staff to perform handwashing or use alcohol gel, don disposable gloves, cleanse the perineal and anal areas, then remove and discard gloves and perform hand hygiene before proceeding. During observed incontinence care for one resident, a CNA donned clean gloves and used perineal wipes to remove bowel movement from the resident’s buttocks, then, without changing gloves or performing hand hygiene, placed a clean incontinence pad and brief under the resident. The CNA placed a soiled brief and urine-soaked bed pad at the foot of the bed on top of the resident’s clean comforter, then disposed of the soiled brief in the trash, spread a clean incontinence pad on the bed, and secured a clean brief, all without changing gloves or performing hand hygiene. The same CNA continued to touch the resident’s clean clothing, body, wheelchair armrests, and room door, transferred the resident to the wheelchair, and moved the resident into the hallway, then returned to retrieve the soiled incontinence pad and carried it down the hall to the soiled linen barrel before finally disposing of gloves, again without any observed hand hygiene during the entire episode of care. In a separate observation involving another resident, two CNAs provided incontinence care without performing hand hygiene before donning gloves. One CNA removed bowel movement from the resident’s buttocks, discarded the soiled brief, removed soiled gloves, and donned clean gloves without hand hygiene, then touched the resident’s extremities, bed linens, and applied a clean brief and incontinence pad. The CNA again changed gloves and dressed the resident in a clean gown, touching multiple body areas, without hand hygiene. The second CNA unfastened the brief, confirmed the resident remained soiled, wiped remaining stool, and helped secure the clean brief without changing soiled gloves or performing hand hygiene. Both CNAs later confirmed in interviews that they should have performed hand hygiene and changed gloves appropriately, and the DON confirmed staff are expected to change gloves when soiled or moving from contaminated to clean areas, sanitize hands between glove changes and between residents, and avoid placing soiled linen on clean linen.
Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Discontinue Unnecessary Isolation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failure to honor residents' rights to dignity and self-determination. One resident, who was lying in bed and requested a bedpan, was observed on 03/25/2026 at 8:59 a.m. using the call light with surveyor assistance. When the CNA entered the room, she stated the resident was wearing a diaper, could not get up due to left-sided weakness from a stroke, and said the resident "can go in her diaper" instead of providing a bedpan as requested. A COTA later reported that therapy had recommended the resident use a bedpan and had removed the bedside commode the previous day, and that the resident did not want to use a diaper. The COTA also stated the resident’s left arm was flaccid and that she required maximum assistance of two people. A second deficiency involved another resident who continued to receive meals on disposable dishware in the dining room after contact isolation precautions had been discontinued. This resident had diagnoses including vascular dementia, enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, and depression, and had a BIMS score of 9, indicating moderately impaired cognition. A physician order for single room isolation with contact precautions had been discontinued on 02/17/2026, yet on 03/23/2026 at 11:20 a.m., the resident was observed receiving a lunch tray on disposable dishware while seated in the dining room. The ADON confirmed the resident was no longer on contact precautions and should not have been receiving meals on disposable dishware.
Failure to Keep Call Light Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s call light was accessible as required by facility policy and necessary to reasonably accommodate the resident’s needs. The facility’s policy on answering call lights, dated 01/16/2026, states that when a resident is in bed or confined to a chair, the call light must be within easy reach. Resident #3 was admitted on 12/07/2023 with diagnoses including mononeural disorder, paraplegia, epilepsy, and peripheral vascular disease. A quarterly MDS with an ARD of 03/03/2026 documented a BIMS score of 6, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and showed the resident required setup assistance with eating, was dependent for toileting and personal hygiene, and needed substantial/maximal assistance to roll left to right. On multiple observations on 03/24/2026, surveyors found the resident’s call bell out of reach despite the resident’s reliance on it to express needs. At 10:12 a.m., the resident was lying in bed with eyes closed and the call bell was on the floor on the right side of the bed, not within reach. At 12:24 p.m., the resident was awake and alert in bed, and again the call bell was on the floor and not reachable; the resident stated he could not reach it. During an interview at 12:45 p.m., a CNA familiar with the resident confirmed the resident could express needs with short responses and used the call bell. At 12:48 p.m., with the CNA present, the call bell was still on the floor and not within reach, and the CNA acknowledged it should have been accessible. Later observations at 1:41 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. found the resident awake and alert in a reclined position in a Geri chair, with the call bell hanging on the side of the bed and again out of reach; the DON, present at 3:00 p.m., confirmed the call bell was not within reach and should have been.
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