Seal Rock Healthcare
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Saco, Maine.
- Location
- 88 Harbor Drive, Saco, Maine 04072
- CMS Provider Number
- 205103
- Inspections on file
- 16
- Latest survey
- April 2, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Seal Rock Healthcare during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A facility failed to implement isolation and contact precautions for multiple residents with gastroenteritis symptoms, despite provider recommendations and evidence of a norovirus outbreak. Staff were not consistently informed about which residents required precautions, PPE was not made available, and appropriate signage was lacking, resulting in the spread of illness across several units.
Nursing staff did not promptly implement isolation or contact precautions for residents with GI symptoms, and PPE supplies were not made available or used as required. Despite multiple staff and residents exhibiting symptoms and a provider's warning about a potential norovirus outbreak, there was no consistent process for identifying affected residents or ensuring proper infection control measures, leading to the spread of illness throughout the facility.
Administration did not follow infection control protocols or the FNP's recommendations during a norovirus outbreak, resulting in the absence of isolation precautions, PPE, and outbreak management. Surveyors found no signage or enhanced precautions in place, and both staff and residents continued to be affected by GI symptoms across multiple units.
A resident tested positive for RSV, but the facility did not notify the resident's POA of this significant change in condition. The lack of notification was discovered when the resident was later hospitalized for mental status changes, and the hospital informed the POA of the earlier RSV diagnosis. Facility records confirmed there was no documentation of POA notification.
A resident with diabetes had repeated elevated blood glucose readings that exceeded the parameters set by a physician's order, but there was no documented evidence that the provider was notified as required. Interviews with the FNP and an LPN indicated uncertainty about whether notifications occurred, and the administrator confirmed the lack of documentation.
Failure to Implement Infection Control Precautions During GI Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to identify and implement appropriate isolation and contact precautions for residents exhibiting symptoms of gastroenteritis, including norovirus, across multiple units. Despite clear evidence of a contagious outbreak, there was no posting or signage on resident doors to indicate infection or the need for PPE, and PPE supplies were not made available for staff or visitors. The Family Nurse Practitioner had notified the facility administration, DON, and ADON/IP via email about the outbreak and recommended immediate implementation of precautions, but these recommendations were not followed. Observations confirmed that even after a resident tested positive for norovirus, isolation signage and PPE carts were not present at the resident's room, and staff and visitors continued to enter without appropriate protective measures. Interviews with staff revealed a widespread lack of knowledge regarding which residents were experiencing GI symptoms and which required isolation precautions. Several CNAs, LPNs, and RNs were unaware of current cases or the need for PPE, often relying solely on door signage to indicate precautions, which was not consistently in place. Staff also reported challenges in obtaining PPE carts and signage, and there was confusion about reporting and communication regarding symptomatic residents. Housekeeping staff were similarly uninformed about which rooms required special precautions, and some staff members themselves had recently experienced GI symptoms but returned to work without clear protocols. The facility's infection prevention and control policy required the identification of infections, implementation of appropriate precautions, and staff education, but these measures were not effectively carried out. The outbreak spread to 17 out of 90 residents across six of seven units, with both the DON and ADON/IP out sick during the event. The lack of timely and effective implementation of infection control measures, failure to follow provider recommendations, and insufficient staff communication and education resulted in the continued spread of gastroenteritis symptoms among residents and staff.
Failure to Initiate Isolation and Contact Precautions During Norovirus Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff immediately initiated isolation and contact precautions for residents exhibiting symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Surveyors observed that there was no signage or posting regarding infection or symptoms on any doors, and no isolation or contact precautions were in place on any of the facility's units. The Administrator acknowledged that several residents and staff, including the DON and ADON/IP, were experiencing GI symptoms, but no immediate action was taken to implement appropriate precautions. Interviews with nursing staff revealed a lack of clarity and consistency in the process for initiating isolation precautions and the use of PPE. Several nurses and aides were aware of residents with GI symptoms but did not ensure that precaution signs or PPE carts were present outside affected residents' rooms. Some staff relied on others to set up PPE, while others cited challenges in finding PPE carts and signage. There was also confusion about which residents required isolation, and some staff did not receive reports on residents needing precautions. A Family Nurse Practitioner had notified facility leadership via email about the potential for a norovirus outbreak and recommended immediate implementation of isolation precautions, use of soap and water for hand hygiene, and enhanced cleaning protocols. Despite this warning and the growing number of symptomatic residents and staff, the facility did not act promptly to contain the outbreak, resulting in the spread of GI symptoms throughout the building and a confirmed case of norovirus.
Failure to Implement Infection Control Measures During Norovirus Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
Administration failed to follow the facility's Infection - Clinical Protocol policy and procedures by not implementing the Family Nurse Practitioner's (FNP) recommendations for isolation and contact precautions for residents exhibiting symptoms of gastroenteritis (GI), such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or fever. Despite being notified of a potential norovirus outbreak and receiving explicit instructions from the FNP to initiate isolation, use PPE, and enhance cleaning protocols, the facility did not post signage, restrict activities, or ensure the availability of PPE for affected residents. Surveyors observed that no isolation or contact precautions were in place on any units, and there was no visible communication about the outbreak upon entry to the facility. The FNP had provided a list of 30 residents across all units who had experienced or were experiencing GI symptoms, with the first cases reported several days prior to the survey. The FNP confirmed that she had notified the facility administration, DON, and ADON/IP via email about the outbreak and the need for immediate infection control measures, including stopping group activities and using soap and water for hand hygiene. However, the facility did not implement these recommendations, citing residents' rights as a reason for not restricting activities. Additionally, the facility's infection prevention and control program was not followed, as evidenced by the lack of outbreak management, failure to monitor employee health (with both the DON and ADON/IP out sick with GI symptoms), and absence of enhanced precautions or communication to staff and housekeeping. The facility's own policies required surveillance, reporting, outbreak management, and prevention measures, none of which were adequately executed, resulting in the spread of GI symptoms throughout the facility.
Failure to Notify POA of Significant Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's Power of Attorney (POA) of a significant change in the resident's medical condition. The resident was tested for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and received a positive result, but there was no evidence in the medical record that the POA was informed of this diagnosis. The issue came to light when the resident was later transported to the hospital due to mental status changes, and the hospital, not the facility, notified the POA of the prior RSV diagnosis. Review of the medical record confirmed the absence of documentation regarding POA notification, and this was acknowledged by facility staff during interviews.
Failure to Notify Provider of Elevated Blood Glucose Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow a physician's order for diabetes management for one resident. The resident had an active order for blood glucose monitoring once a week, with instructions to notify the provider if blood sugar levels were below 100 or above 200. Clinical records showed multiple instances where the resident's blood glucose readings were significantly above 200, specifically 285, 311, 298, and 253, but there was no documented evidence that the provider was notified as required. Interviews with the Family Nurse Practitioner and an LPN revealed uncertainty and lack of recall regarding provider notification for these elevated readings. The facility administrator confirmed that the clinical record did not contain evidence of communication with the provider regarding the elevated blood sugar levels.
Latest citations in Maine
Surveyors found a soiled utility closet with a malfunctioning keypad lock left unsecured on a unit where residents with cognitive impairment reside. Inside the closet, staff stored multiple hazardous chemical products, including disinfectants and moisture absorbers, whose SDS instructions call for immediate and specific first aid in cases of skin or eye contact or ingestion. CNAs on the unit acknowledged the door should have been locked due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals and the cognitive status of residents, but they were unsure how long the lock had been inoperable.
Two residents did not receive medications according to physician orders and facility expectations. One resident with PNA, COPD, and an upper respiratory infection lacked timely access to ordered Acetylcysteine and did not receive Ipratropium-Albuterol and Doxycycline doses as ordered, despite Doxycycline being available in the PIXUS automated dispensing system and the DON’s expectation that nurses use PIXUS when medications are needed before pharmacy delivery. Another resident with HTN received Metoprolol Tartrate even though the recorded BP was below the ordered hold parameter, and the DON confirmed the dose should have been held.
Staff failed to protect the confidentiality of resident health information when assignment sheets containing personal medical details were left face up and unattended on treatment and medication carts. On two separate occasions, assignment sheets listing multiple residents’ medical information were observed on unattended carts in a unit hallway, visible and easily accessible to residents, visitors, and other unauthorized individuals while various staff, ambulatory residents, and family members were nearby. An LPN later acknowledged that such assignment sheets should not be left in the open, and the issue was brought to the DON.
A resident was transferred and admitted to an acute hospital following a facility-initiated transfer/discharge, but the clinical record contained no written bed-hold notice or transfer/discharge notice to the resident or legal representative. This omission, affecting 1 of 3 sampled residents with such transfers, was confirmed by the DON during record review and interview.
A resident who experienced difficulty breathing was transferred to the ER and subsequently admitted to the hospital, but the clinical record contained no evidence that the physician was notified of this significant change in condition or of the transfer. Facility policy requires consultation with the healthcare provider and documentation of physician and family notification in the EHR when a decision is made to transfer or discharge a resident. The DON confirmed there was no documentation in the electronic record showing that the physician had been notified.
A resident with MDD, anxiety, PTSD, and intact cognition, who was primarily bedbound and usually received bed baths, experienced bowel incontinence and declined a shower, requesting a bed bath and to speak with the unit manager. The unit manager was not informed of this request. After the charge nurse confirmed with leadership that there were no contraindications to a shower, the charge nurse and a CNA used a mechanical lift to place the resident on a shower chair, covered the resident with bath blankets, and transported the resident to the shower room. Despite the resident expressing fear, stating they did not feel like a shower, and later reporting crying and repeatedly saying they did not want a shower, staff proceeded with the shower. This conflicted with the resident’s expressed wishes and the facility’s policy on the right to refuse treatment, dignity, and reasonable accommodation of individual needs and preferences.
A resident admitted with a fractured leg and chronic hip and knee pain reported requesting pain medication shortly after arrival, but staff stated they were waiting for pharmacy access to the Cubex machine and the resident did not receive ordered PRN oxycodone until about eight hours later, despite a documented pain score of 6. Record review showed an active hospital discharge order for oxycodone 5 mg PO q4h PRN, but there was no documentation that staff contacted a physician for alternative pain orders or implemented non-pharmacological pain interventions such as repositioning or distraction. The DON confirmed there was no evidence of these interventions or physician contact while waiting for Cubex access.
Surveyors found that the facility did not provide required written bed-hold and transfer/discharge notices to two residents or their legal representatives when the facility initiated transfers to an acute hospital, and did not complete required discharge summaries for two discharged residents. In multiple instances, records lacked any documentation of bed-hold notices or transfer/discharge notices, and for discharged residents, there was no recapitulation of stay, no documented discharge instructions, no medication reconciliation, and no recorded follow-up appointments or therapy recommendations.
The facility failed to keep provider orders current and organized by not discontinuing inactive or outdated orders for two residents. One resident was observed receiving O2 at 1.5 L/min via nasal cannula while the active orders still listed three separate O2 orders at 2 L/min, including PRN and continuous orders for SOB and to maintain O2 saturation at 90%. Another resident had been discharged from hospice and had the hospice care plan resolved, yet active orders still included a referral to a named hospice and a referral for evaluation and treatment for palliative care for pain management. These issues were confirmed on review by regional clinical leadership.
The facility did not investigate staff-reported allegations of abuse and neglect despite having a policy requiring investigation of all possible incidents. A staff member submitted a written statement to the DON reporting that a handful of residents were scared and that another staff member had neglected some residents’ care, and another unsigned statement reported that a resident appeared scared and that a staff member was rough and mean. In interviews, the DON and the Administrator acknowledged that no investigations were completed and no evidence of investigative activity could be produced regarding these allegations.
Unsecured Soiled Utility Closet Containing Hazardous Chemicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to accident hazards and inadequate supervision when, during an environmental tour, a soiled utility closet on the Somerset unit was found unlocked despite being equipped with a keypad locking mechanism. Inside the unlocked closet, surveyors observed multiple chemical products stored on a shelf, including Tropiclean, Virex TB Ready-To-Use Disinfectant Cleaner, Hang [NAME] Plus Clinging Disinfectant Bowl Cleaner, and Damp Rid Moisture Absorbers. Staff present at the time, including two CNAs, reported that the keypad lock had not been functioning properly and were unable to state how long it had been inoperable. They acknowledged that the door should have been secured because of the hazardous chemicals stored inside and the presence of residents with cognitive impairment on the unit. The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each of the chemicals in the unlocked closet described the need for immediate and specific first aid measures in the event of skin contact, eye contact, or ingestion, including flushing skin or eyes with water for extended periods, removing contaminated clothing, not inducing vomiting unless directed, and seeking medical or poison control advice. These documented properties of the chemicals, combined with the unsecured storage area and the known presence of cognitively impaired residents on the unit, formed the basis of the cited deficiency for failing to ensure hazardous chemicals were properly secured and the environment was free from accident hazards.
Failure to Provide Timely Respiratory Medications and Follow Cardiac Medication Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide ordered respiratory and antibiotic medications in a timely manner and to follow physician orders for cardiovascular medication parameters. For one resident with pneumonia (PNA), COPD, and an upper respiratory infection, physician orders included Acetylcysteine inhalation solution as needed every 6 hours for PNA, Ipratropium-Albuterol solution four times daily for COPD, and Doxycycline Monohydrate capsules twice daily for an upper respiratory infection. Record review showed no evidence that Acetylcysteine was available or administered from the initial order date through the date it was discontinued and reordered, and that the Ipratropium-Albuterol solution was not administered per provider orders upon admission. The resident was sent to the emergency room for difficulty breathing and returned the next day. The MAR/TAR also showed that the noon dose of Ipratropium-Albuterol and the nighttime dose of Doxycycline were not given until after the resident’s return, despite Doxycycline 50 mg capsules being available in the facility’s PIXUS automated dispensing system. The DON stated that nurses are expected to use PIXUS when medications are needed before pharmacy delivery and acknowledged that two 50 mg capsules should have been used to provide the ordered evening dose. For another resident with hypertension (HTN), a physician ordered Metoprolol Tartrate 12.5 mg by mouth twice daily with instructions to hold the medication if systolic blood pressure was less than 110 or heart rate was less than 60. Review of the MAR/TAR showed that on one evening the Metoprolol Tartrate was administered despite a recorded blood pressure of 95/56, which was outside the ordered parameters. In an interview, the DON confirmed that the Metoprolol should have been held in accordance with the physician’s order parameters.
Failure to Protect Confidentiality of Resident Health Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the confidentiality of protected health information when staff assignment sheets containing residents’ personal medical information were left unattended and visible on treatment and medication carts. On 3/23/26 from 8:12 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a surveyor observed an unattended treatment cart on the Pemaquid Unit with a staff member’s assignment sheet placed face up, displaying personal medical information for ten residents. The sheet was visible and easily accessible to residents, visitors, and unauthorized personnel, while Environmental Services staff and CNAs were nearby. A Licensed Practical Nurse later confirmed that the assignment sheet should not have been left in the open and should have been secured. Later that same day, from 3:35 p.m. to 3:41 p.m., a surveyor observed an unattended medication cart on the Pemaquid Unit with another staff member’s assignment sheet on it, also face up, containing personal medical information for four residents. This sheet was similarly visible and easily accessible to residents, visitors, and unauthorized personnel, with Environmental Services staff, CNAs, ambulatory residents, and residents’ family members in the area. The issue was subsequently discussed with the Director of Nursing.
Failure to Provide Required Written Bed-Hold and Transfer/Discharge Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide required written bed-hold and transfer/discharge notices for a facility-initiated transfer of one resident to an acute hospital. Record review showed that the resident was transferred on 3/8/26 and subsequently admitted to the hospital, but the clinical record contained no evidence that a written bed-hold notice or a transfer/discharge notice was issued to the resident or the resident’s legal representative. This lack of documentation regarding the resident’s bed-hold rights and transfer/discharge information was confirmed with the Director of Nursing on 3/23/26 at 1:30 p.m. The deficiency centers on the absence of written notification related to the resident’s needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies at the time of the facility-initiated transfer/discharge to the acute care setting, as required by regulation, for 1 of 3 sampled residents who experienced such transfers.
Failure to Notify Physician of Resident’s Significant Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a physician of a significant change in condition for one resident receiving MD or ID services. Record review showed that this resident experienced difficulty breathing and was transferred to the emergency room on 3/8/26, where he/she was subsequently admitted to the hospital. Further review of the resident’s entire clinical record revealed no evidence that the physician was notified of the transfer to the hospital. The facility’s Change of Condition Policy and Procedure states that the facility must consult with the resident’s healthcare provider and notify the resident’s legal representative or family member when there is a decision to transfer or discharge the resident, and that physician/family notification must be documented in the electronic health record. On 3/23/26 at 1:30 p.m., the Director of Nursing confirmed there was no documentation in the resident’s electronic medical record indicating that a physician had been notified of the transfer.
Resident’s Refusal of Shower and Preference for Bed Bath Not Honored
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to honor a cognitively intact resident’s right to refuse care and choose their preferred method of bathing. After an episode of bowel incontinence, staff asked the resident if they wanted a shower, and the resident declined, requesting a bed bath and to speak with the unit manager. The unit manager was in a clinical meeting and was not made aware of the resident’s request. The charge nurse interrupted the meeting, asked leadership if there was any reason the resident could not have a shower, and was told there were no known contraindications. The charge nurse then informed the resident that management was okay with the resident having a shower, and staff proceeded with preparations for a shower despite the resident’s prior refusal and request for alternative care. The resident, who had diagnoses including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, and PTSD and a BIMS score indicating intact cognition, was primarily bedbound and typically received bed baths, with the care plan later revised to specify bed baths only per request. A CNA and the charge nurse used a mechanical lift to transfer the resident onto a shower chair, covered the resident with bath blankets, and transported the resident down the hall to the shower room. According to the CNA, the resident expressed fear and said not to push or take them down, and again said they did not feel like a shower, but the CNA encouraged the shower as being quick. The resident reported being placed naked on a sheet, transported down the hall, and bathed while crying, yelling, and repeatedly stating they did not want a shower, and later described hating the experience and continuing to have nightmares. The facility’s own policy states that residents have the right to refuse treatment, to have their dignity maintained, and to have their needs and preferences reasonably accommodated, which was not followed in this incident.
Failure to Provide Timely Pain Management for New Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely pain management for a resident admitted with a fractured left leg and chronic hip and knee pain. After discharge from the hospital, the resident arrived at the facility at approximately 2:50 p.m. and requested pain medication. The resident reported being told that their medications had not yet arrived from the pharmacy and that staff were waiting for a code from the pharmacy to access the Cubex automated medication dispensing machine for narcotics. Review of the hospital discharge orders showed an order for Oxycodone 5 mg by mouth every 4 hours as needed for pain for 14 days. The admission nurse’s note documented the resident’s pain level as 6 on a 1–10 scale. Review of the Medication Administration Record showed that the resident did not receive the ordered Oxycodone until 11:05 p.m., approximately eight hours after the initial request for pain medication, with a documented pain level of 6 at the time of administration. There was no documentation in the clinical record that staff attempted to contact a physician for alternative pain medication orders while waiting for access to the Cubex machine. Additionally, there was no documented evidence that non-pharmaceutical pain interventions, such as repositioning, distraction activities, or discussing prior effective pain relief methods with the resident, were attempted. In an interview, the DON confirmed there was no evidence of non-pharmaceutical interventions or attempts to contact a physician during this period.
Failure to Provide Bed-Hold Notices and Complete Discharge Summaries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide required written bed-hold and transfer/discharge notices for residents who experienced facility-initiated transfers to an acute hospital, as well as the failure to complete required discharge summaries. For one resident, the clinical record showed a transfer and subsequent admission to an acute hospital, but there was no evidence that a written bed-hold notice or transfer/discharge notice was issued to the resident or legal representative. For another resident who was transferred and admitted to an acute hospital on multiple occasions, the clinical record lacked evidence of written bed-hold and transfer/discharge notices for two of the transfers, and lacked evidence of a bed-hold notice for an additional transfer. These findings were confirmed with facility leadership, including the Regional Director of Operations and the Interim DON. The facility also failed to ensure that residents discharged from the facility had complete discharge summaries that included a recapitulation of the stay, diagnoses, course of illness/treatment or therapy, and reconciliation of all pre-discharge medications with post-discharge medications. One resident’s spouse reported that at the time of discharge, the resident did not receive discharge instructions, including pre- and post-discharge medication reconciliation, follow-up appointments, or referrals for home health services, and the clinical record lacked evidence of a recapitulation of stay or discharge instructions. Another discharged resident’s record similarly lacked a completed discharge summary, including recapitulation of stay, discharge instructions, discharge medications/instructions, follow-up appointments, and therapy recommendations. These documentation gaps were confirmed in interviews with the Administrator, Social Worker, Regional Director of Operations, and Director of Clinical Operations.
Failure to Discontinue Inactive Oxygen and Hospice-Related Provider Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain organized and updated physician orders that reflected residents’ current needs by not discontinuing inactive or outdated orders for two residents. For one resident who was observed on two occasions receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 1.5 L/min, the active provider orders still listed three separate oxygen orders, all written at 2 L/min: oxygen at 2 L/min PRN to maintain oxygen saturation at 90%, oxygen at 2 L/min PRN for shortness of breath with documentation of O2 saturations and start/stop times, and oxygen at 2 L/min continuous every shift for shortness of breath. These multiple active orders did not match the observed oxygen flow rate being delivered. For another resident, interview with the resident’s representative and record review showed the resident had been discharged from hospice services, with a social services note documenting hospice discharge and a hospice care plan that had been resolved. Despite this, the active provider orders still contained two hospice-related orders: a referral to a named hospice and a referral to the same entity for evaluation and treatment for palliative care for pain management. On review, the Regional Director of Clinical Operations confirmed that these outdated hospice-related orders and multiple oxygen orders remained active in the medical record.
Failure to Investigate Staff-Reported Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect after receiving written statements from staff that some residents were fearful and that a staff member had neglected resident care. The facility’s Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Misappropriation Prevention Program policy, effective 6/2016 and revised 03/2025, requires the identification and investigation of all possible incidents of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of resident property. Despite this, the DON received a dated written statement on 9/25/25 from a staff member reporting that a handful of residents were scared and that another staff member had neglected some residents’ care, and also received an additional unsigned, undated written statement reporting that a resident looked scared and that another staff member was rough and mean. During interviews with surveyors, the DON and the Administrator confirmed that the facility was unable to provide evidence that these allegations of abuse or neglect were investigated and that no investigations were completed in response to these staff-reported concerns. No additional clinical details, medical histories, or specific conditions of the affected residents were documented in the report beyond their expressed fear and the alleged rough and neglectful treatment by a staff member.
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