Medilodge Of Southfield
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Southfield, Michigan.
- Location
- 26715 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, Michigan 48076
- CMS Provider Number
- 235296
- Inspections on file
- 44
- Latest survey
- August 15, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 23 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Medilodge Of Southfield during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to assess and monitor residents with changes in condition, did not notify physicians of continued decline, and did not transfer residents to higher levels of care in a timely manner. This resulted in two residents expiring, one requiring intubation after hospital transfer, and another developing sepsis and shock. Physician orders were not implemented, abnormal vital signs and labs were not acted upon, and documentation and communication were lacking.
Surveyors identified that the facility did not maintain or document routine cleaning and filter changes for the kitchen ice machine, as required by professional standards and the facility's Water Management Plan. The ice machine filter was visibly soiled and lacked service date labels, and staff interviews revealed uncertainty about maintenance schedules and documentation. Facility records showed inconsistent maintenance intervals, and policy documents lacked specific protocols for routine monitoring and cleaning.
The facility failed to maintain a plan that outlines the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities, as required, due to the absence of documentation or a described process for these quality improvement and assessment functions.
A facility failed to maintain a surety bond that matched the current balance of personal funds held in the resident trust fund, affecting 82 residents. The bond was for $45,000, while the trust fund balance was $63,240.36. The Business Office Manager was unable to explain the discrepancy and confirmed there was no policy regarding the surety bond.
Surveyors found that medications and biologicals were not properly stored or secured, including an unlabeled cup of pills left in a medication cart, expired medications, staff food stored with medication supplies, and medication carts left unlocked and unattended. Non-medical items such as applesauce, a watch, and a cell phone were also found stored with medications, and staff were unable to identify the owners of some items or explain their presence. The DON confirmed these practices were not in line with facility policy.
Multiple residents reported that meals were frequently served cold, especially for those on upper floors or eating in their rooms, due to delays in food service. Resident Council minutes documented ongoing complaints about cold food and melted desserts over several months. A temperature check confirmed that food items were not at appropriate serving temperatures, and staff interviews indicated that delays in tray delivery and staff workload contributed to the problem.
Three residents did not receive necessary assistance with ADLs, including oral hygiene, nail care, bathing, and incontinence care. One resident with severe cognitive impairment had excessively long fingernails and received only two bed baths over six weeks. Another resident requiring help with oral care had inconsistent documentation and no follow-up on refusals. A third resident, always incontinent, reported infrequent incontinence care and incomplete documentation supported this. Facility policy required assistance for residents unable to perform ADLs, but this was not consistently provided.
A resident was changed by a CNA in a shared room without the privacy curtain being used, resulting in exposure to others in the room, including another resident and a surveyor. The call light was left on the floor and inaccessible. The nurse confirmed the privacy curtain was not functioning, and the resident, who is legally blind, reported being unhappy about the exposure. Facility policy requires staff to maintain privacy and dignity during care, but this was not followed.
The facility did not adequately accommodate the needs and preferences of a resident, resulting in a deficiency related to resident-centered care.
The facility did not honor a resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and failed to establish a grievance policy or make prompt efforts to resolve complaints.
A resident did not receive appropriate care for existing pressure ulcers, and the facility did not take adequate steps to prevent new ulcers from developing, as observed and documented by surveyors.
A resident with cognitive impairment was found with a Foley catheter resting on the floor and lacking a privacy bag. Medical record review showed no physician orders or care plan for the catheter, and required monitoring and documentation were not in place, as confirmed by the DON.
Two residents requiring respiratory support did not have physician orders for their devices, including a BiPAP and tracheostomy speaking valve. One resident was provided with a CPAP instead of the prescribed BiPAP, and neither resident had documented orders or care plans for their respiratory equipment, despite facility policy requiring such orders. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of appropriate orders and equipment verification.
A resident with significant weight loss and no teeth was not provided with routine dental services or a dental evaluation for dentures, despite documented requests and clinical indications of need. The resident had not received a dental consult since 2022, and staff were unaware of the need for referral, resulting in unmet dental and nutritional needs.
Two residents requiring Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) or Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP) did not receive appropriate infection control measures. One resident with ESBL-positive UTI was incorrectly placed on EBP instead of contact precautions, and staff entered the room without PPE even after signage was corrected. Another resident with a wound had an active EBP order, but staff failed to use PPE and there was no signage, despite ongoing wound care. Staff interviews revealed confusion and lack of awareness regarding required precautions, resulting in lapses in infection control protocols.
The facility did not provide necessary medically-related social services to a resident, which affected the resident's ability to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
A resident reported a missing wallet containing identification and a Social Security card, but the facility delayed reporting the allegation to the State Agency and conducted a limited investigation. Only a search of the laundry was performed, and the resident was not interviewed further. The incident was reported to authorities only after the resident's family became involved, and the facility did not follow its policy for thorough investigation and documentation.
A resident with impaired cognition reported missing two pink wallets, one containing important identification documents. The facility's response included an incomplete investigation, delayed reporting to the State Agency, and failure to submit the investigation summary within the required timeframe, contrary to facility policy.
A dependent resident with severe cognitive impairment and quadriplegia did not receive timely incontinence care after a CNA failed to follow a nurse's directive to perform a brief change. The resident was found heavily soiled by their legal guardian, and documentation confirmed that this was not the first such incident. The failure to provide care was substantiated by staff interviews and facility records.
A facility failed to report allegations of sexual abuse involving a resident, leading to a delay in investigation. The resident, who had dementia, reported inappropriate touching by a male CNA, but the allegations were not promptly communicated to the Abuse Coordinator or State Agency. Staff members were aware but did not ensure the allegations were reported, and the Administrator only learned of the situation when police arrived to investigate. This failure to follow protocol resulted in the alleged perpetrator continuing to work, causing distress to the resident.
The facility failed to notify both legal guardians of a resident after an accident resulting in injury and did not inform the family of another resident following a fall. The facility's policies required notification of all legal representatives and family members in such cases, but these protocols were not followed. The DON, who was not present at the time, acknowledged the expectation for staff to notify all relevant parties.
A resident with complex medical needs, including a PEG tube and dialysis, was discharged without proper coordination of home health care services due to incomplete paperwork by the doctor. The facility's Social Service Director was aware of the issue but did not follow up adequately, assuming it was resolved. The discharge documentation was incomplete, and the facility's discharge planning process failed to meet the resident's needs, resulting in a deficiency.
A resident with complex medical needs was found by their family in a soiled state, indicating a failure by the facility to provide timely assistance with toileting needs. The resident had been experiencing loose bowel movements and required frequent changes, but was left unchanged for several hours. The CNA responsible for the resident stated they had informed the nurse and changed the resident before their shift ended, but the family discovered the issue later.
A resident was inappropriately placed on a locked, secured unit without proper assessment or documentation of elopement risk, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. The resident, with a history of bipolar schizoaffective disorder and dementia, was moved despite no evidence of exit-seeking behaviors. Additionally, another resident experienced rude behavior from a housekeeper, highlighting a failure to maintain a dignified environment. Facility policies did not adequately address assessment criteria for secured unit placement.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues fell due to inadequate staffing and improper bed mobility assistance, as a CNA attempted to change the resident alone without checking the care plan. Additionally, an environmental hazard was identified with a long extension cord left in a resident's room after a power outage, contrary to the facility's electrical safety policy.
The facility failed to report allegations of neglect and multiple resident-to-resident abuse incidents to the Administrator and State Agency. A resident with a tracheostomy was found in a soiled condition and not sent to the hospital in a timely manner, while another resident exhibited aggressive behavior towards peers. The facility did not follow its protocol for reporting these incidents, and the DON and Administrator were unaware of the allegations.
A nurse aide in an LTC facility failed to interact with a resident in a dignified and respectful manner. The aide entered the resident's room, asked about the call light, and left abruptly, closing the door loudly. The resident, who had intact cognition and was admitted with conditions like hyperlipidemia and rheumatoid arthritis, noted this behavior was unprofessional and frequent.
The facility failed to protect residents from verbal abuse, as a CNA verbally abused a resident, and another resident, known for aggressive behavior, verbally abused his roommate. The facility's investigation confirmed these incidents, but prior aggressive behavior by the resident was not adequately managed, leading to ongoing threats and verbal aggression.
A resident with bipolar disorder was involved in multiple incidents of abuse towards other residents, including threats and derogatory language. The facility failed to investigate or report these incidents, and the acting Administrator at the time was no longer employed. The current Administrator and DON were unaware of the incidents, and no evidence of investigations was found, violating the facility's policy on abuse.
The facility's kitchen had several sanitation issues, including an inaccessible handwashing sink, gnats near food preparation areas, and improper storage of clean pans. Standing water and leaks were observed, and food items were improperly stored. The District Manager confirmed these issues and noted that pest control had been contacted previously.
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, leading to the presence of gnats and flies in the kitchen and resident areas. Observations revealed poor sanitation, including standing water and food debris, contributing to the pest issue. Two residents, one with limited mobility and another with intact cognition, reported ongoing problems with flies in their room, with staff being aware of the situation.
The facility failed to maintain a safe and homelike environment, with issues such as warm room temperatures, missing privacy curtains, and exposed sharp edges on handrails. Residents expressed discomfort, and staff confirmed the environmental concerns, highlighting a lack of adherence to facility policies.
The facility failed to adhere to care plans and provide adequate supervision, resulting in deficiencies in resident care. A resident with paraplegia was transferred using a mechanical lift by a single CNA, contrary to the two-person assist protocol. Two residents at risk of falls did not have appropriate interventions in place, such as floor mats and accessible call lights. Additionally, a resident with cognitive impairment and a history of elopement was allowed to leave the facility unsupervised, leading to an elopement incident.
A resident with Multiple Sclerosis did not receive their prescribed Emgality for migraines for three months due to the facility's failure to obtain necessary approval from the DON and communicate with the physician. The pharmacy required approval due to the medication's high cost, but this was not secured, leading to missed doses. The facility's policy mandates medication administration according to physician's orders, which was not followed.
A resident's social security income was rerouted to the facility without their consent, despite the resident being cognitively intact and not explicitly refusing to pay their bill. The facility filed a direct payee request with the Social Security Office, assuming the resident was unwilling to pay, which led to the misappropriation of funds.
The facility failed to create comprehensive care plans for two residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing their specific needs. One resident, diagnosed with Alzheimer's and seizures, was on multiple psychotropic medications without a detailed care plan for targeted behaviors. Another resident, who signed onto hospice, lacked a hospice care plan despite significant health changes. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and follow-up on these care plans.
The facility failed to complete care plan reviews with the required interdisciplinary team for two residents and did not revise a care plan to reflect a resident's post-fall interventions. This led to a lack of participation from residents and their families in care discussions and direct care staff being unaware of changes in care needs. One resident on hospice had no documented care planning review, another had incomplete team participation, and a third had an unupdated care plan after a fall.
A resident with intact cognition was left in a soiled brief and an unmade bed, despite needing assistance with ADLs. The resident reported that staff were aware of their condition but did not return to help, resulting in the resident attending lunch in a soiled brief. The DON was notified but could not explain the oversight, which violated the facility's ADL policy.
A facility failed to dispose of narcotic medication for a discharged resident in a timely manner. Despite the resident being discharged weeks earlier, 38 tablets of Hydrocodone-APAP remained in the medication cart. The DON and staff were aware of the discharge but did not dispose of the medication until prompted by a surveyor. The facility's policy requires controlled drugs to be destroyed by the DON and another nurse, but this was not followed, leading to a two-month delay.
A facility failed to conduct a physician-ordered duplex scan for a resident with congestive heart failure and thrombosis. Despite guidelines for tracking diagnostic tests, the repeat venous Doppler scan was not performed as ordered, leading to a deficiency in providing timely diagnostic services.
Two residents in an LTC facility were not provided with appropriate enhanced barrier precautions during high-contact care activities. A CNA was observed transferring a resident without gloves or a gown, and another CNA provided dressing care without a gown, despite signage indicating the need for such precautions. The facility's policy required the use of gowns and gloves to prevent MDRO transmission, but staff failed to comply.
The facility failed to maintain an effective immunization program for influenza and pneumonia for two residents, resulting in the potential for infections. One resident did not receive the necessary education or offer for the influenza vaccine in 2023, nor were they offered a dose of PCV15 or PCV20. Another resident did not receive the recommended pneumococcal vaccine, with no evidence of being offered a dose of PCV15 or PCV20. The Director of Nursing confirmed the oversight.
A resident was unable to adjust their bed due to a broken remote control, leading to difficulties eating meals while lying flat. Despite the availability of open rooms, the facility did not provide an alternative bed. The Maintenance Director confirmed a new remote was ordered, but no timeline was given for its arrival. The DON acknowledged the issue but had no specific policy for meal positioning.
A CNA at an LTC facility misappropriated money and property from two residents. One resident, diagnosed with lupus, reported unauthorized transactions on her mobile payment app after the CNA offered to help her order lunch. Another resident, with multiple sclerosis, reported her phone missing after therapy, with surveillance showing the CNA entering her room. Both incidents were substantiated by the facility's investigation.
The facility failed to implement County Health Department measures after a resident was diagnosed with presumptive Legionella. Observations showed a lack of 0.2-micron filters on faucets, inadequate hand hygiene procedures, and incomplete infection control surveillance. Residents with pneumonia symptoms were not tested for Legionella, contributing to the deficiency.
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness and repair in resident rooms, bathrooms, and common areas, particularly on the 1st floor South unit and the 2nd floor North and South units. Observations revealed issues such as a dripping faucet, food crumbs, offensive odors, sticky floors, and water leaks. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of clarity regarding cleaning responsibilities, contributing to the persistent cleanliness and maintenance issues.
A resident with multiple health conditions experienced a change in condition, reporting symptoms of food poisoning. Despite attempts to contact the physician, no response was received, and the facility failed to follow its protocol for physician notification on weekends. The resident's condition worsened, leading to an unresponsive state and subsequent transfer to the hospital, where they expired shortly after arrival.
The facility failed to ensure dignified treatment for two residents during a Wheelchair Race event where staff pretended to have disabilities. The event was found offensive by the residents, who expressed feelings of anger and disgust. Despite complaints, the staff defended the event as a sensitivity training exercise.
A resident reported $50 missing from their wallet, but the facility's investigation found no evidence to substantiate the claim. The resident's DPOA regularly gave money to the facility, but there was no official trust account, and the facility failed to maintain accurate records of the funds.
The facility failed to properly care for a resident's PEG tube, leading to multiple hospital admissions due to complications. Observations and record reviews revealed the absence of required orders for site care and an abdominal binder, despite the resident's care plans indicating their necessity.
Failure to Assess, Monitor, and Escalate Care for Residents with Changes in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately assess and monitor residents experiencing changes in condition, did not notify physicians of continued decline, and did not transfer residents to higher levels of care in a timely manner. For four residents reviewed, these failures resulted in significant negative outcomes, including two deaths, one resident requiring intubation after hospital transfer, and another developing sepsis leading to shock. The surveyors found that physician-ordered interventions were not implemented, abnormal vital signs and lab results were not acted upon, and documentation and communication among staff and providers were lacking. One resident with a history of cardiac arrest and atrial fibrillation had physician orders for Cardizem and increased free water flushes that were never administered or transcribed. This resident exhibited persistent tachycardia and hypoxia over several days, with no follow-up or escalation of care until they were transferred to the hospital in respiratory distress and subsequently intubated. Another resident with end-stage renal disease and chronic anemia had a critically low hemoglobin level, but despite the facility's awareness and the resident's history of requiring hospital evaluation for low hemoglobin, there was a lack of timely notification and transfer. The resident ultimately expired in the hospital with a hemoglobin of 3.2, and documentation did not reflect any refusal of hospital transfer. A third resident, who was alert and oriented, requested to be sent to the hospital due to shortness of breath and refused dialysis, but there was no evidence of provider follow-up or reassessment. Orders for medication were not documented as given, and the resident was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead. The fourth resident, admitted with sepsis and toxic encephalopathy, had elevated heart rate and declining oxygen saturation, but vital signs were not consistently documented, and there was a lack of provider progress notes. The resident was eventually transferred to the hospital and diagnosed with septic shock. Facility policy required notification of significant changes, but this was not consistently followed, and documentation was incomplete or missing.
Removal Plan
- Assess current residents for a change in condition by reviewing labs and vital signs.
- Educate nursing staff on assessment, notifying the physician, implementing orders, and documentation.
Failure to Maintain and Document Routine Ice Machine Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain food service equipment in accordance with professional standards, specifically regarding the routine maintenance and cleaning of the kitchen ice machine. During a kitchen tour, surveyors observed that the ice machine filter cover appeared brown in color and lacked any date labels. The Dietary Manager stated that an outside vendor was responsible for cleaning and that the unit was cleaned two weeks prior, but was unable to provide documentation for routine maintenance or filter changes beyond two records dated over 15 months apart. The ice machine had a service sticker with handwritten dates, but there was no consistent documentation of regular inspection, cleaning, or filter changes as required by the facility's Water Management Plan (WMP) and professional standards. Further interviews with the Dietary Manager and Maintenance Director revealed uncertainty about the frequency and documentation of ice machine maintenance prior to the current staff's tenure. The Maintenance Director was not aware of the previous monitoring schedule and indicated plans to begin quarterly monitoring. The facility's WMP specified daily visual monitoring and monthly cleaning and filter inspection, but these protocols were not being followed or documented. Additionally, the facility's policy document on ice storage did not provide specific maintenance protocols, and no additional guidelines were available at the time of the survey. These findings were confirmed through observation, interviews, and record review, indicating a failure to adhere to required food safety and equipment maintenance standards.
Lack of Documented QAPI and QAA Process
Penalty
Summary
The facility did not have a plan that describes the process for conducting Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) activities. This deficiency was identified based on the absence of documentation or a described process outlining how the facility carries out these required quality improvement and assessment activities.
Insufficient Surety Bond Coverage for Resident Trust Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to purchase a surety bond in an amount equal to the current balance of personal funds held in the resident trust fund. At the time of the survey, documentation showed that 82 residents had personal funds managed by the facility, with a total balance of $63,240.36. However, the facility's surety bond was only for $45,000.00, which was significantly less than the current trust fund balance. The Business Office Manager confirmed the discrepancy and was unable to provide a clear explanation for why the bond amount did not match the current balance. Additionally, the facility did not have a policy regarding the surety bond. Interviews with the Business Office Manager revealed uncertainty regarding the timing of processing patient pay amounts, which contributed to fluctuations in the trust fund balance. The manager also acknowledged that at least one deceased resident was still listed as having funds in the trust account. Despite being informed of the concern, the facility did not provide documentation or a policy to address the issue of the insufficient surety bond coverage.
Improper Storage and Security of Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the proper storage and security of medications and biologicals. On one unit, an LPN was found to have placed an unlabeled and uncovered medicine cup of pills in a medication cart drawer after preparing them for a resident who was not present. The LPN could not recall which resident the medications were for, and the same drawer contained a bottle of Aspirin with an expired manufacturer date. In the medication room, staff food was found stored in the refrigerator alongside medication administration supplies, and a multidose vial of Aplisol was kept beyond the recommended 30-day use period after opening. The LPN present was unaware of the proper storage duration for the vial. Additional observations on the secured memory care unit revealed medication carts left unlocked and unattended in areas accessible to residents, with no nurse providing direct supervision. On two separate occasions, medication carts were found unlocked, and staff returned only after being prompted. Items not related to medication administration, such as applesauce, a gold watch, and a cell phone, were found stored in the medication cart drawers and narcotic box. Staff could not identify the owners of some of these items or explain why they were stored with medications and medical supplies. Interviews with the Director of Nursing confirmed that staff food should not be stored in medication room refrigerators, and that medication carts should always be locked when not directly supervised by nursing staff. The DON also stated that resident belongings should not be stored in medication carts except in specific circumstances, such as money being temporarily secured. The observations and staff interviews demonstrated a lack of adherence to facility policy and accepted professional standards for medication storage and security.
Failure to Serve Meals at Palatable and Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were maintained and served at a palatable and safe temperature, affecting multiple residents. During a Resident Council meeting, several residents reported that food was often served cold, particularly for those residing on the second floor or choosing to eat in their rooms, as they were served last. Residents also noted delays in being brought to the dining room, resulting in further cooling of their meals. Review of past Resident Council minutes revealed ongoing complaints over several months, including reports of cold breakfasts, melted ice cream, and meals served without adequate heat from the steamtable. These concerns were corroborated by both the Activity Director and Corporate Activity Director, who acknowledged awareness of the issue and attributed it to delays in food service rather than improper cooking temperatures. A temperature test conducted with the Dietary Manager confirmed that food items, including pork and potatoes, were served below the required temperature, with milk and dessert also not at appropriate temperatures. The Dietary Manager expressed uncertainty about why the food was not meeting temperature requirements despite the use of plate warmers and noted that staff workload and delays in tray service could be contributing factors. The Administrator, who was new to the facility, was aware of the ongoing concerns but could not confirm if the issues were current or historical. No corrective actions or follow-up measures were described in the report.
Failure to Provide Assistance with ADLs Including Hygiene, Bathing, and Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for three residents, specifically in the areas of oral hygiene, incontinence care, bathing, and nail care. One resident, who was admitted with severe cognitive impairment and required staff assistance for all ADLs, was observed with excessively long fingernails and reported that his nails had never been cut since admission. Documentation showed that he had only received two bed baths over a six-week period, despite requiring full assistance. Staff interviews confirmed that nail care was the responsibility of CNAs and should be performed when nails are long, but there was no evidence this was done until after surveyor intervention. Another resident, with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical diagnoses, required partial to moderate assistance with oral hygiene. Documentation revealed that oral care was inconsistently provided, often only once daily or not at all, with several entries marked as 'No' or 'Resident Refused' without any follow-up or notification to nursing staff. The resident's legal guardian expressed concerns about neglect of oral care, noting a history of neglect prior to admission and poor oral hygiene since admission. Staff interviews indicated that refusals were simply documented without further action or escalation. A third resident, who was always incontinent and had intact cognition, reported receiving incontinence care only once per eight-hour shift, typically just before shift change, and expressed concerns about inadequate care given her use of diuretics. Review of documentation for bathing and incontinence care showed multiple blank or incomplete entries, supporting the resident's report of missed care. The facility's own policy required that residents unable to perform ADLs receive necessary services to maintain hygiene and grooming, but this was not consistently documented or provided.
Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy and Dignity During Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) provided care to a resident without ensuring privacy. During the morning care, the CNA changed the resident in a shared room without drawing the privacy curtain, leaving the resident exposed to both another resident who was ambulating in the room and a surveyor who was present. The resident's call light was also found on the floor after the CNA left the room, making it inaccessible to the resident. The nurse on duty acknowledged that the privacy curtain was not used and stated that it was not functioning properly, but could not specify how long it had been out of order. The resident involved was legally blind and later expressed dissatisfaction with being exposed during care. The facility's policy requires staff to maintain resident privacy and dignity during care, but this protocol was not followed in this instance. The administrator was unaware of the incident at the time it occurred. The failure to use the privacy curtain and ensure the call light was accessible directly led to the resident's lack of privacy and dignity during personal care.
Failure to Accommodate Resident Needs and Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. This deficiency was identified during the survey process, indicating that the facility did not take adequate steps to ensure that residents' individual needs and preferences were met as required by regulations.
Failure to Honor Resident Grievance Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal. Additionally, the facility did not establish a grievance policy or make prompt efforts to resolve grievances as required. This deficiency was identified based on observations and findings that the facility did not have appropriate procedures in place to address and resolve resident complaints in a timely and non-retaliatory manner.
Failure to Provide and Prevent Pressure Ulcer Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for pressure ulcers and did not implement effective measures to prevent the development of new ulcers. This deficiency was identified through surveyor observations and documentation review, which indicated that the necessary interventions to manage existing pressure ulcers and prevent additional ones were not consistently carried out for affected residents.
Failure to Provide Appropriate Catheter Care and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
A resident with cognitive communication deficit, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia was observed lying in bed with a Foley catheter resting directly on the ground and without a privacy bag. The resident was nonverbal and unable to participate in an interview. Review of the medical record revealed that upon readmission, there were no physician orders for the Foley catheter and no care plan addressing catheter care. The Director of Nursing confirmed that protocol requires a diagnosis, orders, privacy bag, anchoring device, care plan, and continuous monitoring for residents with a Foley catheter, none of which were in place for this resident at the time of observation.
Failure to Obtain Physician Orders for Respiratory Care Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain and implement physician orders for respiratory care for two residents requiring specialized respiratory support. One resident with a tracheostomy and a speaking valve was observed without any documented physician orders for monitoring, cleaning, or checking the speaking valve, despite having a medical history of tracheostomy status, muscle weakness, and cough. The resident was alert and oriented, and the necessary supplies were present at the bedside, but there was no evidence in the medical record of orders or protocols for the care and maintenance of the speaking valve. Another resident, admitted for skilled rehabilitation following hospitalization for acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, COPD, morbid obesity, diabetes, and pulmonary embolism, did not have physician orders for the use of a BiPAP machine as indicated in their hospital discharge summary. Instead, the resident was provided with a CPAP machine, which is a different type of respiratory support, and there were no physician orders for either device in the facility's records. The resident expressed concern about not having the correct equipment and not receiving an explanation from the nursing staff regarding the change. Interviews with nursing staff and facility leadership confirmed that the process for obtaining and verifying physician orders for respiratory equipment was not followed. Staff acknowledged the absence of orders and the use of incorrect equipment, and there was no documentation or care plan reflecting the resident's prescribed BiPAP therapy. The facility's own policy required physician orders specifying the mode, settings, and frequency of use for positive airway pressure therapies, but these were not present in the residents' records.
Failure to Provide Routine Dental Services and Denture Evaluation
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including dysphagia and heart failure, and a moderately impaired cognitive status, was observed to be edentulous and reported not having seen a dentist at the facility for examination or to obtain dentures. The resident expressed a desire for dentures to improve their ability to eat harder foods and reported difficulty eating anything hard due to the lack of teeth. Medical record review showed significant weight loss over several months, with documentation from dietary and psychiatry staff noting the need for new dentures and the impact on the resident's ability to eat. The resident's diet was adjusted, and the need for dental evaluation was noted in clinical documentation. Despite these documented needs and requests, there was no evidence of a dental examination or consult for the resident since March 2022. The Social Work Director was unaware of the resident's need for a dental referral and indicated that dental service issues had occurred previously. The lack of routine dental services and failure to address the resident's request for dentures contributed to the deficiency identified during the survey.
Failure to Implement and Enforce Infection Control Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper infection control protocols and practices for the implementation of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) and Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP) for two residents. For one resident with a history of sepsis, urinary tract infection (UTI) with ESBL resistance, and ongoing antibiotic treatment, the facility did not implement the correct level of precautions upon admission. Despite hospital discharge orders specifying contact isolation for ESBL-positive urine, the resident was placed on EBP instead of contact precautions. This error was not identified until after staff interviews and review of the resident's medical record, during which it was acknowledged by both the interim infection preventionist and the RN that the resident should have been on contact precautions. Additionally, after the signage was corrected, therapy staff were observed entering and exiting the resident's room without donning any PPE, contrary to the required protocols for contact precautions. For another resident with a wound, the facility failed to implement EBP as ordered. The resident had a current order for EBP due to a wound, and PPE was available outside the room, but there was no signage indicating the need for precautions. Staff were observed entering and providing care to the resident without donning or doffing PPE, and there was no evidence of used gowns in the trash, indicating non-compliance with EBP protocols. Interviews with staff revealed confusion regarding the reason for EBP and a lack of awareness of the resident's current wound status and the need for precautions. The infection preventionist reported relying on communication from the wound care nurse to discontinue EBP orders, but the resident continued to have active wound care orders and wound documentation. The facility's own infection prevention and control policies require staff to follow established protocols for standard and transmission-based precautions, including the use of PPE and appropriate signage. However, observations and interviews demonstrated that staff did not consistently follow these protocols, leading to lapses in infection control practices for residents requiring EBP or TBP. These deficiencies were identified through direct observation, record review, and staff interviews, highlighting failures in both the implementation and communication of infection control measures.
Failure to Provide Medically-Related Social Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide medically-related social services necessary to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life. This deficiency was identified based on observations and findings that indicated the required social services were not delivered to residents as needed. The lack of these services directly impacted the residents' ability to attain or maintain their optimal well-being.
Failure to Timely Report and Investigate Alleged Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of misappropriation of a resident's property and the results of its investigation to the State Agency within the required timeframe. A resident with moderately impaired cognition, who was alert and able to make her needs known, reported missing two pink wallets from her purse, one of which contained her state ID and Social Security card. The incident was initially reported to the facility's administrator by a CNA, and a search was conducted by the Housekeeping Supervisor in the laundry for two days, but the missing wallet was not found. The facility did not document any follow-up with the resident after the initial report, and the plan/actions section of the investigation form was left blank. The facility's investigation was limited in scope. Only the Housekeeping Supervisor and the CNA who received the initial report were involved in the search and documentation. The administrator did not interview the resident to obtain further information about the missing wallet, nor were other staff or residents interviewed to determine if there were additional missing items or witnesses. The administrator assumed the missing wallet was not stolen because the resident did not explicitly state it was stolen, and no further investigative steps were taken until the resident's sister later reported the wallet as stolen to the police. The facility reported the incident to the State Agency six days after the initial allegation, only after the resident's family became involved and contacted authorities. The investigation summary and witness statements did not indicate that the resident was interviewed beyond the initial report, nor that other potential witnesses or staff were questioned. The facility's policy required immediate investigation and thorough documentation, including interviews with all involved persons, but these steps were not followed in this case.
Failure to Timely Investigate and Report Alleged Misappropriation of Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of misappropriation of property for one resident. The resident, who had moderately impaired cognition and was alert and able to make her needs known, reported missing two pink wallets from her purse, one of which contained her state ID and Social Security card. The incident was initially reported to the facility's administrator by a CNA, and a search was conducted by the Housekeeping Supervisor, focusing on the laundry for two days. However, the investigation documentation was incomplete, with the plan/actions section left blank and no evidence that the resident was followed up with after the search. The facility did not report the allegation of misappropriation to the State Agency within the required timeframe. The initial report to the State Agency was made six days after the resident reported the missing wallet, and the investigation summary was submitted ten working days after the allegation was reported, exceeding the five working day requirement. The administrator stated that she did not initially report the missing wallet as misappropriation because the resident had multiple wallets and did not explicitly state it was stolen, only missing. The administrator also acknowledged that the five-day investigation report was not submitted timely. Facility policy required reporting alleged violations to the administrator and state agency within specific timeframes and submitting the results of the investigation within five working days. The facility's failure to follow these procedures resulted in a lack of timely and thorough investigation and reporting of the alleged misappropriation of the resident's property.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a dependent resident with severe cognitive impairment and quadriplegia did not receive timely incontinence care. The resident, who was fully dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, was left soiled after a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) failed to provide care as directed by the assigned nurse. The resident's care plan specifically required staff assistance with toileting and incontinence care due to the resident's medical conditions, including brain damage and muscle weakness. On the day of the incident, the nurse assigned to the resident instructed the CNA to perform a brief change and clean the resident, with additional instructions to notify the nurse once the task was completed. The CNA did not follow these directives and left the unit without informing the nurse or providing the required care. The resident's legal guardian arrived later and found the resident heavily soiled, with stool present on the resident's body, clothing, and medical equipment. The nurse confirmed that the care had not been provided and reported the incident to facility management. Documentation and interviews confirmed that this was not the first occurrence of the resident being left soiled, as noted by the legal guardian. The failure to provide timely incontinence care was substantiated by multiple sources, including the nurse, the legal guardian, and facility records. The incident was documented in a grievance form and a performance improvement form, both indicating that the CNA did not render care as instructed and failed to follow supervisor directives.
Failure to Timely Report Allegations of Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report multiple allegations of sexual abuse by a staff member to the Abuse Coordinator and/or State Survey Agency in a timely manner. This involved a resident, identified as R801, who exhibited signs of fear and distress when a male CNA continued working after the allegations were made. The allegations included inappropriate touching of R801's breasts and genital area by a male staff member, which were not promptly reported to the appropriate authorities, resulting in a delay in investigation. The report details that the complainant initially did not report the first incident, thinking R801 was confused. However, after a second incident where R801 mentioned the inappropriate touching in front of the alleged perpetrator, the complainant reported it to the Administrator. Despite this, the Administrator did not take immediate action, leading the complainant to contact the State Agency. The facility's failure to act promptly allowed the alleged perpetrator to continue working, causing further distress to R801. Interviews with various staff members revealed a lack of communication and failure to follow protocol in reporting the allegations. Staff members were aware of the allegations but did not ensure they were reported to the Administrator or Abuse Coordinator. The Administrator only became aware of the situation when the police arrived to investigate, prompted by an anonymous report to Adult Protective Services. The facility's policy required immediate reporting of such allegations, which was not adhered to, resulting in a significant delay in addressing the serious allegations of abuse.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - R801 no longer resides in the facility. - Facility unable to identify an allegation of abuse for the "unidentified resident." Element 2 - On 3/12/2025, all residents who are able to report abuse were queried about feeling safe and free from abuse by staff. No additional concerns and/or allegations noted. - For residents who are unable to report abuse, skin assessments were completed by a licensed nurse for any signs or symptoms of abuse. - This was completed on 3/12/2025. Root Cause: Facility did not follow the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Policy. Element 3 - The Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Policy was reviewed by QAPI Committee on 3/12/25 and deemed appropriate. - Staff were re-educated on the Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation policy by management staff with emphasis on types of abuse, reporting abuse, and also included staff testing after education, and an in-service card being handed out. - This was completed by 3/17/2025 or prior to their next scheduled shift. Element 4 - Random weekly audits of staff will be conducted for 4 weeks, then monthly thereafter to ensure there are not any allegations of abuse until substantial compliance is obtained. - Results of the audits will be brought to the QAPI committee for monthly review and will only be discontinued with substantial compliance and the approval of the facility's QAPI committee. - Administrator is responsible to maintain compliance.
Failure to Notify Guardians and Family of Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify both legal guardians of a resident, R706, following an accident that resulted in an injury. The resident, who had full guardianship appointed to two individuals, sustained a hematoma on the right forehead during a transfer with a Hoyer lift. The facility's medical record indicated that only one of the two legal guardians was notified of the incident. The Director of Nursing (DON), who was newly hired and not present at the time of the incident, stated that their understanding was to notify one guardian, who would then inform the other. However, the facility policy required notification of all legal representatives in such cases. In another incident, the facility failed to notify the family of a resident, R707, after a fall. The resident, who had diagnoses including sepsis and end-stage renal disease, rolled out of bed and was found on the floor. Although the physician was informed, there was no documentation of family notification, and an Incident and Accident report was not provided for the fall. The facility's Fall Prevention Program policy required notification of both the physician and family in the event of a fall. The DON, who was not employed at the time of the incident, confirmed that the expectation was for staff to notify the family in such cases.
Failure in Discharge Planning for Resident with Complex Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate effective discharge planning for a resident, identified as R707, who was discharged on December 14th. The resident had complex medical needs, including a PEG tube, dialysis, and open wounds, and was supposed to receive home health care upon discharge. However, the necessary paperwork for home health services was not completed by the doctor, resulting in the resident not receiving the required care. The facility's Social Service Director (SSD) was aware of the issue but did not follow up adequately to ensure the problem was resolved, assuming it was handled after a conversation with the doctor. The discharge documentation for R707 was incomplete, lacking details on dietary, cognitive, communication, and psychosocial needs. Despite the facility's policy to ensure discharge planning addresses each resident's goals and needs, including caregiver support, these were not met in R707's case. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator were not aware of the issues with R707's discharge, indicating a lack of communication and oversight in the discharge process. The facility's discharge planning process was not effectively implemented, leading to a deficiency in meeting the resident's post-discharge care needs.
Failure to Provide Timely Assistance with Toileting Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently provide assistance with brief changes and toileting needs for a resident, leading to a deficiency. The incident involved a resident who was found by their family member lying in urine and feces, which had dried and stained the resident's gown, indicating that the resident had not been changed for several hours. The resident had a medical history that included acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, tracheostomy status, dependence on supplemental oxygen, quadriplegia, and anoxic brain damage. The family member reported the incident to the State Agency, and the facility's Nurse Unit Manager was informed but initially could not recall the incident. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assigned to the resident on the day of the incident stated that the resident had been experiencing loose bowel movements and required changing every two hours. The CNA also mentioned that the family had requested the resident's briefs remain open, and they had informed the nurse about the resident's condition. The CNA claimed to have changed the resident before the end of their shift, and the family found the resident in an unclean state approximately an hour and a half later. The facility's documentation indicated that the CNA was to receive performance counseling, but it was not completed due to the absence of a union representative.
Inappropriate Placement and Dignity Concerns in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the appropriate placement of a resident, identified as R702, on a locked, secured unit, which led to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction. R702, who had diagnoses including bipolar schizoaffective disorder, dementia, and major depressive disorder, was moved to a secured unit despite having a moderately impaired cognition score and no documented evidence of exit-seeking behaviors. The decision to move R702 was made without a measurable assessment of elopement risk, and the facility did not attempt other interventions such as the use of a wander guard before the transfer. The resident and their legal guardian expressed dissatisfaction with the move, and there was no follow-up assessment after the wander guard was placed. Additionally, the facility failed to treat another resident, identified as R711, in a dignified manner. During an interaction with a housekeeper, R711 experienced rude and dismissive behavior when inquiring about missing socks. The housekeeper's response was witnessed by R711, who later expressed dissatisfaction with the staff's attitude, describing them as rude and cold. The housekeeping supervisor acknowledged the expectation for staff to assist residents or seek help from a nurse or aide if necessary. The facility's policies on resident dignity and memory care unit criteria were reviewed, but they did not adequately address the assessment or placement criteria for the secured unit. The lack of documentation and appropriate assessment contributed to the inappropriate placement of R702, while the interaction with R711 highlighted a failure to maintain a respectful and dignified environment for residents.
Inadequate Staffing and Environmental Hazards Lead to Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate staffing and proper bed mobility assistance, leading to a fall incident involving a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues, including end-stage renal failure and a sacral pressure ulcer. The resident required a two-person assist for bed mobility and transfers, as documented in their care plan. However, a CNA attempted to change the resident alone, resulting in the resident sliding out of bed. The CNA did not check the Kardex for proper assistance procedures and was not yet licensed, which contributed to the incident. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the CNA should have worked with another CNA due to their unlicensed status. Additionally, the facility failed to maintain an environment free from hazards, as evidenced by the presence of a long extension cord in a resident's room. The extension cord was used temporarily during a power outage but was not removed afterward, contrary to the facility's policy on electrical safety. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the extension cord should have been removed once the power outage was resolved. The resident in the room was alert and reported previous issues with the extension cord and a bathroom flood, indicating ongoing environmental concerns.
Failure to Report Allegations of Neglect and Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of neglect and multiple resident-to-resident abuse incidents to the Administrator and the State Agency. This deficiency involved two residents, R507 and R501, and three unknown residents. For R507, the facility did not address a change in condition in a timely manner, failed to provide adequate tracheostomy care, and did not report the neglect allegations to the appropriate authorities. An anonymous individual reported witnessing a nurse yelling at a CNA for sleeping during the midnight shift and another nurse for not properly caring for R507's trach and not sending them to the hospital sooner. R507 was found in a soiled condition with a dirty trach and was eventually sent to the hospital. Interviews with staff revealed that LPN 'F' was concerned about R507's condition upon arriving late for their shift. They found R507 unstable, with abnormal vital signs, and in need of immediate hospital transfer. LPN 'F' reported the situation to other nurses in the building but did not inform the Administrator or Director of Nursing (DON) about the neglect concerns. The DON and Administrator were unaware of the allegations of neglect toward R507, and the facility's protocol for reporting such concerns was not followed. For R501, the facility failed to report multiple incidents of resident-to-resident abuse. R501 had several documented incidents of aggressive and threatening behavior towards other residents, including verbal abuse and threats of physical harm. Despite these incidents, the facility did not report them to the State Agency, and the Administrator only had an incident report from one of the dates. The DON and Administrator were not aware of these incidents, and the facility's policy for reporting abuse was not adhered to.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Respect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to interact with a resident in a dignified and respectful manner, as observed during a survey. A nurse aide, identified as NA 'I', entered a resident's room and asked if the call light was within reach, which the resident noted was unusual and only done when the State Agency was present. The resident expressed that NA 'I' frequently acted unprofessionally. During the interaction, NA 'I' appeared irritated, did not respond to the resident's comment, and left the room, closing the door loudly. The resident, identified as R505, had intact cognition and was admitted with diagnoses including hyperlipidemia, chest pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. The incident was reported to the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the conduct as unacceptable.
Failure to Protect Residents from Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from verbal abuse, as evidenced by an incident involving a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and two residents. The incident began when a resident, R501, reported that CNA 'J' verbally and physically abused him during an altercation over the air conditioning in his room. R501 accused CNA 'J' of pushing him in his wheelchair and shoving him onto his bed while exchanging derogatory language. The facility's investigation confirmed the verbal abuse by CNA 'J', who was subsequently terminated. Additionally, the facility failed to address ongoing aggressive behavior by R501 towards other residents, including R502. R502 reported feeling threatened and unsafe due to R501's verbal aggression, which included yelling and swearing. R502's brother also reported the threatening behavior to the nursing staff. The facility's investigation substantiated the verbal abuse by R501 towards R502, highlighting a pattern of aggressive behavior by R501 that was not adequately managed. The facility's records revealed multiple prior incidents of R501's aggressive behavior towards other residents and staff, including threats and derogatory language. Despite these documented behaviors, the facility did not take sufficient action to prevent further incidents, resulting in a failure to protect residents from abuse. The facility's administrator acknowledged the incidents of verbal abuse but was unaware of the extent of R501's aggressive behavior towards other residents.
Failure to Investigate Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate multiple incidents of resident-to-resident abuse involving a resident with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This resident, who had intact cognition and exhibited verbal and other behaviors, was involved in several documented incidents of abuse, including yelling, threatening harm, and using derogatory language towards other residents. Despite these documented incidents, the facility did not conduct investigations or report these incidents to the State Agency. The acting Administrator at the time of the incidents was no longer employed at the facility, and the current Administrator was unaware of these incidents due to being on leave. The Director of Nursing (DON) also denied knowledge of the incidents and was unable to identify the other residents involved or provide evidence of any investigations. The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, and exploitation requires immediate investigation when there is suspicion or reports of abuse, but this was not followed. The lack of investigation and reporting resulted in the potential for continued and unidentified abuse, as well as the failure to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims.
Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, as observed during an inspection. The handwashing sink near the dish machine room was blocked by three carts, making it inaccessible, and the trash can nearby lacked a liner, resulting in numerous gnats flying out when the lid was opened. Gnats were also observed near the steam table and in high concentration near the three-compartment sink, where standing water was present. The District Manager confirmed the presence of gnats and mentioned that pest control had been contacted approximately three weeks prior. In the chemical/mop room, a mop bucket with sludge and standing water was noted, with numerous gnats flying around. Additionally, clean pans on the dishware rack near the three-compartment sink were stacked with visible moisture inside, which was confirmed by the District Manager as improper. A steady leak from the discharge pipe under the dish machine resulted in standing water on the floor, and the District Manager stated that maintenance would be informed. Furthermore, a stack of milk crates was found across from the ice machine, containing a container of cottage cheese and an unopened milk carton, which the District Manager acknowledged should have been discarded.
Pest Control Deficiency in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of gnats and flies throughout the facility, which led to resident complaints. During an initial observation of the kitchen, numerous gnats were found in various locations, including the trash can near the handwashing sink, the steam table, and the area near the 3 compartment sink where standing water was present. Additionally, the chemical/mop room contained a mop bucket with wet sludge and standing water, attracting gnats. The District Manager confirmed the ongoing gnat problem and noted that a pest control company had visited the kitchen approximately three weeks prior. Pest control service reports from May and July indicated heavy gnat activity due to poor sanitation, including stagnant water and food debris. Two residents, one of whom was dependent on staff for mobility and had impaired range of motion, were directly affected by the pest issue. The first resident, who was receiving nutrition through a PEG tube, was observed with house flies on their gown and bedside, and expressed frustration over their inability to swat the flies due to limited mobility. The second resident, who shared a room with the first and had intact cognition, also reported the flies as a persistent nuisance and confirmed that staff were aware of the situation. House flies were additionally observed in the hallway between rooms, indicating a widespread issue within the facility.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, affecting multiple residents. Observations revealed that a room with three residents had a warm air temperature, and the residents expressed discomfort due to the heat. One resident mentioned that their fan was taken for cleaning weeks ago and not returned. Additionally, flying insects were observed in the room. Another room lacked a privacy curtain, which had been missing for some time, and the room temperature was recorded at 80.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The 2-north unit had a missing end cap on a hallway handrail, exposing sharp edges, and a strong urine odor was detected in the lounge area. Soiled privacy curtains with a dark substance were also noted in one room, and trash cans lacked liners. Interviews with staff revealed that the facility was without a permanent Maintenance Director, and the interim staff confirmed the environmental issues. The Housekeeping & Laundry District Manager, also interim, acknowledged that housekeeping should address privacy curtain issues and confirmed the missing curtain in one room. The facility's policies on maintaining a safe and homelike environment and handrail maintenance were not adhered to, as evidenced by the unresolved environmental concerns and lack of communication among staff regarding these issues.
Deficiencies in Resident Care and Supervision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident transfer was completed per the plan of care for a resident with paraplegia and muscle weakness. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed conducting a mechanical lift transfer alone, despite the care plan requiring a two-person assist for safety. The CNA acknowledged the protocol but proceeded alone due to the unavailability of additional staff. The resident's care plan clearly indicated the need for a two-person assist with a mechanical lift, which was not adhered to during the transfer. The facility also failed to implement appropriate interventions to reduce injury from falls for two residents. One resident was observed without a floor mat next to their bed, despite having a history of falls and a care plan that included the use of a low bed and floor mat. The Nurse Manager admitted that the care plan was not updated to include the floor mat, and an incident report was not completed for a previous fall. Another resident was found with a call light and Reacher on the floor, despite having fallen previously while trying to reach for items. The care plan included interventions for using a Reacher and call light, but these were not effectively implemented. Additionally, the facility failed to provide adequate supervision for a resident with cognitive impairment and a history of wandering and elopement. The resident was allowed to sign themselves out to smoke without staff supervision, leading to an elopement incident. The resident was later found at a hospital, having left the facility without staff knowledge. Despite the resident's cognitive impairments and history of elopement, the facility did not initially provide the necessary supervision, which was only implemented after the incident occurred.
Failure to Administer Prescribed Migraine Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors, specifically concerning the administration of Emgality, a medication prescribed for migraines linked to the resident's Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. The resident reported not receiving their monthly dose of Emgality for several months, which was confirmed by a review of their clinical records. The records showed an order for Emgality to be administered every 28 days, but the medication was not given in April, May, and June. Progress notes indicated that the pharmacy required approval from the Director of Nursing (DON) due to the medication's high cost, but this approval was not obtained, resulting in missed doses. The DON was aware of a change in the pharmacy supplying the medication but did not provide a clear explanation for the missed doses. The DON confirmed that each missed dose should have been reported to the physician, which did not occur. The facility's policy on medication errors states that medications should be administered according to physician's orders, highlighting a failure in adhering to this policy. The lack of action to secure the necessary approval and communicate with the physician contributed to the medication error.
Unauthorized Rerouting of Resident's SSI Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from the misappropriation of their social security income (SSI) funds. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 15, reported that their SSI funds were rerouted to the facility without their consent. This change occurred after the resident's payor source changed, and the facility filed a direct payee request with the Social Security Office to have the funds sent directly to them. The resident expressed frustration as they were unable to pay personal bills due to this unauthorized rerouting of funds. Interviews with the Business Office Manager (BOM) and the Administrator revealed that the facility believed they did not need the resident's consent to change the payee information, as they were acting on the direction of their corporate office. The BOM and Administrator stated that the resident had refused to pay the facility, which prompted the request for direct payment. However, they admitted that the resident never explicitly stated they would not pay their bill and had mentioned using funds from another source. The facility's actions were based on the assumption that the resident was unwilling to pay, rather than any explicit refusal, leading to the misappropriation of the resident's funds.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop comprehensive care plans for two residents, R137 and R246, which resulted in deficiencies in addressing their specific needs. For R137, the facility did not identify or document mood, behavior, targeted symptoms, and the use of psychotropic medication. R137 had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and seizures and was receiving multiple psychotropic medications, including Risperdal, Trazodone, Lexapro, and Zyprexa. Despite these medications and a history of behavioral disturbances, the care plans lacked specific details about the targeted behaviors and interventions necessary for the resident's condition. The facility's documentation for R137 was insufficient, as it did not reflect the resident's recent mood and behaviors, nor did it provide a clinical rationale for the use of psychotropic medications. The care plans initiated were generic and did not address the resident's specific needs or behaviors. Interviews with the Director of Social Services and the Director of Nursing revealed a lack of awareness and follow-up on the resident-specific care plans and interventions required for R137's condition. For R246, the facility failed to initiate a care plan for hospice care after the resident signed onto hospice. R246 had diagnoses including malignant neoplasm, malnutrition, diabetes, dysphagia, and heart failure. Despite a significant change in status, the facility did not complete a significant change MDS or develop a hospice care plan. The MDS Coordinator and the DON acknowledged the oversight but could not provide an explanation for the lack of a care plan for R246's hospice needs.
Care Plan Review and Revision Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care plan reviews were completed with the required interdisciplinary team for two residents, and did not revise the care plan to reflect the current status of a resident's post-fall interventions. This resulted in a lack of opportunity for residents, their legal representatives, and/or family members to participate in discussions of treatment options and decisions related to their care. Additionally, direct care staff were unaware of changes in the resident's care needs following a fall. For one resident, R246, who was admitted to the facility and signed onto hospice, there was no documentation of a care planning review conference conducted with the resident, family, or required interdisciplinary team members. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that a significant change MDS was completed due to the resident's decline but not since signing onto hospice. The facility's process for care planning reviews was questioned, and it was confirmed that no care conference was scheduled or completed for this resident. Another resident, R137, had a care planning review documented with their guardian by phone, but there was no evidence that all required members participated in this review, including the physician, CNA, activities, or dietary staff. Additionally, for resident R46, who was observed in their room with a floor mat not documented in their care plan, it was revealed that the nurse failed to update the care plan to include the floor mat intervention after a fall incident. The Nurse Manager confirmed that the direct care staff rely on the care plan for interventions, which was not updated in this case.
Failure to Provide Timely ADL Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for a resident who required help. On two separate occasions, the resident was observed sitting in a wheelchair with a strong urine odor present, indicating they were in a soiled brief. The resident reported needing assistance to change and that a staff member was aware of their condition but did not return to help. Additionally, the resident's bed was stripped of linens and left unmade, further indicating neglect in care. The resident, who had intact cognition, expressed that they had to attend lunch in a soiled brief. The Director of Nursing (DON) was informed of the situation but could not provide an explanation for the oversight. The facility's policy on ADLs, updated in December 2023, states that residents unable to perform ADLs should receive necessary services to maintain hygiene, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Timely Dispose of Narcotic Medication for Discharged Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the timely disposal of narcotic medication for a discharged resident, identified as R445. During a review of the medication cart, it was discovered that 38 tablets of Hydrocodone-APAP 5-325mg remained in the narcotic drawer, despite the resident having been discharged several weeks prior. LPN X indicated that it was the responsibility of the Director of Nursing (DON) to dispose of medications for discharged residents. Both Unit Manager Y and LPN X confirmed that the DON was aware of the discharge and the need for medication disposal. However, the medications were not disposed of until the surveyor's presence prompted action. The DON was unable to provide a clear explanation for the delay in medication disposal and was uncertain about the communication breakdown that led to the oversight. The facility's policy, updated in January 2024, requires that Schedule II, III, and IV controlled drugs be destroyed by the DON and another licensed nurse. Despite this policy, the narcotic medications were left in the medication cart for two months after the resident's discharge, indicating a lapse in following the established procedures.
Failure to Obtain Physician-Ordered Diagnostic Test
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a physician-ordered diagnostic test, specifically a duplex scan, was obtained for a resident as per the physician's order. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including congestive heart failure and acute embolism and thrombosis, required assistance with activities of daily living and had intact cognition. A physician's progress note indicated the need for a repeat venous Doppler scan to assess the progression of thrombosis, which was ordered to be completed by a specific date. However, the medical record review revealed that the repeat diagnostic test was not performed as ordered. During an interview, the Nurse Manager confirmed that the venous duplex diagnostic test was not conducted and had to be reordered. The facility's Laboratory and Diagnostic Guidelines outline procedures for tracking and completing diagnostic tests, including the use of tracking logs, electronic portals, and calendars to ensure timely completion. Despite these guidelines, the facility did not adhere to the physician's order for the repeat diagnostic test, resulting in a deficiency in providing timely and approved x-ray services or having an agreement with an approved provider to obtain them.
Failure to Implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to core infection control procedures for enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) for two residents, R93 and R297, who were under transmission-based precautions. On July 30, 2024, Certified Nursing Assistant P (CNA P) was observed transferring Resident #93 using a mechanical lift without wearing gloves or a protective gown, despite signage on the resident's door indicating the requirement for such protective equipment. Resident #93 had a comprehensive care plan that required enhanced barrier precautions due to a diabetic foot ulcer, dialysis, and a history of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). The plan specified the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact activities, including transfers. Similarly, on the same day, CNA S was observed providing dressing care to Resident #297 without wearing a gown, contrary to the signage on the resident's door that indicated the need for enhanced barrier precautions. Resident #297 had a physician's order for enhanced barrier precautions due to pressure ulcers and surgical wounds, which required the use of gowns during high-contact care activities. Nurse T confirmed the requirement for a gown and acknowledged the need to educate CNA S on the precautions. The facility's policy on enhanced barrier precautions was reviewed and outlined the necessity for staff to use gowns and gloves during high-contact resident care activities to prevent the transmission of MDROs. The policy also emphasized the importance of staff training on enhanced barrier precautions and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) near or outside the resident's room. Despite these guidelines, the facility failed to ensure compliance with the policy, resulting in the observed deficiencies.
Failure to Administer Recommended Vaccinations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective immunization program for influenza and pneumonia for two residents, resulting in the potential for infections. Resident R77, a long-term resident with multiple diagnoses including respiratory failure and quadriplegia, did not receive the necessary education or offer for the influenza vaccine in 2023. Additionally, there was no record of R77 or their legal guardian being offered a dose of PCV15 or PCV20, as recommended by the CDC for adults with immunocompromising conditions. Similarly, Resident R82, also a long-term resident with conditions such as respiratory failure and quadriplegia, did not receive the recommended pneumococcal vaccine. The clinical records showed that R82's last pneumococcal vaccine was administered in 2022, and there was no evidence that the resident or their legal guardian was offered a dose of PCV15 or PCV20, as per CDC guidelines. During an interview, the Director of Nursing confirmed that both residents did not receive their vaccinations and acknowledged the oversight. The facility's policies on influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations were reviewed, indicating that the facility aims to offer these vaccines in accordance with CDC guidelines. However, the failure to adhere to these policies for R77 and R82 led to the identified deficiency.
Deficiency in Providing Functional Bed for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide functional furniture for a resident, specifically a bed with a working remote control, which resulted in the resident being unable to adjust the bed's position. This deficiency was observed during multiple instances where the resident was seen attempting to eat meals while lying flat in bed. The resident reported that the bed remote control was broken, and they had not been offered an alternative bed despite the availability of open rooms. The resident's clinical record indicated they had intact cognition and were admitted with diagnoses including pressure ulcer, adult failure to thrive, and major depressive disorder. The facility's Maintenance Director from a sister facility confirmed that a new remote was ordered but was unsure of its arrival date. Despite the availability of open rooms, there was no consideration to swap the bed for a functioning one. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the lack of a specific policy for positioning during meals but stated that residents should be positioned comfortably. The deficiency was communicated to the Director of Nursing, who was informed of the ongoing concerns regarding the resident's poor positioning due to the broken bed control.
Misappropriation of Resident Property by CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect two residents from the misappropriation of their money and property by a staff member. One resident, who had intact cognition and was diagnosed with lupus, reported that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) manipulated her mobile payment service application to transfer $129 to an unknown individual. The resident had initially asked the CNA to help her order lunch, during which he took her phone under the pretense of having an easier way to complete the transaction. The resident noticed the unauthorized transaction the following day and reported it to a nurse. Another resident, also with intact cognition and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, reported her phone missing after returning from physical therapy. Surveillance footage showed the same CNA entering and exiting the resident's room during her absence, and he was observed acting suspiciously. The CNA was not assigned to the resident's unit, and staff confirmed he had no reason to be in her room. The facility's investigation substantiated the misappropriation of the resident's phone. The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, and exploitation was reviewed, which prohibits the misappropriation of resident property. The policy defines misappropriation as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings or money without consent. The facility's investigation confirmed the CNA's involvement in both incidents, leading to the substantiation of the misappropriation allegations.
Failure to Implement Legionella Control Measures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement measures and restrictions as directed by the County's Health Department after a resident was diagnosed with presumptive healthcare-associated Legionella. The facility did not conduct timely and accurate surveillance of infections and failed to ensure water management meetings were conducted as per their policy. This failure affected three residents reviewed for infection control and had the potential to impact all 140 residents in the facility. The Immediate Jeopardy was identified due to the facility's non-compliance with the Health Department's restrictions, which increased the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Observations revealed that the facility did not install 0.2-micron filters on faucets as recommended, and there were no signs alerting residents and staff not to use the water. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness and proper procedures for hand hygiene, with reliance on hand sanitizers and wipes instead of proper handwashing facilities. The facility's Director of Maintenance confirmed that filters were not installed in all necessary locations, and the facility management was aware of the situation but had not taken adequate action. The facility's infection control surveillance was incomplete and not up-to-date, with missing documentation for May and June 2024. Residents with symptoms of pneumonia were not tested for Legionella as directed by the Health Department. The facility's policy on infection surveillance was not followed, leading to a failure in identifying and managing potential Legionella cases. This lack of adherence to infection control measures and surveillance contributed to the deficiency identified by the surveyors.
Facility Fails to Maintain Cleanliness and Repair
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness and repair in resident rooms, bathrooms, and common areas, particularly on the 1st floor South unit and the 2nd floor North and South units. During an initial observation, surveyors noted a dripping faucet, food crumbs, and a strong offensive odor in the dining room area on the 2nd floor North unit. The hallway floors were sticky with dried fluid stains, and a puddle of water was found next to a cart with a 5-gallon water container. Similar issues were observed on the 2nd floor South hallway, where floors were sticky, and debris and stains were present along the hallways. A broken bedside table was also noted in the hallway. Further observations revealed ongoing issues with cleanliness and maintenance. On the 1st floor South hallway, a shared bathroom had a leaking filter under the sink, resulting in a puddle of water on the floor. Another shared bathroom had a large puddle of unknown white fluid under the sink. These conditions persisted during multiple observations. On the 2nd floor, dried liquid stains and debris remained in the hallways, and food and debris were observed on the living room floor. A water cup with a date and room number was found over a bathroom sink, despite the facility following local health department guidance due to a presumptive Legionella positive, indicating the water was not safe to use. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity regarding cleaning responsibilities. A housekeeper stated they did not clean the hallways, which was the responsibility of floor care staff. The Assistant Administrator confirmed that housekeepers were responsible for cleaning resident rooms and hallways, while floor technicians worked after 7:00 PM. Despite these roles, the facility's environment did not meet the standards outlined in their policy for a safe and homelike environment, as evidenced by the persistent cleanliness and maintenance issues observed during the survey.
Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Notification and Follow-Up
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely physician notification and follow-up for a resident, identified as R701, who experienced a change in condition. R701 was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including multiple sclerosis, asthma, and chronic kidney disease with heart failure. On the day of the incident, R701 reported feeling as though they had food poisoning, and the nurse attempted to contact the physician but received no response. Despite the resident's worsening condition, including symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, there was no further documented attempt to reach the physician until the resident became unresponsive. The nursing notes indicated that the resident's daughter was informed of the situation and was told that the physician had been notified, but no response had been received. The evening shift nurse, identified as LPN K, was also unable to reach the physician and was occupied with another resident who required immediate attention. The facility's protocol for physician notification on weekends was not adequately followed, as there were multiple contacts available, including nurse practitioners and the medical director, which were not utilized. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there was no additional documentation or evidence of physician notification or response to the resident's change of condition. The lack of timely medical intervention and follow-up resulted in the resident being transferred to the hospital, where they expired shortly after arrival. The facility's failure to adhere to its protocol for physician notification and follow-up contributed to the deficiency identified in the survey.
Facility's Insensitive Wheelchair Race Event
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure treatment in a dignified manner for two residents during a scheduled event for Nursing Home Week. The event, a Wheelchair Race, involved staff pretending to have various disabilities and racing in wheelchairs. This activity was observed to be offensive and insensitive by two residents, who expressed feelings of anger, embarrassment, and disgust. One resident overheard staff making light of disabilities and felt the event was in poor taste, while another resident, who uses a wheelchair due to amputations, found the event particularly offensive and requested both a public and written apology. Despite these complaints, the Admissions Director and the Administrator defended the event as a sensitivity training exercise and did not acknowledge the potential for offense. The first resident, R506, reported the incident to multiple staff members, including a nurse, the Business Office Manager, and the Assistant Administrator. They described the event as rude and insensitive, feeling that staff were making fun of people with disabilities. The second resident, R510, who has a left below-the-knee amputation and a right above-the-knee amputation, also found the event offensive and voiced their concerns to the Admissions Director. Both residents felt that the event was demeaning to those who require wheelchairs for mobility. Interviews with staff members, including the nurse, Business Office Manager, Admissions Director, and the Administrator, revealed that the event was intended as a learning tool for staff to better understand disabilities. However, the staff did not consider the potential for the event to be viewed as offensive by residents. The facility's policy on dignity was requested but only a general Resident Rights policy was provided, which did not directly address the right to be treated in a dignified manner.
Failure to Properly Manage Resident's Personal Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain authorization to manage personal funds, properly manage a trust account, and follow its own policy on personal funds and trust accounts for a resident. The incident began when the resident reported that $50 was stolen from their wallet during the nighttime hours. The facility conducted an investigation but found no evidence to substantiate the missing money. The resident's durable power of attorney (DPOA) was notified, and a police report was made. The facility's investigation concluded that the money was not substantiated as missing, suggesting that the resident might have spent it on food or vending machines. However, the resident insisted that they had placed the money in their wallet under their pillow, as they did every night, and found it missing the next morning. The facility's records showed that the resident received money from their DPOA, which was held and distributed by the facility, but there was no official trust account in place as the DPOA had allegedly refused it. However, the signed contract did not indicate a refusal of a trust account. Further interviews revealed inconsistencies in the facility's handling of the resident's funds. The DPOA stated that they regularly gave money to the facility to be deposited into the resident's account and received receipts for these deposits. However, the DPOA did not receive monthly or quarterly statements of the account balance. The Assistant Administrator (AA) confirmed that the resident received money from the DPOA but could not provide a clear explanation of how the funds were managed without an official trust account. The AA also could not substantiate the missing money, suggesting that the resident might have spent it. The facility's failure to properly manage the resident's funds and maintain accurate records led to the deficiency cited in the report.
Failure to Properly Care for PEG Tube
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly care for a resident's percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. During an observation, it was noted that the resident's PEG tube site had a dressing but lacked an abdominal binder, which was required to prevent dislodgement. A review of the resident's clinical record revealed multiple hospital admissions due to PEG tube complications, including dislodgement and sepsis. Despite these incidents, there were no current orders for PEG tube site monitoring and care, and the previous orders had been discontinued and not re-ordered. The resident's care plans indicated the need for an abdominal binder and site care, but these interventions were not being followed at the time of the observation. Interviews with the facility's Director of Nursing confirmed that there should have been orders for PEG tube site care and the use of an abdominal binder for the resident. The facility's policy on feeding tubes, revised in June 2022, stated that feeding tubes should be maintained according to current clinical standards of practice to prevent complications. However, the facility failed to adhere to these standards, resulting in inadequate care for the resident's PEG tube.
Latest citations in Michigan
The facility failed to implement its abuse prohibition policy and to ensure immediate reporting of suspected abuse, misappropriation, and injury of unknown origin. A resident with dementia and insomnia reported receiving diphenhydramine for several weeks from a nurse despite having only a one-time order, while an LPN and the supply clerk observed missing diphenhydramine stock and expressed concern it was being given without orders but did not report this to the administrator. Another cognitively intact resident with anxiety reported that two video games were missing and believed they were stolen, but the allegation was only shared with an unidentified staff member and was never reported to the administrator or state agency. In a separate case, a severely cognitively impaired resident was found with a large right forearm bruise of unknown origin that was first noted on a prior shift, not immediately reported to leadership, and subsequently reported to the state agency outside the required 2-hour timeframe.
The facility failed to timely and accurately report multiple allegations of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment to the State Agency. In one case, a resident with dementia and a history of falls sustained a hip fracture after being struck by a medication cart; a CNA who witnessed the event reported to administration that an LPN had pushed the cart recklessly, but her concerns were not investigated or reported as potential mistreatment. In another case, a resident with dementia and insomnia reported receiving diphenhydramine for sleep from a male nurse despite having only a one-time order, and an LPN reported concerns that a nurse was giving diphenhydramine without orders after finding opened bottles in the memory care medication room, yet this allegation was not reported. In a third case, a cognitively impaired resident alleged that a night-shift nurse grabbed and twisted her arm during incontinence care, with a bruise observed by an LPN; although the administrator was notified that morning, the incident was reported to the state more than two hours after the allegation and with an inaccurately late discovery time documented in the reporting system.
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate two separate allegations of potential abuse and mistreatment. In one case, a resident with dementia and a known fall risk sustained a hip fracture after contact with a medication cart; documentation and multiple staff interviews conflicted about who witnessed the event and whether the cart struck the resident, yet the administrator relied primarily on an LPN’s account, conducted only a brief inquiry, and did not interview all identified witnesses. In the second case, a resident with vascular dementia reported receiving diphenhydramine for sleep from a male nurse despite having no order, and an LPN described finding opened and replaced bottles of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room and statements suggesting it was being used to make residents sleep, but the facility’s investigation did not include interviewing this LPN and no incident report was submitted to the state agency.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, bowel and bladder incontinence, and identified risks for falls and impaired skin integrity requested a brief change via call light. An activity assistant answered, turned off the call light, and left without providing care or notifying nursing staff. For over 30 minutes no staff returned, and when a CNA later entered only to deliver a meal tray, the resident was found with a soiled brief, visibly soiled linens, and dried stool on the buttocks, appearing distressed and repeatedly calling out about her diaper. The CNA, who had not been informed of the earlier request, then provided incontinence care. These events occurred despite facility policies requiring timely incontinence care and that call lights remain on until the resident’s request is met.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and profound hearing loss had care plans directing staff to use calm, individualized communication and behavioral approaches, allow time, avoid rushing, and re-approach when she became combative or refused care. Over the course of a night, multiple CNAs reported that she repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when approached, leading them to back off and re-approach later. Despite this history and the care plan guidance, an LPN and CNA later entered her room while she was half-asleep, pulled back her covers, and proceeded to change her wet brief as she tried to hit and kick; the LPN held her hands/arms while the CNA completed the change. The next day, staff observed that the resident was frightened, reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and noted bruising on her forearm. These actions did not follow the resident’s behavior management and communication interventions and resulted in agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of combative behavior repeatedly refused incontinence care and became physically aggressive when staff attempted to change a saturated brief. An LPN briefly held the resident’s arms to prevent being struck while a CNA completed the brief change, after which the resident allowed care. The next day, the resident reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and an LPN observed bruising and fear but did not document these findings. Neither the pattern of care refusals and combativeness nor the subsequent bruising and related complaint were recorded in the EMR, despite facility policies requiring documentation of such behaviors and events, resulting in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record.
Two residents experienced development and worsening of coccyx and heel pressure ulcers due to the facility’s failure to implement and document ordered preventive and treatment interventions. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and mobility dependence had MASD, a non-blanchable heel, and orders for Triad paste and heel boots that were never documented as applied, no pressure-reducing surfaces or turning program on the MDS, and no skin notes for several days until an LPN discovered an undocumented coccyx ulcer under a foam dressing; later wound assessment showed an unstageable coccyx ulcer and a heel DTI acquired in the facility. Another resident admitted with a small coccyx open area and DVT had an order for barrier cream and a skin risk care plan, but there was no documentation of barrier cream use, the care plan was not updated when a stage 2 ulcer was identified, and multiple subsequent wound treatment orders (Triad paste, oil emulsion/alginate, Manuka Honey, Santyl, Dakin’s) were administered less frequently than prescribed, with delayed initial wound assessment and progression to a larger stage 3 coccyx ulcer requiring hospital transfer. The facility’s own wound and skin management policy requiring routine preventive care, daily CNA skin checks, and nurse skin assessments on bath days was not consistently followed as evidenced by missing documentation and treatment gaps.
Multiple cognitively impaired, high fall-risk residents experienced recurrent falls and serious injuries when staff failed to provide adequate supervision, safe transfers, and proper equipment use. One resident with dementia and prior hip fracture had several unwitnessed falls in the bedroom and near the nurses’ station, with investigations limited to adding non-skid strips, a fall mat, and low bed positioning rather than addressing recent illness, weakness, or sedation, and some interventions were not added to the care plan. Another resident with dementia, stroke, AFIB, and frequent falls, assessed by hospital PT as needing two-person assist, was care planned for only one-person contact guard and was repeatedly observed ambulating independently with an unsteady gait while staff did not assist or redirect; falls with head trauma and intracranial hemorrhage occurred, and staff held inconsistent understandings of required assistance and were not consistently interviewed after the events. Additional residents were pushed in wheelchairs without footrests, causing their feet to drag, despite available footrests and facility expectations, and one severely cognitively impaired resident’s fall investigation and care plan update regarding bed height were delayed and documented after discharge, with incomplete root-cause analysis.
A resident with morbid obesity, moderate cognitive impairment, and dependence on staff for toileting hygiene fell from a bariatric bed during incontinence care when staff did not ensure the resident was centered in the bed or adequately supervised while turning. The resident reported being instructed to cross one leg over the other and turn, then sliding off the bed when they flung their leg over, with only one staff member actively changing them. Facility records and CNA interviews showed the resident was close to the bed’s edge, staff positioning was inadequate, and required witness statements were not obtained in accordance with the facility’s fall reduction policy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was transferred to a hospital in the afternoon for behavioral symptoms, as documented in nursing progress and discharge notes. However, the March MAR shows that an LPN documented administration of bedtime doses of magnesium oxide, metoprolol tartrate, and Seroquel later that evening, within the facility’s established bedtime medication window, even though the resident was no longer in the building. The DON confirmed the discrepancy between the transfer documentation and the recorded medication administration, indicating that medications were charted as given after the resident had been discharged.
Failure to Implement Abuse Policy and Immediately Report Suspected Abuse, Misappropriation, and Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure staff implemented the abuse prohibition policy and procedures, resulting in multiple incidents of potential abuse, neglect, and misappropriation not being reported immediately to the abuse coordinator/administrator. For one resident with vascular dementia and insomnia, the record showed only a single one-time order for diphenhydramine 25 mg (two tablets) by mouth, with no ongoing order. Despite this, the resident reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognitive skills. The resident stated he did not want any more of the medication because he did not want his memory to worsen. Staff interviews further described concerns that diphenhydramine was being administered without a physician’s order and that these concerns were not reported as required. One LPN reported she was concerned another LPN was giving residents in the memory care unit diphenhydramine without orders, after a male resident repeatedly requested the medication and stated that “the other nurse” gave it to him. The same LPN found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room, noted that a significant amount was missing while no residents on that unit had orders for it, and reported that the other LPN had commented, “We’ll be ok tonight. I made sure everyone is going to sleep tonight.” She removed the open bottle, but a new bottle appeared the following night. She then instructed the supply clerk to stop stocking diphenhydramine in that medication room due to her concern that it was being given without orders. Neither the LPN nor the supply clerk reported these concerns to the administrator, despite the facility’s abuse policy requiring immediate reporting of suspected abuse or adverse events. The deficiency also includes failure to report an allegation of misappropriation of resident property and failure to immediately report an injury of unknown origin. A cognitively intact resident with generalized anxiety disorder reported that two video games valued at $160 were missing and believed they had been stolen. He stated he told an unidentified staff member, who responded that the games were not on his inventory list and would not be replaced. The resident did not report the issue to the administrator because he believed nothing could be done, and the administrator later confirmed that staff had never informed him of this allegation and that it was never reported to the state agency or investigated. In a separate incident, a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder was found to have a large bruise of unknown origin on the right forearm, extending from the wrist to the top of the forearm and covering most of the dorsal surface. The former DON learned of the bruise only after seeing it documented in CNA alert charting the day after it was first identified, and an incident report indicated the bruise was first noted on night shift the previous day. The CNA reported that she was told about the bruise by off‑going staff the following morning and then alerted the DON. The provider documented a new right dorsal forearm bruise of unknown mechanism, and the facility-reported incident was not submitted to the state agency within the required 2-hour timeframe, despite the facility’s policy requiring immediate reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, misappropriation, and adverse events.
Failure to Timely and Accurately Report Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Mistreatment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to timely and accurately report allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment to the State Agency for three residents. For one resident with dementia and a history of falls, staff documentation showed that a nurse pushing a medication cart collided with the resident, causing a fall and an acute right femoral neck fracture. A post-fall evaluation identified environmental factors, specifically that a cart pushed in the hall tripped the resident, and listed a CNA as a witness who later denied being present. Another CNA, who was not listed as a witness, reported she actually witnessed the event and described the nurse rapidly approaching from behind with the cart, appearing not to have control of it, and striking the back of the resident’s leg, causing the fall. This CNA stated she promptly called and texted the administrator and later spoke with the administrator and former DON, telling them she believed the resident was injured due to the nurse’s reckless actions, but she was never interviewed and her concerns were disregarded. The administrator reported he understood the event as the resident being startled and backing into the cart, did not view it as concerning, and did not report or further investigate the situation as potential mistreatment. No facility-reported incident related to this event was found in the State Agency database. The second component of the deficiency concerns an allegation that a nurse was giving diphenhydramine to residents on a memory care unit without physician orders. A resident with vascular dementia and insomnia reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognition. Review of physician orders showed only a one-time order for diphenhydramine for this resident, with no ongoing orders. Another LPN reported she was concerned that a male LPN was giving residents diphenhydramine without orders after a male resident repeatedly requested it and stated another nurse gave it to him, and after she found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room with no corresponding resident orders. She also reported that the male LPN had commented that he had made sure everyone would sleep that night. She removed the open bottle and later found a new bottle stocked, then asked the supply clerk to stop stocking it, but did not report her concerns to the administrator because she felt she lacked proof. The administrator later acknowledged awareness of a general concern about diphenhydramine in the medication room but denied being told that a specific nurse was allegedly using it to make residents sleep, and the State Agency database showed no facility-reported incident for this allegation at the time of review. The third component involves an allegation of staff-to-resident abuse that was not reported to the State Agency within the required two-hour timeframe and was inaccurately documented as to the time of discovery. A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple chronic conditions, and a history of falls and anxiety told her assigned LPN early in the morning that a night-shift nurse had grabbed and twisted her arm while a CNA provided incontinence care, despite her saying she was not wet. The LPN observed a bruise on the resident’s left arm, described the resident as frightened and not usually afraid, and reported that she notified the administrator immediately by phone and was instructed to monitor the bruise while the administrator would report the allegation and handle the investigation. An incident report documented the resident’s allegation, the observed bruise, and stated that nursing immediately reported to the administrator and that a report was filed with the state. However, the MI-FRI system showed the incident was submitted later that morning, more than two hours after the allegation was made, and recorded the discovery time as significantly later than when the LPN stated she first learned of it. The administrator confirmed he was notified of the allegation that morning, acknowledged that abuse allegations should be reported within two hours, and stated there were issues with the reporting system but could not provide a record of when he first attempted to submit the report.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Potential Abuse and Misuse of Medication
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to identify and thoroughly investigate potential abuse in two separate situations involving two residents. For the first resident, who had dementia with anxiety and was care planned as being at risk for fall-related injury due to poor safety awareness, the resident sustained a right femoral neck fracture after contact with a medication cart. Facility documentation in the fall report and post-fall evaluation stated that a nurse pushing a medication cart collided with the resident, that the fall was witnessed, and that the cart pushed in the hall tripped the resident. The post-fall evaluation listed a CNA as a staff/witness present and a laundry aide as the primary assistant interviewed for the three hours prior to the fall, and identified environmental factors as the root cause. However, interviews revealed discrepancies and incomplete investigation. The CNA listed as a witness reported she was not present at the time of the fall and only saw the resident later that evening, contradicting the post-fall documentation. The laundry aide reported she was in the hallway at the time of the fall, saw the resident walking next to a CNA, and observed the LPN, the medication cart, and the CNA all together when the resident fell, but stated she did not know if the cart hit the resident and that she was never interviewed by the administrator about what she saw. A former CNA reported she directly witnessed the fall, describing that she was pushing another resident in a wheelchair while the injured resident walked beside her, and that an LPN approached rapidly from behind with the medication cart, appeared not to have control of it, and that the cart struck the back of the resident’s leg, causing the fall. This CNA also reported she had told the administrator and DON by phone that she believed the resident was injured due to the LPN’s reckless actions, but that her concerns were disregarded and she was never interviewed. The LPN involved stated that both she and the resident were in motion and that the resident backed into the cart, causing loss of balance and a fall, and confirmed the resident’s hip fracture. The administrator’s written summary reflected only the LPN’s account, characterizing the event as an accident and documenting that the resident backed up and clipped the corner of the cart. In interview, the administrator described his investigation as brief, stated that when an LPN calls and tells him exactly what happened there was little need for further investigation, and could not confirm speaking to other witnesses such as the laundry aide. He acknowledged that the CNA had mentioned a concern that the nurse may not have accurately reported what happened but did not elaborate or explore whether any earlier interaction might have contributed to the incident. These actions and omissions demonstrate that the facility did not conduct a thorough investigation into a potential abuse or mistreatment situation involving a fall with major injury. The second situation involved an allegation of improper administration of diphenhydramine to residents without physician orders. One resident with vascular dementia, moderate cognitive impairment, and a history of insomnia reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognitive skills. The resident stated he had used the medication nightly before admission but now did not want anything that could make his memory worse. A nurse practitioner confirmed that none of the residents on the memory care unit had orders for diphenhydramine and that its use in dementia patients increased fall risk and had a sedating effect. An LPN reported concerns that another LPN was giving residents diphenhydramine without physician orders. She stated that a male resident repeatedly requested the medication and told her that another nurse gave it to him, and that she found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room with a significant amount missing despite no residents having orders for it. She also reported that the other LPN told her he had made sure everyone was going to sleep that night, and that after she removed the open bottle, a new bottle appeared the following night. She did not report this to the administrator at the time because she felt she lacked proof. The administrator later stated he was aware of an allegation of misuse of diphenhydramine and that an investigation was underway, but the soft file showed only 9 of 27 licensed nurses had been interviewed and there was no record that this LPN, who had direct knowledge of the concern, was interviewed. The administrator stated that the LPN had expressed only general concerns about finding diphenhydramine in the medication room and denied that she had reported an allegation that another nurse was giving it to residents without orders to make them sleep. Review of the state agency’s facility-reported incidents database showed that no investigation related to the accusation of a nurse giving residents diphenhydramine without an order had been submitted. These facts show the facility did not fully identify, investigate, and report an allegation of potential abuse and misuse of medication as required by its abuse prohibition policy.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care and Proper Call Light Response
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide timely incontinence care and to appropriately respond to a resident’s call light request. The resident was a female with multiple diagnoses including heart failure, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss, and had a BIMS score of 5 indicating severe cognitive impairment. Her MDS indicated she was frequently incontinent of urine and always incontinent of bowel, and her care plans identified risks for falls and impaired skin integrity, with interventions to remind her to use the call light and to complete hygiene care expeditiously. On the survey date at 11:02 AM, the resident was observed in bed with her call light activated. An activity assistant responded, and the resident requested a brief change. The assistant turned off the call light without providing care and left to find nursing staff, but did not locate anyone or communicate the resident’s request. At 11:32 AM, the resident was still in bed and no staff had returned to provide the requested brief change, 30 minutes after the call light had been answered and deactivated. The activity assistant later confirmed she had not yet found staff or informed nursing of the resident’s need. At 11:44 AM, a CNA entered only to deliver the lunch tray and was not aware of the earlier request. At that time, the resident removed a soiled brief and threw it on the floor; she was incontinent of bowel, with visibly soiled linens and dried bowel movement on both buttocks that required additional soaking and washing to remove. The resident appeared distressed, moved frequently in bed, repeatedly said “diaper,” and stated that her “butt hurts,” and became agitated and aggressive during care. The interim DON stated that staff should leave the call light on if the need cannot be immediately addressed. Facility policies on routine resident care and call lights required timely incontinence care and that call lights remain on until the resident’s request is met, which was not followed in this incident.
Failure to Honor Dementia Resident’s Refusal and Use Individualized Behavior Approaches During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide care that maintained the highest practicable physical and mental well-being for a resident with dementia, cognitive deficits, and behavioral symptoms. The resident was an elderly female with multiple diagnoses including heart failure, insomnia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss. Her MDS showed a BIMS score of 5, indicating severe cognitive impairment. Her care plans identified impaired communication related to hearing loss, impaired cognition related to dementia, and potential for mood fluctuations related to bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, and dementia. The care plans directed staff to use specific communication techniques, allow adequate time to respond, avoid rushing, use simple words and cues, limit choices, use task segmentation, and approach her in a calm, quiet manner with appropriate body language. In the period leading up to the incident, multiple CNAs reported that the resident had a history of being combative and resistant to incontinence care, sometimes attempting to hit, kick, or swing at staff when approached. Staff who were familiar with her reported that when she refused care or became combative, they would give her space, re-approach later, or have a different caregiver attempt care, and that her reactions were influenced by how staff approached her. On the evening and night in question, CNAs reported that the resident repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when they attempted to change her brief. One CNA stated that she informed the oncoming shift CNA and an LPN that the resident had refused care and that her brief had not been changed during the evening due to these refusals. That CNA reported that the LPN stated the resident had to be changed regardless of whether she wanted to be. Later during the night shift, an LPN and a CNA entered the resident’s room around 3:00 AM to attempt incontinence care. The LPN reported that the resident was “half-asleep” when they began to change her wet brief. According to the CNA, when the LPN pulled back the covers, the resident began trying to hit and kick. The LPN held the resident’s hands or arms to prevent being struck while the CNA changed the resident’s wet brief. The CNA reported that after a few moments the resident stopped resisting and allowed the care to be completed. Subsequently, the day-shift LPN observed that the resident was frightened, reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and noted a bruise on the resident’s left arm. Another CNA later observed oval-shaped bruising on one of the resident’s forearms. Staff interviews and the facility’s behavior management policy emphasized that behaviors should be recognized as communication, that causes and triggers such as fatigue and sensory deficits should be considered, and that individualized, non-pharmacological interventions and behavior management strategies should be used. Despite existing care plan interventions and policy expectations, staff proceeded with incontinence care while the resident was half-asleep and actively resisting, and the LPN physically held her arms, leading to the resident’s agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising. The facility’s behavior management policy stated that behaviors are a form of communication and that staff should attempt to identify causes and triggers, including fatigue, lack of sleep, and sensory deficits such as hearing loss. The policy also required the IDT to implement care plans with specific non-pharmacological interventions and behavior management strategies for residents with dementia or mental illness. In this case, the resident’s known history of combative behavior, her severe cognitive impairment, profound hearing loss, and the time of night were all relevant factors. Nonetheless, staff actions during the incident did not align with the care plan directives to avoid rushing, to use calm approaches, and to re-approach later when the resident was resistant. Instead, the decision to proceed with incontinence care while the resident was half-asleep and combative, and to physically hold her arms, directly contributed to the resident’s distress and the observed bruising on her arm. The deficiency is further supported by staff accounts that the resident’s behaviors could often be managed by giving her space, re-approaching at a later time, or using different caregivers, and that she was not good at communicating her needs vocally and had impaired hearing. The day-shift LPN described the resident as usually not afraid, but on this occasion she was frightened and requested that the LPN not allow the male nurse into her room, stating he had grabbed her arm. The assistant director of nursing and social worker both acknowledged the resident’s history of combative behaviors and resistance to care, and that these behaviors were related to her mental health diagnoses and dementia. The combination of proceeding with care despite active resistance, failing to fully utilize the individualized behavioral and communication strategies in the care plan, and physically restraining the resident’s arms during care constituted the failure to provide appropriate treatment and services to a resident with dementia, resulting in agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising.
Failure to Document Resident Care Refusals, Combative Behaviors, and Resulting Bruising
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a complete and accurate medical record for one resident with significant cognitive and behavioral issues. The resident was an elderly female with diagnoses including heart failure, insomnia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss. An MDS assessment showed a BIMS score of 5/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. On the night in question, a CNA reported that the resident repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when staff attempted to change her brief, which had not been changed since around dinner time the prior evening due to her refusals and combative behavior. During the early morning hours, the CNA and an LPN entered the resident’s room to again attempt incontinence care. According to the CNA, when the LPN pulled back the covers, the resident tried to hit and kick. The LPN held the resident’s hands so staff would not be struck while the CNA changed the resident’s wet brief. After a short time, the resident stopped resisting and allowed care to be completed. The LPN later confirmed that he had been notified by CNAs that the resident was combative and refusing care, that he went to assist with incontinence care, that the resident was “half-asleep” when they began, and that he held her hands/arms briefly to prevent being hit. He acknowledged that he did not document the pattern of incontinence care refusals or the combative behaviors in the electronic medical record. The following day, the resident told her assigned day-shift LPN not to let the male LPN into her room because he had grabbed her arm. The day-shift LPN observed a bruise on the resident’s left arm and described the resident as frightened and not usually afraid. She reported that the administrator directed her to monitor the bruise, but she did not document the bruise or her observations because she was unsure what the administrator wanted her to do. The unit manager, ADON, and social worker all reported that the resident had a history of combative behaviors and resistance to care, and they each stated that refusals of care and combative behaviors should be documented by CNAs and nursing staff in the electronic medical record. Review of the resident’s progress notes showed no documentation of care refusals or combativeness on the relevant dates, despite facility policies requiring complete documentation of behaviors, refusals, and deviations from standard care. This lack of documentation resulted in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record for the resident. Facility policies on Behavior Management and Documentation Expectations required staff to document behaviors, including new and escalating behaviors, and all pertinent information related to events, resident condition, and deviations from standard treatment in the medical record. The policies specified that staff should use the electronic medical record system to record behaviors and the effectiveness of interventions, and that all facts and pertinent information related to events and resident condition must be documented. In this case, the repeated refusals of incontinence care, the resident’s combative behavior, the use of physical holding during care, and the subsequent observation of bruising and fear were not documented in the resident’s record, contrary to these policies. This omission formed the basis of the cited deficiency for failing to ensure a complete and accurate medical record.
Failure to Implement Ordered Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement ordered pressure ulcer prevention and treatment interventions, resulting in the development and worsening of pressure ulcers in two residents. One resident was re-admitted with diagnoses including cervical spine surgery, diabetes, and metabolic encephalopathy. An admission skin assessment documented no ulcers or skin treatments, but a subsequent assessment identified MASD in the groin and scrotum, a non-blanchable and discolored left heel, and an order for protective heel boots and Triad paste to the coccyx. There was no documentation that the Triad paste or heel boots were ever applied. The resident’s MDS later showed severe cognitive impairment, extensive assistance needs for mobility, and one unstageable DTI, with no pressure-reducing bed or chair and no turning/repositioning program documented. A care plan for risk of skin breakdown was initiated with interventions such as floating heels, pressure-reducing mattress and cushion, and assistance with turning and repositioning, but there were no progress notes or skin assessments for this resident’s skin from mid-December until late December. On a later date, an LPN discovered a foam dressing on the resident’s coccyx during incontinence care and, upon removal, observed an area with eschar and additional open areas along the bilateral buttock region at the tailbone. There were no measurements or detailed descriptions of these wounds at that time, and a treatment order for Manuka Honey to the coccyx was documented as being administered only twice despite being ordered three times weekly. The LPN who found the dressing stated they had not known of any wound prior to that and confirmed there were no prior notes or treatment orders for the coccyx. The DON confirmed there were no skin assessments or treatment orders for the coccyx until that date and that this lack of documentation was not consistent with facility protocol. Another LPN later admitted to having applied the foam patch to the coccyx two days earlier after noticing an ulcer, but stated they became too busy and failed to chart the finding or notify the physician, acknowledging this was not in line with protocol. An initial wound care note several days later documented an unstageable coccyx pressure ulcer with extensive eschar and a DTI on the left heel, and an RN confirmed these pressure ulcers were acquired in the facility and that there had been a delay in prevention and treatment. The second resident admitted with multiple diagnoses including osteoarthritis of the left knee and DVT. Shortly after admission, an RN documented a dime-sized open area on the coccyx, and an order was written for barrier cream as needed after incontinence care, along with a care plan for risk of skin breakdown that included frequent turning and repositioning, use of barrier cream, and pressure-reducing surfaces. There was no documentation that the barrier cream was applied to the coccyx wound. The resident’s MDS later indicated intact cognition, extensive assistance needs for mobility, and one stage 2 pressure ulcer, but the care plan was not revised to reflect actual skin breakdown. No additional progress notes or assessments for the coccyx ulcer were documented until nine days after admission, when a specific Triad paste treatment was ordered. MAR review showed that this treatment was given only three times instead of the prescribed six times over three days, and the order was then discontinued. Subsequent treatment orders for this resident’s coccyx ulcer were repeatedly changed, including orders for oil emulsion and alginate dressings three times weekly and Triad paste to the periwound area, but MARs showed that these treatments were administered less frequently than ordered before being discontinued. An initial wound care note two weeks after admission documented a stage 3 coccyx wound with necrotic tissue and specific measurements. Later, a Manuka Honey and alginate regimen three times weekly was ordered, but again MARs showed missed treatments. A subsequent daily Santyl and alginate regimen was documented as administered on most but not all ordered days, with no PRN treatments documented, and then changed to a Dakin’s solution plus Santyl and alginate regimen. A later wound care note documented a larger stage 3 coccyx pressure ulcer with increased dimensions and depth, and the resident was transferred to the hospital for worsening of the pressure ulcer. An RN acknowledged that the resident admitted with a small open area on the coccyx that progressed to a larger stage 3 ulcer, confirmed that no skin treatments were documented until nine days after admission, and noted gaps in the MAR where ordered treatments were not administered. The facility’s Wound and Skin Management Policy required prevention of avoidable pressure ulcers, necessary treatment and services, routine preventive care including turning, pressure reduction devices, good skin care, and daily CNA skin assessments with prompt reporting of new breakdowns, as well as nurse validation and skin assessment on bath/shower days, which were not consistently carried out as documented in these cases.
Failure to Prevent Falls, Ensure Safe Transfers, and Conduct Adequate Fall Investigations
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prevent avoidable falls, to provide adequate supervision, and to conduct thorough root-cause analyses for multiple residents with known fall risks and cognitive impairment. One resident with vascular dementia, severe cognitive impairment, unsteadiness, and a history of hip fracture experienced several falls in his room and near the nurses’ station. Documentation showed he was found face down with his shoulder pinned under a roommate’s bed after returning from a cystoscopy with a Foley catheter and recent gross bleeding, and later was admitted to the hospital for sepsis, UTI, metabolic encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and COVID. Subsequent falls included being found on the floor in front of his bed with shoes on and later on the floor next to a roommate’s bed with a laceration and a right hip fracture. The facility’s fall investigations repeatedly cited environmental changes such as adding non-skid strips, a fall mat, and low bed position, but did not address underlying causes such as recent illness, weakness, sedation, or his pattern of recurrent falls in the bedroom. The DON acknowledged that increased supervision or more frequent checks would have been more appropriate, and non-skid strips were not consistently added to the care plan. Another resident with dementia, frequent falls, stroke, syncope, AFIB, and severe cognitive impairment had multiple falls and head injuries, including a posterior head hematoma and later a subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage. On admission, the baseline care plan required a two-person pivot transfer, and hospital PT had assessed the resident as needing maximum two-person assist for transfers and ambulation. However, the care plan was later documented as requiring only contact guard assist by one person for ambulation without devices, and staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding of what “contact guard” meant, with some staff treating it as stand-by assist with no hands-on contact. The resident was observed independently ambulating in the room and hall with very unsteady gait, repeatedly pacing and grabbing side rails and carts, while staff did not attempt to assist or redirect. Falls occurred during care by a private home health aide and later when the resident independently transferred and fell in the doorway, with staff reporting that the resident frequently ambulated independently when staff were occupied. The facility’s interventions focused on adding a floor mat and low bed, while the root-cause documentation cited poor safety awareness, restlessness, and misunderstanding of limitations, and there was a delay in IDT follow-up documentation and incomplete provision of witness statements. Additional deficiencies involved unsafe wheelchair use and incomplete fall investigation for other residents. One cognitively impaired resident who required partial to moderate assistance for ADLs and used a walker was observed being pushed in a wheelchair without footrests, with the CNA stating there were not enough footrests, despite the regional PT showing multiple totes full of footrests and stating CNAs could obtain them without therapy assistance; the DON confirmed the expectation that footrests be used when pushing residents. Another resident with dementia, repeated falls, and dependence for ADLs was also pushed in a wheelchair with feet dragging on the floor and no footrests, with the CNA again citing a shortage of footrests. A further resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions had a fall where she was found on the floor next to the bed with the bed not in the lowest position and the call light within reach but not used; the root cause was documented as possibly rolling out of bed. A later fall for this resident resulted in significant facial and head injuries, but the investigation note and care plan intervention of keeping the bed in the lowest position were created after the resident had already been discharged to the hospital, and the facility’s investigation documentation lacked timely, complete root-cause analysis and contemporaneous care plan updates. Across these cases, the survey findings describe repeated failures to align care and supervision with residents’ assessed needs and documented care plans, inconsistent or delayed fall investigations, and reliance on protective environmental measures that did not address the actual causes of recurrent falls. Residents with high fall risk, severe cognitive impairment, and documented need for significant assistance were allowed to ambulate independently or be transported unsafely in wheelchairs without footrests, and staff interviews revealed confusion about required levels of assistance and lack of follow-up questioning of key witnesses after serious falls. The facility did not consistently incorporate identified risks such as recent illness, sedation, restlessness, and poor safety awareness into individualized, effective fall-prevention interventions or into the care plans in a timely manner.
Failure to Safely Position and Supervise Resident During Incontinence Care Resulting in Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide safe positioning assistance and adequate supervision during incontinence care, resulting in a fall from bed for resident R103. R103, who resides in a bariatric bed and reported being unable to walk or stand but able to move about in bed, stated that they fell out of bed a few days prior while staff were providing incontinence care one side at a time. R103 described being instructed to cross one leg over the other and turn, and reported that they did not realize how close they were to the edge of the bed; when they flung their leg over, they slid off the bed onto the floor. R103 reported that only one staff member was changing them at the time, and that a mechanical lift plus three staff were needed to return them to bed. Record review showed that R103 had diagnoses including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, morbid obesity, and age-related physical debility, with a Minimum Data Set documenting moderate cognitive impairment and dependence on staff for toileting hygiene. A nurse progress note documented that on the morning of the fall, the CNA reported the resident had rolled out of bed during care, and the nurse found the resident on the floor on their left side with the bed in a low position. The fall incident report similarly recorded that the resident rolled out of bed during care and that, per CNA F’s statement, the resident was asked to turn onto their side and continued rolling, inadvertently rolling out of bed. The root cause analysis documented that the interdisciplinary team determined the resident was not positioned in the center of the bed when staff entered to complete care rounds, and that both CNAs were attempting to reposition the resident to the center of the bed when the resident rolled out of bed. Interviews with CNAs involved revealed inconsistencies and gaps in supervision and positioning practices. CNA G stated that despite the resident’s size, the resident was very mobile and considered a two-person assist for safety, and reported that they were in the process of changing the resident when the fall occurred. CNA G initially claimed that both CNAs were on opposite sides of the bed such that there was no room for the resident to fall, but later said they did not know where CNA F was positioned and then stated they did not remember. CNA F reported that the resident was somewhat close to the edge of the bed, not centered, and that during turning for incontinence care the resident threw their top leg over the other and fell off the bed on the opposite side, while CNA G was at the foot of the bed rather than at the center on the opposite side. The Director of Nursing confirmed that witness statements from the CNAs were not obtained as required by the facility’s fall reduction policy and acknowledged that if staff had been positioned close to the bed and used a draw sheet to move the resident to the middle of the bed prior to care, the fall could have been prevented.
Inaccurate MAR Documentation for Medications After Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an accurate medical record regarding medication administration for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses, including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, hypertension, and bipolar disorder. The resident was admitted in late September and discharged in early March. On the day of discharge, nursing documentation shows that the resident was transferred to a local hospital in the mid-afternoon due to behavioral symptoms, with a discharge note at 3:33 PM and a nursing progress note at 3:38 PM confirming that EMTs responded to a 911 call, the resident’s guardian consented to transfer, and the physician and DON were notified. The resident was transported to the hospital via stretcher and was no longer in the facility after that time. Despite the resident’s transfer out of the building that afternoon, the March Medication Administration Record (MAR) documented that bedtime doses of magnesium oxide 400 mg BID for hypomagnesemia, metoprolol tartrate 100 mg BID for tachycardia, and Seroquel 25 mg BID for bipolar disorder were administered by an LPN at bedtime that same day. The LPN assigned to the second shift stated that bedtime medications were to be given at 9 PM, with a one-hour window before or after, but could not recall whether the resident was in the building around that time. The DON confirmed that the facility’s bedtime medication administration window was between 7 PM and 10 PM and, upon reviewing the MAR and progress notes, questioned how the medications could have been administered when the resident had already been transferred to the hospital, indicating that someone documented administration of medications after the resident had been discharged from the facility.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.



