Regency At Jackson
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Jackson, Michigan.
- Location
- 434 W North Street, Jackson, Michigan 49202
- CMS Provider Number
- 235016
- Inspections on file
- 33
- Latest survey
- February 27, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 17 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Regency At Jackson during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to maintain sanitary food preparation and service while contractors excavated a large hole in the kitchen floor near the steamer and tray line. Unsecured plastic barriers, exposed dirt piles, broken tile, rocks, wastewater, and contractor traffic with dirty boots were present in the food prep area, while garden hoses ran from the kitchen through the dining room and out an open window. Dietary staff continued to prep and serve meals from a steam table and work areas located directly next to the open excavation, with wrapped silverware and disposable items stored near dirt and debris, and a soiled blender left on a dining room table. The CDM, DONs, Maintenance Director, and Administrator all acknowledged that the barrier was not verified as secure and that food preparation was not removed from the contaminated kitchen, resulting in multiple meals being served under these conditions to all residents who ate from the kitchen.
The facility failed to properly document, investigate, track, and resolve grievances and neglect allegations. A resident who was cognitively intact and dependent for transfers and toileting reported being left without care for 14 hours, but the allegation was not reported to the state and lacked supporting documentation in the record. Another resident with a history of stroke and total dependence for ADLs had repeated unmet care needs, including soiled bedding and missed hygiene, with the family reporting ongoing complaints and no awareness of a formal grievance process. A third resident, cognitively intact and requiring significant assistance for bathing and toileting, reported going weeks without showers despite prior complaints and concern forms, while task records showed extensive gaps in documented care. Staff also reported a night with no CNA coverage on one floor, during which three residents were left in chairs all night and one was found heavily soiled, and stated that grievances and concern forms were submitted to management; however, the NHA later reported no knowledge of these events and no concern forms for the involved residents in the prior month.
The facility failed to ensure timely reporting and investigation of reasonable suspicions of neglect and unmet care needs. A cognitively intact resident with significant physical limitations alleged she received no care for 14 hours and was left soiled, but the NHA did not report this because it was deemed outside a two-hour window, and documentation did not show that the allegation was reported to the state. On a separate weekend, a CNA and an LPN reported that no CNA staff were present on one floor overnight, that several residents were left in chairs all night and into the morning, and that one resident was found heavily soiled and required a shower, yet the NHA stated there were no concern forms or additional abuse allegations for that period. The scheduler further reported chronic inability to staff CNA positions, frequent completion of concern forms about unmet care and staffing, and provision of these forms to management, indicating that multiple care concerns and potential neglect events were not consistently recognized or reported as required under section 1150B.
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate and report multiple allegations of neglect and abuse involving several cognitively intact residents who required extensive assistance with transfers, toileting, and hygiene. One resident alleged being left without care for 14 hours, including being left soiled and experiencing skin breakdown, but the NHA did not report this externally and marked the concern as resolved without supporting investigative documentation. On a separate weekend night, staff reported that no CNA coverage was present on one floor, two residents were left in chairs all night and remained there into the next morning, and another resident was found heavily soiled and in need of a shower after remaining in a chair the entire shift. An LPN confirmed the absence of CNA staff that night and that three residents remained in chairs with the same clothing into the next day, while the NHA denied having concern forms or knowledge of these events, despite the facility’s policy requiring immediate reporting and thorough investigation of all abuse and neglect allegations.
Multiple residents who were dependent on staff for ADLs, including toileting, transfers, hygiene, and showers, did not receive care as planned, with reports of being left in bed or chairs for extended periods, remaining in soiled briefs or clothing, and missing scheduled showers. Cognitively intact residents described being put to bed early because of staffing issues and not being assisted out of bed until mid-afternoon, while another resident’s family found the resident in soiled sheets and nearly falling from bed after repeated unresolved complaints. Task documentation showed numerous missing entries for ADL care and showers, and one severely cognitively impaired resident received only one shower in three weeks and was left on a toilet without access to a call light, having to yell for help. Staff interviews confirmed that an entire night shift on one floor had no CNA coverage, leaving several residents up all night and one heavily soiled, and that chronic CNA shortages forced staff to choose between passing meal trays and providing hands-on care, resulting in unmet ADL needs and undocumented missed care.
The facility failed to provide adequate nursing staff to meet residents’ care needs, leading to multiple instances of unmet basic care. A cognitively intact resident with severe obesity and mobility limitations reported being left in bed from late at night until mid‑afternoon the next day and remaining soiled, while another dependent resident with a history of stroke had repeated gaps in documented hygiene, ADLs, toileting, and missed showers, and was found by family with soiled sheets and positioned unsafely in bed. A third resident reported receiving only one shower in two months, corroborated by task records showing extensive documentation holes. On one night shift, there were no CNAs on a floor, only two nurses, resulting in three dependent residents being left in chairs all night, with one found heavily soiled and others still in the same chairs and clothing the next morning. Staff interviews described chronic schedule shortages, use of non‑nursing staff on schedules, repeated but unaddressed concern forms about staffing, and acknowledgment that numerous residents required two‑person assistance, demonstrating that daily staffing levels were insufficient to meet residents’ assessed needs.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple serious diagnoses experienced a change in condition noticed by a family member, who questioned his status and asked an LPN whether he should be sent to the hospital. The LPN reportedly stated he was not dying and that the hospital would not do anything but send him back, though the family member requested vital signs be checked and later left when the resident seemed to improve. Hours later, the resident was sent to the hospital, which notified the family member of his arrival; the facility did not contact her about the change in condition or transfer, and she confirmed there were no calls or messages from the facility despite her prior expressed concerns about his care and safety.
A cognitively impaired female resident with a history of stroke, depression, altered mental status, and aphasia, who required assistance with personal care and could not consent, was subjected to sexual abuse by a cognitively intact male resident. The resident’s DPOA had previously observed the two holding hands and explicitly told the NHA that she did not want any physical contact, and the male resident had been counseled that the female resident could not consent. Despite this, a CNA later observed the male resident in his room kissing the female resident’s neck and groping her inner thigh over her pants, and intervened to separate them. Facility records also showed prior incidents of the male resident inappropriately touching other residents and needing redirection, and surveyors identified inconsistencies between staff accounts and the written staffing schedule regarding which CNA was present at the time of the incident.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple chronic conditions, and dependence in ADLs experienced a decline in condition leading to an emergency hospital transfer. The family had previously reported concerns about a non-functioning call light and inadequate means for the resident to summon help. On the day of transfer, the family member questioned the change in the resident’s condition and whether he should go to the hospital, but later learned from the hospital—not the facility—that he had been transferred. The LPN involved gave inconsistent statements about whether the provider, the resident’s representative, and the hospital received appropriate notifications and transfer/discharge paperwork. Record review showed no documentation that the provider was notified of the change in condition, that the resident or representative received the bed-hold policy or transfer/discharge paperwork, or that the family was informed of the transfer.
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for two residents who left the facility on leave of absence (LOA) or against medical advice (AMA). One resident signed an AMA form stating they were not cleared by a physician to leave unsupervised and that they had participated in care planning, yet no corresponding care plan or IDT discussion addressing AMA/LOA was found. Another cognitively intact resident frequently signed out on LOA, but there was no IDT evaluation of LOA safety and no care plan addressing LOA, safety interventions, or assessments. The DON acknowledged there was no evaluation or IDT documentation for this resident’s LOA ability, despite facility policy requiring a care plan for LOA that addresses medications, education, dietary issues, and other potential concerns.
A resident with intact cognition but documented visual impairment from a prior stroke was allowed to take an LOA without any documented evaluation of LOA safety, despite facility policy requiring such assessments. The resident signed out with another resident, did not use a crosswalk when returning, and was struck by a speeding vehicle, sustaining multiple injuries. The care plan addressed visual impairment but lacked LOA-related safety interventions, the SW reported never having seen or completed an LOA assessment, and EMR review showed no IDT evaluation of LOA ability before or after the incident, which the DON confirmed.
A resident signed consent forms to receive PCV20 and RSV vaccinations, and the EMR listed these immunizations as pending, but no corresponding physician orders were written and no entries appeared on the MAR over several months. Review of records and progress notes showed no documentation that the vaccines were administered or any reason for non-administration, and the DON confirmed in interview that the resident never received the requested vaccinations despite having provided consent.
Surveyors found that the facility repeatedly hired and scheduled CNAs and nurses without completing required hiring steps, background checks, health screenings, or competency validations. Personnel files for multiple CNAs and nurses lacked I‑9s, I‑CHAT and sex offender checks, license or certification verification, TB tests, physicals, and documentation of facility general orientation. CNA‑ and nurse‑specific competencies on core care skills, abuse/neglect, infection control, transfers, ADLs, and other clinical tasks were not completed or not validated by licensed staff, yet these employees were placed on the schedule and worked independently with residents. Leadership and the scheduler confirmed they had no reliable process or checklist to ensure orientation and competencies were finished before staff began unit assignments, and the HRC acknowledged he was unaware of applicable federal regulatory requirements.
A dependent hospice resident with multiple serious diagnoses and intact cognition did not receive regular bed baths or personal care for an extended period. Observations showed the resident in bed with soiled clothing on consecutive days, bare feet pressed against the bed footboard, and an undated or day‑old water glass. The medical record documented total dependence for personal care, while hospice records showed CNA bath visits scheduled twice weekly but with the last bath documented about a month earlier. CNAs reported they believed hospice was responsible for the resident’s showers and that the showers listed on their task sheets referred to hospice visits, and there was no documented coordination of care between the facility and the hospice agency regarding responsibility for ADL care.
A resident who required two-person assistance for bed mobility and mechanical lift transfers, and one-person assistance for bedpan use, fell from bed and sustained a lip laceration and broken tooth while being assisted by a CNA. Facility records showed inconsistent and incomplete functional assessments, and the CNA reported she had not reviewed the Kardex that shift and did not know the resident was a two-person assist. The CNA assisted the resident off the bedpan alone, during which the resident either slid or threw herself from the bed, according to differing accounts. The CNA’s personnel file lacked evidence of completed orientation, background checks, and CNA competency evaluations, and there was no documented assessment of staff competency in performing two-person transfers on the unit.
Surveyors found that the facility did not enforce its COVID-19 infection prevention and control program when a dietary manager was observed working in the kitchen during breakfast service without wearing a mask, despite a facility-wide mandate for staff masking following positive COVID-19 tests among staff. The dietary manager acknowledged not having the mask on at the time of observation. In an interview, the DON explained that after staff reported COVID-19, management required confirmatory testing, conducted serial testing of staff and residents per CDC guidance, and mandated mask use for all working staff, confirming that the observed noncompliance occurred while universal masking was required.
For 14 days within a 30-day period, the facility did not provide the required number of nursing staff, including both aides and nurses, as determined by census and resident acuity. Staffing records and interviews confirmed that shifts were left short-staffed despite attempts to fill vacancies, resulting in insufficient staff to meet resident care needs.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment experienced two falls resulting in a hip fracture, but the facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Incident reports were incomplete, lacking pain assessments, staff statements, and accurate timing. The DON did not obtain statements from direct care staff, and required monitoring and risk analysis were not performed, leading to an incomplete response to the injury.
A resident with cognitive impairment and mobility issues experienced two falls, including one unwitnessed, after which required neuro assessments and pain evaluations were not performed or documented. Incomplete incident reports, lack of communication between nursing shifts, and failure to administer pain medication or monitor neurological status led to delayed recognition of a hip fracture and increased physical distress before the resident was sent to the hospital.
A resident with multiple diagnoses experienced falls resulting in a femur fracture and surgery, but the care plans for pain and skin integrity were not updated to reflect new post-surgical needs or pain management changes. The DON confirmed the care plans were not revised, and no policy for care plan updates was provided.
Surveyors identified several deficiencies in food safety and sanitation, including improper date marking and cooling of potentially hazardous foods, unsanitary food contact surfaces and equipment, unlabeled chemical containers, failure of the dish machine to produce adequate sanitizer residual, and plumbing issues such as missing air gaps and wall openings that could allow pest entry.
Surveyors found that the facility did not have an active and ongoing plan to reduce the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in its plumbing system. Active water lines were left unflushed after fixture removal, and the Maintenance Director was unsure about flushing practices and chlorine monitoring, despite facility policy requiring such measures.
Two residents with significant medical conditions did not receive scheduled showers or baths as planned, and there was no documentation to support that care was offered, refused, or reported to nursing staff. Both residents reported not receiving the expected ADL care, and staff interviews and record reviews confirmed a lack of documentation and follow-through on scheduled hygiene routines.
A resident with multiple comorbidities and existing pressure ulcers was not consistently repositioned or provided with required pressure-relieving devices, as observed and confirmed by documentation and staff interviews. Wound assessments and measurements were incomplete or missing, and new pressure ulcers developed without prompt identification or reporting. The facility's failure to follow its own skin management policy and care plan led to worsening wounds and the development of new pressure injuries.
A resident with vascular dementia and catatonic schizophrenia was prescribed carbamazepine, and the consultant pharmacist recommended periodic carbamazepine level monitoring. Although the physician ordered other lab tests, there was no documentation in the medical record explaining why the carbamazepine level was not obtained as recommended. The rationale for this decision was not documented by the physician until after the issue was identified.
A resident prescribed Depakote for mood stabilization did not receive the recommended routine laboratory monitoring for valproic acid and ammonia levels, despite a physician's order and pharmacist's recommendation. Review of records and confirmation from the DON showed that these labs were not obtained over the past year.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including dysphagia and COPD, received meals that were frequently below the required serving temperatures, leading to dissatisfaction. Observations showed that both individual and test trays had food items served at temperatures lower than facility standards, and plate warmers were not adequately heating plates. The Certified Dietary Manager was unable to explain the temperature discrepancies.
A medication cart was left unlocked and unattended on the second floor of the facility. The cart remained unsecured from 12:17 PM to 12:35 PM, with no staff present. The ADON eventually locked the cart, and interviews confirmed that the facility's policy requires carts to be locked when not in use. The RN responsible admitted to being distracted, leading to the oversight.
The facility failed to timely identify and consistently implement ordered wound care treatments for two residents, resulting in the development of a facility-acquired unstageable pressure ulcer for one resident and a deep tissue injury for another. Despite having pressure reduction measures in place, the facility did not consistently complete the ordered treatments, and there was no documentation of new pressure reduction measures being implemented after the ulcers were identified.
A resident with a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis fell out of bed and sustained a femur fracture while a CNA provided care alone, contrary to the care plan requiring two staff members. This resulted in increased pain, anxiety, and changes in the resident's mobility and medication regimen.
The facility failed to maintain a clean and safe environment, impacting 53 residents. Issues included sticky flooring, dead insects, human feces in a shower stall, loose window screens, stained ceiling tiles, and malodorous conditions. The Director of Environmental Services acknowledged these issues, but no specific work orders were found addressing them in the last 60 days.
The facility failed to ensure that call lights in resident rooms were answered in a timely manner. Multiple instances were observed where staff members, including nurses, walked past active call lights without responding, even though the nurses' station had a board indicating the room number. The administrator confirmed that all staff were expected to answer call lights and get the appropriate staff member if needed.
A resident reported verbal abuse by a CNA, who used inappropriate language during an argument about getting out of bed. The incident was confirmed by the resident's roommate. The facility did not report the incident to the State Agency, considering it a customer service issue rather than abuse.
A resident reported verbal abuse by a CNA, who used inappropriate language when the resident was unable to get out of bed. The facility treated the incident as a customer service issue and did not report it to the State Agency, despite confirmation from the resident's roommate.
A resident with multiple health conditions reported that a CNA used inappropriate language and was rude when the resident needed assistance. The incident was confirmed by the resident's roommate, but the facility did not report it to the State Agency, considering it a customer service issue. The CNA was educated on proper etiquette but was not immediately removed from resident care duties, contrary to the facility's procedural guidelines.
The facility failed to implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses, resulting in potential safety risks. Despite the care plan's directive to keep the bed in a low position to prevent falls, observations revealed the bed was often elevated to knee height. Staff interviews confirmed the bed was not consistently maintained in the lowest position, and the interdisciplinary team deemed the fall care plan appropriate, indicating the ongoing need for the low bed for safety.
The facility failed to document blood glucose values for a resident with diabetes and did not implement the bowel protocol for another resident with severe cognitive impairment, resulting in lapses in care. These deficiencies were confirmed through staff interviews and record reviews.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents had water available at their bedside, leading to the potential for dehydration. One resident, who required nectar thick liquids, was repeatedly observed without appropriate thickened water. Another resident reported that staff did not bring her fresh water daily, leading her to fill her cup from the bathroom sink. Staff interviews confirmed inconsistencies in providing water to residents.
A resident with a history of a right femur fracture and hemiplegia following a stroke received 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily, exceeding the prescribed limit of 3000 mg in 24 hours. The DON confirmed the excessive dosage.
The facility failed to ensure appropriate infection control practices during wound care for two residents, as LPNs were observed washing their hands for significantly less than the recommended 20 seconds, leading to potential cross-contamination and infection spread.
Unsanitary Food Preparation During Kitchen Plumbing Excavation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prepare and serve food under sanitary conditions while major plumbing repairs and floor excavation were occurring in the kitchen. After an underground water line break affecting the kitchen and laundry, contractors began digging a large hole in the kitchen floor near the steamer and tray line. Temporary plastic barrier walls were placed, but they were unsecured and had open areas. Surveyors observed garden hoses running from the kitchen across the dining room floor and out an open window, with hoses duct-taped to the floor. The kitchen floors were heavily soiled with boot prints, and contractors walked through the food prep area, tracking dirt. Large piles of dirt, broken tile, concrete, rocks, and wastewater were present near the tray line, stovetop, and three-compartment sink. Despite these conditions, the facility continued to prep and serve meals from the kitchen. Dietary staff were observed serving food from a steam table located directly next to the unsecured plastic barrier and large open holes in the floor with exposed dirt and debris. Prepped and wrapped silverware was stored on the steam table within about two feet of the large hole and dirt piles. Cardboard boxes of disposable meal service items were placed directly on the kitchen floor near the tray line. A soiled blender was observed on a dining room table next to personal drinks and a soiled towel. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) stated that after the first hole was dug following breakfast, all subsequent meals continued to be prepped and served in the kitchen next to the excavation area, and that food had been taken back and forth from refrigerators located beyond the barrier and past the large hole. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the barrier was not effectively monitored or verified as secure. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that he did not verify that the plastic barrier wall was secured or check it frequently, and that a wet saw was used to cut through floor tiles, which created dust. The DON stated that if the barrier was broken open there was a risk of pathogens contaminating the food and that, because the barrier was not sealed, food should not have been prepared in the kitchen. The previous DON reported she knew digging was occurring in the kitchen but did not enter the kitchen initially, assumed there was a barrier, and believed food preparation had been moved out of the kitchen without confirming this. The Administrator stated she saw the barrier closed but did not order food preparation to be removed from the kitchen and did not assign anyone to monitor the barrier. From the time the hole was dug until surveyor intervention, 10 meals were served out of the kitchen under these unsanitary conditions, affecting all residents who ate meals prepared there.
Removal Plan
- Facility plans to use prepared food from a US food vendor for upcoming meals as a back-up plan.
- Facility is using disposable paper products immediately as a back-up plan.
- Facility discarded all lunch that was ordered for residents and stopped lunch trays enroute to the units; lunch was catered in for the residents.
- Dietician and Medical Director were notified of the Immediate Jeopardy.
- The kitchen immediately closed for services.
- The dining room next to the kitchen is being set up as the temporary kitchen until pipe work and construction are completed.
- The juice machine, coffee maker, steamer, steam table, tray line, prep area, 3-compartment area, and handwashing station are being utilized in the temporary kitchen.
- All residents who eat meals were immediately assessed for food borne illness.
- All residents at risk for food borne illness.
- A temporary refrigeration truck is providing both freezer and refrigeration.
- An electrician inspected for the correct plug for the steamer, rewired to accommodate the steamer in the temporary kitchen, and cleared it for use.
- The steam table was disinfected after removal from the construction zone.
- A handwashing station was delivered and set up in the temporary kitchen.
Failure to Document, Investigate, and Resolve Resident Grievances and Neglect Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to promptly document, investigate, track, and resolve resident grievances, including allegations of neglect, as required by its grievance policy. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) reported that a resident had recently alleged receiving no care for 14 hours, but this allegation was not reported because it was determined it did not occur within a two-hour window. A concern form dated 2/16/26 documented that this resident reported being left 14 hours without staff checking on her, not enough staff, and being told she had to go to bed. The form indicated that management spoke with staff who claimed they had gotten the resident up multiple times and changed her when needed, and it was marked as investigation complete with staff education, but there was no evidence that the allegation of neglect was reported to the State and no supporting documentation in the medical record to show the neglect did not occur. The report further describes multiple residents with care concerns that were not effectively captured or addressed through the grievance process. One resident with a history of stroke, moderate cognitive impairment, and dependence on staff for all ADLs had multiple undocumented care tasks, including hygiene, ADLs, toileting, and missed showers over nearly a month. This resident’s daughter reported that every time she visited, she found care problems such as soiled sheets and the resident leaning in bed almost falling out, and that she repeatedly voiced concerns to staff without any change and was not aware of a concern form process. Another resident, cognitively intact and requiring significant assistance for toileting and bathing, reported not receiving a shower for two weeks and only one shower in the past two months, despite having reported several complaints and having a concern form completed without follow-up or improvement. The NHA later verified there were no care concern forms for these residents in the past 30 days. Additional deficiencies in grievance handling are linked to staffing-related neglect concerns for several other residents. A CNA reported that on a specific weekend night there were no CNA staff on one floor, only two nurses, and that three residents were left up in chairs all night, with one resident heavily soiled with urine and stool and requiring a shower after being left in a chair for the entire 12-hour night shift. The CNA stated a grievance form was completed and given to the NHA, and that potential allegations of neglect were reported to nursing staff. An LPN confirmed that no CNA worked that night, that three residents were left in chairs and remained in the same clothing when day shift arrived, and that management was informed because resident care needs were not met. Despite this, the NHA reported having no knowledge of the three residents who remained up all shift and no concern forms for the involved residents in the past 30 days. A former scheduler reported being unable to fill CNA staffing on multiple occasions, being instructed to add non-CNA staff to the schedule, and stated that concern forms related to unmet care needs and staffing were completed at least twice weekly and provided to the NHA and DON, but these were not reflected in the grievance tracking or resolution process.
Failure to Report and Investigate Allegations of Neglect and Unmet Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement policies and procedures to ensure timely reporting of reasonable suspicions of a crime, including abuse and neglect, as required by section 1150B of the Act. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) reported that a cognitively intact resident with severe morbid obesity, cervical disc degeneration, muscle wasting, depression, and anxiety alleged she had received no care for 14 hours. The NHA stated this allegation was not reported because it was determined the event did not occur within the prior two hours. A concern form documented that the resident reported being left 14 hours without staff checking on her, not enough staff, and being told she had to go to bed, but there was no evidence that this allegation of neglect was reported to the State. The form was signed by the NHA, and staff witness statements lacked dates and times. Review of the resident’s electronic medical record for the date in question showed no evidence to support that the allegation of neglect did not occur. During an interview, the same resident, who was calm and able to answer questions, reported that staff often tried to put her to bed earlier than she wanted due to staffing issues and that one night she was transferred to bed late at night and not gotten up until after mid-afternoon the next day because two staff were needed for a mechanical lift. She reported being unhappy about the long period she remained soiled and mentioned recent skin breakdown with no follow-up. Additional residents with intact decision-making abilities and significant physical care needs, including multiple sclerosis with functional quadriplegia, dementia with repeat falls, and Alzheimer’s disease with dependence for transfers and toileting, were also involved in care concerns related to staffing and potential neglect. A CNA reported that on a weekend night there were no CNA staff on one floor for the entire night shift, and that two residents were left up in chairs all night, with one remaining in the chair into the following morning, and another resident found heavily soiled with urine and stool and requiring a shower after being left in a chair for the entire 12-hour shift. The CNA stated that potential allegations of abuse related to these care concerns were reported to nursing staff. An LPN confirmed that no CNA staff worked that night on the floor, that three residents were left up in chairs and remained in the same clothing when she returned for the day shift, and that management was informed because resident care needs were not met. The NHA reported having no knowledge of these three residents remaining up all night and stated there were no concern forms or additional allegations of abuse over that weekend, while the scheduler reported frequently being unable to fill CNA shifts, documenting care concerns and staffing issues on concern forms, and providing them to the NHA and DON. The report reflects that these multiple allegations and observations of potential neglect and unmet care needs were not consistently recognized, documented, or reported as required.
Failure to Investigate and Report Multiple Allegations of Neglect and Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate and report multiple allegations of neglect and abuse, as required by its abuse prohibition policy. One cognitively intact resident with severe morbid obesity, cervical disc degeneration, muscle wasting, depression, and anxiety alleged that she received no care for 14 hours, including being left in bed soiled and experiencing skin breakdown. This concern was documented on a care concern form indicating she was left 14 hours without staff checking on her, that there was not enough staff, and that she was told she had to go to bed. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that this allegation was not reported externally because it was determined the event did not occur as alleged, and the concern form showed the facility marked the investigation as complete without evidence that the allegation of neglect was reported to the state or that a thorough investigation with supporting documentation was conducted. Additional allegations of neglect involved three other cognitively intact or partially impaired residents who required extensive assistance with transfers, toileting, and hygiene. A CNA reported that on a weekend night there were no CNA staff on the second floor for the entire 12‑hour night shift, and that two nurses were present, one of whom was called in as CNA coverage but continued to function as a nurse passing medications. According to this CNA, two residents were left up in chairs all night and remained in the chairs when day shift arrived, and another resident was found heavily soiled with urine and stool and required a shower after being left in a chair the entire shift. An LPN corroborated that no CNA staff worked that night on the second floor, that a CNA had stayed over late to get most residents to bed but left three residents up in chairs, and that these three residents were still in the same chairs and clothing at the start of the next day shift. Despite these reports, the NHA stated there were no concern forms for these residents in the past 30 days and denied knowledge of three residents remaining up all night on the referenced night shift. The scheduler reported chronic difficulty filling CNA positions, being instructed to add non‑CNA staff such as transportation and medical records staff to the schedule, and having repeatedly completed concern forms related to unmet care needs and staffing issues and provided them to the NHA and DON. The facility’s own abuse prohibition policy requires that all allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment be immediately reported, thoroughly investigated, and documented by the Administrator, and reported to appropriate state agencies and others. The documented failure to initiate and complete thorough investigations, to document them adequately, and to report allegations as required constitutes the cited deficiency.
Failure to Provide Planned ADL Care and Showers Due to Staffing Shortages and Missed Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide activities of daily living (ADL) care, including toileting, hygiene, transfers, and showers, as outlined in residents’ care plans and reflected in their MDS assessments. Multiple residents who were dependent on staff for ADLs reported not receiving timely or adequate care, and task documentation showed numerous missing entries for required care. One cognitively intact resident with severe morbid obesity, muscle wasting, and depression reported being put to bed early due to staffing issues and described an incident where she was transferred to bed late at night and not gotten out of bed until after mid-afternoon the next day, remaining in a soiled brief and reporting skin breakdown with no follow-up. A concern form documented her allegation of being left 14 hours without staff checking on her and being told she had to go to bed, but the facility’s internal form only reflected staff statements that she had been gotten up and changed, with no supporting evidence in the medical record and no documentation that the allegation of neglect was reported to the state. Another resident with a history of stroke, right-sided weakness, and depression, who was dependent on staff for transfers, bed mobility, hygiene, dressing, showering, and toileting, had multiple undocumented ADL and hygiene tasks and missed showers on task reports over several weeks. During observation, this resident was found in bed with a family member expressing upset that the sheets were soiled and the resident was leaning in bed almost falling out. The family member stated that every visit resulted in complaints to staff about care concerns, including staffing, call light response times, and lack of dignity and respect, and that she was not aware of any formal concern form process. Another cognitively intact resident requiring moderate to maximum assistance for toileting and bathing reported not having received a shower for two weeks and only one shower in the prior two months, despite multiple complaints and completion of a concern form, with task reports showing multiple undocumented ADL and toileting tasks and several missed showers. Additional residents with significant physical impairments and dementia, who required two-person assistance for transfers and toileting and staff assistance for showering and personal hygiene, were not provided ADL care as planned during a night shift when no CNA staff were present on one floor. A CNA reported that on that night, one resident was not laid down the entire night, another remained in a chair all night and into the next morning, and a third was found heavily soiled with urine and stool and required a shower after being left in a chair for the entire 12-hour shift. An LPN confirmed that no CNAs worked that night on the affected floor, that a CNA had stayed over late to get most residents to bed but left three residents up in chairs who remained in the same clothing until morning, and that management was informed because resident care needs were not met and there was a potential allegation of neglect. The scheduler reported chronic inability to fill CNA positions on multiple shifts, being instructed to add non-CNA staff to the schedule, and submitting concern forms about unmet care needs and staffing at least twice weekly. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment, pneumonitis, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, non-pressure ulcers, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease required substantial assistance with showering and personal care and was dependent on staff for toileting and perineal hygiene. Family members reported that during a three-week stay, this resident received only one shower, wore a pull-up that he manipulated to urinate into a urinal, and was given a bedpan despite his inability to use it and his stated need for a commode. They described an incident where he was placed on a toilet with the call light behind him and out of reach, leaving him to yell repeatedly for help until someone responded. Task sheets showed that scheduled showers on multiple dates were not provided, with no reasons documented, one refusal documented without evidence of additional attempts, and no documentation that CNAs notified a nurse when showers were not completed. The DON stated that her expectation was that CNAs would re-approach residents and notify the nurse if showers could not be given, but the record contained no such documentation, further demonstrating the failure to provide and document ADL care as required. Across these residents, interviews with CNAs and nursing staff indicated that staffing shortages forced staff to choose between passing meal trays and providing hands-on care, and that routine two-hour checks and changes could not be completed for all residents. The NHA reported no knowledge of the three residents left up all night and stated there were no concern forms for several of the affected residents in the prior 30 days, despite staff and scheduler reports that concerns and potential neglect had been reported. These observations, interviews, and record reviews collectively show that seven residents did not receive ADL care per their care plans and MDS-identified needs, including missed showers, prolonged periods without toileting or repositioning, remaining in soiled conditions, and lack of timely assistance with transfers and toileting, in the context of documented and reported staffing shortages and incomplete documentation of care.
Failure to Provide Adequate Nursing Staff Resulting in Unmet Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate nursing staff to meet residents’ needs and to ensure that resident care was consistently delivered as required. One cognitively intact resident with severe morbid obesity, cervical disc degeneration, muscle wasting, depression, and anxiety reported being left in bed from approximately 11:00–11:30 p.m. until after 3:00 p.m. the next day because two staff were needed for a mechanical lift transfer and staff were not available. This resident also reported being left soiled for a long period and having recent skin breakdown, and stated that staff tried to put residents to bed early due to staffing issues, particularly on night shift. A concern form documented allegations that the resident was left 14 hours without staff checking on her, that there was not enough staff, and that she was told she had to go to bed, with no supporting documentation in the medical record to refute the allegation. Another resident with a history of stroke affecting the right dominant side and depression, who was dependent on staff for transfers, bed mobility, hygiene, dressing, showering, and toileting, reported concerns about insufficient staffing, delayed call light response, and lack of dignity and respect. Review of this resident’s task reports over nearly a month showed multiple gaps in documentation of hygiene, ADLs, toileting, and several missed showers. During an observation, the resident’s family member found the resident’s sheets soiled and the resident leaning in bed almost falling out, and stated that every visit involved raising care concerns to staff without change, and that she was not aware of the concern form process. A third resident, cognitively intact and requiring moderate to maximum assistance for toileting and bathing, reported not having received a shower for two weeks and only one shower in the past two months, with multiple holes in task documentation for hygiene, ADLs, toileting, and showers, despite having previously reported complaints and concern forms without improvement. Additional residents with multiple sclerosis and functional quadriplegia, dementia with repeat falls, and Alzheimer’s disease with chronic spinal pain, anxiety, and depression, all requiring significant staff assistance for transfers, toileting, and showers, were affected by staffing shortages on a specific weekend night shift. A CNA reported that on one night there were no CNA staff on the second floor night shift, only two nurses, and that one nurse who was called in as CNA coverage instead passed medications as a nurse. According to this CNA, three residents were left up in chairs all night, with two of them remaining in the same chairs and clothing when day shift arrived, and one resident was heavily soiled with urine and stool and required a shower after being left in a chair for the entire 12‑hour shift. An LPN confirmed that no CNA staff worked that night on the second floor, that a CNA had stayed over late to get most residents to bed but left three residents up in chairs, and that those three residents were still up and in the same clothing at 7:00 a.m. the next morning. The scheduler reported being unable to consistently fill CNA and nurse positions on the schedule, being instructed to add non‑nursing staff to the schedule, and completing concern forms about unmet care needs and staffing at least twice weekly, while the NHA reported having no concern forms for several of the affected residents and no knowledge of the three residents who remained up all shift. The DON reported that 12 residents required assistance of two staff with care needs, underscoring the level of dependency among the resident population. Despite this, there were documented instances where no CNA coverage was present on a unit for an entire night shift, and where residents dependent on staff for basic ADLs, toileting, and transfers experienced prolonged periods without appropriate care, remained in chairs overnight, or were found soiled. Multiple staff interviews described chronic difficulty filling schedules, lack of support from management when staffing could not be secured, and repeated but unaddressed concern forms related to staffing and unmet resident care needs. These observations, interviews, and record reviews collectively demonstrate that the facility did not ensure sufficient nursing staff each day to meet the needs of residents and did not consistently provide the level of care required by residents’ conditions and care plans.
Failure to Notify Family and Provider of Resident’s Change in Condition and Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a resident’s family and the on-call provider of a significant change in condition that resulted in the resident being sent to the hospital. The resident had multiple serious diagnoses, including pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, non-pressure ulcers of the lower extremities, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease. The most recent MDS showed severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 3/15 and dependence on staff for toileting and perineal hygiene. The resident’s wife had previously expressed concerns about his safety and care, including that his call light did not work and that the bell provided as an alternative could not be heard because he was at the end of the hall. A nursing progress note documented the wife’s complaint that it was neglectful that no one could hear when he needed help and that she believed he had received the worst care there. On the day of the change in condition, the resident’s family member noticed he was responding differently and questioned a decline in his condition. She reported that the LPN caring for him told her he was not dying and, when asked if he should go to the hospital, stated that the hospital would not do anything but send him back. The family member requested that staff check his vital signs, and when the resident appeared to perk up somewhat, she left for the day. Later, the hospital contacted her to inform her that the resident had been there for several hours. The family member reported that the facility had not called her about this change in condition and that there were no missed calls or messages on her cell phone or home landline. She was very upset that she was not notified, particularly after having earlier asked the LPN whether he should be sent to the hospital.
Failure to Protect Cognitively Impaired Resident From Sexual Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a cognitively impaired female resident from sexual abuse by another resident. The resident who was abused had a history of cerebral infarct, anxiety, depression, altered mental status, substance use disorder, and aphasia, and required assistance with personal care, including one-person assist for transfers, dressing, hygiene, and bathing, and two-person assist for toileting. Her MDS reflected moderately impaired decision-making, and the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) confirmed she was not able to consent and that her responsible party did not want her to have contact with the male resident involved. Despite this, the male resident, who was cognitively intact and independent with care needs, was observed engaging in physical contact with her. Prior to the incident that led to the citation, the abused resident’s mother, who was her DPOA, had observed her daughter holding hands with the male resident in his room and reported feeling uncomfortable. She communicated to the NHA that she did not want the male resident touching her daughter for any reason. The facility’s own investigation documented that the male resident had been counseled that the female resident was unable to consent to physical touching and that her mother did not want physical contact between them. The male resident verbalized understanding. There were also prior documented behaviors by the male resident involving inappropriate touching of other residents, including touching another resident’s dorsal hand and arm, requiring redirection and behavioral monitoring. On the date of the incident, a CNA reported rounding on the unit and observing the cognitively impaired female resident in the male resident’s room. The CNA witnessed the male resident standing over her, kissing her neck, with his hand on her inner thigh by the vaginal area over her pants, groping her. The CNA immediately intervened, separated the residents, and removed the female resident from the room while telling the male resident he could not engage in that behavior. The male resident laughed, became angry, raised his voice, and began slamming items in the room. Nursing staff were notified, and documentation reflected that the contact left a red mark on the female resident’s neck. The facility’s investigation concluded that non-consensual physical contact occurred with a resident who lacked capacity to consent, and that the male resident had previously been educated not to touch her, yet still engaged in the behavior, resulting in substantiated sexual abuse. Additional documentation and interviews highlighted inconsistencies in staffing records related to who was present on the unit at the time of the incident. The CNA who reported witnessing and intervening in the abuse was not listed on the facility’s working schedule for that shift, even though both the CNA and an LPN described that CNA as being on the floor and directly involved in responding to the event. The facility schedule showed only two CNAs scheduled for the shift on the second floor, and the NHA initially stated the schedules provided were accurate. This discrepancy in staffing records was identified during the surveyor’s review of the incident and related interviews.
Failure to Provide and Document Bed-Hold and Transfer/Discharge Information During Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide required bed-hold policy and transfer/discharge documentation, and to document that these were given, when a resident was transferred to the hospital with a change in condition. The resident had been admitted with diagnoses including pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, non-pressure ulcers of the lower extremities, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease. The most recent MDS showed a BIMS score of 3/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and the resident required substantial assistance with ADLs and was dependent for toileting and perineal hygiene. Despite these needs, the record did not contain evidence that the resident or representative received the bed-hold policy or transfer/discharge paperwork at the time of the emergency transfer. Interviews and record review showed multiple communication and documentation gaps surrounding the resident’s change in condition and transfer. The resident’s family member reported concerns about his care, including a non-functioning call light that led the facility to provide a bell that staff could not hear, and she stated she was unsure the resident knew how to use it. A nursing progress note documented the wife’s complaint that the call light did not work and that the bell was not loud enough, her statement that he had received the worst care and that it was neglectful that no one could hear when he needed help, and that the resident was moved to a different room with a working call light. The prior DON acknowledged being informed of concerns about the call light, including that it had been placed in a dresser drawer out of the resident’s reach at some point, and also acknowledged not completing a grievance or concern form. On the day of the hospital transfer, the family member noticed a change in the resident’s responsiveness and questioned whether he should go to the hospital; she reported that an LPN told her he was not dying and that the hospital would not do anything but send him back. Later, the hospital notified her that the resident had been there for several hours, and she stated the facility had not called her about this change in condition. The LPN reported that the resident was initially fine but became unstable around dinner, that she obtained vital signs, placed him on oxygen, and called 911, and that she believed she called the wife and sent transfer/discharge paperwork, but then stated she was unsure and that it had been “kind of crazy” at the end of her shift. Record review confirmed there was no documentation that the provider was notified of the change in condition before transfer, no documentation that the resident or representative received the bed-hold policy or transfer/discharge paperwork, and no documentation that the wife was notified of the transfer. The unit manager and social worker both indicated that such paperwork should be completed and documented, but acknowledged that it was not evident in the record for this resident.
Failure to Care Plan for Residents Leaving on LOA or AMA
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and implement comprehensive care plans addressing leave of absence (LOA) and leaving against medical advice (AMA) for two residents. For one resident, the record included a signed "Determination to Leave the Facility Against Medical Advice" form, which stated the resident was not cleared by the physician to leave due to being at high risk for accidents, falls, or other acute illness/conditions when outside the facility unsupervised, potentially resulting in serious negative health outcomes. The form documented that the resident was their own responsible party, not deemed incompetent, and that they had participated in care planning related to the decision to leave unsupervised and agreed to abide by the plan of care, with plans to be reviewed and revised as needed. However, review of the resident’s care plans showed no care plan addressing the decision to leave AMA or go on LOA, and there was no documentation that the resident had actually participated in care planning related to this decision. For the second resident, the face sheet showed admission to the facility and an MDS with a BIMS score of 13/15, indicating intact cognition. LOA sign-out sheets showed this resident frequently left the facility on LOA. Despite this, review of IDT notes revealed no discussion regarding the resident’s LOA or evaluation of safety, and review of the resident’s care plans showed no care plan addressing LOA, safety interventions, or assessments. In an interview, the DON stated she did not find an evaluation of this resident’s ability to go on LOA or any IDT documentation regarding LOA ability, and she stated her expectation was that evaluation and care planning be completed for a resident who goes on LOA. The facility’s policy dated 11/16/2022 required that a corresponding care plan be developed and initiated for LOA, addressing clinical issues such as medication needs during leaves, education on medication administration, dietary issues, and any other potential concerns or problems, which was not done for these residents.
Failure to Evaluate Resident’s Safety for Leave of Absence
Penalty
Summary
Failure to complete and document an evaluation of a resident’s ability to take a leave of absence (LOA) occurred when a cognitively intact resident with known visual impairment was allowed to sign out on LOA without an assessment of safety. The resident had a BIMS score of 13/15, indicating intact cognition, and a care plan identifying impaired visual function related to stroke, but the care plan did not include any interventions addressing LOA safety in light of the visual impairment. Progress notes documented that the resident signed out on LOA with another resident and, upon return, did not use the crosswalk to cross the street and was struck by a speeding vehicle, resulting in a fractured spleen, rib fracture, and scalp laceration. The facility’s LOA policy required that affected residents be evaluated regarding their abilities at admission, quarterly, upon significant change in condition, and after any new developments that might warrant a change in the evaluation. The social worker reported she had heard that staff needed to know if a resident was safe to go out on LOA as their own responsible person and assumed there was an assessment form, but she had never seen or completed such an assessment. Review of the electronic medical record showed only one IDT meeting, which did not address LOA or evaluate the resident’s LOA safety, and the DON confirmed she could not find any LOA ability evaluation for the resident. No IDT meeting or LOA ability evaluation was conducted or documented after the accident.
Failure to Administer Consented PCV20 and RSV Vaccinations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that ordered immunizations were administered for a resident who had consented to receive them. The resident, identified as Resident #108, had an original admission date noted on the face sheet and a most recent admission date of 2/14/2026. Review of consent forms showed that the resident signed consents on 10/28/2025 and again on 10/28/2026 to receive the Pneumococcal (PCV20) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations. In the electronic medical record, both RSV and PCV20 immunizations were listed as pending with a confirmation date of 10/28/2025. However, review of the physician orders from October 2025 through 2/26/2026 revealed that no physician orders were ever written for either vaccination. Further review of the Medication Administration Records (MARs) for October, November, and December 2025, and January and February 2026 showed no documentation that the PCV20 or RSV vaccines were administered to the resident. The DON confirmed during interview that, despite the signed consents, the resident never received the vaccinations. The DON also reviewed the resident’s progress notes for October and November 2025 and found no documentation that the vaccinations were given or any notation explaining why they were not administered. The DON stated that the vaccinations should have been administered because the resident requested them and signed consent.
Widespread Failure to Complete Hiring, Orientation, and Competency Validation for CNAs and Nurses
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that nurses and CNAs possessed and demonstrated required competencies and that hiring, background checks, and orientation processes were completed as required by state and federal regulations. Surveyors’ interviews and personnel file reviews showed that a CNA hired and later terminated within a two‑month period had no completed orientation plan or new hire paperwork in her file, including no background check, certification verification, I‑9, fingerprinting, drug screening, or pre‑hire physical. When asked, the DON initially produced only a freshly printed, blank general orientation form and could not provide completed orientation, competency check‑offs, or required CNA‑specific training documentation for this CNA. The Human Resource Coordinator (HRC) confirmed that this CNA’s new hire process and CNA‑specific trainings were not completed and that she had not been checked off on any required competencies such as abuse/neglect, transfers, ADLs, infection control, residents’ rights, dementia care, change in condition, skin assessments, behavior management, elopement risk, bowel and bladder, hospice, hemodialysis program, bed mobility, body mechanics, gait belts, CNA documentation, cleaning equipment, respiratory care, emergency care, abdominal thrusts, code status, and unit orientation. Further review of personnel files for a sample of 19 CNAs hired over a six‑month period revealed widespread omissions in required hiring and orientation documentation. Multiple CNAs had incomplete or unsigned new hire checklists, no reference checks, no I‑9 forms, no I‑CHAT background checks, no sex offender registry checks, no eligibility letters, no certification verifications, no TB tests, no documentation of active driver’s licenses, and no evidence of completed facility general orientation. CNA‑specific competency evaluations were consistently missing, and there was no verification that orientation was completed before CNAs were scheduled to work on the units. One rehired CNA had only an I‑CHAT background check completed at rehire, with no updated competencies, no certification verification, and no clinical oversight to determine training needs, yet was placed on the schedule. Another CNA completed her own competency skills check‑off and signed it as passed without any nurse or management validation or signature. Interviews with leadership and staff confirmed that unvalidated staff were working independently with residents. The HRC stated he was unaware of federal regulations in the State Operations Manual and was learning CNA education and training requirements during the survey. He described a process in which he conducted a one‑day general orientation and then sent new hires to the DON or ADON for job‑specific orientation and unit shadowing, but there was no documentation that competencies were actually completed before staff were released to work. The DON acknowledged that CNA competencies had not been done prior to her arrival, that she had no log or proof of completed competencies, and that she was aware CNAs were working with residents without required training and competencies but could not remove them from the floor due to staffing needs. A CNA reported she went from shadowing other CNAs directly to being scheduled on the floor without a nurse checking her use of equipment or transfers. The scheduler confirmed she had no checklist to verify completion of orientation or competencies and simply scheduled CNAs once they stated they were done orienting, and she reported receiving no training on competency requirements. Similar deficiencies were identified in the hiring and orientation of licensed nurses. Personnel files for several RNs and LPNs hired in the same six‑month period showed new hire checklists either blank or minimally completed, with missing I‑CHAT background checks, eligibility letters, sex offender registry checks, nursing license verifications, I‑9 forms, TB tests, physicals, and drug screenings. There was no evidence of completed facility general orientation or nursing‑specific competency evaluations, and no verification that orientation was completed before these nurses were scheduled to work on the units. In one case, only the nursing license verification, I‑CHAT background check, and sex offender list verification were present, with no orientation plan or health screening documentation. Overall, the survey findings document that both CNAs and nurses were hired and placed on the schedule without completed regulatory hiring elements, orientation, or validated competencies necessary to safely meet residents’ assessed needs and care plans.
Failure to Provide ADL Care and Coordinate Hospice Services for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide required activities of daily living (ADL) care, including bed baths and personal care, to a dependent hospice resident. The resident was admitted with multiple serious diagnoses, including congestive heart failure, COPD, major depression, chronic pain syndrome, multiple vertebral fractures, and generalized weakness, and the most recent MDS documented that the resident was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for all personal care. During observation, the resident was found asleep in bed with oxygen at 2.5 L/min with no date on the tubing, wearing a white T‑shirt soiled with crumbs and spilled coffee from lunch, and positioned with bare feet pressed against the hard footboard without socks or a cushion. The resident’s water glass on the overbed table was empty and undated at that time. On a subsequent observation and interview, the resident was coughing while trying to eat breakfast, and the water glass was dated from the previous day, indicating it had not been refreshed. The resident reported that hospice aides provided baths when they came in and stated he could no longer perform personal care independently. The resident was still wearing the same soiled T‑shirt from the prior day. Review of the hospice binder showed hospice CNA bath/shower visits scheduled twice weekly, with the last shower/bed bath documented on 12/30/25, indicating no bath for approximately 30 days. CNAs interviewed stated they believed hospice was responsible for the resident’s showers and that the showers listed on their task sheets corresponded to hospice visit days; they also stated they were not told to provide the scheduled showers themselves. The NHA stated that floor CNAs were expected to provide baths or showers in addition to any provided by hospice, and record review showed no documented coordination of care between the facility and the hospice agency regarding who was responsible for personal care.
Failure to follow care plan and ensure competent assistance during bedpan use leading to fall with injury
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s environment was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision and assistance were provided during care, resulting in a fall from bed with injury. The resident, identified as R7, experienced an incident in which she fell or rolled out of bed while being assisted with a bedpan, landing on her face, splitting her lip, and breaking a tooth. The incident summary notes that the bed was in a low position and that the resident stated something slipped and she fell. Emergency room evaluation confirmed no fractures but documented the need for sutures to the upper lip and a broken front tooth. Prior to the incident, facility records contained inconsistent and incomplete assessments and directions regarding the resident’s functional status and required level of assistance. The care plan and Kardex documented that the resident required assistance from two staff for bed mobility (turning and repositioning in bed) and for transfers with a hoyer/mechanical lift, and that she required assistance from one staff to use the bedpan. However, the MDS functional status section showed multiple mobility and transfer items as “not assessed” as of the day before the incident, including chair/bed transfers, lying to sitting, sit to lying, toilet transfer, toileting, and transferring. A transfer report also documented that the resident only needed assistance with toileting and transfers and was not dependent on care, which conflicted with the care plan and Kardex indicating two-person assistance for certain tasks. On the night of the incident, the CNA assigned to the resident (CNA K) assisted her with the bedpan without a second staff member present. In an interview typed by the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA), the resident reported that she wanted to get up, that the CNA was helping her off the bedpan, and that she felt herself sliding before she rolled out of bed; she stated the CNA was not being mean and that she believed the CNA had not hooked her up correctly. In a separate typed interview, CNA K stated that the resident wanted to use the bedpan, that she placed the resident on it and checked on her multiple times, and that when she attempted to remove the bedpan, the resident began yelling and then threw herself on the floor. CNA K acknowledged she had not reviewed the Kardex that night and did not know the resident was a two-person assist, and she did not ask anyone for assistance. The facility’s own incident summary later stated that the allegations were substantiated due to the CNA not following the plan of care. Additional record review revealed broader deficiencies related to staff preparation and documentation that contributed to the unsafe situation. The personnel file for CNA K, who had been hired approximately two months before the incident, lacked a completed new hire checklist, reference checks, I-9, background checks, eligibility letter, sex offender registry check, certification verification, pre-hire drug screen and physical, TB test, driver’s license verification, general orientation checklist, CNA-specific competency evaluations, and verification of orientation completion before working on the units. There was also no evidence that CNA K’s competency in performing two-person transfers or other required CNA skills had been assessed. Interviews with staff on first and third shifts indicated they were aware the resident was a two-person assist for care, and nursing staff reported that the resident had been exhibiting behaviors and yelling at staff during care in the evenings. Despite this, there was no documented investigation into the competencies of CNAs providing two-person transfers on the day or unit of the incident, and no hands-on demonstrations or return demonstrations were recorded for staff performing two-person transfers.
Failure to Enforce Staff Mask Use Under COVID-19 Infection Control Protocol
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to enforce its infection prevention and control program related to COVID-19 by not ensuring mandated mask use for staff. During an observation in the kitchen while breakfast was being served, the surveyor observed the Dietary Manager not wearing a mask, despite a mandate from the Infection Preventionist that all staff wear masks following two other staff members testing positive for COVID-19. When the Dietary Manager noticed the surveyor, the manager smiled, giggled, and stated they were just going to put a mask on. In a subsequent interview, the DON reported that when staff reported they had COVID, the management team requested a second COVID test and, if positive, tested all staff and residents according to CDC guidelines on the first, third, and fifth days. The DON also stated that, in this context, mask-wearing was mandated for all staff working, confirming that the Dietary Manager’s failure to wear a mask occurred while a universal staff masking requirement was in effect.
Failure to Maintain Adequate Nursing Staff Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nursing staff to meet the needs of residents for 14 out of 30 days reviewed. Staffing records and interviews revealed that on multiple days, the number of aides and nurses scheduled was below the required levels based on the facility's census and acuity assessments. The Nursing Scheduler explained that staffing is determined by average daily census and adjusted for resident acuity, but when vacancies occurred, efforts to fill shifts with other staff or managers were not always successful. Specific dates were identified where the facility was short by one or more aides or nurses on both day and afternoon shifts. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed during the review that there were 14 days within the review period where the necessary nursing staff was not present to provide care to residents as required. No information was provided regarding the specific impact on individual residents or their medical conditions at the time of the deficiency.
Failure to Investigate and Document Resident Falls Resulting in Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly and accurately investigate two falls experienced by a resident with moderate cognitive impairment, resulting in a left hip fracture that required hospitalization and surgery. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, schizophrenia, and difficulty walking, experienced two falls on the same day. Documentation of both incidents was incomplete, with missing entries for pain assessment, level of consciousness, mental status, and mobility. The incident reports lacked essential details, such as staff involved, witness statements, and accurate timing, and there was no comprehensive summary or root-cause analysis to determine how the falls led to the fracture. Direct care staff, including CNAs assigned to the resident, were not interviewed or asked to provide statements at the time of the incidents. The DON considered the nurse's incident report as the only required statement and did not obtain additional narratives from other staff. The investigation process was inconsistent, with the DON unable to identify which CNAs were assigned to the resident and no summary of the investigation available. The facility's fall program and incident reporting policies were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of risk analysis, monitoring for pain or neurological changes, and implementation of interventions to prevent further injury. Additionally, the facility did not report the incident as required by its abuse and neglect policy, despite the resident sustaining a serious injury of unknown origin. The documentation was further compromised by altered dates and times on post-fall forms, and the DON admitted that certain documentation was omitted if no abnormal findings were observed. The lack of a thorough investigation and failure to follow established protocols resulted in an incomplete response to a significant injury event.
Failure to Assess and Monitor After Falls Resulting in Delay of Treatment and Increased Pain
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of dementia, difficulty walking, schizophrenia, and diabetes experienced two falls within a short period, one of which was unwitnessed. Following the unwitnessed fall, required neurological assessments and pain evaluations were not performed as per facility protocol. The incident report for the first fall was incomplete, with critical assessment fields left blank, and neurovital sign monitoring was not initiated immediately. The nurse responsible did not communicate the details of the falls, including the unwitnessed nature of one, to the oncoming nurse, resulting in a lack of timely monitoring and assessment. Throughout the night and into the following day, there were no documented neurological or pain assessments for the resident, despite observable signs of distress and confusion. The resident was later found to have a swollen, painful, and displaced left leg, with a pain level of 8/10, only after a nurse aide alerted the day shift nurse. The resident's pain was not addressed with medication until the following day, and the neurological assessment was only started at that time. The nurse practitioner, upon assessment, observed significant changes in the resident's condition and arranged for immediate transfer to the hospital, where a left hip fracture was diagnosed. Documentation in the medical record and medication administration record was inconsistent and incomplete, with unclear codes and missing entries regarding pain management. The facility failed to provide its neurological assessment and pain management policies when requested. The lack of thorough assessment, monitoring, and documentation after the falls led to a delay in treatment, increased physical distress, and worsening pain for the resident.
Failure to Timely Revise Care Plans After Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely revise and update care plans for a resident following significant changes in condition, specifically after a fall resulting in a left femur fracture and subsequent surgery. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, schizophrenia, and diabetes, experienced two falls and was hospitalized for surgical repair of a displaced intertrochanteric fracture. Upon readmission, new pain management orders were implemented, but the pain care plan was not revised to reflect the increased pain level or the new medication regimen. The last update to the pain care plan occurred prior to the falls and surgery. Additionally, the resident's skin care plan was not updated to address post-surgical site care or infection prevention measures following the hospital readmission. The last revision to the skin care plan predated the surgical event, and no new interventions were documented for the surgical site. During an interview, the DON acknowledged that the care plans had not been revised to address the resident's current needs. The facility was unable to provide a policy for care plan updates and revisions when requested.
Multiple Food Safety and Sanitation Deficiencies Identified in Kitchen and Food Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures to maintain food safety and sanitation standards in the facility's kitchen and food service areas. During a kitchen tour, it was found that potentially hazardous foods, such as hot dogs and ham, were not consistently date-marked according to FDA Food Code requirements, and staff were still being trained on proper procedures. Additionally, leftover breakfast items, including ham chunks, scrambled eggs, and sausage links, were stored in the walk-in cooler at unsafe temperatures (ham measured at 88°F) without proper cooling logs, indicating a lack of adherence to required cooling methods and documentation. Further inspection revealed unsanitary conditions and improper maintenance of food contact surfaces and equipment. Accumulations of food debris were found in the two-door arctic air unit, utensil drawers, on the underside of coffee spouts, around the can opener blade, and on a plate drying on the clean side of the dish machine. The dish machine itself failed to produce the required chlorine sanitizer residual, as confirmed by repeated testing with facility-provided test strips. Additionally, a spray bottle containing a yellow solution was not labeled with its common name, and the Certified Dietary Manager was unsure of its contents. Plumbing and facility maintenance issues were also identified. The air gap on the ice machine was found to be sunken into the drain, and the sanitizer compartment of the three-compartment sink was directly connected to the wastewater drain without an air gap, both of which violate backflow prevention standards. Large openings were present in the walls under sinks in the second and third-floor pantries, increasing the risk of pest entry. These findings collectively demonstrate a failure to procure, store, prepare, and serve food in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Failure to Implement Active Water Management Program for Legionella Prevention
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an active and ongoing plan to reduce the risk of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in its plumbing system. During a tour, surveyors observed that on the third floor, the soiled utility room had active water lines remaining after the removal of a hopper basin, and the Maintenance Director (MD) was unsure if these lines were being flushed. On the second floor, a tub room was found full of equipment with the tub removed, but water lines previously connected to the tub were still active and connected to the domestic water supply, despite being believed inactive by the MD. The surveyor confirmed the lines were still active after moving equipment to access the shut-off valves. Further interviews with the MD revealed that while vacant rooms are flushed weekly, only a couple of free chlorine samples are taken each year, and there was uncertainty regarding the facility's control limits for free chlorine. A review of the facility's Water Management Program policy indicated requirements for preventing water stagnation, ensuring adequate disinfection, and monitoring controls, but the observed practices did not align with these policy requirements.
Failure to Provide and Document Scheduled ADL Care for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services to ensure that two residents did not experience a decline in their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) without a medical reason. For one resident with diagnoses including spinal stenosis, muscle weakness, and chronic pain, documentation showed that scheduled showers or baths were not consistently provided as planned. The resident reported receiving fewer showers than scheduled, and there was no documentation to support that showers or baths were offered, refused, or that refusals were reported to nursing staff. The Director of Nursing confirmed that CNAs were not documenting the completion of showers or baths, and there was no supporting evidence in the electronic medical record for care provided. Another resident with a history of stroke, mild cognitive impairment, and mobility issues also did not receive scheduled showers or baths as planned. The resident expressed a preference for daily showers and reported not receiving even the scheduled twice-weekly showers, with no refusals documented. Record review confirmed only three showers or bed baths were provided in the last month, with no documentation explaining missed care or refusals. Staff interviews indicated a lack of knowledge about the resident's care schedule, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that required documentation was missing.
Failure to Prevent and Manage Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate care and services to prevent the development and worsening of pressure ulcers for a resident with significant medical complexities, including cerebral atherosclerosis, diabetes with neuropathy, a history of stroke, and existing pressure ulcers. The resident was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including repositioning, and required specialized equipment such as a low air loss mattress and heel protectors. Despite care plans and policies indicating the need for frequent repositioning and use of pressure-relieving devices, the resident was observed multiple times without heel protectors and was not consistently repositioned as required. Documentation and interviews confirmed that repositioning occurred only 1-2 times per shift, rather than every two hours as specified in the care plan. Wound care documentation revealed inconsistent and incomplete assessment and measurement of the resident's pressure ulcers, with several instances where wounds were not measured or assessed weekly as required by facility policy. The resident developed new pressure ulcers, including a deep tissue injury to the right heel and a new open area near the left hip, which were not promptly identified or reported to nursing leadership. Observations showed that the resident was left in the same position for extended periods, and staff failed to implement or document non-pharmacological interventions for pressure ulcer prevention. Additionally, the resident was found sitting in a geri chair without a specialty cushion, only a pillow, further increasing the risk for pressure injury. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of communication and follow-through regarding new wounds, with one CNA stating she did not report a new pressure ulcer because a nurse was present. The hospice nurse was also unaware of the new wound, and wound assessments from hospice were not available in the facility's records. The facility's own skin management policy required weekly evaluation, measurement, and staging of pressure ulcers, but this was not consistently done. The cumulative effect of these failures resulted in the worsening of existing wounds and the development of new pressure ulcers for the resident.
Lack of Physician Documentation for Not Following Pharmacy Medication Monitoring Recommendation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the attending physician documented the rationale for not implementing a pharmacy recommendation regarding medication monitoring for a resident. The resident, who had vascular dementia and catatonic schizophrenia, was prescribed carbamazepine as a mood stabilizer. The consultant pharmacist recommended obtaining a baseline carbamazepine level and periodic monitoring to optimize efficacy and reduce toxicity, as well as other laboratory tests. While the physician responded to the pharmacist's recommendation by ordering CBC, CMP, and ophthalmology follow-up, there was no documentation or explanation in the medical record as to why the carbamazepine level was not obtained as recommended. Record review and interviews confirmed that the rationale for not following the pharmacy's recommendation was not documented by the attending physician at the time. The DON reported that the nurse practitioner stated carbamazepine levels were not necessary since the medication was being used for catatonic schizophrenia rather than seizures, but this explanation was not entered into the medical record until an addendum was made after the issue was identified. The lack of timely documentation of the physician's rationale constituted the deficiency.
Failure to Complete Required Depakote Laboratory Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident admitted with diagnoses including borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression was prescribed Depakote 125 mg twice daily for mood stabilization. The consultant pharmacist recommended routine laboratory monitoring, specifically valproic acid (VPA) and ammonia levels every six months, which was acknowledged and signed by the physician. However, a review of the resident's medical record and laboratory results for the past 12 months revealed that no VPA or ammonia levels had been obtained. During an interview, the Director of Nursing confirmed that there were no records of these laboratory tests being completed for the resident.
Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food at the appropriate and preferred temperatures for a resident who was reviewed for food palatability. The resident, who had multiple medical diagnoses including dysphagia, COPD, and mood disorders, reported that meals were frequently cold. During observation, the resident received a lunch tray with ground turkey and gravy, stuffing, and carrots, all of which were measured below the expected serving temperatures (131°F for turkey and gravy, 123°F for stuffing, and 115°F for carrots). The resident sampled the food and expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the food was not hot enough and that the carrots were cold. The Certified Dietary Manager confirmed that the food should have been served at 140°F or above for the main items and 135°F for the vegetables, but could not explain the temperature discrepancy. Further observations during meal service revealed that the plates in the plate warmer were only at 90°F, and a test tray delivered to the second floor also had food items below the required temperatures (116°F for carrots and peas, 108°F for ham and potato casserole). The process involved food being delivered to the units via a food cart, with nursing staff distributing trays to residents. These findings indicate that the facility did not ensure that food was served at safe and appetizing temperatures, resulting in resident dissatisfaction during meals.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a medication cart was locked while unattended, as observed on the second floor next to a specific room. The cart was left unlocked and unattended from 12:17 PM to 12:35 PM, during which time no staff were present in the vicinity. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) eventually locked the cart at 12:35 PM. Interviews with the ADON and the Registered Nurse (RN) responsible for the cart confirmed that the facility's policy required the cart to be locked when not in use or when the nurse was not in attendance. The RN admitted to being distracted, which led to the oversight. The Director of Nursing (DON) reiterated the facility's policy that medication carts must be locked when unattended or kept in view of the nurse at all times. A review of the facility's policy on medication storage, dated October 2024, confirmed that unlocked medication carts should not be left unattended.
Failure to Timely Identify and Treat Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely identify the formation of pressure ulcers and consistently implement ordered wound care treatments for two residents, resulting in the development of a facility-acquired unstageable pressure ulcer for one resident and a deep tissue injury for another. Resident #3, who had severe cognitive impairment and was at high risk for pressure ulcers, developed an unstageable pressure ulcer on the right iliac crest and a deep tissue injury on the left gluteus. Despite having a low-air loss mattress and other pressure reduction measures in place, the facility did not consistently complete the ordered treatments, and there was no documentation of new pressure reduction measures being implemented after the ulcers were identified. Resident #5, who had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for all care, developed a deep tissue injury on the right heel. The facility had previously implemented pressure reduction measures, including a low-air loss mattress and offloading boots, but did not consistently document the application of these measures. The deep tissue injury was identified by the assigned nurse, and although a treatment was initiated, no new pressure reduction measures were implemented post-ulcer identification. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the facility's skin management program included weekly skin assessments and that any newly identified breakdown should prompt a progress note and treatment order. However, the facility's documentation and implementation of these measures were inconsistent, leading to the development and worsening of pressure ulcers in both residents. The facility's failure to consistently implement and document ordered treatments and pressure reduction measures contributed to the residents' deteriorating skin conditions.
Failure to Prevent Fall Resulting in Major Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent a fall with major injury for a resident, resulting in the resident falling out of bed during care and sustaining a femur fracture. The resident, who had a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, required extensive assistance by two staff members to turn and reposition in bed. However, on the day of the incident, a CNA provided care alone, contrary to the care plan, leading to the resident sliding out of bed and being lowered to the floor mat by the CNA. The resident later reported pain, and an X-ray confirmed a right distal femur fracture, necessitating hospital transfer for further evaluation and treatment. Interviews with staff confirmed that the CNA did not use the appropriate number of staff required for bed mobility, as per the resident's care plan. The incident resulted in increased pain, anxiety, and depression for the resident, who also required changes in pain and anxiety medication regimens. The resident's mobility was further impacted, necessitating the use of a Hoyer lift for transfers instead of a sit-to-stand mechanical lift previously used. The facility's past non-compliance worksheet identified the root cause as the CNA's failure to follow the care plan's staffing requirements for bed mobility.
Failure to Maintain Clean and Safe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to effectively clean and maintain the physical plant, impacting 53 residents. Observations included extremely tacky and sticky flooring in a resident room, numerous dead insect carcasses in a restroom bathtub, and human feces in a shower stall. Additionally, loose window screens, stained ceiling tiles, and damaged window screens were noted. Several resident rooms had issues such as slow-draining sinks, malodorous conditions, and corroded faucets. The Director of Environmental Services acknowledged these issues and indicated that maintenance would be contacted, but no specific work orders were found addressing these concerns in the last 60 days. The facility's policies on cleaning and disinfection, as well as maintenance services, were reviewed and found to be in place. However, the implementation of these policies was lacking, as evidenced by the numerous maintenance and cleanliness issues observed. The Director of Environmental Services confirmed the use of the TELS system for work orders, but the system did not reflect any entries related to the identified maintenance concerns. This failure to maintain a clean and safe environment increased the likelihood of cross-contamination, bacterial harborage, and decreased air quality for the residents.
Failure to Respond to Call Lights Timely
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call lights in resident rooms were answered in a timely manner, as observed in multiple instances. On 5/14/2024, the call light for a specific room was observed to be on for an extended period, with several staff members, including nurses, walking past without responding. This pattern continued with the call light remaining on for over 20 minutes while staff members were present in the hallway but did not respond. The nurses' station had a board that lit up and made an audible sound when a call light was turned on, indicating the room number. On 5/15/2024, the same issue was observed with staff members walking past the call light without responding. The administrator confirmed that it was the expectation for all staff to answer call lights and get the appropriate staff member if they could not fulfill the resident's need.
Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident's right to be free from verbal abuse by staff. Resident #359, who is cognitively intact and has a history of chronic respiratory failure, depression, anxiety, and cerebral palsy, reported an incident where a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) used inappropriate language towards her. The resident stated that the CNA used the f-word and was verbally abusive when the resident did not get out of bed to go to the bathroom. The resident's roommate, who has moderate cognitive impairment, confirmed overhearing the CNA using inappropriate language during the incident. The incident was reported to the Director of Nursing (DON) and a grievance form was filled out. The DON and Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) interviewed the CNA involved, who denied swearing but acknowledged a loud argument with the resident. The facility did not report the incident to the State Agency, considering it a customer service issue rather than abuse. The resident expressed feeling downgraded and tearful when recalling the incident, indicating emotional distress caused by the CNA's behavior. The facility's investigation included interviews with the resident, the CNA, and the resident's roommate. The DON and NHA concluded that the incident did not constitute abuse, as the resident did not explicitly state she felt abused. However, the resident's grievance and the roommate's confirmation of the inappropriate language used by the CNA highlight a failure to protect the resident from verbal abuse, as required by regulations.
Failure to Report Allegation of Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse to the State Agency involving a resident who reported verbal abuse by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported that the CNA used inappropriate language and swore at her when she was unable to get out of bed. The incident was reported to the Director of Nursing (DON) and a grievance form was filled out, but the facility did not consider the incident reportable to the State Agency, treating it instead as a customer service issue. The resident's medical record revealed she had chronic respiratory failure, depression, a history of wedge compression fracture of the thoracic vertebra, anxiety, and cerebral palsy. The resident reported the incident to the DON, who discussed it with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA). The resident's roommate, who had moderate cognitive impairment, confirmed the CNA's inappropriate language. Despite this, the facility did not report the incident to the State Agency, as they did not perceive it as abuse. Interviews with the NHA, DON, and the CNA involved revealed that the facility considered the incident a matter of poor etiquette rather than abuse. The CNA denied swearing at the resident but acknowledged a loud argument. The facility's grievance summary indicated that the resident felt safe and did not allege abuse, leading the facility to provide customer service training to the CNA rather than reporting the incident as abuse.
Failure to Prevent Potential Abuse and Inappropriate Language by CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent further potential abuse for a resident who reported inappropriate behavior by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The resident, who has chronic respiratory failure, depression, a history of wedge compression fracture of the thoracic vertebra, anxiety, and cerebral palsy, reported that the CNA used inappropriate language and was rude when the resident needed assistance. The resident's call light was not within reach, leading her to transfer herself to the bathroom and back to bed, which was unmade. The CNA then demanded the resident get out of bed to make it, using offensive language in the process. The resident reported the incident to the Director of Nursing (DON), who filled out a grievance form and discussed the matter with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA). The CNA was subsequently educated on proper approach and etiquette but was not immediately removed from resident care duties. The resident's roommate, who has moderate cognitive impairment and a history of stroke, confirmed overhearing the argument and the use of inappropriate language by the CNA. Despite the resident's emotional distress and the roommate's confirmation, the facility did not report the incident to the State Agency, considering it a customer service issue rather than abuse. The NHA and DON did not provide a clear answer when asked if the CNA's behavior constituted abuse. The facility's grievance report indicated that the resident felt safe and did not perceive the incident as intentional abuse, but the CNA was still educated on proper etiquette. The facility's procedural guidelines state that any employee alleged to have committed abuse should be immediately suspended pending investigation. However, the CNA continued to work her shift and was only reassigned from caring for the resident involved. The facility's response did not align with its own guidelines, as the CNA was not immediately removed from contact with residents, and the incident was not reported to the State Agency as required for potential abuse cases.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for Resident #14, resulting in potential safety risks and unmet care needs. Resident #14 was readmitted to the facility with multiple diagnoses, including vascular dementia and catatonic schizophrenia, and had a severe cognitive impairment. The resident required assistance for various activities of daily living (ADLs) and was at risk for falls. Despite this, observations revealed that the resident's bed was not consistently maintained in the lowest position as required by the care plan, increasing the risk of falls and injury. The resident was observed multiple times with the bed elevated to knee height, contrary to the care plan's directive to keep the bed in a low position for safety. Interviews with staff confirmed that the bed was not always kept in the lowest position, and the CNA acknowledged maintaining the bed at knee height during breakfast, despite knowing it should be lower. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) were aware of the care plan intervention to keep the bed in a low position but believed it might no longer be necessary, despite the care plan indicating otherwise. The interdisciplinary team (IDT) reviewed the fall care plan and deemed it appropriate, indicating the ongoing need for the low bed for safety. However, the failure to consistently implement this intervention resulted in a deficiency in the resident's care plan, potentially compromising the resident's safety and well-being.
Failure to Document Blood Glucose Values and Implement Bowel Protocol
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure blood glucose values were documented in the medical record for one resident and failed to implement assessment/intervention for bowel constipation for another resident. Resident #22, who has severe cognitive impairment and is always incontinent for bowels, did not have a bowel movement documented from 5/8/24 to 5/12/24. Despite the facility's protocol requiring intervention after three days without a bowel movement, the necessary medications were not administered, and the bowel protocol was not implemented until five days had passed. This was confirmed by both the Unit Manager and the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the lapse in following the bowel protocol. Resident #408, who has diagnoses including type two diabetes with hyperglycemia, had an order for twice-daily blood glucose checks. However, the medical record only contained three blood glucose readings over four days. The Unit Manager verified that the blood glucose values should have been documented in the medical record but were not due to a failure in the system to prompt for documentation. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the expectation was for blood glucose values to be documented in the medical record, which did not occur. Both deficiencies were identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews. The facility's failure to follow its own protocols for bowel management and blood glucose monitoring resulted in lapses in care for the residents involved. These deficiencies highlight issues in the facility's documentation and adherence to medical orders, as confirmed by the staff interviews and record reviews.
Failure to Provide Adequate Water to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents had water available at their bedside, resulting in the potential for dehydration. Resident #6, who was diagnosed with dysphasia and required nectar thick liquids, was observed multiple times without appropriate thickened water in his room. Despite having a physician's order and care plan indicating the need for thickened liquids, Resident #6 was provided with non-thickened water, which he could not drink. Interviews with staff confirmed that Resident #6 did not like the taste of thickened water and would sometimes ask for non-thickened water, which he was not allowed to have for safety reasons. Resident #32 was also observed without adequate water in her room. She reported that staff did not bring her fresh water daily or each shift, leading her to fill her cup from the bathroom sink. Observations confirmed that her water cup was often empty or only partially filled. Interviews with staff indicated that CNAs were responsible for passing water to residents each shift, but this was not consistently done. The facility administrator stated that it was her expectation that each resident would receive fresh water each shift, which was not being met in these cases.
Excessive Acetaminophen Dosage Administered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a medication was administered within the prescribed parameters and not in an excessive dose for one resident. Resident #38, who has a history of a right femur fracture and hemiplegia following a stroke, was observed to have received 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily from April 4, 2024, through May 14, 2024. This dosage exceeded the physician's order, which specified that the resident should not receive more than 3000 mg in 24 hours. The Director of Nursing reviewed the order and confirmed that the administered doses exceeded the prescribed limit.
Inadequate Handwashing During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure appropriate infection control practices during wound care for two residents, resulting in the potential for cross-contamination and the spread of infection. During multiple wound care observations, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) were observed washing their hands with soap and water for significantly less than the recommended 20 seconds. Specifically, handwashing durations ranged from four to six seconds, which is below the standard set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the facility's own policy. In interviews, both the MDS Coordinator and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the expectation for handwashing duration is at least 20 seconds. The observations of inadequate handwashing were consistent across different times and residents, indicating a systemic issue with adherence to proper infection control protocols. This deficiency was identified through direct observation, interviews, and record reviews, highlighting a failure in maintaining appropriate hygiene practices during wound care procedures.
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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.
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