The Manor Of Farmington Hills
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
- Location
- 21017 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336
- CMS Provider Number
- 235508
- Inspections on file
- 30
- Latest survey
- November 20, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 18
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Manor Of Farmington Hills during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a physician order for 1:1 feeding assistance was left unsupervised with a meal tray, resulting in choking and death. Staff did not provide the required supervision, and the facility's investigation lacked thorough documentation and a clear timeline of events, despite ongoing concerns from family and hospice staff about inadequate feeding assistance.
A resident did not receive treatment and care in accordance with physician orders and their stated preferences and goals, as identified by surveyors through observation and record review.
Two residents were not properly assessed or provided with timely admission orders, leading to missed medication doses. One resident with multiple chronic conditions did not receive any of their prescribed medications due to incomplete transcription of hospital discharge orders and lack of an admission nursing assessment. Another resident admitted in the evening did not receive scheduled night-time medications because orders were entered with a start date for the following day. The DON confirmed that nursing staff did not complete required admission procedures in these cases.
A resident who required significant assistance with daily living and had intact cognition was left without a functioning call system due to depleted batteries and lack of timely maintenance notification. The call light indicator was not working, resulting in staff being unaware of the resident's request for help, and the issue persisted over a weekend without resolution.
An LPN allowed their minor daughter to be present during medication preparation, administration, and resident care, including entering resident rooms and observing care activities. Staff and video evidence confirmed the daughter's presence at the medication cart, during medication administration, and behind the nurse's station desk, resulting in a breach of resident privacy and confidentiality of PHI.
Two residents experienced failures in wound prevention, timely identification, and treatment, with one developing multiple untreated wounds that were not documented or addressed until discovered by a family member and the wound care coordinator, and another experiencing numerous omitted wound care treatments for existing pressure ulcers, as confirmed by review of records and staff interviews.
A resident in a long-term care facility hit their head against the wall while being turned by a CNA, who failed to follow the care plan requiring two-person assistance. The incident was investigated, revealing the bed's positioning and the CNA's misunderstanding of the resident's assistance needs. Despite the resident's complaint of a headache, a complete neurological assessment was not documented, contrary to facility policy.
The facility failed to provide effective pressure ulcer care for two residents. One resident did not receive timely treatment for a Stage 3 sacrum wound upon admission, while another had an untreated open area on the left buttock and duplicate treatment orders for the right buttock. The Wound Care Nurse was unaware of these issues, indicating a lack of communication and oversight.
A facility failed to accurately monitor a resident's weight, leading to discrepancies between the facility's records and those from a dialysis center. The resident, with end-stage renal disease and recent amputations, experienced significant weight loss. The facility did not account for the amputations in their weight records, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the issue but was unsure when it was first identified.
A facility failed to properly assess and monitor an IV catheter and Permacath site for a resident. Observations revealed undated dressings and a lack of documentation or care plans for catheter monitoring. The DON acknowledged the need for policy adherence, but no further documentation was provided. A physician's note confirmed the catheter sites were clean and intact, but lacked additional details.
A resident with a right-hand contracture did not receive appropriate treatment as the facility failed to apply a prescribed hand splint. Despite the resident's inability to apply the splint independently and their repeated requests for assistance, the staff did not help, and the splint was not documented in the care plan or treatment records. The DON and Unit Manager were unaware of the issue until informed by the resident.
A facility failed to implement physician orders for a resident with a colostomy, leading to a deficiency in care. The resident, experiencing abdominal pain, was ordered bisacodyl 5mg via the stoma, but the order was not entered or administered. The resident's condition worsened, resulting in unresponsiveness and death. The DON confirmed the lack of documentation and acknowledged the need for a new order.
A resident with acute and chronic respiratory failure, COPD, and asthma did not receive necessary care at an LTC facility. The facility failed to implement physician orders for supplemental oxygen and CPAP/BiPAP use, leading to respiratory distress, a fall, and ultimately the resident's death. There was no documentation of physician orders or care plans for these interventions, and prescribed antibiotics were not administered. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's care needs.
The facility failed to provide timely Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) and Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (SNFABN) to four residents, leading to complaints about unexpected private pay charges and inability to appeal. The deficiency was linked to a transition in business office management and communication issues between staff, resulting in residents not being informed of their financial liabilities in a timely manner.
The facility was cited for insufficient staffing, leading to delayed care and unmet needs for residents. Interviews and observations revealed that residents experienced long wait times for assistance, particularly on weekends and night shifts. Staff reported being overwhelmed with high resident-to-staff ratios, impacting their ability to provide timely care. Specific residents with medical needs were notably affected, with reports of inadequate personal hygiene assistance and delayed medication administration.
The facility failed to treat residents with dignity, as staff did not assist a resident in a wheelchair and entered rooms without knocking or announcing themselves. Additionally, a resident was not allowed to keep a personal storage bin due to infection control concerns, despite similar bins being present in other rooms. The facility's policies on resident rights were not upheld.
The facility failed to accommodate the needs and preferences of residents, resulting in discomfort and frustration. A resident was observed with their feet hanging over the end of a too-short bed, while others had water cups placed out of reach, preventing independent hydration. The DON was unaware of these issues until the survey, and the Unit Manager acknowledged that water should be within reach.
A facility failed to protect resident health information when a paper with personal details was left visible at a nursing station, affecting five residents. The unit manager acknowledged the error, which violated the facility's policy on resident privacy and confidentiality.
A facility failed to obtain a physician order for a resident's continuous oxygen therapy and did not monitor the humidifier attached to the oxygen concentrator, which was found empty. The resident reported discomfort due to the dry air, and staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and responsibility for maintaining the humidifier. No orders for oxygen use or monitoring were documented in the resident's records.
The facility failed to maintain consistent dialysis communication documentation for two residents and did not provide a meal for another resident before their hemodialysis appointment. Despite care plans requiring communication forms, these were missing from the EMR. Additionally, a resident reported not receiving a meal before dialysis, despite being at nutritional risk. Staff interviews confirmed these lapses, but no corrective actions were provided before the survey exit.
The facility failed to properly label, store, and discard expired medications and biologicals, with issues observed in four out of seven medication carts. Expired supplements, improper storage of test reagents, and unattended medications were noted. Insulin pens lacked open dates, and a transdermal patch was left unattended. The DON acknowledged the lapses in medication management.
The facility failed to provide menu items listed on meal tickets for several residents, resulting in them not receiving nutritional supplements, desserts, or beverages as indicated. Observations showed that residents did not receive items like nutritional juice, magic cups, or hot beverages. The dietician confirmed that these items should have been provided by the dietary department and CNAs. The facility's policy did not address the responsibility to meet resident food and beverage preferences.
The facility failed to provide fresh water and assistance with consuming fluids to residents, resulting in the potential for dehydration. Observations showed that residents had room temperature water cups with straws still in wrappers, indicating a lack of assistance. The Unit Manager confirmed that staff were supposed to refresh the water throughout the day, but this was not done, violating the facility's oral hydration policy.
The facility failed to serve meals in a timely manner, with lunch and dinner often delayed due to staffing challenges. Residents reported inconsistent meal times, with breakfast sometimes served after 10 AM and lunch and dinner significantly delayed. The Certified Dietary Manager acknowledged the issue, attributing it to call-offs affecting the entire day's schedule.
The facility failed to follow infection control standards, including proper PPE use and hand hygiene, potentially risking infection spread. An LPN did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene during medication administration. Resident care involving a suprapubic catheter was conducted without proper PPE, and a urine-filled catheter bag was improperly disposed of. Another resident with a midline catheter and open wounds was not placed on Enhanced Barrier Precautions as required.
The facility failed to maintain safe and secure handrails in the 100 and 200 hallways, with broken and jagged sections exposing sharp materials. A handrail near the kitchen exit was also detached from the wall. The Maintenance Director admitted to infrequent audits and was unaware of specific issues until the survey. An electronic reporting system for maintenance issues was in place but not effectively used.
A resident in a facility reported not receiving new, sterile urinary catheters, leading to the reuse of catheters and a suspected UTI. Despite expressing concerns to staff and during a care conference, no follow-up actions were taken, such as ordering a urinalysis. Interviews revealed a breakdown in communication and grievance handling, with the Director of Nursing acknowledging the failure to address the resident's concerns.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including a Wound VAC, reported not receiving adequate assistance from staff to get out of bed or maintain personal hygiene, despite multiple requests. Observations noted the resident in an unkempt state, and discrepancies were found in staff documentation regarding the resident's care. The facility failed to provide necessary care and services consistent with the resident's needs and choices.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and legal blindness did not receive necessary one-to-one feeding assistance as required by their care plan. Observations showed the resident struggling to eat independently, with food spillage and inadequate staff support. The facility's DON acknowledged the oversight, but no policy on feeding assistance was provided during the survey.
The facility failed to monitor and assess skin changes and implement pressure-relieving interventions for two residents, leading to deficiencies in pressure ulcer management. One resident developed stage 2 pressure ulcers due to lack of monitoring, while another was observed without heel protectors despite being at risk. Staff were unaware of care plan interventions, highlighting oversight in pressure ulcer management.
The facility failed to provide proper catheter care and monitoring for two residents, leading to potential urinary tract infections. One resident reused catheters due to a lack of sterile supplies, while another had abnormal urine observations that were not reported to a physician. Despite having catheter kits in stock, the facility did not ensure their availability to the residents.
A resident with multiple health conditions experienced significant weight fluctuations without timely follow-up or re-weighing by the facility. Despite the resident's risk for nutritional deficiencies, the Registered Dietician and Interdisciplinary Team did not address the weight variations promptly, and there was no updated plan for frequent monitoring. Interviews revealed a lack of coordination and timely response, and the facility's weight monitoring policy was not provided.
The facility failed to provide timely lab services for two residents. One resident did not receive a scheduled valproic acid level test, and another resident, showing UTI symptoms, did not have a urinalysis ordered. Staff confirmed the oversight, and communication issues were identified.
A resident with a history of malignant neoplasm required an MRI for their left thigh, as ordered by their cancer doctor. The facility failed to schedule the MRI within the specified timeframe, and there was no documentation of follow-up actions. Interviews revealed a lack of coordination and documentation by the staff responsible for scheduling, and the facility's policy did not address radiology services.
The facility failed to provide adequate staffing, affecting resident care. Two residents reported issues such as infrequent showers and long wait times for assistance, attributing these to staffing shortages. Interviews with CNAs and staffing personnel confirmed that staffing levels were not adjusted based on resident needs, leading to overworked staff and uncompleted care tasks. The facility had multiple open aide positions, highlighting a significant staffing gap.
A resident was abandoned at a chemotherapy appointment after the facility canceled their return transportation and discharged them without proper communication or arrangements. The resident waited for five hours before family members could pick them up, and they had to stay in a motel overnight before going to the hospital for medical care. Facility staff failed to ensure the resident's safe return and proper care, resulting in significant distress and harm.
The facility failed to ensure that two staff members were properly screened for criminal background checks, allowing them to work without the necessary clearances. Despite multiple requests, the facility could not provide the required documentation, resulting in the potential for abuse or neglect to occur.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment had their PEG tube removed and was started on hypodermoclysis without their guardian being notified. The facility's policy on Notification of Change was not followed, as confirmed by the DON and an LPN.
A facility failed to document and address grievances raised by a resident's family member about inadequate care, resulting in unresolved complaints and frustration. The Social Work Director communicated the concerns to the Director of Nursing, but no follow-up or documentation was completed as required by the facility's grievance policy.
The facility failed to accurately complete assessments for a resident who developed intense pain from a blood clot requiring hospitalization. Despite reporting severe pain and swelling, the nurse only provided pain medication and did not assess the leg or call EMS. The resident was later diagnosed with a blood clot requiring surgery.
Failure to Provide Required 1:1 Feeding Assistance and Incomplete Incident Investigation
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and a history of significant weight loss was assessed as requiring 1:1 feeding assistance during meals, as documented in the care plan and physician orders. Despite this, the resident was left unsupervised with a meal tray during lunch in the dining room. The tray was placed in front of the resident without a staff member present to provide the required 1:1 assistance. Multiple staff interviews and documentation revealed that no one was directly assisting or supervising the resident at the time the choking incident occurred. The resident began to choke on corned beef, and the event was not immediately witnessed by staff assigned to provide feeding assistance. When the choking was noticed, staff responded with chest thrusts, back blows, suctioning, and oxygen administration, but the resident ultimately expired shortly thereafter. Interviews with staff, hospice personnel, and the resident's family indicated ongoing concerns and previous reports that the resident was not consistently receiving the required 1:1 feeding assistance, despite repeated notifications to facility administration. The facility's investigation into the incident was incomplete, lacking thorough documentation of staff interviews and a clear timeline of events. There was no evidence that all potential witnesses were interviewed or that a comprehensive root cause analysis was conducted. The facility's own policy required documentation and interviews for incidents and accidents, but these steps were not fully carried out. The failure to provide the ordered 1:1 feeding assistance and to conduct a thorough investigation contributed to the deficiency cited.
Failure to Follow Treatment Orders and Resident Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care according to physician orders, as well as the resident’s preferences and goals. This deficiency was identified through surveyor observation and review of records, which showed that care provided did not align with the documented orders or the expressed wishes and goals of the resident. Specific details regarding the resident’s medical history and condition at the time of the deficiency were not provided in the report.
Failure to Complete Timely Admission Orders and Assessments Resulting in Missed Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely admission orders and nursing assessments for two residents upon admission, resulting in missed medication administration. For one resident with diagnoses including Type 2 Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure, the hospital discharge orders listed multiple medications to be administered upon admission. However, only two medications were transcribed into the facility's physician order summary, and the resident did not receive any medications during their stay. Additionally, there was no nursing assessment completed at the time of admission for this resident. For another resident admitted in the evening with diagnoses of pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, hospital discharge instructions required administration of night-time medications, including atorvastatin and Lantus insulin. Although these medications were ordered in the facility's system, the start dates were set for the day after admission, resulting in the resident not receiving their scheduled night-time medications on the day of admission. The DON confirmed that the expectation was for nursing staff to complete initial assessments and transcribe medication lists promptly upon admission, which did not occur in these cases.
Failure to Maintain Operational Call System in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure that a resident's call system was operational. The resident, who had diagnoses including dysphagia, end stage renal disease, and congestive heart failure, required assistance with most activities of daily living and had intact cognition. The resident reported that their call light was not answered in a timely manner, sometimes waiting hours or not being answered at all. During observation, the resident activated their call light to request water, but after 45 minutes, no staff had responded, and the indicator light above the doorway was not illuminated. A Certified Nursing Assistant confirmed that the call light button was working, but the indicator light was out, so staff were unaware of the resident's request. The CNA stated that the call light had been broken all weekend and that there was no maintenance staff available on weekends. The Maintenance Director later explained that the batteries in the call light system were depleted and needed replacement, but maintenance was not notified of the issue until the following morning. Facility policy required staff to notify maintenance if a call light was not working, but this procedure was not followed.
Unauthorized Individual Present During Resident Care and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when an LPN brought their 15-year-old daughter onto the 300 Hall unit during their shift, allowing her to be present while preparing and administering medications, as well as providing resident care. The daughter was introduced to other staff, escorted the LPN into resident rooms, and observed the LPN taking a resident's blood pressure and administering medications to residents, including a male resident in the hallway. The LPN admitted to asking a female resident for permission for her daughter to observe care and acknowledged the inappropriateness of the situation, recognizing it as a violation of HIPAA regulations. Multiple staff members confirmed the daughter's presence and involvement, and video footage corroborated that the daughter was at the medication cart, observed medication administration, and was behind the nurse's station desk. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing reviewed the footage and acknowledged that the LPN's actions had the potential to violate resident privacy and confidentiality of protected health information (PHI), as required by federal regulations.
Plan Of Correction
F-583 ELEMENT I Residents residing on Unit 300 hall (short stay rehab unit) on May 24, 2025, no longer reside in the facility. LPN “D” is no longer employed at the facility. ELEMENT II Residents residing within the facility have the potential to be affected. Residents residing on Unit 300 hall with the potential for unauthorized disclosure of protected health information had no negative effects due to this practice. Rounds were made throughout the facility to validate that no HIPAA-related information is discussed or visible in non-confidential areas; no concerns were noted. ELEMENT III The facility policies with respect to HIPAA, Standard of Nursing Practice, and Notice of Privacy were reviewed and deemed appropriate. Active staff were re-educated on the facility's policy regarding HIPAA to ensure compliance with maintaining personal privacy and medical records in accordance with CFR (s): 483.10(h)(1)-(3)(i)(ii). In addition, the professional license nurses were re-educated on the Standard of Nursing Practice. ELEMENT IV The DON/designee will audit the resident areas to validate that no HIPAA-related information is discussed or visible in non-confidential areas weekly for 4 weeks and monthly for 2 months. Any areas of concern will be addressed immediately. Findings from the audit will be brought to the Monthly QAPI Meeting for further review and recommendations. The DON is responsible for obtaining and maintaining compliance.
Failure to Prevent, Identify, and Treat Wounds and Complete Wound Care Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the development of new wounds, provide timely wound care, and accurately document new skin impairments for two residents. One resident, with diagnoses including peripheral vascular disease, dementia, and malnutrition, was at high risk for skin breakdown and required staff assistance for care. Despite care plans specifying weekly head-to-toe skin assessments and immediate reporting of new skin issues, there were significant lapses in documentation and assessment. Multiple wounds, including on the right lateral hip, heel, toes, lateral ankle, and lateral foot, were not identified or treated in a timely manner. There were gaps in weekly skin assessments, and no treatment orders or documentation of wound care were present until after the wounds were discovered by the resident’s daughter and the wound care coordinator. Another resident, dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, had multiple pressure wounds, including stage 3 and 4 ulcers. Review of medication and treatment administration records revealed numerous omitted wound care treatments over several months. The wound nurse reported that when assigned to work as a floor nurse, other nurses were responsible for wound care, but treatments were often not completed as required. The facility’s own policy required identification, evaluation, and appropriate treatment for residents with wounds or at risk for skin compromise, but this was not consistently followed. Interviews with the wound care nurse and DON confirmed ongoing issues with timely and accurate skin assessments, reporting of changes in condition, and completion of wound care treatments. The facility acknowledged problems with staff not completing required wound care and documentation, leading to delays in treatment and lack of adherence to physician orders and care plans for residents with wounds.
Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision and Care During Resident Turning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper care and supervision for a resident, identified as R702, which resulted in an accident. On the date of the incident, R702 was being turned by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) when they hit their head against the wall. The resident reported that the CNA should have used a second person to assist with the turning. The CNA involved in the incident was described by the resident, who noted that the CNA is no longer allowed to care for them. The resident also mentioned that they would hold onto a large stuffed animal to protect their head in the future. The facility's investigation into the incident revealed that the resident's bed was positioned against the wall, and the CNA admitted to hearing the resident complain of a headache after being turned. The CNA believed the resident was a one-person assist, contrary to the care plan, which required two-person assistance for bed mobility. The facility's investigation concluded that the resident's head was likely hit unintentionally due to the bed's positioning and the presence of many items on the bed. The facility's records showed that R702 had a history of disability and required assistance with self-care and mobility. Despite the incident, there was no complete neurological assessment documented in the resident's record, which is against the facility's policy for evaluating a resident's neurologic status after a potential head injury. The Administrator and Director of Nursing acknowledged the lack of documentation and noted that only partial neurochecks were provided at the end of the survey.
Failure to Implement Effective Pressure Ulcer Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement effective interventions and accurate wound treatments for two residents with pressure injuries. For the first resident, R901, the facility did not initiate treatment orders for a Stage 3 sacrum wound upon admission. The resident was admitted with a pressure ulcer, but treatment orders were not implemented until four days later. The Wound Care Nurse acknowledged that the admitting nurse should have contacted the doctor to implement a treatment order immediately upon admission. For the second resident, R902, the facility failed to provide adequate care to prevent a pressure wound. During an observation, an open area with maceration was identified on the left buttock, but no treatment was applied. Additionally, there were duplicate treatment orders for the right buttock, which were not clarified or corrected until after the surveyor's observation. The Wound Care Nurse was unaware of the left buttock impairment and the duplicate orders, indicating a lack of communication and oversight in wound care management. Both cases highlight the facility's failure to ensure timely and appropriate wound care interventions, as well as the lack of proper documentation and communication among staff. The Director of Nursing confirmed that all skin impairments should be reported to the physician and have treatment in place, but this protocol was not followed in these instances.
Failure to Accurately Monitor Resident's Weight
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately obtain and monitor weights for a resident, identified as R902, who was reviewed for weight loss. The resident was readmitted to the facility with diagnoses including end-stage renal disease and dependence on renal dialysis. During an observation, R902 was seen eating without assistance, despite having food scattered on a towel covering their chest. The resident mentioned that staff had offered help, but they declined. A review of the resident's weight summary showed significant discrepancies between the facility's recorded weights and those documented by the dialysis center. The facility's records did not account for the resident's amputations, which affected their baseline weights. An interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that the facility had not identified the inaccurate weights obtained for September and October 2024. The DON acknowledged the discrepancies and mentioned that a strategy was being implemented to ensure accurate and consistent weight measurements. However, the DON was unsure of when the issue was first recognized, and no further explanation or documentation was provided regarding the failure to compare weights with those from the dialysis center.
Failure to Monitor and Document IV Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper assessment and monitoring of an IV catheter and Permacath site for a resident reviewed for wounds. During an observation, it was noted that the resident had a split catheter on the right side of the chest with a dressing dated two weeks prior, and an IV port on the left side with no date on the dressing. The medical chart lacked documentation, physician orders, or a care plan identifying the type and location of each catheter, as well as orders or care plans for monitoring and assessing the catheter sites. The Director of Nursing (DON) was interviewed and acknowledged that staff should follow policies regarding IV care and that each dressing should be dated. However, no additional explanation or documentation was provided by the end of the survey. A physician's progress note on the day of the survey indicated that both catheter sites were clean, dry, and intact, but no further documentation was available to clarify the care and monitoring of the catheter sites.
Failure to Apply Prescribed Hand Splint
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent further decrease in range of motion for a resident with a right-hand contracture. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired and had a history of stroke, heart failure, diabetes, and other conditions, was observed in their room with their right hand contracted and the prescribed hand brace/splint not applied. The resident expressed frustration, stating that the staff had not assisted in applying the brace since their transfer from a previous facility, despite their inability to do so independently. A review of the resident's care plan and treatment records revealed that an order for a right-hand splint was placed, but it was not included in the care plan interventions, nor was there documentation of its application in the Treatment Administration Record for several months. The Director of Nursing and Unit Manager were informed by the resident about the lack of application, and they appeared unaware of the situation. An occupational therapist later assessed the resident and created a new order for the splint, indicating a lapse in communication and documentation regarding the resident's care needs.
Failure to Implement Physician Orders for Resident with Colostomy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that physician orders were transcribed and implemented for a resident with a colostomy, leading to a deficiency in care. The resident, who had diagnoses including constipation and colostomy status, was experiencing abdominal pain and was evaluated by a Nurse Practitioner. The evaluation resulted in orders for an abdominal X-ray, monitoring of vital signs, and administration of bisacodyl 5mg via the stoma for constipation. However, the bisacodyl order was not entered into the resident's medical record, and there was no documentation of its administration. Despite the physician's order for bisacodyl to be administered via the stoma, the medication was not given, and the resident's condition worsened, leading to unresponsiveness and eventual death. The Director of Nursing confirmed the lack of documentation and acknowledged that a new order should have been entered and administered. The failure to implement the physician's order for bisacodyl contributed to the deficiency identified during the survey.
Failure to Implement Respiratory Care Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the implementation of physician orders and care plans for a resident with acute and chronic respiratory failure, COPD, and asthma. Upon admission, the resident was supposed to receive supplemental oxygen and use a CPAP machine as per the hospital's discharge instructions. However, there was no documentation of a physician order for the CPAP or oxygen administration, and the resident refused to use the CPAP due to discomfort. The facility did not notify the physician or interdisciplinary team about the CPAP settings issue or the resident's refusal, nor did they document any interventions to address the discomfort or explore alternative treatments. The facility also failed to administer prescribed antibiotics and did not provide the necessary CPAP/BiPAP ventilation as needed. The resident experienced multiple incidents of respiratory distress, leading to a fall and a fracture, which ultimately resulted in the resident's death. The medical record lacked documentation of the CPAP or BiPAP being applied while the resident was resting, and there were no physician orders for these devices or for oxygen administration. Additionally, the facility staff did not administer the resident's antibiotic on two occasions as prescribed. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's care needs. The nurse who readmitted the resident was unaware of the CPAP/BiPAP requirements, and the Director of Nursing was not informed about the CPAP settings issue or the failure to implement necessary orders. The facility's centralized admission personnel and the DON were responsible for reviewing referral packets to ensure the facility could provide the required care, but this process failed in this instance. The facility did not have care plans or interventions in place for the resident's primary diagnosis of respiratory failure and the use of supplemental oxygen and CPAP/BiPAP.
Failure to Provide Timely Beneficiary Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) and the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (SNFABN) to four residents, resulting in complaints about not being informed timely of private pay charges and the inability to file an appeal. The deficiency was identified during a survey, where it was found that the facility did not provide these notices to residents R169, R27, R42, and R62. The lack of timely notification affected the residents' ability to understand their financial liability and to appeal the decision if desired. Resident R169 was admitted under Medicare A and later became private pay without any documented discussion of costs or billing details in the clinical record. The facility failed to provide any NOMNC or SNFABN forms for R169, resulting in a current amount due of $5,306.00. Similarly, resident R27's NOMNC form was signed after the services ended, and the SNFABN was not signed until the day financial liability began, preventing the resident from appealing the decision. Resident R42's NOMNC form was signed on the day services ended, with no prior notification documented, and the SNFABN was not signed at all. For resident R62, the facility did not provide the NOMNC or SNFABN forms, citing the absence of the previous Business Office Manager as the reason. The facility's administrator acknowledged the issues with beneficiary notices, attributing them to the transition in the business office management and communication problems between the business office and clinical staff. Despite requests, the facility did not provide their policy regarding beneficiary notices by the end of the survey.
Staffing Shortages Lead to Delayed Care and Unmet Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility was cited for failing to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by multiple observations, interviews, and record reviews. Residents and staff reported significant staffing shortages, particularly on weekends and during night shifts, leading to delays in care and unmet needs. Residents expressed concerns about long wait times for call light responses, assistance with getting out of bed, and receiving scheduled showers. These issues were corroborated by resident council meeting minutes, which documented ongoing staffing concerns over several months. Interviews with Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) and other staff members revealed that they were often assigned an excessive number of residents, making it difficult to provide adequate care. CNAs reported having to prioritize tasks and sometimes resorting to bed baths instead of showers due to time constraints. The staffing coordinator and Director of Nursing acknowledged the staffing challenges and efforts to recruit and retain staff, but the issues persisted, affecting the quality of care provided to residents. Specific residents, such as those with significant medical needs or cognitive impairments, were observed to be particularly affected by the staffing shortages. For instance, one resident with a wound VAC and cognitive impairment reported not receiving adequate assistance with personal hygiene, despite repeated requests. Another resident expressed frustration over delays in receiving pain medication and assistance with dressing. These deficiencies highlight the facility's failure to maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure timely and appropriate care for all residents.
Deficiencies in Resident Dignity and Personal Possessions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity and respect, as evidenced by multiple observations of staff not assisting a resident in a wheelchair and entering rooms without knocking or announcing themselves. One resident was observed struggling to propel themselves in a wheelchair due to engaged brakes, with several staff members passing by without offering assistance. Additionally, a CNA was seen entering and exiting resident rooms without knocking or wearing a name badge, which is against the facility's policy. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff should knock and announce themselves before entering rooms and wear name badges, but noted issues with temporary badges for new staff. The facility also failed to respect a resident's right to personal possessions. A resident expressed frustration over not being allowed to keep a plastic storage bin they had purchased, which was stored at the receptionist's desk. The facility's Administrator cited infection control concerns due to the bin not having wheels, despite similar bins being present in other rooms. The facility's policy states residents have the right to retain personal possessions unless it infringes on the rights or safety of others, but no specific safety concerns were identified in this case.
Failure to Accommodate Resident Needs and Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of several residents, leading to discomfort and frustration. Resident R170, who was 74 inches tall and weighed 241 pounds, was observed on multiple occasions with their feet hanging over the end of the bed, indicating that the bed was too short. Despite the resident's complaints of discomfort, there was no record of staff addressing the issue or communicating it to the administrative team. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the concern until it was brought to their attention during the survey. Additionally, residents R34, R76, and R89 were observed with their water cups placed out of reach, preventing them from hydrating independently. R34, who had severe cognitive impairment and was not ambulatory, had their water cup placed approximately six feet away. Similarly, R76 and R89 had their water cups placed out of reach, with R76 having no fluids available at the bedside at one point. The Unit Manager acknowledged that water should be within the residents' reach, but this was not consistently ensured.
Resident Health Information Privacy Breach
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the confidentiality of resident health information, as observed on 8/20/24. A piece of paper containing personal resident information, including room numbers, names, current weights, and types of scales used, was taped to the nursing station desk in a manner visible to anyone passing by. This breach of privacy affected five residents, identified as R119, R120, R121, R122, and R123, whose sensitive information was exposed. During an interview conducted on the same day, the unit manager, Nurse 'A', acknowledged the inappropriate display of resident information, stating it should not have been left in such a manner. The facility's policy on resident rights and responsibilities, dated 5/14/2024, clearly states that residents have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality of their personal and medical records. The failure to adhere to this policy resulted in a deficiency concerning the protection of resident privacy.
Failure to Obtain Physician Order and Monitor Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a physician order for the use of supplemental oxygen was obtained for a resident, identified as R42, who was receiving continuous oxygen therapy via nasal cannula from an oxygen concentrator with humidified air. Upon observation, it was noted that the humidifier attached to the oxygen concentrator was empty, and the resident reported having to remind staff to fill it, as their nose became dry and sore. Despite the resident's continuous use of oxygen since admission, there were no physician orders for oxygen use or monitoring of the resident's respiratory status documented in the clinical records. Interviews with nursing staff revealed a lack of awareness and responsibility for maintaining the humidifier's water level. Nurse 'K', assigned to R42, acknowledged not noticing the empty humidifier and admitted it should have been filled. The Unit Manager, Nurse 'L', confirmed the absence of orders for oxygen use and monitoring in the resident's records and stated that nurses were responsible for monitoring the humidification level. The facility's documentation for respiratory care did not address resident care but focused on staff fit testing and requirements.
Deficiencies in Dialysis Communication and Meal Provision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure consistent dialysis communication documentation and assessments for two residents, R94 and R270, who required hemodialysis. Both residents had been long-term residents with diagnoses including end-stage renal disease. The facility's care plan required the use of a dialysis communication form to communicate with the dialysis center, but a review of the electronic medical records (EMR) revealed a lack of recent communication forms. The last documented communication for R94 was approximately five months ago, and for R270, it was about seven months ago. Interviews with staff, including a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Unit Manager (UM), and Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed the absence of these forms in the EMR, indicating a lapse in the facility's communication process with the dialysis provider. Additionally, the facility failed to provide a meal for resident R269 before their hemodialysis appointment. R269, admitted for short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation, reported not having eaten since the previous night and expressed frustration over the situation. The resident's EMR included a physician order indicating nutritional risk, yet the nursing progress note only documented the resident's leave of absence to dialysis. An interview with the Registered Dietician (RD) revealed that bagged meals were prepared the night before and left in the kitchen fridge for nursing staff to distribute, but it was unclear why R269 did not receive their meal. The report highlights the facility's failure to maintain proper communication with the dialysis center and ensure residents received necessary meals before dialysis appointments. Despite the facility's policy requiring communication forms to be sent and reviewed, the absence of these forms in the EMR and the lack of a meal for R269 indicate significant lapses in the facility's processes. Interviews with various staff members, including the DON, confirmed awareness of these issues, but no additional information or corrective actions were provided before the survey exit.
Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label, store, and discard expired medications and biologicals, as observed in four out of seven medication carts. Specific issues included the presence of expired fish oil and [NAME] oil supplements, a COVID-19 test reagent stored with oral medications, and a bag of potato chips in a medication cart. Additionally, bleach disinfecting wipes were stored with oral medications, and a vial of Aplisol Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative was not stored at the required refrigerated temperature. Furthermore, insulin flex pens were found without open dates, and a transdermal lidocaine patch was left unattended on a medication cart. The report also noted that a Breo Ellipta inhaler and vials of albuterol inhalation solution were left on top of unattended medication carts. An orange round pill, identified as aspirin, was found on a trash shield of a medication cart, with the LPN unable to explain its presence. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that medications should not be left unattended, highlighting a lack of adherence to the facility's policy on medication storage and expiration dating.
Failure to Provide Menu Items as Listed on Meal Tickets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that menu items listed on meal tickets were provided to seven residents during meal services. Observations revealed that several residents did not receive the nutritional supplements, desserts, or beverages as indicated on their meal tickets. For instance, one resident was supposed to receive a nutritional juice supplement but did not receive it during the meal service. Another resident was to be provided a magic cup supplement, which was also not observed during the meal service. Additionally, a resident's meal ticket indicated a double dessert and a nutritional juice supplement, but they only received a single dessert and no juice. Further observations highlighted that residents were not provided with coffee or tea as indicated on their meal tickets. During breakfast service, it was noted that there were no coffee mugs or disposable foam cups available for serving hot beverages, resulting in residents not receiving their requested coffee or tea. Interviews with the dietician revealed that the dietary department was responsible for placing items on trays during the tray line, and Certified Nurse Aides were responsible for providing coffee and tea at the point of service. The facility's policy on food preferences did not address the responsibility to provide food and beverages per resident preferences.
Failure to Provide Adequate Hydration Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received fresh water and assistance with consuming fluids, which is essential for maintaining adequate hydration. Observations revealed that four residents had foam cups of water at their bedsides that were room temperature and lacked ice. The cups were dated with the previous night's shift time, indicating they had not been refreshed throughout the day. Additionally, the straws in the cups remained in their paper wrappers, suggesting that residents were not assisted in drinking the water provided. Interviews with the Unit Manager revealed that the midnight shift was responsible for providing the cups, and staff were expected to refresh them with ice and water throughout the day. However, the Unit Manager acknowledged the concern that the staff had not been fulfilling this responsibility, as evidenced by the room temperature water and the untouched straw wrappers. The facility's policy on oral hydration, revised in November 2021, states that it is the facility's policy to assist residents in maintaining adequate hydration, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Inconsistent Meal Service Times Lead to Resident Dissatisfaction
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure meals were served in a timely manner and in accordance with the scheduled mealtimes for residents, leading to late meals and resident dissatisfaction. On a specific day, the first lunch cart left the kitchen at 1:05 PM, and the last cart left at 1:55 PM, which was significantly later than the scheduled lunch time of 12:30 PM. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) explained that a call-in for the morning shift caused delays throughout the day. This issue was not isolated, as a confidential resident group meeting revealed that residents frequently experienced inconsistent meal times, with breakfast sometimes served as late as after 10 AM, depending on who was cooking in the kitchen. Individual interviews with residents and family members corroborated these findings, with reports of lunch being served between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM and dinner around 8:00 PM on multiple occasions. The CDM acknowledged the residents' concerns and attributed the delays to staffing challenges, particularly when there were call-offs for breakfast shifts. These delays in meal service were consistent across different meals and days, contributing to ongoing dissatisfaction among residents.
Infection Control Deficiencies in PPE and Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper infection control standards and practices, specifically in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene, which could potentially lead to the spread of infection among residents. On August 21, 2024, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN X) was observed administering medication without performing hand hygiene. The LPN donned gloves to administer eye drops but failed to change gloves and perform hand hygiene after picking up a resident's phone from the floor. The LPN acknowledged the oversight when prompted. Resident 15, who was admitted to the facility with severe cognitive impairment and a history of urinary tract infections, was observed receiving care from LPN F without the proper PPE as required by Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). LPN F manipulated the resident's suprapubic catheter without wearing a gown and did not perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure. Additionally, LPN F disposed of a urine-filled catheter bag improperly, carrying it through the facility without performing hand hygiene after removing gloves. Another resident, R172, was found to have a midline catheter and open wounds but was not placed on EBP upon admission. Despite having orders for IV antibiotics, there was no signage or PPE indicating EBP. The Unit Manager and Director of Nursing acknowledged that EBP should have been implemented upon admission, but the process was not followed. The facility's policy requires EBP for residents with wounds or indwelling medical devices, but this was not adhered to for R172.
Deficient Handrail Maintenance in Facility Hallways
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all corridor areas used by residents were equipped with safe and secure handrails. During observations conducted over two days, surveyors noted multiple sections of handrails and hard plastic corner caps/molding in the 100 and 200 hallways were broken, jagged, or missing, exposing sharp plastic and metal. Additionally, a handrail near the exit hallway closest to the kitchen was found to be pulled away and down from the wall. An interview with the Maintenance Director revealed that audits of the facility's handrails were not conducted regularly, with checks occurring infrequently. The Maintenance Director acknowledged awareness of some broken areas but was unaware of the specific issues identified during the survey. The facility uses an electronic system for staff to report maintenance issues, but it appears this system was not effectively utilized to address the handrail deficiencies.
Failure to Address Resident Grievances Regarding Catheter Supply
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to address grievances for a resident who expressed concerns about not receiving new, sterile urinary catheters, leading to the reuse of catheters and a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI). The resident reported experiencing pain, burning, and cloudy urine, indicative of a UTI, and had communicated these concerns to the facility staff. Despite the resident's complaints during a care conference and the nurse's documentation of the issue, there was no follow-up action taken, such as ordering a urinalysis or addressing the catheter supply issue. Interviews with the staff revealed a breakdown in communication and grievance handling. Nurse 'J' claimed to have informed the unit managers and left a note for the physician, but the Unit Manager 'E' was unaware of the resident's concerns. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the concerns should have been communicated and addressed promptly. The facility's policy on resident rights and grievance resolution was not followed, resulting in unresolved concerns for the resident.
Failure to Provide Adequate Personal Care and Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services consistent with the needs and choices of a resident, identified as R47, who was admitted with multiple medical conditions including hypertension, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and multiple myeloma. R47 underwent a debridement and partial calcanectomy of the left foot, requiring a Wound VAC and antibiotic treatment. Despite being care planned for a decline in ambulation and requiring substantial assistance, R47 reported not receiving adequate help from staff to get out of bed or maintain personal hygiene. Observations noted R47 in an unkempt state, wearing a food-stained gown, and expressing frustration over not receiving a bath or assistance to clean up, despite multiple requests. The report highlights discrepancies in documentation and communication among staff regarding R47's care. On one occasion, a CNA documented that R47 refused to get out of bed, which R47 disputed, stating they were finishing breakfast and requested assistance later. Further, the facility's shower/bathing task records showed inconsistent documentation, with a CNA marking both 'Yes' and 'No' for a bed bath, which R47 denied receiving. The Director of Nursing and other staff were informed of the situation, but R47 continued to report not being cleaned up, indicating a failure in the facility's care processes and documentation practices.
Failure to Provide Meal Assistance to Legally Blind Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary meal set-up and one-to-one feeding assistance for a resident who was legally blind and had severe cognitive impairment. Observations revealed that the resident was left to eat independently despite requiring assistance, as indicated on their meal ticket and care plan. The resident was seen struggling to consume meals, using their fingers to eat, and spilling food on themselves and their surroundings. Interviews with the resident's roommate and family confirmed that staff did not regularly assist the resident with eating, and the family had to adjust their visits to help during meal times. The resident's clinical record showed a history of dysphagia, stroke, falls, and legal blindness, with a care plan specifying the need for one-to-one assistance with meals. Despite these documented needs, staff, including a CNA, failed to provide the required assistance during multiple meal observations. The facility's Director of Nursing acknowledged that assistance should have been provided, but a policy on one-to-one feeding assistance was not made available during the survey.
Deficiencies in Pressure Ulcer Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide consistent monitoring and assessment of changes in skin condition and implement pressure-relieving interventions for two residents, leading to deficiencies in pressure ulcer management. One resident, admitted with multiple health conditions including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, had a wound VAC applied to their left foot. Despite being care planned for a decline in ambulation and requiring assistance, the resident reported being left in bed and developed sores on their lower back and buttock area. A skin assessment identified non-blanchable redness, but no further monitoring or evaluation was documented, resulting in the development of stage 2 pressure ulcers. Another resident, with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including vascular dementia and seizures, was observed without heel protectors despite being at risk for pressure ulcers. The resident's care plan included the use of soft heel protector boots, but these were not implemented. Staff members, including a CNA and a unit manager, were unaware of the intervention, and the heel protectors were found unused in the medication room. The facility's failure to adhere to its skin management policy, which mandates the identification, evaluation, and treatment of residents at risk for skin compromise, contributed to the development and worsening of pressure ulcers in these residents. The lack of documentation and implementation of care plan interventions highlights a significant oversight in the facility's pressure ulcer management practices.
Failure to Provide Proper Catheter Care and Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper assessment, monitoring, and provision of supplies for two residents using urinary catheters, leading to potential urinary tract infections. One resident, who self-catheterizes due to paraplegia, reported reusing catheters because the facility did not regularly supply new, sterile ones. Despite the resident's complaints of pain and discharge, indicating a possible urinary tract infection, no catheter kits were observed in their room. The facility had catheter kits in stock, but the resident was not provided with them, and staff were unaware of the resident's concerns. Another resident, managed under hospice care with a history of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, was observed with cloudy, white milky sediment in their catheter tubing over several days. Despite the care plan's directive to report signs of urinary tract infection, there was no documentation of physician notification regarding the abnormal urine observations. The resident's urine was noted to be dark amber, suggesting dehydration, but the facility failed to act on these observations.
Failure to Monitor Resident's Weight Consistently
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently monitor the weight of a long-term resident, identified as R29, who was at risk for nutritional deficiencies due to multiple health conditions including seizures, hemiplegia, diabetes, dysphagia, and chronic pain. R29 exhibited significant weight fluctuations over several months, with variations ranging from a loss of 19 pounds to a gain of 9 pounds. Despite these fluctuations, there was no timely follow-up or re-weighing to ensure the accuracy of the recorded weights. The facility's Registered Dietician (RD) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) did not address these variations promptly, and there was no updated plan to monitor R29's weight more frequently. Observations revealed that R29 did not consume their breakfast, which was consistent with their mechanical soft diet, and reported not being hungry. The dietary progress notes indicated a significant weight loss over 180 days, but there was no updated intervention plan. The RD's notes highlighted concerns about the accuracy of the weights and the lack of timely follow-up, yet no corrective actions were taken. The facility's process for ensuring weight accuracy was questioned, and the RD admitted to being aware of the weight fluctuations but did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the lack of frequent monitoring. Interviews with the RD and the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed a lack of coordination and timely response to R29's weight issues. The RD mentioned that any weight variation of 5 pounds should trigger a re-weight, but this was not consistently followed. The DON acknowledged the concerns but did not provide evidence of a systematic approach to address the significant weight loss and ensure accurate monitoring. The facility's weight monitoring policy was requested but not provided before the survey exit, indicating a potential gap in procedural adherence.
Failure to Provide Timely Laboratory Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely laboratory services for two residents, leading to deficiencies in care. One resident, who had a physician's order for routine valproic acid level checks every six months, did not have the required lab tests completed in June 2024. Despite the presence of a physician's order dated December 2023, the lab results were not found in the resident's clinical record, and the facility staff, including an LPN and a Unit Manager, confirmed the oversight. The Unit Manager later reported that the lab order was not completed and took steps to contact the physician for an immediate order. Another resident, who experienced symptoms indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), did not have a urinalysis ordered or conducted in a timely manner. The resident reported reusing urinary catheters due to a lack of new supplies, which they believed led to a UTI. Despite the resident's complaints of pain and symptoms, and a progress note by a nurse indicating the need for a urinalysis, no order was found in the resident's records. The Unit Manager and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the communication breakdown and the failure to notify the physician for necessary lab orders.
Failure to Coordinate MRI Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate and obtain radiology services for a resident, identified as R42, who required an MRI for their left thigh as per their cancer doctor's recommendation. The resident, who had a history of malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of the left lower limb, expressed concerns about the delay in scheduling the MRI, which was ordered to be scheduled within 48 hours. Despite the active order for the MRI being in place since July, there was no documentation indicating that the MRI had been scheduled or completed by the time of the survey. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and Staff 'W', who was responsible for scheduling, revealed a lack of follow-up and documentation regarding the MRI appointment. Staff 'W' admitted to waiting for a call back from the hospital but failed to document the date of the initial call or any subsequent follow-up actions. The facility's policy on coordination with outside providers did not address radiology services, contributing to the oversight. The only documented appointment for the resident was with a cardiologist, indicating a lapse in the facility's process for ensuring timely diagnostic services.
Staffing Shortages Impact Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient staffing to meet the needs of residents, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and record reviews. Two residents, identified as R303 and R304, reported inadequate care due to staffing shortages. R303 expressed that they did not receive regular showers and were unable to have their facial hair shaved due to aides being rushed. R304 reported long wait times for call light responses and having to sit in urine for extended periods, which affected the healing of a wound. Both residents attributed these issues to the facility being short-staffed. Interviews with staff members, including CNAs and the staffing personnel (SP A), revealed that the facility did not adjust staffing levels based on resident census or acuity, instead following standard numbers. SP A confirmed that staffing numbers remained constant regardless of changes in resident needs. CNAs reported being overworked and unable to complete all care tasks, such as providing showers, due to insufficient staffing. The facility had 12 open aide positions, indicating a significant staffing gap. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the staffing concerns and stated efforts were ongoing to improve and retain staff.
Resident Abandoned at Chemotherapy Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident's right to be free from neglect, resulting in the resident being abandoned at a chemotherapy appointment. The resident, who had diagnoses including malignant neoplasm of the breast and cerebrovascular disease, was left waiting for approximately five hours without transportation, shelter, or medical care. The resident had to rely on family members to pick them up and was forced to stay in a motel overnight before being able to go to the hospital for medical care. This incident occurred because the facility canceled the return transportation and discharged the resident while they were at their chemotherapy appointment, without proper communication or arrangements for their return or further care. The resident reported that after their chemotherapy appointment, they called the transportation company, which informed them that there was no order to pick them up. When the resident contacted the facility, they were told by a nurse that they had been discharged and could not return. The resident's belongings were still in their room, and the nurse suggested that someone could come to pick them up later. The resident's family had to intervene, with the resident's niece eventually picking them up around 10 PM and taking them to a motel for the night. The resident experienced severe pain and incontinence during the night and had to go to the emergency room the next morning. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of communication and coordination regarding the resident's transportation and discharge. Nurse B, who was involved in the incident, admitted to canceling the return transportation and calling the physician to send the resident to the hospital due to the resident's aggressive behavior and pain. However, Nurse B was unaware of the resident's chemotherapy appointment and did not review the facility's communication dashboard. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator were also involved but failed to ensure the resident's safe return and proper care. The facility's actions left the resident without necessary medical assistance and supervision, resulting in significant distress and harm to the resident.
Removal Plan
- Resident # 611 is scheduled to return. The Administrator has been suspended pending investigation.
- The facility currently has 104 residents residing in the facility, the administrative nurses reviewed residents with scheduled appointments to ensure transportation was set/confirmed to ensure residents are returned back to the facility. In addition, newly admitted residents or readmitted residents, will be reviewed M-F during the clinical meetings; to ensure residents who requires transportation to scheduled appointments are set/confirmed to ensure residents are being returned back to the facility safely. As well as, communicated on the dashboard.
- The License Professional Nurses education began and they were re-educated on the facility's Routine Resident Care Policy, Medication Administration Policy, and the Standard of Nursing Practice Policy to residents' needs are met. There are 44 Licensed Nurses who will be in-serviced on Routine Resident care Policy, Medication Administration Policy and Standards of Nursing Practice Policy. 40 nurses have been in-serviced and in-servicing continues. This will be on-going until all licensed nurses have been re-educated. The remaining nurses will receive education on the above policies on or before their next scheduled day.
- The Certified Nursing Assistances (CNA/CENA) education began and they were re-educated on the facility's Routine Resident Care Policy to ensure residents' needs are met. There are 46 CENA'S who will be in-serviced on the Routine Resident Care Policy. 38 CENA'S have been in-serviced and in-servicing continues. This will be on-going until all licensed nurses have been re-educated. The remaining CENA'S will receive education on the above policies on or before their next scheduled day.
- Scheduler, Receptionist, and Central Supply was educated on residents who have scheduled appointments will ensure transportation is set/confirmed to ensure residents are returned back to the facility.
- The DON/Admin Nurses reviewed the appointment book to ensure upcoming scheduled appointments, were confirmed for pick-up and return trip to the facility.
- Any areas of concern will be addressed. Finding will be taken to the monthly QAPI (quality assurance process improvement) meeting for further review and recommendations. The DON is responsible obtaining and maintaining compliance.
- DON will sustain and maintain compliance.
Failure to Ensure Proper Background Checks for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two of six staff members reviewed for criminal background checks were properly screened for eligibility to work in a nursing home. This failure was identified during a survey on 5/22/24. The facility was asked to provide personnel files, including background checks, for six employees. While the facility provided most of the requested documentation, it failed to provide completed background checks for two nurses, Nurse B and Nurse H. Nurse H's file was missing education, training, and a background check with fingerprint results. Nurse B's background check was only completed on the day of the request, and Nurse H's background check was outdated. Both nurses were allowed to work without the necessary background clearance, and Nurse B did not sign a conditional letter of employment pending the results of the fingerprint check. The Director of Nursing and Human Resources confirmed that staff should not work without a completed background check clearance. Despite multiple requests for additional documentation and explanations, the facility was unable to provide the necessary background clearances and hire dates for Nurse B and Nurse H. This oversight resulted in the potential for abuse or neglect to occur, affecting all residents in the facility. The facility's failure to ensure proper background checks for these employees was confirmed by the administration and corporate staff, who acknowledged that the staff should have had completed background checks before working their shifts. No further information was received by the exit of the survey.
Failure to Notify Guardian of Significant Changes in Resident's Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's guardian of significant changes in the resident's condition. Specifically, the resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required assistance with activities of daily living, had their percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube removed. There was no documentation of how or when the PEG tube was removed, who removed it, or that the resident's guardian was notified of the removal. Additionally, the resident was started on hypodermoclysis for fluid administration without the guardian's notification or consent. The Director of Nursing (DON) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) confirmed that the guardian should have been notified but admitted that no such notification was made or documented. The resident's medical history included diabetes, depression, and stroke, and they were admitted to the facility with these diagnoses. The facility's policy on Notification of Change, which requires informing the resident, consulting with the resident's practitioner, and notifying the resident's representative of significant changes in status, was not followed. The failure to notify the guardian of the PEG tube removal and the initiation of hypodermoclysis represents a significant lapse in communication and adherence to the facility's policies.
Failure to Document and Address Resident Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to document and address grievances raised by a resident's family member, resulting in verbalized complaints and frustration. The family member reported concerns about the resident being left wet and soiled for five hours and not being placed back into bed, but no follow-up was conducted by the facility administration. The Social Work Director acknowledged receiving the complaint and verbally communicated it to the Director of Nursing, who left the facility shortly afterward. However, the complaint was not documented as required by the facility's grievance policy. The resident's medical record indicated that they had intact cognition and required partial assistance with personal hygiene. Despite the family member's efforts to communicate their concerns, no grievance or concern forms were completed, and no investigation was conducted. The facility's compliance program mandates that all concerns be documented and investigated promptly, but this procedure was not followed in this case. The lack of documentation and follow-up led to unresolved grievances and frustration for the resident's family.
Failure to Accurately Complete Assessments for Resident with Blood Clot
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately complete assessments for a resident (R703) who developed intense pain from a blood clot requiring hospitalization. R703, who was admitted for rehabilitation from back surgery, reported severe pain, swelling, and a warm sensation in the left leg during the early hours of 01/17/24. Despite pressing the call light and requesting help, the nurse only provided pain medication and did not assess the leg or call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as requested by R703. The nurse indicated that the doctor would assess the leg in the morning, but R703 insisted on being taken to the hospital, where they were diagnosed with a blood clot requiring surgery to remove it. A review of the clinical records revealed that the medication administration record (MAR) documented the pain medication as ineffective, and the Situation, Background, Appearance, and Review (SBAR) Evaluation form was incomplete, lacking specific details about R703's leg pain and assessment. There was no further documentation of assessments, progress notes, or communication between the nurse, physician, and EMS transfer. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that nursing should have assessed for a possible blood clot given the symptoms. Hospital records indicated that R703 arrived at the Emergency Department with severe pain and swelling in the left leg, which was diagnosed as an extensive blood clot requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Latest citations in Michigan
The facility failed to implement its abuse prohibition policy and to ensure immediate reporting of suspected abuse, misappropriation, and injury of unknown origin. A resident with dementia and insomnia reported receiving diphenhydramine for several weeks from a nurse despite having only a one-time order, while an LPN and the supply clerk observed missing diphenhydramine stock and expressed concern it was being given without orders but did not report this to the administrator. Another cognitively intact resident with anxiety reported that two video games were missing and believed they were stolen, but the allegation was only shared with an unidentified staff member and was never reported to the administrator or state agency. In a separate case, a severely cognitively impaired resident was found with a large right forearm bruise of unknown origin that was first noted on a prior shift, not immediately reported to leadership, and subsequently reported to the state agency outside the required 2-hour timeframe.
The facility failed to timely and accurately report multiple allegations of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment to the State Agency. In one case, a resident with dementia and a history of falls sustained a hip fracture after being struck by a medication cart; a CNA who witnessed the event reported to administration that an LPN had pushed the cart recklessly, but her concerns were not investigated or reported as potential mistreatment. In another case, a resident with dementia and insomnia reported receiving diphenhydramine for sleep from a male nurse despite having only a one-time order, and an LPN reported concerns that a nurse was giving diphenhydramine without orders after finding opened bottles in the memory care medication room, yet this allegation was not reported. In a third case, a cognitively impaired resident alleged that a night-shift nurse grabbed and twisted her arm during incontinence care, with a bruise observed by an LPN; although the administrator was notified that morning, the incident was reported to the state more than two hours after the allegation and with an inaccurately late discovery time documented in the reporting system.
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate two separate allegations of potential abuse and mistreatment. In one case, a resident with dementia and a known fall risk sustained a hip fracture after contact with a medication cart; documentation and multiple staff interviews conflicted about who witnessed the event and whether the cart struck the resident, yet the administrator relied primarily on an LPN’s account, conducted only a brief inquiry, and did not interview all identified witnesses. In the second case, a resident with vascular dementia reported receiving diphenhydramine for sleep from a male nurse despite having no order, and an LPN described finding opened and replaced bottles of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room and statements suggesting it was being used to make residents sleep, but the facility’s investigation did not include interviewing this LPN and no incident report was submitted to the state agency.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, bowel and bladder incontinence, and identified risks for falls and impaired skin integrity requested a brief change via call light. An activity assistant answered, turned off the call light, and left without providing care or notifying nursing staff. For over 30 minutes no staff returned, and when a CNA later entered only to deliver a meal tray, the resident was found with a soiled brief, visibly soiled linens, and dried stool on the buttocks, appearing distressed and repeatedly calling out about her diaper. The CNA, who had not been informed of the earlier request, then provided incontinence care. These events occurred despite facility policies requiring timely incontinence care and that call lights remain on until the resident’s request is met.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and profound hearing loss had care plans directing staff to use calm, individualized communication and behavioral approaches, allow time, avoid rushing, and re-approach when she became combative or refused care. Over the course of a night, multiple CNAs reported that she repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when approached, leading them to back off and re-approach later. Despite this history and the care plan guidance, an LPN and CNA later entered her room while she was half-asleep, pulled back her covers, and proceeded to change her wet brief as she tried to hit and kick; the LPN held her hands/arms while the CNA completed the change. The next day, staff observed that the resident was frightened, reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and noted bruising on her forearm. These actions did not follow the resident’s behavior management and communication interventions and resulted in agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of combative behavior repeatedly refused incontinence care and became physically aggressive when staff attempted to change a saturated brief. An LPN briefly held the resident’s arms to prevent being struck while a CNA completed the brief change, after which the resident allowed care. The next day, the resident reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and an LPN observed bruising and fear but did not document these findings. Neither the pattern of care refusals and combativeness nor the subsequent bruising and related complaint were recorded in the EMR, despite facility policies requiring documentation of such behaviors and events, resulting in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record.
Two residents experienced development and worsening of coccyx and heel pressure ulcers due to the facility’s failure to implement and document ordered preventive and treatment interventions. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and mobility dependence had MASD, a non-blanchable heel, and orders for Triad paste and heel boots that were never documented as applied, no pressure-reducing surfaces or turning program on the MDS, and no skin notes for several days until an LPN discovered an undocumented coccyx ulcer under a foam dressing; later wound assessment showed an unstageable coccyx ulcer and a heel DTI acquired in the facility. Another resident admitted with a small coccyx open area and DVT had an order for barrier cream and a skin risk care plan, but there was no documentation of barrier cream use, the care plan was not updated when a stage 2 ulcer was identified, and multiple subsequent wound treatment orders (Triad paste, oil emulsion/alginate, Manuka Honey, Santyl, Dakin’s) were administered less frequently than prescribed, with delayed initial wound assessment and progression to a larger stage 3 coccyx ulcer requiring hospital transfer. The facility’s own wound and skin management policy requiring routine preventive care, daily CNA skin checks, and nurse skin assessments on bath days was not consistently followed as evidenced by missing documentation and treatment gaps.
Multiple cognitively impaired, high fall-risk residents experienced recurrent falls and serious injuries when staff failed to provide adequate supervision, safe transfers, and proper equipment use. One resident with dementia and prior hip fracture had several unwitnessed falls in the bedroom and near the nurses’ station, with investigations limited to adding non-skid strips, a fall mat, and low bed positioning rather than addressing recent illness, weakness, or sedation, and some interventions were not added to the care plan. Another resident with dementia, stroke, AFIB, and frequent falls, assessed by hospital PT as needing two-person assist, was care planned for only one-person contact guard and was repeatedly observed ambulating independently with an unsteady gait while staff did not assist or redirect; falls with head trauma and intracranial hemorrhage occurred, and staff held inconsistent understandings of required assistance and were not consistently interviewed after the events. Additional residents were pushed in wheelchairs without footrests, causing their feet to drag, despite available footrests and facility expectations, and one severely cognitively impaired resident’s fall investigation and care plan update regarding bed height were delayed and documented after discharge, with incomplete root-cause analysis.
A resident with morbid obesity, moderate cognitive impairment, and dependence on staff for toileting hygiene fell from a bariatric bed during incontinence care when staff did not ensure the resident was centered in the bed or adequately supervised while turning. The resident reported being instructed to cross one leg over the other and turn, then sliding off the bed when they flung their leg over, with only one staff member actively changing them. Facility records and CNA interviews showed the resident was close to the bed’s edge, staff positioning was inadequate, and required witness statements were not obtained in accordance with the facility’s fall reduction policy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was transferred to a hospital in the afternoon for behavioral symptoms, as documented in nursing progress and discharge notes. However, the March MAR shows that an LPN documented administration of bedtime doses of magnesium oxide, metoprolol tartrate, and Seroquel later that evening, within the facility’s established bedtime medication window, even though the resident was no longer in the building. The DON confirmed the discrepancy between the transfer documentation and the recorded medication administration, indicating that medications were charted as given after the resident had been discharged.
Failure to Implement Abuse Policy and Immediately Report Suspected Abuse, Misappropriation, and Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure staff implemented the abuse prohibition policy and procedures, resulting in multiple incidents of potential abuse, neglect, and misappropriation not being reported immediately to the abuse coordinator/administrator. For one resident with vascular dementia and insomnia, the record showed only a single one-time order for diphenhydramine 25 mg (two tablets) by mouth, with no ongoing order. Despite this, the resident reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognitive skills. The resident stated he did not want any more of the medication because he did not want his memory to worsen. Staff interviews further described concerns that diphenhydramine was being administered without a physician’s order and that these concerns were not reported as required. One LPN reported she was concerned another LPN was giving residents in the memory care unit diphenhydramine without orders, after a male resident repeatedly requested the medication and stated that “the other nurse” gave it to him. The same LPN found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room, noted that a significant amount was missing while no residents on that unit had orders for it, and reported that the other LPN had commented, “We’ll be ok tonight. I made sure everyone is going to sleep tonight.” She removed the open bottle, but a new bottle appeared the following night. She then instructed the supply clerk to stop stocking diphenhydramine in that medication room due to her concern that it was being given without orders. Neither the LPN nor the supply clerk reported these concerns to the administrator, despite the facility’s abuse policy requiring immediate reporting of suspected abuse or adverse events. The deficiency also includes failure to report an allegation of misappropriation of resident property and failure to immediately report an injury of unknown origin. A cognitively intact resident with generalized anxiety disorder reported that two video games valued at $160 were missing and believed they had been stolen. He stated he told an unidentified staff member, who responded that the games were not on his inventory list and would not be replaced. The resident did not report the issue to the administrator because he believed nothing could be done, and the administrator later confirmed that staff had never informed him of this allegation and that it was never reported to the state agency or investigated. In a separate incident, a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder was found to have a large bruise of unknown origin on the right forearm, extending from the wrist to the top of the forearm and covering most of the dorsal surface. The former DON learned of the bruise only after seeing it documented in CNA alert charting the day after it was first identified, and an incident report indicated the bruise was first noted on night shift the previous day. The CNA reported that she was told about the bruise by off‑going staff the following morning and then alerted the DON. The provider documented a new right dorsal forearm bruise of unknown mechanism, and the facility-reported incident was not submitted to the state agency within the required 2-hour timeframe, despite the facility’s policy requiring immediate reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, misappropriation, and adverse events.
Failure to Timely and Accurately Report Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Mistreatment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to timely and accurately report allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment to the State Agency for three residents. For one resident with dementia and a history of falls, staff documentation showed that a nurse pushing a medication cart collided with the resident, causing a fall and an acute right femoral neck fracture. A post-fall evaluation identified environmental factors, specifically that a cart pushed in the hall tripped the resident, and listed a CNA as a witness who later denied being present. Another CNA, who was not listed as a witness, reported she actually witnessed the event and described the nurse rapidly approaching from behind with the cart, appearing not to have control of it, and striking the back of the resident’s leg, causing the fall. This CNA stated she promptly called and texted the administrator and later spoke with the administrator and former DON, telling them she believed the resident was injured due to the nurse’s reckless actions, but she was never interviewed and her concerns were disregarded. The administrator reported he understood the event as the resident being startled and backing into the cart, did not view it as concerning, and did not report or further investigate the situation as potential mistreatment. No facility-reported incident related to this event was found in the State Agency database. The second component of the deficiency concerns an allegation that a nurse was giving diphenhydramine to residents on a memory care unit without physician orders. A resident with vascular dementia and insomnia reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognition. Review of physician orders showed only a one-time order for diphenhydramine for this resident, with no ongoing orders. Another LPN reported she was concerned that a male LPN was giving residents diphenhydramine without orders after a male resident repeatedly requested it and stated another nurse gave it to him, and after she found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room with no corresponding resident orders. She also reported that the male LPN had commented that he had made sure everyone would sleep that night. She removed the open bottle and later found a new bottle stocked, then asked the supply clerk to stop stocking it, but did not report her concerns to the administrator because she felt she lacked proof. The administrator later acknowledged awareness of a general concern about diphenhydramine in the medication room but denied being told that a specific nurse was allegedly using it to make residents sleep, and the State Agency database showed no facility-reported incident for this allegation at the time of review. The third component involves an allegation of staff-to-resident abuse that was not reported to the State Agency within the required two-hour timeframe and was inaccurately documented as to the time of discovery. A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple chronic conditions, and a history of falls and anxiety told her assigned LPN early in the morning that a night-shift nurse had grabbed and twisted her arm while a CNA provided incontinence care, despite her saying she was not wet. The LPN observed a bruise on the resident’s left arm, described the resident as frightened and not usually afraid, and reported that she notified the administrator immediately by phone and was instructed to monitor the bruise while the administrator would report the allegation and handle the investigation. An incident report documented the resident’s allegation, the observed bruise, and stated that nursing immediately reported to the administrator and that a report was filed with the state. However, the MI-FRI system showed the incident was submitted later that morning, more than two hours after the allegation was made, and recorded the discovery time as significantly later than when the LPN stated she first learned of it. The administrator confirmed he was notified of the allegation that morning, acknowledged that abuse allegations should be reported within two hours, and stated there were issues with the reporting system but could not provide a record of when he first attempted to submit the report.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Potential Abuse and Misuse of Medication
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to identify and thoroughly investigate potential abuse in two separate situations involving two residents. For the first resident, who had dementia with anxiety and was care planned as being at risk for fall-related injury due to poor safety awareness, the resident sustained a right femoral neck fracture after contact with a medication cart. Facility documentation in the fall report and post-fall evaluation stated that a nurse pushing a medication cart collided with the resident, that the fall was witnessed, and that the cart pushed in the hall tripped the resident. The post-fall evaluation listed a CNA as a staff/witness present and a laundry aide as the primary assistant interviewed for the three hours prior to the fall, and identified environmental factors as the root cause. However, interviews revealed discrepancies and incomplete investigation. The CNA listed as a witness reported she was not present at the time of the fall and only saw the resident later that evening, contradicting the post-fall documentation. The laundry aide reported she was in the hallway at the time of the fall, saw the resident walking next to a CNA, and observed the LPN, the medication cart, and the CNA all together when the resident fell, but stated she did not know if the cart hit the resident and that she was never interviewed by the administrator about what she saw. A former CNA reported she directly witnessed the fall, describing that she was pushing another resident in a wheelchair while the injured resident walked beside her, and that an LPN approached rapidly from behind with the medication cart, appeared not to have control of it, and that the cart struck the back of the resident’s leg, causing the fall. This CNA also reported she had told the administrator and DON by phone that she believed the resident was injured due to the LPN’s reckless actions, but that her concerns were disregarded and she was never interviewed. The LPN involved stated that both she and the resident were in motion and that the resident backed into the cart, causing loss of balance and a fall, and confirmed the resident’s hip fracture. The administrator’s written summary reflected only the LPN’s account, characterizing the event as an accident and documenting that the resident backed up and clipped the corner of the cart. In interview, the administrator described his investigation as brief, stated that when an LPN calls and tells him exactly what happened there was little need for further investigation, and could not confirm speaking to other witnesses such as the laundry aide. He acknowledged that the CNA had mentioned a concern that the nurse may not have accurately reported what happened but did not elaborate or explore whether any earlier interaction might have contributed to the incident. These actions and omissions demonstrate that the facility did not conduct a thorough investigation into a potential abuse or mistreatment situation involving a fall with major injury. The second situation involved an allegation of improper administration of diphenhydramine to residents without physician orders. One resident with vascular dementia, moderate cognitive impairment, and a history of insomnia reported that a male nurse had been giving him diphenhydramine for at least a few weeks to help him sleep, and that another nurse later told him the medication was not recommended for people with dementia because it could worsen cognitive skills. The resident stated he had used the medication nightly before admission but now did not want anything that could make his memory worse. A nurse practitioner confirmed that none of the residents on the memory care unit had orders for diphenhydramine and that its use in dementia patients increased fall risk and had a sedating effect. An LPN reported concerns that another LPN was giving residents diphenhydramine without physician orders. She stated that a male resident repeatedly requested the medication and told her that another nurse gave it to him, and that she found an opened bottle of diphenhydramine in the memory care medication room with a significant amount missing despite no residents having orders for it. She also reported that the other LPN told her he had made sure everyone was going to sleep that night, and that after she removed the open bottle, a new bottle appeared the following night. She did not report this to the administrator at the time because she felt she lacked proof. The administrator later stated he was aware of an allegation of misuse of diphenhydramine and that an investigation was underway, but the soft file showed only 9 of 27 licensed nurses had been interviewed and there was no record that this LPN, who had direct knowledge of the concern, was interviewed. The administrator stated that the LPN had expressed only general concerns about finding diphenhydramine in the medication room and denied that she had reported an allegation that another nurse was giving it to residents without orders to make them sleep. Review of the state agency’s facility-reported incidents database showed that no investigation related to the accusation of a nurse giving residents diphenhydramine without an order had been submitted. These facts show the facility did not fully identify, investigate, and report an allegation of potential abuse and misuse of medication as required by its abuse prohibition policy.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care and Proper Call Light Response
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide timely incontinence care and to appropriately respond to a resident’s call light request. The resident was a female with multiple diagnoses including heart failure, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss, and had a BIMS score of 5 indicating severe cognitive impairment. Her MDS indicated she was frequently incontinent of urine and always incontinent of bowel, and her care plans identified risks for falls and impaired skin integrity, with interventions to remind her to use the call light and to complete hygiene care expeditiously. On the survey date at 11:02 AM, the resident was observed in bed with her call light activated. An activity assistant responded, and the resident requested a brief change. The assistant turned off the call light without providing care and left to find nursing staff, but did not locate anyone or communicate the resident’s request. At 11:32 AM, the resident was still in bed and no staff had returned to provide the requested brief change, 30 minutes after the call light had been answered and deactivated. The activity assistant later confirmed she had not yet found staff or informed nursing of the resident’s need. At 11:44 AM, a CNA entered only to deliver the lunch tray and was not aware of the earlier request. At that time, the resident removed a soiled brief and threw it on the floor; she was incontinent of bowel, with visibly soiled linens and dried bowel movement on both buttocks that required additional soaking and washing to remove. The resident appeared distressed, moved frequently in bed, repeatedly said “diaper,” and stated that her “butt hurts,” and became agitated and aggressive during care. The interim DON stated that staff should leave the call light on if the need cannot be immediately addressed. Facility policies on routine resident care and call lights required timely incontinence care and that call lights remain on until the resident’s request is met, which was not followed in this incident.
Failure to Honor Dementia Resident’s Refusal and Use Individualized Behavior Approaches During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide care that maintained the highest practicable physical and mental well-being for a resident with dementia, cognitive deficits, and behavioral symptoms. The resident was an elderly female with multiple diagnoses including heart failure, insomnia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss. Her MDS showed a BIMS score of 5, indicating severe cognitive impairment. Her care plans identified impaired communication related to hearing loss, impaired cognition related to dementia, and potential for mood fluctuations related to bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, and dementia. The care plans directed staff to use specific communication techniques, allow adequate time to respond, avoid rushing, use simple words and cues, limit choices, use task segmentation, and approach her in a calm, quiet manner with appropriate body language. In the period leading up to the incident, multiple CNAs reported that the resident had a history of being combative and resistant to incontinence care, sometimes attempting to hit, kick, or swing at staff when approached. Staff who were familiar with her reported that when she refused care or became combative, they would give her space, re-approach later, or have a different caregiver attempt care, and that her reactions were influenced by how staff approached her. On the evening and night in question, CNAs reported that the resident repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when they attempted to change her brief. One CNA stated that she informed the oncoming shift CNA and an LPN that the resident had refused care and that her brief had not been changed during the evening due to these refusals. That CNA reported that the LPN stated the resident had to be changed regardless of whether she wanted to be. Later during the night shift, an LPN and a CNA entered the resident’s room around 3:00 AM to attempt incontinence care. The LPN reported that the resident was “half-asleep” when they began to change her wet brief. According to the CNA, when the LPN pulled back the covers, the resident began trying to hit and kick. The LPN held the resident’s hands or arms to prevent being struck while the CNA changed the resident’s wet brief. The CNA reported that after a few moments the resident stopped resisting and allowed the care to be completed. Subsequently, the day-shift LPN observed that the resident was frightened, reported that a male staff member had grabbed her arm, and noted a bruise on the resident’s left arm. Another CNA later observed oval-shaped bruising on one of the resident’s forearms. Staff interviews and the facility’s behavior management policy emphasized that behaviors should be recognized as communication, that causes and triggers such as fatigue and sensory deficits should be considered, and that individualized, non-pharmacological interventions and behavior management strategies should be used. Despite existing care plan interventions and policy expectations, staff proceeded with incontinence care while the resident was half-asleep and actively resisting, and the LPN physically held her arms, leading to the resident’s agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising. The facility’s behavior management policy stated that behaviors are a form of communication and that staff should attempt to identify causes and triggers, including fatigue, lack of sleep, and sensory deficits such as hearing loss. The policy also required the IDT to implement care plans with specific non-pharmacological interventions and behavior management strategies for residents with dementia or mental illness. In this case, the resident’s known history of combative behavior, her severe cognitive impairment, profound hearing loss, and the time of night were all relevant factors. Nonetheless, staff actions during the incident did not align with the care plan directives to avoid rushing, to use calm approaches, and to re-approach later when the resident was resistant. Instead, the decision to proceed with incontinence care while the resident was half-asleep and combative, and to physically hold her arms, directly contributed to the resident’s distress and the observed bruising on her arm. The deficiency is further supported by staff accounts that the resident’s behaviors could often be managed by giving her space, re-approaching at a later time, or using different caregivers, and that she was not good at communicating her needs vocally and had impaired hearing. The day-shift LPN described the resident as usually not afraid, but on this occasion she was frightened and requested that the LPN not allow the male nurse into her room, stating he had grabbed her arm. The assistant director of nursing and social worker both acknowledged the resident’s history of combative behaviors and resistance to care, and that these behaviors were related to her mental health diagnoses and dementia. The combination of proceeding with care despite active resistance, failing to fully utilize the individualized behavioral and communication strategies in the care plan, and physically restraining the resident’s arms during care constituted the failure to provide appropriate treatment and services to a resident with dementia, resulting in agitation, distress, resistance to care, and bruising.
Failure to Document Resident Care Refusals, Combative Behaviors, and Resulting Bruising
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a complete and accurate medical record for one resident with significant cognitive and behavioral issues. The resident was an elderly female with diagnoses including heart failure, insomnia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, obstructive lung disease, arthritis, a history of falls, and hearing loss. An MDS assessment showed a BIMS score of 5/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. On the night in question, a CNA reported that the resident repeatedly refused incontinence care and became combative when staff attempted to change her brief, which had not been changed since around dinner time the prior evening due to her refusals and combative behavior. During the early morning hours, the CNA and an LPN entered the resident’s room to again attempt incontinence care. According to the CNA, when the LPN pulled back the covers, the resident tried to hit and kick. The LPN held the resident’s hands so staff would not be struck while the CNA changed the resident’s wet brief. After a short time, the resident stopped resisting and allowed care to be completed. The LPN later confirmed that he had been notified by CNAs that the resident was combative and refusing care, that he went to assist with incontinence care, that the resident was “half-asleep” when they began, and that he held her hands/arms briefly to prevent being hit. He acknowledged that he did not document the pattern of incontinence care refusals or the combative behaviors in the electronic medical record. The following day, the resident told her assigned day-shift LPN not to let the male LPN into her room because he had grabbed her arm. The day-shift LPN observed a bruise on the resident’s left arm and described the resident as frightened and not usually afraid. She reported that the administrator directed her to monitor the bruise, but she did not document the bruise or her observations because she was unsure what the administrator wanted her to do. The unit manager, ADON, and social worker all reported that the resident had a history of combative behaviors and resistance to care, and they each stated that refusals of care and combative behaviors should be documented by CNAs and nursing staff in the electronic medical record. Review of the resident’s progress notes showed no documentation of care refusals or combativeness on the relevant dates, despite facility policies requiring complete documentation of behaviors, refusals, and deviations from standard care. This lack of documentation resulted in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record for the resident. Facility policies on Behavior Management and Documentation Expectations required staff to document behaviors, including new and escalating behaviors, and all pertinent information related to events, resident condition, and deviations from standard treatment in the medical record. The policies specified that staff should use the electronic medical record system to record behaviors and the effectiveness of interventions, and that all facts and pertinent information related to events and resident condition must be documented. In this case, the repeated refusals of incontinence care, the resident’s combative behavior, the use of physical holding during care, and the subsequent observation of bruising and fear were not documented in the resident’s record, contrary to these policies. This omission formed the basis of the cited deficiency for failing to ensure a complete and accurate medical record.
Failure to Implement Ordered Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement ordered pressure ulcer prevention and treatment interventions, resulting in the development and worsening of pressure ulcers in two residents. One resident was re-admitted with diagnoses including cervical spine surgery, diabetes, and metabolic encephalopathy. An admission skin assessment documented no ulcers or skin treatments, but a subsequent assessment identified MASD in the groin and scrotum, a non-blanchable and discolored left heel, and an order for protective heel boots and Triad paste to the coccyx. There was no documentation that the Triad paste or heel boots were ever applied. The resident’s MDS later showed severe cognitive impairment, extensive assistance needs for mobility, and one unstageable DTI, with no pressure-reducing bed or chair and no turning/repositioning program documented. A care plan for risk of skin breakdown was initiated with interventions such as floating heels, pressure-reducing mattress and cushion, and assistance with turning and repositioning, but there were no progress notes or skin assessments for this resident’s skin from mid-December until late December. On a later date, an LPN discovered a foam dressing on the resident’s coccyx during incontinence care and, upon removal, observed an area with eschar and additional open areas along the bilateral buttock region at the tailbone. There were no measurements or detailed descriptions of these wounds at that time, and a treatment order for Manuka Honey to the coccyx was documented as being administered only twice despite being ordered three times weekly. The LPN who found the dressing stated they had not known of any wound prior to that and confirmed there were no prior notes or treatment orders for the coccyx. The DON confirmed there were no skin assessments or treatment orders for the coccyx until that date and that this lack of documentation was not consistent with facility protocol. Another LPN later admitted to having applied the foam patch to the coccyx two days earlier after noticing an ulcer, but stated they became too busy and failed to chart the finding or notify the physician, acknowledging this was not in line with protocol. An initial wound care note several days later documented an unstageable coccyx pressure ulcer with extensive eschar and a DTI on the left heel, and an RN confirmed these pressure ulcers were acquired in the facility and that there had been a delay in prevention and treatment. The second resident admitted with multiple diagnoses including osteoarthritis of the left knee and DVT. Shortly after admission, an RN documented a dime-sized open area on the coccyx, and an order was written for barrier cream as needed after incontinence care, along with a care plan for risk of skin breakdown that included frequent turning and repositioning, use of barrier cream, and pressure-reducing surfaces. There was no documentation that the barrier cream was applied to the coccyx wound. The resident’s MDS later indicated intact cognition, extensive assistance needs for mobility, and one stage 2 pressure ulcer, but the care plan was not revised to reflect actual skin breakdown. No additional progress notes or assessments for the coccyx ulcer were documented until nine days after admission, when a specific Triad paste treatment was ordered. MAR review showed that this treatment was given only three times instead of the prescribed six times over three days, and the order was then discontinued. Subsequent treatment orders for this resident’s coccyx ulcer were repeatedly changed, including orders for oil emulsion and alginate dressings three times weekly and Triad paste to the periwound area, but MARs showed that these treatments were administered less frequently than ordered before being discontinued. An initial wound care note two weeks after admission documented a stage 3 coccyx wound with necrotic tissue and specific measurements. Later, a Manuka Honey and alginate regimen three times weekly was ordered, but again MARs showed missed treatments. A subsequent daily Santyl and alginate regimen was documented as administered on most but not all ordered days, with no PRN treatments documented, and then changed to a Dakin’s solution plus Santyl and alginate regimen. A later wound care note documented a larger stage 3 coccyx pressure ulcer with increased dimensions and depth, and the resident was transferred to the hospital for worsening of the pressure ulcer. An RN acknowledged that the resident admitted with a small open area on the coccyx that progressed to a larger stage 3 ulcer, confirmed that no skin treatments were documented until nine days after admission, and noted gaps in the MAR where ordered treatments were not administered. The facility’s Wound and Skin Management Policy required prevention of avoidable pressure ulcers, necessary treatment and services, routine preventive care including turning, pressure reduction devices, good skin care, and daily CNA skin assessments with prompt reporting of new breakdowns, as well as nurse validation and skin assessment on bath/shower days, which were not consistently carried out as documented in these cases.
Failure to Prevent Falls, Ensure Safe Transfers, and Conduct Adequate Fall Investigations
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prevent avoidable falls, to provide adequate supervision, and to conduct thorough root-cause analyses for multiple residents with known fall risks and cognitive impairment. One resident with vascular dementia, severe cognitive impairment, unsteadiness, and a history of hip fracture experienced several falls in his room and near the nurses’ station. Documentation showed he was found face down with his shoulder pinned under a roommate’s bed after returning from a cystoscopy with a Foley catheter and recent gross bleeding, and later was admitted to the hospital for sepsis, UTI, metabolic encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and COVID. Subsequent falls included being found on the floor in front of his bed with shoes on and later on the floor next to a roommate’s bed with a laceration and a right hip fracture. The facility’s fall investigations repeatedly cited environmental changes such as adding non-skid strips, a fall mat, and low bed position, but did not address underlying causes such as recent illness, weakness, sedation, or his pattern of recurrent falls in the bedroom. The DON acknowledged that increased supervision or more frequent checks would have been more appropriate, and non-skid strips were not consistently added to the care plan. Another resident with dementia, frequent falls, stroke, syncope, AFIB, and severe cognitive impairment had multiple falls and head injuries, including a posterior head hematoma and later a subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage. On admission, the baseline care plan required a two-person pivot transfer, and hospital PT had assessed the resident as needing maximum two-person assist for transfers and ambulation. However, the care plan was later documented as requiring only contact guard assist by one person for ambulation without devices, and staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding of what “contact guard” meant, with some staff treating it as stand-by assist with no hands-on contact. The resident was observed independently ambulating in the room and hall with very unsteady gait, repeatedly pacing and grabbing side rails and carts, while staff did not attempt to assist or redirect. Falls occurred during care by a private home health aide and later when the resident independently transferred and fell in the doorway, with staff reporting that the resident frequently ambulated independently when staff were occupied. The facility’s interventions focused on adding a floor mat and low bed, while the root-cause documentation cited poor safety awareness, restlessness, and misunderstanding of limitations, and there was a delay in IDT follow-up documentation and incomplete provision of witness statements. Additional deficiencies involved unsafe wheelchair use and incomplete fall investigation for other residents. One cognitively impaired resident who required partial to moderate assistance for ADLs and used a walker was observed being pushed in a wheelchair without footrests, with the CNA stating there were not enough footrests, despite the regional PT showing multiple totes full of footrests and stating CNAs could obtain them without therapy assistance; the DON confirmed the expectation that footrests be used when pushing residents. Another resident with dementia, repeated falls, and dependence for ADLs was also pushed in a wheelchair with feet dragging on the floor and no footrests, with the CNA again citing a shortage of footrests. A further resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions had a fall where she was found on the floor next to the bed with the bed not in the lowest position and the call light within reach but not used; the root cause was documented as possibly rolling out of bed. A later fall for this resident resulted in significant facial and head injuries, but the investigation note and care plan intervention of keeping the bed in the lowest position were created after the resident had already been discharged to the hospital, and the facility’s investigation documentation lacked timely, complete root-cause analysis and contemporaneous care plan updates. Across these cases, the survey findings describe repeated failures to align care and supervision with residents’ assessed needs and documented care plans, inconsistent or delayed fall investigations, and reliance on protective environmental measures that did not address the actual causes of recurrent falls. Residents with high fall risk, severe cognitive impairment, and documented need for significant assistance were allowed to ambulate independently or be transported unsafely in wheelchairs without footrests, and staff interviews revealed confusion about required levels of assistance and lack of follow-up questioning of key witnesses after serious falls. The facility did not consistently incorporate identified risks such as recent illness, sedation, restlessness, and poor safety awareness into individualized, effective fall-prevention interventions or into the care plans in a timely manner.
Failure to Safely Position and Supervise Resident During Incontinence Care Resulting in Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide safe positioning assistance and adequate supervision during incontinence care, resulting in a fall from bed for resident R103. R103, who resides in a bariatric bed and reported being unable to walk or stand but able to move about in bed, stated that they fell out of bed a few days prior while staff were providing incontinence care one side at a time. R103 described being instructed to cross one leg over the other and turn, and reported that they did not realize how close they were to the edge of the bed; when they flung their leg over, they slid off the bed onto the floor. R103 reported that only one staff member was changing them at the time, and that a mechanical lift plus three staff were needed to return them to bed. Record review showed that R103 had diagnoses including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, morbid obesity, and age-related physical debility, with a Minimum Data Set documenting moderate cognitive impairment and dependence on staff for toileting hygiene. A nurse progress note documented that on the morning of the fall, the CNA reported the resident had rolled out of bed during care, and the nurse found the resident on the floor on their left side with the bed in a low position. The fall incident report similarly recorded that the resident rolled out of bed during care and that, per CNA F’s statement, the resident was asked to turn onto their side and continued rolling, inadvertently rolling out of bed. The root cause analysis documented that the interdisciplinary team determined the resident was not positioned in the center of the bed when staff entered to complete care rounds, and that both CNAs were attempting to reposition the resident to the center of the bed when the resident rolled out of bed. Interviews with CNAs involved revealed inconsistencies and gaps in supervision and positioning practices. CNA G stated that despite the resident’s size, the resident was very mobile and considered a two-person assist for safety, and reported that they were in the process of changing the resident when the fall occurred. CNA G initially claimed that both CNAs were on opposite sides of the bed such that there was no room for the resident to fall, but later said they did not know where CNA F was positioned and then stated they did not remember. CNA F reported that the resident was somewhat close to the edge of the bed, not centered, and that during turning for incontinence care the resident threw their top leg over the other and fell off the bed on the opposite side, while CNA G was at the foot of the bed rather than at the center on the opposite side. The Director of Nursing confirmed that witness statements from the CNAs were not obtained as required by the facility’s fall reduction policy and acknowledged that if staff had been positioned close to the bed and used a draw sheet to move the resident to the middle of the bed prior to care, the fall could have been prevented.
Inaccurate MAR Documentation for Medications After Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an accurate medical record regarding medication administration for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses, including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, hypertension, and bipolar disorder. The resident was admitted in late September and discharged in early March. On the day of discharge, nursing documentation shows that the resident was transferred to a local hospital in the mid-afternoon due to behavioral symptoms, with a discharge note at 3:33 PM and a nursing progress note at 3:38 PM confirming that EMTs responded to a 911 call, the resident’s guardian consented to transfer, and the physician and DON were notified. The resident was transported to the hospital via stretcher and was no longer in the facility after that time. Despite the resident’s transfer out of the building that afternoon, the March Medication Administration Record (MAR) documented that bedtime doses of magnesium oxide 400 mg BID for hypomagnesemia, metoprolol tartrate 100 mg BID for tachycardia, and Seroquel 25 mg BID for bipolar disorder were administered by an LPN at bedtime that same day. The LPN assigned to the second shift stated that bedtime medications were to be given at 9 PM, with a one-hour window before or after, but could not recall whether the resident was in the building around that time. The DON confirmed that the facility’s bedtime medication administration window was between 7 PM and 10 PM and, upon reviewing the MAR and progress notes, questioned how the medications could have been administered when the resident had already been transferred to the hospital, indicating that someone documented administration of medications after the resident had been discharged from the facility.
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