Barnes-jewish Extended Care
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Saint Louis, Missouri.
- Location
- 401 Corporate Park Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105
- CMS Provider Number
- 265439
- Inspections on file
- 18
- Latest survey
- March 6, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Barnes-jewish Extended Care during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with multiple pressure injuries and moderate risk for skin breakdown did not consistently receive ordered wound care and offloading interventions. The care plan addressed pressure ulcers and skin risk but did not include a specific intervention to keep heels floated, despite a physician order to float heels at all times for a left heel pressure ulcer. Over several days, surveyors observed the resident repeatedly lying on the back with heels resting directly on the mattress and no heel elevation or protectors, and a sacral dressing with visible drainage that had not been changed since a prior date. CNAs were unaware of special wound instructions beyond keeping the resident clean and dry, while the wound nurse, unit manager, and DON acknowledged expectations that staff follow wound care orders and ensure heel offloading, which was not consistently done.
The facility did not consistently provide food that accommodated resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, nor did it always offer appealing meal options, as observed and documented by surveyors.
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program when staff did not wear appropriate PPE during high-contact activities with residents on enhanced barrier precautions. Multiple instances were observed where staff entered resident rooms without donning gowns or gloves, despite the presence of EBP signs indicating the need for such precautions.
The facility failed to ensure that each resident's care plan accurately reflected their needs and medical conditions upon admission. This deficiency was observed in five residents, including omissions of a g-tube, CPAP device, urinary catheter, PICC line, and wound care for surgical incisions. Staff confirmed that these elements should have been included in the care plans, indicating a lapse in adherence to the facility's Care Planning policy.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received at least two showers or bed baths weekly. One resident, with cellulitis and wounds, reported not having a shower since arrival, while another resident with a below-the-knee amputation reported only one bed bath. Staff interviews revealed lapses in documentation and adherence to ADL care policies.
The facility failed to ensure a resident received care according to professional standards. The resident had a PICC line and a buttocks wound, but there were no orders for PICC line care, and wound treatments were not completed as ordered. Observations and interviews confirmed these deficiencies.
The facility failed to ensure that a resident admitted with an indwelling urinary catheter had a physician's order for its care. The resident's medical record lacked documentation and orders specifying the catheter's details, despite observations confirming its use. Interviews with staff indicated an expectation for such orders, highlighting a deficiency in following the facility's policy.
A resident experienced significant weight loss due to the facility's failure to provide recommended nutritional interventions and preferred foods. The RD's recommendations were not consistently followed, and nursing staff did not adequately document meal intake. The resident was served inappropriate foods, and there was a lack of communication between nursing and dietary staff.
The facility failed to obtain physician orders for a CPAP machine for a resident and did not ensure proper storage of CPAP masks for two residents. Observations showed improper storage of CPAP masks, and staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in the understanding and execution of proper CPAP mask storage protocols.
A resident with a history of significant health issues expressed suicidal ideation and feelings of depression, but the facility failed to provide necessary behavioral health services and follow-up care. The resident spent most of their time in bed, lacked a wheelchair, and felt isolated and unsupported. The facility did not adequately address the resident's psychosocial needs or document appropriate interventions in the care plan.
The facility failed to store and dispose of expired medications in accordance with professional principles, with expired medications found in one medication room and two treatment carts. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in the auditing and removal process, despite facility policies requiring the disposal of expired medications.
Failure to Follow Pressure Ulcer Treatment Orders and Offloading Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide necessary pressure ulcer treatments and services to promote healing and prevent further breakdown for one cognitively intact resident with multiple pressure injuries. The resident had diagnoses including paranoid schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and was readmitted with intact skin. A Braden Scale score was initially documented as 16 (mild risk) and later recalculated to 13 (moderate risk). The care plan identified the resident as having pressure ulcers and being at risk for skin impairment due to immobility and incontinence, with interventions such as frequent repositioning, keeping the resident clean and dry, use of a low air loss mattress and gel cushion, daily skin checks, and treatments as ordered. However, the care plan did not include an intervention to keep the resident’s heels floated at all times, despite the presence of a left heel pressure injury and a physician order to float the heels. Wound documentation dated 2/24/26 showed three open pressure injuries: an unstageable sacral wound measuring 11 cm by 9.5 cm, a right gluteal pressure ulcer measuring 2.5 cm by 0.8 cm, and a left heel pressure ulcer measuring 3.3 cm by 5.5 cm. Physician orders dated 2/20/26 directed wound care to the buttocks with barrier cream every shift and as needed, and for the left heel to apply skin prep daily and float the heels at all times. Facility policy required use of the wound product selection guide, a physician order for all wound treatments, interventions to reduce pressure such as offloading heels and repositioning, and that all dressings be dated and initialed by the nurse applying the dressing. Multiple observations over several days showed the resident lying on his/her back in bed with heels resting directly on the mattress and no elevation or heel protectors, despite the order to float heels at all times. On one observation, the resident’s head of bed was elevated and the resident had slid down with the head wedged between the mattress and bedrail, and heels still on the mattress. On another observation, a sacral dressing extending down both buttocks was noted with brownish discoloration at the inner edges and dated two days prior; the CNA present was unaware of the drainage and unaware of any special wound instructions beyond keeping the resident clean and dry. The DON confirmed the sacral dressing date and stated she expected staff to follow physician orders and float heels even with an air loss mattress, and the Unit Manager also stated she expected staff to ensure heels were elevated off the surface. The wound nurse reported that both she and floor nurses were responsible for wound care and that wound care tasks could be passed between shifts, indicating shared responsibility for treatments that were not consistently carried out as ordered.
Failure to Accommodate Resident Dietary Needs and Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident received food that accommodated their allergies, intolerances, and preferences, and did not consistently provide appealing food options. This deficiency was identified based on observations and records indicating that residents were not always provided with meals that met their specific dietary needs or preferences, as required.
Failure to Adhere to Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program when staff did not wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during high-contact activities with residents on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP). Multiple instances were observed where staff entered resident rooms without donning gowns or gloves, despite the presence of EBP signs indicating the need for such precautions. This included activities such as administering IV medication, checking blood sugar, providing bed baths, and transferring residents, all of which are considered high-contact activities requiring PPE according to the facility's policy and CDC guidelines. For example, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was observed administering IV medication to a resident with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) without wearing a gown or gloves. Similarly, a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) were seen performing skin observations and bed baths without the required PPE. Another CNA was observed adjusting a resident's clothing and checking for wetness without gloves, and then handling soiled linens and entering another resident's room without sanitizing hands. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of consistent understanding and adherence to the EBP policy. Some staff members believed that gowns and gloves were only necessary for certain types of care, while others were unaware of the need to sanitize equipment and hands between resident interactions. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that all staff had been educated on the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact activities, but observations indicated that this education was not effectively implemented. The facility's failure to enforce its EBP policy compromised the infection control program and increased the risk of transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
Failure to Accurately Reflect Residents' Needs in Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident's care plan accurately reflected their needs and medical conditions upon admission. This deficiency was observed in five out of seventeen sampled residents. Resident #199's care plan did not include the presence of a gastrostomy tube (g-tube) despite the resident receiving medications and nutrition through it. Similarly, Resident #299's care plan omitted the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which was necessary for treating sleep apnea. Resident #298's care plan failed to mention an indwelling urinary catheter, and Resident #301's care plan did not identify the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Lastly, Resident #248's care plan did not include wound care for surgical incisions on the right foot, despite the resident being admitted for rehabilitation and wound healing. Observations and interviews with staff confirmed these omissions. For instance, Resident #199 was observed with an enteral tube feeding infusing, and the resident confirmed the use of the g-tube for medications and nutrition. Staff members, including a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), acknowledged that the g-tube should have been included in the care plan. Similarly, Resident #299's CPAP device was observed on the headboard, and staff confirmed that it should have been listed in the care plan. Resident #298 was observed with an indwelling urinary catheter, and staff confirmed that it should have been included in the care plan. Resident #301 was observed with a PICC line, and staff confirmed that it should have been included in the care plan. Resident #248's care plan did not include wound care for surgical incisions on the right foot, despite the resident being admitted for rehabilitation and wound healing. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and other staff members revealed that the responsibility for developing care plans lies with the Nurse Managers and the facility MDS Coordinator. The DON confirmed that baseline care plans should include all immediate needs, such as fall risks, skin conditions, and any medical devices or treatments required by the residents. The failure to include these critical elements in the care plans indicates a lapse in the facility's adherence to its Care Planning policy, which mandates the completion of initial care plans within 48 hours of admission.
Failure to Provide Required ADL Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents' Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs were met by not providing at least two showers or bed baths weekly. Resident #248, who was cognitively intact and had diagnoses including cellulitis and wounds on the coccyx and right heel, was observed with greasy hair and reported not having had a shower or bed bath since arrival. Although an LPN claimed the resident received a bed bath, it was not documented. Resident #249, also cognitively intact and with a below-the-knee amputation, reported receiving only one bed bath since admission and expressed feeling dirty. The facility's documentation confirmed only one shower for this resident, and the DON mentioned a history of ADL care refusal, although no refusals were documented for this period. Interviews with staff, including a CNA and the DON, revealed that showers and refusals should be documented in the resident's chart. The DON expected all residents to receive at least two showers or bed baths weekly and for nursing staff to document these activities. The failure to document and provide the required ADL care led to the deficiency noted in the report.
Failure to Follow Professional Standards of Practice for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice. The resident, admitted from the hospital, had an open area on the buttock and a double lumen peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the right side of the neck. There was no order for the PICC line dressing change, flushing, or care. Additionally, the facility staff did not complete treatment orders and apply dressing changes as ordered to the buttocks wound. Observations showed that the dressing over the PICC line was dated 5/14/24, and the wound on the buttocks was not treated as per the physician's orders on multiple occasions. The facility's policies required licensed nurses to perform infusion therapy and wound care according to state law and facility policy, with a prescriber's order needed for accessing, flushing, or locking a catheter. However, the resident's electronic medical record showed no order for the PICC line care. Interviews with the RN and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident should have had orders for the PICC line, including flushing, dressing change, and monitoring, and that wound treatments should be performed per physician's orders. Despite these requirements, the facility staff failed to follow the prescribed treatments for the resident's buttocks wound and PICC line care.
Failure to Obtain Physician Order for Indwelling Urinary Catheter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident admitted with an indwelling urinary catheter had a physician's order to provide care for the catheter. The resident's electronic medical record and information card did not indicate the presence of the catheter, nor was there an order specifying the catheter's size, diagnosis, balloon size, routine for changing, and monitoring output. The resident's diagnoses included sleeplessness, seizure, bipolar disorder, and neurogenic bladder. Despite these conditions, the necessary documentation and orders for the catheter were missing. Observations confirmed the use of the indwelling urinary catheter, which was attached to the resident's bedrail. Interviews with a Registered Nurse and the Director of Nursing revealed that both expected to see a physician's order for the catheter, including specific details about its management. The absence of such an order indicates a failure to follow the facility's policy on obtaining and processing physician orders, leading to a deficiency in the care provided to the resident.
Failure to Maintain Resident's Nutritional Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident maintained acceptable parameters of nutritional status, resulting in significant weight loss. The resident experienced a weight loss of -10.35% from July 2023 to January 2024. Despite the Registered Dietician (RD) completing two nutritional assessments and noting a decline in the resident's meal intake, no additional nutritional interventions were recommended. The resident was not served fortified cheesy eggs as recommended by the RD, and the RD's recommendation for fortified pudding was not added to the resident's meal ticket. Additionally, nursing staff failed to consistently chart the resident's meal intake, which is reviewed during the RD's nutrition assessments, and the resident was not served preferred foods at meals. The resident's medical record showed multiple diagnoses, including Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmune hepatitis, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, GERD, and depression. The resident had physician orders for fortified foods and nutritional shakes, but these were not consistently provided. The resident's weights showed a significant decline over several months, and the resident's meal intake documentation was often missing or incomplete. Observations revealed that the resident was served inappropriate foods, such as raw baby carrots and large steamed broccoli florets, which were not suitable for the resident's mechanical soft diet. The resident's food preferences, such as bananas and frosted flake cereal, were not consistently provided. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of communication and coordination between nursing and dietary staff. The RD and dietary staff were not aware of the resident's food preferences, and the facility did not have certain preferred foods in stock. The RD noted that the facility had stopped making fortified cheesy eggs and was in the process of identifying other options. The resident's care plan did not reflect the significant weight loss, average meal intake, or the RD's recommendations for additional nutritional interventions. The facility's policies and procedures for nutritional interventions were not followed, leading to the resident's continued weight loss and inadequate nutritional intake.
Failure to Obtain Physician Orders and Properly Store CPAP Masks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure physician orders were obtained for the use of a CPAP machine for one resident and to ensure CPAP masks were properly stored while not in use for two residents. Resident #299 had a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and used a CPAP machine, but there was no physician's order for the CPAP on admission, and the CPAP device was not listed on the resident's baseline care plan. Observations showed the resident's CPAP tubing and mask were improperly stored, and interviews with staff indicated that the resident was responsible for the CPAP machine's care, but there was no clear protocol for mask storage when not in use. A new order for the CPAP was obtained later during the survey period. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there should have been an order for the CPAP machine upon admission. Resident #146, who had diagnoses including COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, had physician orders for CPAP use and cleaning, but observations showed the CPAP mask was consistently stored improperly, uncovered, and without a barrier, either on the nightstand or in an open drawer. The resident was unsure about the cleaning and storage protocol for the CPAP mask, and staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in the understanding and execution of proper CPAP mask storage. The Director of Nursing and Administrator stated that either the resident or nursing staff should rinse off the mask and store it in a bag, and it was expected that CPAP use be indicated on a resident's care plan. However, this was not consistently followed, leading to the deficiencies noted in the report.
Failure to Provide Necessary Behavioral Health Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary behavioral health services to maintain the highest practicable psychosocial well-being for a resident who expressed feelings of being better off dead and thoughts of unplugging their left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The resident, who had a history of stroke, heart disease, and other significant health issues, was admitted to the facility and had been receiving antidepressant medication. Despite expressing suicidal ideation and feelings of depression during a quarterly assessment, the facility did not follow up adequately with behavioral health services or counseling. The Social Services Coordinator (SSC) reported the resident's suicidal thoughts to a nurse, who then informed the Nurse Practitioner (NP) and sent the resident to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. However, the resident did not receive consistent follow-up care or counseling upon returning to the facility. The resident's medical record showed no therapy assessments after a certain date, and there was no documentation of social services follow-up between the initial report of suicidal ideation and the time of the survey. Observations revealed that the resident spent most of their time in bed, lacked a wheelchair to leave their room, and felt sad and isolated. Interviews with staff indicated that the resident's requests for a wheelchair and therapy were not addressed, and the resident did not receive regular counseling or social services support. The resident expressed a desire to be more active and engaged but felt restricted by the facility's limitations and lack of support. The Director of Nurses (DON) and Administrator acknowledged that the resident's feelings of sadness and suicidal ideation should have been followed up with appropriate interventions and documented in the care plan. However, there was no evidence of a coordinated effort by the facility's department heads to address the resident's psychosocial needs. The resident's care plan did not identify their reported feelings of depression, suicidal ideation, or activities of interest, indicating a significant deficiency in the facility's provision of necessary behavioral health services.
Failure to Properly Store and Dispose of Expired Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store medication and medical equipment in accordance with professional principles, specifically regarding the expiration dates on stock medications in the medication rooms and medication carts. Observations revealed expired medications in one of two medication rooms and in two of six treatment carts. Specific expired medications included SunMark gentle laxative, HealthStart melatonin supplement, Rugby meclizine, SunMark mucus relief guafenesin, Amneal Folic Acid, GeriCare Oyster Shell Calcium, GeriCare Ferric X-150, GeriCare Magnesium Oxide, NorthStarX Omeprazole, and GeriCare Milk of Magnesium. These medications were found to be expired by several months, indicating a lapse in the facility's adherence to its Pharmacy Services and Procedures Manual, which mandates the removal and proper disposal of expired medications. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN, a CMT, the DON, and the Administrator, revealed inconsistencies in the auditing and removal process of expired medications. While a facility pharmacy representative was reported to check the medication rooms and carts periodically, staff were unsure of the regularity and thoroughness of these audits. The facility's policy expects nursing staff to remove and dispose of expired medications, but the presence of expired medications in multiple locations suggests that this policy was not effectively implemented or monitored. The DON and Administrator confirmed their expectation that expired medications should be discarded and not administered to residents, highlighting a gap between policy and practice.
Latest citations in Missouri
Staff failed to protect a cognitively intact, independent resident from sexual abuse when a CNA repeatedly entered the resident’s room when the roommate was absent or asleep, hugged the resident, and kissed the resident on the mouth without the resident’s initiation or encouragement. A housekeeper observed the CNA return to the resident’s room, then saw the CNA and the resident in a full hug with the CNA kissing the resident on the mouth through a partially open door, and reported the incident. The resident later reported that these contacts were inappropriate and made the resident uncomfortable, while the CNA admitted to hugging the resident but denied kissing and believed hugging was not inappropriate, despite the facility’s abuse policy defining sexual abuse as any non-consensual sexual contact and requiring immediate reporting of abuse allegations.
Staff failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse to state authorities within the required two-hour timeframe after a cognitively intact resident with multiple psychiatric diagnoses reported being forced to touch another resident’s genitals in a dining room. A CNA observed the contact and notified an LPN, who separated the residents and obtained conflicting accounts, including a statement from the alleged victim that the act was forced. The facility’s investigation documented the allegation but did not show timely notification to the Department of Health and Senior Services, and state records confirmed the report was not made until more than 24 hours later. In interviews, the administrator stated the event was viewed as consensual and linked to the residents’ prior sexual history, while the LPN reported having informed the administrator the same day that the resident said the act was forced.
A resident with Alzheimer’s disease, severe cognitive impairment, and identified elopement risk was housed on a secured unit but was able to leave the building unnoticed when a floor tech exited through a coded door without ensuring it closed and no one followed. Staff last observed the resident near the nurses’ station and dining room, and when a CMT attempted to pass medications later, the resident could not be found, triggering a Code Pink and search. Multiple staff reported that the door alarm did not sound that night and that the door could be opened by pushing on it for several seconds or by using a code without an alarm. The facility’s investigation determined the door between the rehab and secured units was not securely closed after staff use, allowing the resident to elope and later be found in the community by EMS and transported to the ER without documented injury.
Facility staff did not fully develop or implement a comprehensive water management program to control Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Although a written policy and an undated Water Management Plan existed, they lacked key elements such as a documented water management team, evidence of monthly monitoring review, documentation of baseline or annual Legionella testing, and specific guidance for identified high-risk areas like dead legs and unused bathrooms. Water temperature, pH, chlorine, and total dissolved solids were checked intermittently in random rooms without clearly identifying locations or consistently including all high-risk areas. The maintenance director reported flushing lines frequently but documenting checks only biweekly and not testing for Legionella, and was unfamiliar with the specific high-risk areas in the plan. Leadership, including the Regional Administrator, owner, and administrator, demonstrated limited knowledge of who performed Legionella testing, how the plan should be implemented, and the specific risk areas, control measures, and corrective actions required.
Staff failed to follow the facility’s emergency transfer/discharge policy when they discharged a resident to a local hospital for safety reasons and refused to allow the resident to return. The resident had been in the facility less than 24 hours, refused care, and made threats that scared staff, leading the administrator to authorize an immediate emergency discharge. Documentation included a progress note and an Immediate Discharge Notice listing the hospital as the discharge location for resident and staff safety, despite the administrator acknowledging that a hospital is not an appropriate discharge location. These actions resulted in the resident being discharged to a hospital without an appropriate emergency discharge notice that ensured the transfer met the resident’s needs/preferences and prepared the resident for a safe transfer/discharge.
A resident with significant GI history, chronic anemia, and recurrent constipation had physician orders and facility protocols requiring close bowel movement (BM) monitoring and a stepwise bowel regimen, as well as multiple medications for GI conditions, constipation, and other comorbidities. Staff failed to consistently document BMs, did not implement ordered bowel interventions when BMs were absent for several consecutive days, and delayed notifying the physician until the resident had gone multiple days without a BM and developed coffee‑ground emesis, leading to hospital evaluation where fecal impaction and stercoral colitis were documented. The care plan was not updated to reflect increased BM monitoring after a prior hospitalization for constipation/impaction, and the TAR showed missed documentation of ordered BM checks. In addition, the MAR showed repeated refusals of numerous medications throughout the month, including GI, cardiac, constipation, and psychiatric drugs, yet there was no documentation that the physician was notified of these frequent refusals, despite facility policy requiring reporting of medication refusals.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to keep call lights within reach for two residents, despite a policy requiring accessible call lights and frequent checks for those unable to use them. One resident, with multiple medical conditions, an above‑knee amputation, moderate cognitive impairment, and a history of numerous falls, was repeatedly observed asleep in a wheelchair by the bed with the call light on the floor or under the bed, and the care plan did not address the resident’s falls or related interventions. Another resident with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, contractures of all extremities, and hospice care needs was observed lying in bed with the call light at the foot of the bed or under the bed, out of reach, even though the care plan specified the call light should be within reach. Staff, including an LPN, a CNA, the Administrator, and the DON, all stated that call lights should always be within reach for all residents, and that frequent rounding was expected when residents could not use the call light, confirming that practice did not align with stated expectations.
A non-verbal resident with severely impaired cognition and total dependence for ADLs was seated in a WC with an arm looped around the WC handle when a CNA/restorative aide repeatedly attempted to reposition the arm to the front. Despite the resident’s non-verbal refusals and resistance, the aide pried the resident’s fingers from the WC wheel, grabbed the arm, and forcefully jerked it forward, causing the resident’s body to lurch and nearly fall from the chair. Video review showed the aide tugging and pulling on the arm multiple times as the resident refused further assistance, and a staff witness reported the aide was yelling and grabbing at the resident while the resident fought to get free. The resident later stated staff were rough and that he/she was afraid. These actions, inconsistent with the resident’s care plan and the facility’s abuse policy, resulted in a finding that the resident was subjected to physical abuse.
Two residents with significant risk factors for skin breakdown did not receive consistent, accurately documented wound care. One resident with multiple comorbidities and existing pressure-related wounds had no skin or wound interventions on the care plan, lacked an EMR order for a newly identified ankle wound, and had numerous missed or undocumented treatments for buttocks, hip, and ankle wounds, including barrier creams and Medi Honey applications. Another high-risk resident with a low Braden score had no skin-related care plan, an ankle wound that was reported as healed while MAR/TAR entries continued, weekly skin checks documented as normal despite an active ankle dressing, and a right ankle wound that went unreported in shift report until surveyors observed an outdated dressing; subsequent documentation by the wound specialist and facility conflicted on the wound’s type and measurements. The DON later confirmed expectations that staff follow wound policies, enter and document orders and refusals in the EMR, and update care plans, which were not met in these cases.
The facility failed to implement and document effective fall interventions for a resident with an above‑knee amputation, lower extremity impairment, and a history of multiple witnessed and unwitnessed falls related to attempting independent transfers. Although the care plan noted general assistance needs, it did not address the repeated falls or specify individualized fall‑prevention measures, and fall investigations recorded no new interventions despite ongoing events. Surveyors observed the resident in a wheelchair by the bed multiple times with the call light out of reach on the floor. In addition, the facility did not complete a required smoking safety assessment for a resident with Huntington’s disease, weakness, and moderately impaired cognition, even though this resident was observed smoking outside and facility policy required a smoking assessment at admission to determine needed supervision.
Failure to Protect a Resident From Non-Consensual Sexual Contact by CNA
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a cognitively intact resident from sexual abuse when a CNA engaged in non-consensual physical contact. The resident’s quarterly MDS showed the resident was cognitively intact and care plan indicated independence with ADLs. On the morning in question, a housekeeper observed the CNA go to the nurses’ station from the direction of the resident’s room, look around, then quickly return to the resident’s room. When the housekeeper approached to clean the room, the door was slightly open; after a quiet knock and looking in, the housekeeper saw the CNA and the resident in a full hug, with the CNA kissing the resident on the mouth. The housekeeper then reported this observation to another housekeeper, who in turn reported it to the administrator. The facility’s abuse and neglect policy defined sexual abuse as non-consensual sexual contact of any type with a resident and required immediate reporting of all abuse allegations to the administrator. In a written statement, the CNA acknowledged going to the resident’s room and hugging the resident, claiming it was to comfort the resident, and denied kissing the resident, stating that hugging residents was not considered inappropriate. In contrast, the resident documented and later stated in interviews that the CNA had repeatedly come into the room when the roommate was absent or asleep to hug and kiss the resident, that these actions were not initiated or encouraged by the resident, and that the resident felt uncomfortable and did not want to be kissed. The resident also reported not disclosing these incidents earlier due to concern about how the CNA might treat the resident and the resident’s friends.
Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Sexual Abuse to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) within the required two-hour timeframe. The facility’s abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation prevention program, revised April 2021, states staff will identify and investigate all possible incidents of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of resident property and report any allegations within timeframes required by federal requirements. Resident #1, assessed as cognitively intact on a quarterly MDS dated 2/12/26, had diagnoses including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. On 3/29/26, CNA A reported to LPN B that Resident #1 was seen touching Resident #2’s privates in the main dining room; CNA A separated the residents, and LPN B interviewed both residents. Resident #1 stated Resident #2 forced him/her to touch his/her privates, while Resident #2 denied the allegation. The facility’s investigation, dated 3/30/26, documented that Resident #1 reported assisting Resident #2 in playing with his/her privates but stated he/she was forced to assist. The investigation record did not show that facility staff contacted DHSS within the required two-hour timeframe after the allegation was reported. Review of the DHSS database confirmed that the facility did not report the allegation of sexual abuse until more than 24 hours after Resident #1 made the allegation. During interviews, the administrator stated he/she would have reported within two hours if the act was not consensual and claimed he/she was not informed that Resident #1 said he/she was forced until 3/30/26, characterizing the situation as involving residents with a past sexual history who were upset because they were caught. However, LPN B stated that on 3/29/26 at 10:12 A.M. he/she called the administrator and explained in detail that Resident #1 said he/she was forced into the sexual act, and that the administrator responded that the residents had a sexual history, so it was okay.
Failure to Secure Door and Supervise Wanderer Resulting in Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a secured unit door was properly secured and supervised, allowing an at-risk resident to exit the building unnoticed. The resident had Alzheimer’s disease, an anxiety disorder, hearing loss, and was assessed as severely cognitively impaired on the MDS. An Elopement Risk Evaluation identified the resident as ambulatory, wandering aimlessly, and at risk for elopement, and the care plan documented that the resident was on a secured unit with impaired cognitive function. Despite this, the resident was last seen around the nurses’ station and dining room in the early evening and was not continuously monitored in a way that prevented unsupervised access to an exit door. On the evening of the incident, staff reported seeing the resident around 8:00–8:10 p.m. near the nurses’ station and dining room. A CMT later attempted to pass medications to the resident at approximately 8:30 p.m. and discovered the resident was not in their room, prompting a Code Pink and an internal search of the unit and facility. Staff, including the CMT and CNA, reported that the door alarm did not sound the night the resident left, and that previously the door could be opened by pushing on it for several seconds, or by using a code, without an alarm sounding. The Administrator and DON stated that prior to the elopement, the doors were configured so that pushing and holding the bar for 15–20 seconds would open the door and trigger an alarm, but staff did not hear an alarm at the time of the incident. A floor tech working on the secured unit acknowledged exiting through the coded door between the rehab and secured units during the relevant time frame and not checking whether anyone was following or whether the door clicked shut behind them, despite prior training to watch the door for residents attempting to leave. The facility’s investigation concluded that the entry door to the facility was not securely closed after staff exited the unit, creating an opportunity for unauthorized egress, and determined that the resident exited through the door between the rehab and secured unit. The resident was later found by EMS approximately 1.5 miles from the facility, wandering and only alert to self, and was transported to the hospital, where no injuries were documented. The nurse practitioner noted the resident was a wanderer, fairly new to the facility, and expected staff to check on the resident every one to two hours.
Incomplete Legionella Water Management and Monitoring Program
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to develop and implement complete policies and procedures for inspection, testing, and maintenance of the facility’s water systems to inhibit the growth of waterborne pathogens, including Legionella. CMS guidance (QSO-17-30) requires certified healthcare facilities to have water management policies and procedures, including a facility risk assessment, a water management program aligned with ASHRAE standards and CDC toolkit, specified testing protocols with acceptable ranges and documentation of results and corrective actions, and compliance with applicable regulations. The facility’s Legionella Infection policy, dated 03/05/20, stated these requirements but the actual implementation and supporting documents did not meet them. Review of the facility’s Water Management Plan showed it included a risk assessment that identified several high-risk areas, such as dead legs in specific rooms and departments, empty resident room bathrooms, and low-rise floor sinks in housekeeping closets. The plan stated that environmental testing would be conducted if there was difficulty maintaining water systems within control limits or if a healthcare-associated Legionella case occurred, and it instructed staff to perform baseline Legionella testing at four specified sites. However, the plan lacked a list of designated water management team members, documentation of monthly review of scheduled monitoring, documentation of baseline or annual Legionella testing, and specific guidance related to the identified high-risk areas. The facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Program, dated 04/10/19, did not contain information related to Legionella. Record review of the Resident Room Water Temperature and Checklist for a three-month period showed staff tested water temperatures in random resident rooms on both wings and also tested water pH, chlorine, and total dissolved solids, but did not indicate the testing locations or include results for all identified high-risk areas. In interviews, the maintenance director reported flushing resident room water lines almost daily but only documenting water checks every two weeks, testing pH and chlorine every two weeks, and not testing for Legionella; the director was familiar with the water management plan only generally and was not familiar with the specific high-risk areas. The Regional Administrator stated the facility should have annual Legionella testing but did not know who conducted it. The owner indicated that corporate maintained a template Water Management Policy but that the facility administrator was responsible for developing and implementing a facility-specific plan. The administrator stated the water management plan should include how water is tested monthly, believed Legionella testing was only done if there was suspicion or a positive case, had not updated the plan since an earlier review, did not document the water management team membership, had not discussed the plan with the maintenance director, and was not familiar with specific risk areas, control measures, or corrective actions.
Improper Emergency Discharge to Hospital and Refusal to Readmit Resident
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide an appropriate emergency discharge notice and improperly discharged a resident to a hospital while refusing the resident’s return. The facility’s policy on making an emergency transfer or discharge, revised April 2007, directed staff to only make an emergency discharge when it is in the best interest of residents and to follow specific procedures, including notifying the attending physician and receiving facility, preparing the resident and a transfer form, notifying the representative and family, and assisting with transportation. Record review showed the resident was admitted on 3/3/26 and discharged to the hospital the same day, with a progress note the following day documenting an emergency discharge effective immediately to the local hospital for safety reasons. An Immediate Discharge Notice dated 3/3/26 listed the local hospital as the discharge location for resident and staff safety. In an interview, the administrator stated the resident had been in the building less than 24 hours, had refused care, made threats, and scared staff, and that an emergency discharge to the hospital was done that day; the administrator acknowledged that a hospital is not a discharge location but stated the facility would not take the resident back for the safety of staff and other residents. These actions and documentation show that staff used the hospital as the discharge location and refused readmission, contrary to the facility’s own emergency transfer/discharge policy and without providing an appropriate emergency discharge notice that ensured the transfer/discharge met the resident’s needs and preferences and prepared the resident for a safe transfer/discharge.
Failure to Monitor Bowel Function and Report Repeated Medication Refusals
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and care according to physician orders, facility bowel protocol, and the resident’s care needs, specifically related to bowel monitoring, constipation management, and medication refusals. The facility’s own Medication Monitoring policy required licensed nurses to report refusals of medications and to identify interventions on the care plan for systematic monitoring of high‑risk medications. The Bowel Protocol required routine monitoring and documentation of bowel movements (BMs), use of a stepwise regimen (milk of magnesia on day three without a BM, bisacodyl suppository on day four, and fleet enema on day five), and prompt provider notification of significant changes such as impaction. For one resident with significant GI history and prior constipation/impaction, staff did not consistently document BMs, did not follow the bowel protocol when BMs were absent for multiple days, and did not notify the physician in a timely manner. The resident had a history of chronic GI blood loss, recurrent constipation, large stool burden, and prior fecal impaction. In mid‑November, the resident was hospitalized for anemia, GI bleeding, and severe constipation with a large fecal impaction, during which a disimpaction was performed and the physician recommended keeping a record of BMs. After return, facility bowel elimination records showed multiple gaps in documentation and prolonged periods without recorded BMs. In early December, there were days with no documentation and no recorded BMs, and staff did not document physician notification or administration of bowel interventions from several consecutive days without BMs. Later in December, the record again showed multiple consecutive days with no BMs documented; staff did not administer bowel interventions until the sixth day and did not document physician notification until that time. A nurse’s note on that day described the resident having no BM for five to six days, vomiting coffee‑ground emesis, and being sent to the hospital, where hospital records documented stercoral colitis, fecal impaction, and a moderate to large amount of stool throughout the colon. Despite the resident’s history and the physician’s expectation for close monitoring, the February Treatment Administration Record showed an active order to monitor BMs daily with a requirement that the resident have a BM every other day and to give a Dulcolax suppository if no BM every other day, yet nursing staff failed to document monitoring on multiple shifts. The resident’s care plan did not reflect the increased BM monitoring ordered after the hospitalization for constipation/impaction. Interviews with RNs, LPNs, CNAs, the MDS coordinator, ADON, DON, and the physician showed inconsistent understanding and implementation of the bowel protocol and monitoring orders; staff acknowledged that monitoring had not been consistent and that the system for tracking BMs was not effective. The deficiency also includes failure to notify the physician of multiple medication refusals for this resident. Throughout February, the MAR showed repeated refusals of numerous ordered medications, including baclofen, bisacodyl, Carafate, Colace, Dexilant, ferrous sulfate, folic acid, metoprolol, Miralax, pravastatin, Remeron, and Senna‑S, often refused more than ten times in the month. The facility’s Medication Monitoring policy required nurses to report refusals of medications to the physician, but the medical record contained no documentation of physician notification regarding these repeated refusals. Nursing staff and the MDS coordinator acknowledged that the resident refused medications and that they used nursing judgment about when to notify the physician, but several staff did not know how many refusals should trigger notification, and some believed the physician was aware without recalling specific contacts or documentation. The physician stated that he knew the resident sometimes refused medications but was not aware of the high frequency of refusals in February and stated he wanted to know when refusals occurred so often. Overall, the actions and inactions leading to the deficiency included failure to consistently document and monitor BMs per order and protocol, failure to implement ordered bowel interventions when BMs were absent for multiple days, failure to update the care plan to reflect increased bowel monitoring after hospitalization for constipation/impaction, and failure to notify the physician of frequent medication refusals as required by facility policy. These failures occurred despite the resident’s known history of GI bleeding, recurrent constipation, fecal impaction, and prior hospitalizations for GI issues and constipation.
Failure to Keep Call Lights Within Reach for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to reasonably accommodate residents’ needs and preferences by not ensuring call lights were within reach, contrary to its own “Answering the Call Light” policy. That policy required staff to keep call lights within easy reach for residents in bed or confined to a chair and to frequently check residents unable to use the call light. Despite this, surveyors observed multiple instances where residents’ call lights were out of reach or on the floor, and staff interviews confirmed that the expectation was for call lights to be accessible at all times when residents were in their rooms. One resident had diagnoses including type 2 diabetes, acute kidney failure, and an above-knee amputation, with cognition changing from intact on admission to moderately impaired on a subsequent MDS. The resident’s care plan addressed admission for LTC, need for assistance with bed/chair mobility, transfers, and locomotion, and use of a wheelchair with safety reminders, but did not address the resident’s multiple falls or any fall interventions. Facility event reports documented numerous falls, both witnessed and unwitnessed, over a three‑month period. During several observations on different days and times, this resident was seen asleep in a wheelchair by the bed, with the call light out of reach—on the ground on the opposite side of the bed or under the bed—despite staff acknowledging the resident fell frequently and liked to sleep in the wheelchair. Another resident had diagnoses including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, was unable to communicate, and had all four extremities contracted. The care plan identified risk for dehydration and increased pain due to contractures, skin integrity issues, and hospice care, with specific interventions to keep the call light within reach and remind the resident to call for assistance. However, during multiple observations, this resident was lying in bed with the call light positioned at the foot of the bed or on the floor under the bed, out of reach. Staff, including an LPN and a CNA, stated that call lights should be within reach for all residents regardless of cognitive status and that frequent rounding was expected if a resident could not use the call light. The Administrator and DON also stated they expected call lights to be in reach for all residents at all times and specifically for residents with frequent falls, underscoring that the observed conditions did not meet facility expectations or policy.
Resident Physically Abused During Forceful Arm Repositioning
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from physical abuse and to honor the resident’s right to be free from the willful infliction of physical harm. The facility’s abuse policy defined abuse as the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, and required staff training in abuse prevention and sensitivity to residents’ rights and needs. The policy also required that all incidents, allegations, or suspicions of abuse be documented and investigated. Despite these policies, a staff member, identified as Restorative Aide/CNA E, used excessive force while attempting to reposition a resident’s arm, in a manner inconsistent with the resident’s care plan and the facility’s abuse prevention standards. The resident involved had severely impaired cognition, unclear speech, and was non-verbal, with dependence on staff for all ADLs, and weighed 213 lbs. The resident’s care plan identified impaired communication and decision-making, with approaches that included explaining procedures prior to tasks, providing cues and reorientation, offering simple choices, and using alternative communication methods as needed. On observation, the resident was seated in a wheelchair at the nurse’s desk with his/her arm positioned on the back of the wheelchair and looped around the handlebar. Restorative Aide/CNA E stood to the right of the resident and repeatedly attempted to move the resident’s right arm forward. The resident responded with non-verbal refusals, moving the arm away and then propelling slightly forward to grasp the wheelchair wheel. Despite these non-verbal refusals, Restorative Aide/CNA E pried the resident’s fingers off the wheelchair wheel, grabbed the resident’s right arm with one hand while placing the other hand behind the triceps area, and forcefully jerked the arm forward. This action caused the resident’s seated body to lurch forward to the point that the resident nearly fell out of the wheelchair onto the tile floor. A subsequent observation showed the aide wiping the resident’s hands with a washcloth that had a red substance on it. Shortly afterward, the resident, when interviewed, stated that staff were rough and that he/she was afraid. Review of security camera footage with facility leadership showed the aide tugging and pulling on the resident’s arm in a forward motion multiple times, with the resident refusing further assistance and the aide becoming more aggressive. A laundry assistant also reported seeing the aide yelling and grabbing at the resident, with the resident resisting and fighting to get the aide off, and believed the incident affected the resident’s behavior afterward. These observed and documented actions constituted the use of excessive force and physical abuse toward the resident. Additional interviews further described the context of the incident. Restorative Aide/CNA E stated that the resident liked to sit with the arm behind the chair and claimed to be repositioning the arm at the resident’s request, acknowledging that the resident’s hand was locked on the wheelchair wheel and that the aide moved it off. The aide reported the resident complained of arm pain and that a red substance seen on the arm was ketchup from lunch, and did not believe the handling was rough. In contrast, an LPN who had cared for the resident for three months stated the resident commonly rested the arm behind the wheelchair, had never required arm repositioning for that posture, and had not complained of arm pain in that position. Facility leadership, after viewing the video, agreed that the staff member used excessive force and that the aide should have stopped and re-approached the resident instead of continuing to pull and tug on the arm in the face of resistance. These facts collectively demonstrate that the resident’s right to be free from physical abuse was not upheld.
Failure to Provide Consistent Wound Care and Accurate Skin Assessment Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide consistent wound treatments, timely and accurate wound orders, and accurate skin assessments for two residents with wounds. For one resident with multiple comorbidities including open right foot wound, coccyx pressure ulcer, stroke, hemiplegia, dysphagia, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, seizures, and peripheral vascular disease, the care plan in use during the survey contained no problems, goals, or interventions related to skin or wound prevention, despite these conditions. A readmission skin observation documented no abnormalities, but shortly afterward an NP note identified a new open area to the right ankle and ordered cleansing and Medi Honey treatment. The corresponding physician orders reflected Medi Honey treatment to the right buttocks, but there was no EMR order for the right ankle wound treatment on the MAR/TAR. Multiple subsequent skin observation reports and wound doctor notes documented MASD and a stage 3 right hip pressure injury with specific measurements and treatment orders, yet the documentation of wound locations was sometimes incomplete or inconsistent. Medication and treatment administration records for this resident showed numerous missed or undocumented wound care treatments. The December and January MAR/TARs reflected missed opportunities for Medi Honey and right hip dressing changes, including refusals without required progress notes and missed treatments without explanation. In February, barrier cream and zinc oxide orders for the peri area and buttocks were documented as missed in all or many opportunities, and wound treatments to the right buttocks, right hip, and right ankle were missed multiple times without progress notes. A new ankle wound was noted by the DON, with an NP confirming the resident did not need hospital evaluation and suggesting continuation of the wound doctor’s plan, and later documentation described a right ankle/foot stage 2 ulcer with specific measurements. However, the EMR showed missed treatments for the ankle wound and the facility’s wound report later listed multiple MASD sites (right buttocks, coccyx, groin) with onset dates and durations, indicating these wounds were not present on admission but had remained open for extended periods. For a second resident with morbid obesity, bipolar disorder, and intellectual disability, the annual MDS showed no skin concerns, and the care plan in use during the survey contained no skin-related problems, goals, or preventive interventions, despite a Braden score of 11 indicating high risk for pressure injury. Physician orders included offloading pressure areas on the heels and elevating extremities every shift, as well as an order to cleanse the right lateral ankle and apply a foam dressing every three days. Wound specialist notes indicated the resident was not seen on two occasions, once due to being away with family and once because the DON reported the right ankle wound as healed. Weekly skin observation reports in March documented no skin abnormalities, yet the March MAR/TAR showed ongoing documentation of right ankle dressing changes and refusals. On observation, the resident had a foam dressing on the right ankle dated several weeks earlier, and the LPN acknowledged the outdated dressing, stated night shift was scheduled to change it, and then discovered in the EMR that the resident was listed as refusing care over a prolonged period, although the LPN was unaware of the wound and it had not been mentioned in shift report. The wound measured 2 cm by 2 cm at that time, and the DON later described discoloration to the left heel and stated he could not make clinical decisions on staging without the wound doctor. A wound specialist note that same day identified a new stage 2 pressure injury over the right ankle with specific measurements and treatment orders, while the facility’s wound report listed the same area as an abrasion with different initial measurements, demonstrating inaccurate and inconsistent documentation of the wound’s status and type. The DON stated that nursing staff were expected to follow facility policies, that weekly assessments were completed but not ordered, and that staff were prompted in the EMR scheduler. The DON explained that shift nurses were expected to enter treatment orders or provide them to the DON to enter, that nurses were expected to document progress notes when residents declined treatments, and that the medical doctor should be notified of new hospital wound treatment recommendations. The DON also stated that care plans should be updated within 24–48 hours to reflect new changes and that staff should attempt a second approach or allow time before documenting a refusal. Despite these expectations and the facility’s wound management policy requiring Braden assessments, daily or weekly skin checks based on risk, accurate wound differentiation and documentation, and consistent use of wound protocols, the records for both residents showed failures to consistently administer ordered treatments, failures to enter and maintain accurate wound treatment orders in the EMR, and failures to accurately document skin assessments and wound characteristics needed for appropriate follow-up and monitoring.
Failure to Implement Fall Interventions and Complete Smoking Safety Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an accident‑hazard‑free environment and to provide adequate supervision and interventions to prevent accidents, specifically falls and unsafe smoking. For one resident with lower extremity impairment, an above‑knee amputation, diabetes, and acute kidney failure, the admission MDS showed a need for partial to moderate assistance with transfers and use of a wheelchair. The resident’s care plan addressed general needs for assistance with bed/chair mobility, transfers, and locomotion, and noted the need for monitoring to prevent falls, but it did not address the resident’s actual history of multiple falls or specify any individualized fall interventions. Facility event reports documented numerous falls over several months, including unwitnessed and witnessed falls in the bathroom and room, often related to the resident attempting independent transfers from wheelchair to toilet or from bed to wheelchair without assistance. Fall investigations dated across this period identified root causes such as the resident leaving the dining area and attempting to transfer independently in a common bathroom, and attempting to get out of bed and into a wheelchair without assistance despite having an amputated leg. These investigations documented that the resident was encouraged or educated to ask for help or call for assistance, but no new interventions were recorded following these events. Observations by surveyors showed the resident seated in a wheelchair by the bed with eyes closed on multiple occasions, with the call light not in reach and at times on the floor on the opposite side of the bed. The Director of Therapy stated the resident was receiving PT, OT, and speech therapy and recommended a wedge (tilt‑in‑space) wheelchair with foot pedals, more frequent rounding, and ensuring the call light was in reach, and expected these interventions to be reflected on the care plan. An LPN and facility leadership acknowledged the resident had frequent falls and that interventions, including those tried such as frequent rounding and ensuring call light access, should have been documented on the care plan. The deficiency also includes failure to assess another resident for smoking safety. This resident had diagnoses including Huntington’s disease and weakness, with moderately impaired cognition documented on the admission MDS. Review of the electronic medical record showed no smoking assessment, despite the facility’s smoking policy requiring assessment at admission and at least quarterly or with significant change to determine needed assistance and supervision. Surveyor observations documented this resident smoking outside on more than one occasion. An LPN, the Administrator, and the DON all stated that a smoking assessment should have been completed upon admission to ensure the resident’s safety while smoking, but no such assessment was found in the record.
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