Courtyard Health And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Mccomb, Mississippi.
- Location
- 501 South Locust Street, Mccomb, Mississippi 39648
- CMS Provider Number
- 255145
- Inspections on file
- 25
- Latest survey
- October 20, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3 (3 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Courtyard Health And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe psychiatric diagnoses and a history of aggression was admitted and retained without adequate supervision or behavioral interventions, resulting in repeated threats, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation toward other residents. Multiple residents reported fear, inability to sleep, and avoidance of common areas due to the aggressive behaviors. Staff and progress notes documented ongoing incidents, including barricading rooms, threats, and property damage, with no effective interventions or room changes implemented to protect affected residents.
A resident with severe psychiatric diagnoses and cognitive impairment exhibited repeated aggressive and combative behaviors, including threats, barricading rooms, and physical altercations. Staff failed to provide adequate supervision, did not relocate vulnerable roommates, and did not consistently report or manage incidents, resulting in multiple residents feeling unsafe and requiring police intervention.
A deficiency was cited when a facility area was not kept free from accident hazards and adequate supervision was not provided to prevent accidents. The environment and supervision protocols were found to be insufficient to minimize accident risks.
The facility failed to secure hazardous chemicals in two unlocked janitor closets, posing a safety risk, especially for cognitively impaired residents. Observations revealed unlocked closets containing 3M Concentrated Glass Cleaner and 3M Quat Disinfectant. Staff interviews confirmed the oversight, with the Housekeeping Supervisor lacking keys to lock the closets and the Maintenance Staff unaware of the issue. Safety Data Sheets indicated serious hazards, underscoring the importance of securing these chemicals.
A facility failed to respect a resident's right to meal choices, particularly affecting a diabetic resident who reported no alternate meals were available. The facility's policy required menus to include alternate options, but observations showed outdated menus without such options. The Dietary Manager confirmed the system's limitations in accommodating individual preferences, and the Dietary District Manager acknowledged the need for alternate meal options.
A facility failed to provide palatable and appropriately temperature-controlled food to a resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, reported that the food was usually cold. An observation confirmed that the meal tray had food temperatures below acceptable levels, which the Dietary Manager acknowledged as unpalatable.
The facility failed to follow proper infection control practices, as observed in the actions of CNAs and an RN during care for residents with pressure ulcers and cognitive impairments. CNAs did not perform hand hygiene before perineal care, and an RN used improper techniques during wound care, risking cross-contamination. The DON confirmed these actions were against facility policies.
A facility failed to maintain a resident's dignity during mealtime when a CNA stood while assisting with lunch, contrary to protocol requiring staff to sit at eye level. The CNA and Charge Nurse were unaware of this requirement, which the DON emphasized as important for preventing intimidation and ensuring comfort. The resident was severely cognitively impaired and required maximum assistance with eating.
A facility failed to follow a care plan for a resident with a Stage 4 pressure ulcer on the sacral region. The care plan required the wound to be cleansed and patted dry with gauze, but a nurse did not pat the wound dry as specified. The nurse admitted to not following the care plan, and the MDS nurse highlighted the importance of adhering to care plans. The resident had diagnoses of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer on the right heel and a Stage 4 pressure ulcer on the sacral region.
The facility failed to provide oral care during ADLs for two residents, despite their care plans indicating the need for assistance. Both residents reported not receiving promised oral care supplies, and interviews confirmed the deficiency.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received adequate assistance with oral hygiene. One resident, unable to reach his toothbrush and toothpaste, did not receive help from staff despite being able to brush his own teeth if given the supplies. Another resident reported not receiving any oral care since admission and was not provided with promised dental hygiene supplies. Staff interviews confirmed that CNAs are responsible for providing such care, but the facility did not meet these expectations.
The facility staff failed to follow prescribed wound care orders for a resident with Alzheimer's Disease, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, and Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. An LPN did not apply the Dakins moist dressing to the resident's sacral wound as ordered, which was confirmed by both the LPN and the Interim Director of Nursing.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse and Neglect Due to Inadequate Supervision of Aggressive Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from abuse, neglect, and intimidation by admitting and retaining a resident with known aggressive and violent behaviors without implementing adequate supervision, behavioral interventions, or protective measures for other residents. The resident in question had diagnoses including Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, Schizophrenia, and Suicidal Ideation, and was assessed as having severe cognitive impairment. Despite repeated incidents of aggression, threats, and physical intimidation towards both staff and other residents, the facility did not provide necessary psychiatric intervention or relocate vulnerable roommates to ensure their safety. Multiple residents were directly affected by the aggressive behaviors. One resident, who shared an adjoining room, reported being repeatedly threatened and verbally abused at night, leading to fear and inability to sleep. Another roommate experienced threats and was once barricaded in the room by the aggressive resident, preventing access to medication and staff intervention. A third resident, located across the hall, expressed fear and avoided leaving her room when the aggressive resident was present and yelling in the halls. Staff interviews confirmed that these behaviors were ongoing and that no formal interventions, such as increased supervision or room changes, were implemented to protect the affected residents. Progress notes and staff interviews documented a pattern of escalating behaviors, including refusal of medication, threats to kill staff and residents, inappropriate sexual comments, physical aggression, and property damage. The aggressive resident repeatedly barricaded doors, threatened others, and required police and emergency medical intervention on multiple occasions. Despite these incidents, the facility did not implement effective interventions or provide adequate supervision, resulting in an unsafe environment and placing multiple residents at risk for serious injury, harm, impairment, or death.
Removal Plan
- Resident #1 was transported to the local emergency department and subsequently to an inpatient behavioral health facility; Resident #1 remains in inpatient behavioral health facility.
- Once Resident #1 exited the facility, the fire extinguisher was mounted back securely, and the beds were placed with wheels locked to remove barricade risk.
- The Executive Director interviewed the resident that was barricaded in the room with Resident #1 to assess for fear or trauma.
- The facility issued an emergency notification of discharge to Resident #1's family and began searching for alternative placement; Resident #1 will not return until cleared and appropriate safeguards are in place.
- Education was initiated with all facility staff by the Director of Nursing on Abuse and Neglect Policy, with emphasis on resident psychosocial harm, de-escalation of behavioral episodes, and investigation of psychosocial harm. Staff will be educated prior to accepting assignment.
- Education was conducted with the Executive Director and Director of Nursing by the Regional Director of Clinical Services on investigation post behavioral episodes for psychosocial harm of residents.
- Interviews with current residents with a BIMS of 10 or greater were conducted by the Social Services Director, Social Services Assistant, and the Assistant Director of Nursing to assess for any psychosocial harm or incident of trauma.
- Residents #2, #3, and #4's care plans were updated to include trauma-centered care.
- The Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee met to review the incident and policies.
- Abuse Neglect Policy, Behavioral Health Policy, and Accidents and Supervision Policy were reviewed.
- The Director of Nursing started an all-staff in-service on Abuse/Neglect policy with emphasis on resident psychosocial harm, abuse de-escalation of behavioral episodes, and investigation of psychosocial harm.
- Affected residents' care plans were updated to reflect trauma-informed care by the Care Plan team.
- The Regional Director in-serviced the Administrator and the Director of Nursing regarding Abuse/Neglect, Investigations of Psychosocial Harm, Behavioral Services, De-escalations, and Accidents and Hazards.
- An Emergency Quality Assurance Committee was held with key facility staff in attendance.
Failure to Supervise Aggressive Resident Results in Immediate Jeopardy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents involving a resident with known aggressive behaviors. Upon admission, the resident had documented diagnoses of Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, Schizophrenia, and Suicidal Ideation, and exhibited severe cognitive impairment. Despite these known risks, the facility did not implement appropriate psychiatric care, enhanced supervision, or reassign vulnerable roommates. The resident repeatedly refused medications, threatened staff, and engaged in escalating aggressive and combative behaviors, including chasing and cornering staff, barricading rooms, and making death threats. Multiple staff interviews revealed that the resident's behaviors were not consistently managed or reported. Nurses and LPNs observed the resident threatening to harm others, barricading himself and others in rooms, and requiring police intervention on more than one occasion. Staff acknowledged that affected roommates and nearby residents were not relocated or provided with additional protection, and interventions were limited to verbal reassurance. Residents reported feeling unsafe, unable to sleep, and fearful of being harmed, with one resident avoiding their room and another being trapped and crying due to fear. Record reviews documented a pattern of aggressive incidents, including threats to kill staff and residents, inappropriate sexual comments, attempts to scald others, and physical altercations requiring emergency services. The facility did not remove environmental risks, such as unsecured fire extinguishers and movable beds, which the resident used to barricade doors. The lack of adequate supervision, failure to implement effective interventions, and insufficient response to escalating behaviors resulted in Immediate Jeopardy and Substandard Quality of Care, directly affecting multiple residents.
Removal Plan
- The Director of Nursing started an all-staff in-service on Abuse/Neglect policy with emphasis on resident psychosocial harm and abuse de-escalation of behavioral episodes and an investigation of psychosocial harm.
- Affected residents care plans were updated to reflect trauma informed care by the Care Plan team.
- The Regional Director in-serviced the Administrator and the Director of Nursing regarding Abuse/Neglect, Investigations of Psychosocial Harm, Behavioral Services, De-escalations and Accidents and Hazards.
- An Emergency Quality Assurance Committee was held with the following staff in attendance: Regional Director, Executive Director, Director of Nursing, MDS Nurse, Business Development Services, Social Services Director, Assistant Director of Nursing, Environmental Services, Maintenance Director and Infection Prevention Nurse.
- Residents #2, #3 and #4's Care Plans were updated to include Trauma Centered care.
- Education was initiated with all facility staff by the Director of Nursing on Abuse and Neglect Policy with emphasis on Resident's psychosocial harm, de-escalation of behavioral episodes and investigation of psychosocial harm. Staff will be educated prior to accepting assignment.
- Education was conducted with the Executive Director and Director of Nursing by the Regional Director of Clinical Services on investigation post behavioral episodes for psychosocial harm of Residents.
- Interview with current Residents with a Brief Interview Mental Status (BIMS) or 10 or greater was conducted by the Social Services Director, Social Services Assistant, and the Assistant Director of Nursing to assess for any psychosocial harm or Incident of trauma.
- Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee met. Abuse Neglect Policy, Behavioral Health Policy and Accidents and Supervision Policy was reviewed with no changes made.
- Once Resident #1 exited facility the fire extinguisher was mounted back securely, and the beds were placed with wheels locked to remove barricade risk.
- Resident #1 will not return to the facility until cleared and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Failure to Maintain Accident-Free Environment and Provide Adequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified due to the failure to ensure that a specific area within the facility was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision was provided to prevent accidents. The report notes that the environment was not maintained in a manner that would minimize the risk of accidents, and supervision protocols were insufficient to prevent such incidents from occurring. No additional details regarding the specific individuals involved, their medical history, or their condition at the time of the deficiency are provided in the report.
Failure to Secure Hazardous Chemicals in Unlocked Janitor Closets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to securely safeguard hazardous chemicals in two unlocked janitor's closets during a four-day survey. Observations revealed that the janitor closets on the 200 hall and the Intermediate Care Hall were unlocked and contained hazardous chemicals such as 3M Concentrated Glass Cleaner and 3M Quat Disinfectant. These chemicals pose a potential safety hazard, especially for cognitively impaired residents. The facility's policy, revised in June 2016, mandates that janitor closet doors must be locked when chemicals are stored inside. Interviews with staff, including the Housekeeping Supervisor, Maintenance Staff, Director of Nursing, and the Administrator, confirmed the oversight. The Housekeeping Supervisor acknowledged the unlocked closets and admitted not having keys to lock them, while the Maintenance Staff was unaware of the issue until informed during the survey. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both recognized the safety risk posed by the unlocked closets, particularly for residents identified as wanderers. Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals indicated serious eye damage/irritation and other hazards, emphasizing the importance of keeping these chemicals out of reach.
Failure to Provide Meal Choices for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that dietary staff supported and respected a resident's right to make choices about meal preferences. This deficiency was identified for one of the twenty-six sampled residents, who was a diabetic and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of meal options. The resident reported that alternate meals were never posted or available for selection, which caused distress as she felt compelled to eat what was provided to avoid health issues related to her diabetes. The facility's policy required menus to be periodically reviewed and to include primary, alternate, and always available meal options. However, observations revealed that the menus in the dining areas did not include alternate options. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the menus were outdated and did not accommodate individual preferences due to the limitations of their computerized system. The system was designed to formulate menus based on residents' allergies and preferences identified at admission, but it did not allow for alternate or individual meal choices. The Dietary District Manager acknowledged that residents should have the option of an alternate meal, at least through an always available menu.
Failure to Provide Palatable and Temperature-Controlled Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable and appropriately temperature-controlled foods for one of the sampled residents. The facility's policy, revised in February 2023, mandates that food should be prepared to conserve nutritive value, flavor, and appearance, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature. However, during an interview, a resident complained that the food served was usually cold. An observation and interview with the Dietary Manager revealed that the meal tray provided to the resident had food temperatures of 122°F for white rice and spinach, and 109°F for egg noodles with gravy, which were deemed unacceptable. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that these temperatures were not palatable and might deter residents from eating. The resident involved was admitted to the facility in December 2016 and had a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with a BIMS score indicating cognitive intactness.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Hand Hygiene and Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper infection prevention and control practices, as evidenced by improper hand hygiene and wound care during direct care observations. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) #1 and #2 did not perform hand hygiene before providing perineal care to a resident, and CNA #1 retrieved additional wipes with unclean gloves, causing potential cross-contamination. Both CNAs acknowledged their failure to follow hand hygiene protocols, which was confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON) as an infection control issue. Registered Nurse (RN) #2 was observed providing wound care to two residents without following proper infection control procedures. For one resident, RN #2 did not change gloves after removing a soiled dressing and used the same gauze in a circular motion, alternating between clean and dirty areas. She acknowledged that her actions could increase the risk of infection. For another resident, RN #2 did not perform hand hygiene before donning gloves and used the same gloves to handle multiple wounds, further risking cross-contamination. She also opened a door with soiled gloves, which could spread infection throughout the facility. The residents involved had significant medical conditions, including pressure ulcers and cognitive impairments, which made them vulnerable to infections. The DON confirmed that the actions of the CNAs and RN #2 were not in line with the facility's infection control policies and emphasized the importance of hand hygiene and proper wound care procedures to prevent the spread of infections.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Mealtime
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to uphold the dignity and respect of a resident during mealtime. An observation on January 6, 2025, revealed that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was standing while assisting a resident with lunch, which is against the facility's protocol for maintaining resident dignity. The CNA admitted to being unaware of the requirement to sit while feeding residents. Further interviews with the Charge Nurse and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that staff should sit at eye level with residents during meals to prevent feelings of intimidation and to facilitate eye contact, which is crucial for resident comfort and dignity. The resident involved was admitted with diagnoses including Primary Generalized Osteo Arthritis and Cognitive Communication Deficit and was assessed as severely cognitively impaired, requiring substantial maximum assistance with eating.
Failure to Follow Wound Care Plan for Resident with Pressure Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement care plan interventions related to wound care for a resident with a Stage 4 pressure ulcer on the sacral region. The comprehensive care plan for the resident specified that the wound should be cleansed with wound cleanser and 4 x 4 gauze, and then patted dry with 4 x 4 gauze. However, during an observation, a registered nurse did not pat the wound dry as required by the care plan. The nurse admitted to not following the care plan during an interview. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) nurse emphasized the importance of adhering to care plans to inform staff of residents' care needs. The resident's admission record indicated diagnoses of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer on the right heel and a Stage 4 pressure ulcer on the sacral region.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan for Oral Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the comprehensive care plan was implemented, specifically in providing oral care during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for two residents. Resident #3, who is totally dependent on staff for personal hygiene and oral care due to morbid obesity and muscle weakness, reported that staff have never assisted him in cleaning his teeth. Despite being cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, Resident #3 stated that staff promised to bring him a toothbrush and toothpaste, but this has not happened yet. This was confirmed during interviews on two separate occasions, and the resident reiterated his desire to brush his teeth daily. Similarly, Resident #6, who requires setup or clean-up assistance for oral care due to cerebrovascular disease with hemiplegia/hemiparesis on the right side, reported not receiving oral care since arriving at the facility. Despite being cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, Resident #6 stated that staff promised him a toothbrush and toothpaste, but it has yet to arrive. The MDS coordinator emphasized that the care plan serves as a guide for meeting residents' needs, and failure to follow it results in unmet needs. The facility administrator also confirmed that staff are expected to adhere to the care plans.
Failure to Provide Adequate Oral Hygiene Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that dependent residents received adequate assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), specifically oral hygiene, for two sampled residents. Resident #3, who has diagnoses of morbid obesity and muscle weakness, reported that staff did not assist him in retrieving his toothbrush and toothpaste from his nightstand, which he could not reach. Despite being cognitively intact and able to brush his own teeth if given the supplies, Resident #3 expressed frustration over the lack of assistance, which he had not communicated to the staff. Similarly, Resident #6, who has diagnoses including lack of coordination, stiffness of joints, and hemiplegia, reported not receiving any oral care since his admission to the facility. He stated that staff had promised him a toothbrush and toothpaste but had not provided them, and he had never declined such care. Interviews with staff, including the Interim Director of Nurses and a CNA, confirmed that residents should be assisted with oral hygiene daily and that it is the responsibility of CNAs to provide necessary supplies and assistance. The Administrator also emphasized that CNAs are expected to provide comprehensive care, including oral hygiene. Despite these expectations, the facility's failure to ensure that these residents received the necessary assistance with oral hygiene was evident, as both residents expressed a desire for daily oral care that was not being met.
Failure to Follow Wound Care Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide appropriate treatment and services to promote the healing and prevent complications of a pressure ulcer for one of the sampled residents. Specifically, Resident #5, who has Alzheimer's Disease, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, and Atherosclerotic Heart Disease, did not receive the prescribed wound care. The facility's policy requires weekly skin evaluations and documentation of skin impairments, as well as reporting changes in skin integrity to the physician and resident representatives. However, due to the absence of a wound care nurse for two weeks, the facility relied on a Nurse Practitioner who visits weekly and uploads assessments by the following Monday. During this period, the Interim Director of Nursing (IDON) expected staff to perform wound care and document it in the resident's chart. An observation of wound care for Resident #5 revealed that LPN #1 did not apply the Dakins moist dressing to the wound bed as per the physician's orders before covering it with foam border gauze. The order, dated 2/9/24, specified cleaning the unstageable pressure wound to the sacrum with full-strength Dakins, placing Dakins moist gauze to the wound bed, and covering it with foam border gauze every day shift. LPN #1 confirmed the deviation from the physician's orders, acknowledging that the orders are essential for wound healing. The IDON also confirmed that not following the physician's orders could potentially worsen the wound condition.
Latest citations in Mississippi
A resident with hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and cognitive impairment had a care plan directing staff to apply and remove a right ankle splint at specific times each day and to provide passive stretching to prevent decline in ROM. Observation found the splint not in use and lying on a chair, and the resident was unsure when it was last applied. A PTA reported the resident had developed foot drop and that the splint could no longer be applied without additional therapy, attributing this to the splint not being used daily as ordered. The DON confirmed that staff failed to follow the established care plan for splint application and ROM management.
A resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis after a cerebral infarction, and severe cognitive impairment (BIMS 5), had physician and therapy orders for right-hand and right-ankle splinting with passive ROM to manage contractures and maintain ROM. Surveyors observed a foot splint lying unused and the resident’s right hand contracted into a fist without a hand roll. The resident could not recall when the foot splint was last applied and reported never having a hand roll. An LPN was unaware of the need for the splint and confirmed no hand roll was in use. Records showed the hand splint order was discontinued at the responsible party’s request due to pain, but OT was not notified and no alternative such as a hand roll was initiated. PT had documented improved ankle ROM and recommended a PODUS boot, while a PTA later reported the resident had developed foot drop related to the ankle splint not being applied as ordered. The DON confirmed that daily ankle splint orders existed and that the hand splint was discontinued without alternative interventions to prevent contracture.
The facility failed to protect resident narcotic medications from misappropriation when an LPN handed over a medication cart’s narcotic keys to an RN without performing required narcotic counts before and after the transfer, and the cart was later found unlocked in the nurses’ station. During the subsequent shift change count, staff discovered multiple missing doses of oxycodone-acetaminophen and hydrocodone-acetaminophen prescribed PRN for pain to four residents with conditions including dementia, COPD, dysphagia, and diabetic neuropathy. Review of individual controlled drug logs showed corrected balances to account for the missing tablets, confirming that controlled substances were unaccounted for during the period of unsecured cart access and improper key control.
Two ambulatory residents with dementia, severe cognitive deficits, and known wandering behavior, each wearing a wander guard bracelet, were able to exit through a unit door when a visitor held it open, despite the door alarm sounding and prior observations that they frequently walked together and approached doors. An LPN responded to the alarm and, along with other staff, initiated a search when the residents could not be found on the unit; staff ultimately located the residents across a four-lane highway and returned them to the building without injury. The incident occurred despite facility policies requiring use of a security system for residents unable to protect themselves from harm by wandering, and staff and leadership acknowledged that the residents had a history of walking the halls together and going to doors, and that increased monitoring and restricting visitor access to door codes could have prevented the elopement.
A cognitively impaired resident with dementia, agitation, and a history of wandering was previously assessed by the IDT as not being at risk for elopement and did not have elopement precautions in place. On one occasion, a visitor exited through the front door without realizing the resident followed outside, and staff later discovered the resident alone on the front porch after being missing for several minutes. An LPN and CNA participated in locating and returning the resident, and the incident revealed that supervision and elopement risk assessment were insufficient for this resident.
A resident with Type 2 DM and moderately impaired cognition had two unstageable heel DTIs documented on the MDS and physician orders for treatment to both heels, but the comprehensive care plan did not include any problem, goals, or interventions related to these pressure injuries. LPNs responsible for MDS and care plan completion acknowledged the omission and stated that although they periodically audit by comparing orders to the care plan, this situation was missed. The DON reported she expected the wound care nurse to update the care plan with new wound treatment orders, while an RN stated she could update interventions but had not been trained to create a new focused care plan and was unaware it was her responsibility to add the DTI treatment orders to the care plan.
A controlled substance prescribed for a cognitively intact resident with a left femur fracture was delivered and signed for by an LPN but was not entered on the narcotic accountability record or narcotic box package count and was later found to be missing. One LPN reported receiving the blister pack of thirty Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets from another LPN, placing it on the nurses’ station, and leaving the area, while both LPNs stated they were in the medication room as the medication remained unattended. The DON and Administrator confirmed that staff failed to secure the controlled medication as required by facility policy and that the missing tablets could not be located.
Surveyors found that staff failed to properly secure and store medications for two residents. For one resident, an LPN received a delivery of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, passed it to another LPN, and the controlled medication was left unattended at the nurses’ station instead of being immediately locked and entered into the narcotic count, after which it could not be located. For another resident, two bottles of Lorazepam oral concentrate, documented on the narcotic record and labeled to be protected from light and refrigerated, were observed stored in a locked medication cart rather than in the designated medication refrigerator, even though staff acknowledged knowing the manufacturer’s refrigeration requirement.
A resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction was transferred by facility van to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation and was later determined by the facility to be discharged due to aggressive behavior and threats, with staff stating they could not meet the resident’s needs. The Administrator and Social Services Director communicated with the psychiatric facility and the resident’s family about finding alternative placement and informed the family the resident would not be allowed to return, but no formal involuntary discharge notice or written appeal rights were provided, and no physician discharge order was documented, contrary to facility policies requiring a completed transfer form and written notice of transfer/discharge with appeal information.
The facility did not adequately investigate, address, or resolve repeated grievances about food quality and temperature raised through Resident Council meetings. Over several months, residents reported that weekend meals were bad, food was consistently cold, beverages lacked sufficient ice, and breakfast items were hard or unpalatable. While limited steps such as using temperature-holding containers, sending trays out faster, and in-servicing dietary staff were noted, there was no documented monitoring, follow-up, or evaluation of effectiveness. Cognitively intact residents continued to report cold, poor-tasting food, and staff, including the Dietary Manager and Social Services, acknowledged awareness of the complaints without evidence of thorough follow-up or resolution.
Failure to Implement Care Plan for Ankle Splint and ROM Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for contracture management and splinting to prevent decline in range of motion for one resident. The facility’s policy on prevention of decline in range of motion required that, based on the comprehensive assessment, the facility provide interventions, exercises, and/or therapy to maintain or improve ROM. The resident’s care plan, initiated on 8/1/25, identified an ADL self-care performance deficit related to stroke, hemiplegia, and immobility, placing the resident at risk for functional decline. The care plan interventions directed staff to apply a splint to the right ankle after breakfast, provide passive stretch to the right ankle after applying the splint, remove the splint at lunchtime, reapply the splint after supper with passive stretch, and remove the splint at bedtime. On observation, the resident’s ankle splint was not in use and was found lying in a chair in the resident’s room, and the resident was unsure when the splint was last applied. The PTA reported that the resident had developed foot drop and that the ankle splint could no longer be placed without additional therapy, confirming this was related to the splint not being applied daily as ordered. The DON stated that the care plan was used to inform staff how to care for the resident and verified that staff failed to follow the care plan when they did not apply the ankle splint. Record review showed the resident was admitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction affecting the right dominant side, and an MDS assessment indicated a BIMS score of 5, reflecting cognitive impairment at the time of the deficiency.
Failure to Implement ROM and Splinting Orders Resulting in Contractures and Foot Drop
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide ordered range of motion (ROM) and splinting interventions to prevent decline in ROM for a resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction affecting the right dominant side. The resident was admitted with these diagnoses and had physician orders and therapy recommendations for contracture management and splinting. An OT evaluation documented decreased ROM in the right upper extremity and recommended a resting hand splint and a restorative splint and brace program, with a subsequent OT evaluation recommending continuation of the contracture management and splinting program. A physician order directed staff to apply a right-hand splint after breakfast, provide passive stretch to the right elbow, wrist, and hand once daily, and remove the splint before dinner. Another physician order required application of a right ankle splint after breakfast and after supper with passive stretching following application. The facility’s own policy stated that residents without limited ROM should not experience a reduction in ROM unless clinically unavoidable. During observation, surveyors noted a foot splint lying unused in the resident’s chair and the resident’s right hand contracted into a fist without a hand roll in place. The resident reported not knowing when the foot splint was last applied and stated she had never had a hand roll. An LPN stated she did not know why the splint was in the room, believed the resident was not required to wear it, and confirmed the resident did not have a hand roll. Record review showed the right-hand splint order was discontinued at the responsible party’s request due to pain, but the OT reported she had not been notified of this discontinuation and stated a hand roll should have been initiated when the splint was stopped; she further stated the resident’s hand was now contracted into a fist. A PT discharge summary documented improved right ankle ROM with therapy and recommended a PODUS boot daily for up to five hours, while a PTA later reported the resident had developed foot drop and that the ankle splint could no longer be applied without additional therapy, confirming this was related to the splint not being applied daily as ordered. The DON verified that there were physician orders for daily ankle splinting and acknowledged that the right-hand splint was discontinued without alternative interventions to prevent contracture. The resident’s MDS showed a BIMS score of 5, indicating severe cognitive impairment.
Failure to Secure Narcotic Medications and Maintain Key Control
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect resident medications from misappropriation on one of four medication carts, resulting in missing controlled substances for four residents. The facility’s abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy defines misappropriation of resident property as the deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful use of a resident’s belongings or money without the resident’s consent. On a specific date, during the 7:00 PM shift change narcotic count, staff identified that multiple doses of Percocet and Norco (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) were missing from the narcotic box on a single medication cart. Prior to this discovery, the assigned LPN had confirmed that the narcotic count was correct earlier in the day. The events leading to the deficiency included the LPN giving her medication cart narcotic keys to an RN while she left the area to perform a urine specimen collection. The LPN did not complete a narcotic count before or after transferring the keys, which was not in accordance with facility expectations for key control and chain of custody. When the LPN returned, she observed the medication cart in the nurses’ station and unlocked. The RN later confirmed that she had moved the cart into the nurses’ station but denied administering any medications during the time she had possession of the keys. During the subsequent 7:00 PM narcotic count, discrepancies were identified, and a search of the cart and nurses’ station did not locate the missing medications. Record review showed that four residents’ controlled medication logs required corrections to reflect missing tablets. One resident with dementia had an order for oxycodone-acetaminophen 5-325 mg every 12 hours as needed for pain; the narcotic log initially showed a remaining balance of 20 tablets after a documented administration, but was later corrected to 16 tablets to account for four missing tablets. A second resident with COPD had an order for oxycodone-acetaminophen 10-325 mg every eight hours as needed; the log was corrected from a remaining balance of five tablets to four, indicating one missing tablet. A third resident with dysphagia had an order for hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5-325 mg every 24 hours as needed; the log showed two tablets on hand after the resident returned from pass with no administrations documented, and was later corrected to zero, indicating two missing tablets. A fourth resident with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy had an order for hydrocodone-acetaminophen 7.5-325 mg every six hours as needed; the log was corrected from a remaining balance of eight tablets to seven, indicating one missing tablet. These discrepancies, combined with the unsecured cart and improper key transfer without counts, led to the determination that resident medications were not protected from misappropriation.
Failure to Prevent Elopement of Two Cognitively Impaired Wanderers
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision and prevent elopement for two residents with known wandering and elopement risk. Both residents were ambulatory, frequently walked throughout the facility together, and were known to staff as wanderers. Each resident had a diagnosis of dementia with severe cognitive deficits documented on their MDS assessments, and both had Wander/elopement alarms (wander guard bracelets) in place and used daily. The facility’s elopement/wandering policy stated that residents who are incapable of adequately protecting themselves and unable to determine when they are at risk for harm by wandering out of the facility should be placed on the resident security system to ensure safety. On the day of the incident, video surveillance later reviewed by the Administrator showed that a visitor entered an exit door on the B Unit at approximately 6:20 PM. The two residents at risk for elopement approached the door, and the visitor held the door open, allowing them to walk out of the building. The residents were wearing wander guard bracelets, and when they exited, the door alarm sounded. A nurse responded immediately to the alarm, exited the facility, and went down the walkway but did not see the residents. Staff were then alerted that the residents were missing, and a facility-wide search was initiated. Staff interviews and the facility’s documentation confirmed that the residents had previously been observed walking together throughout the facility and approaching doors, including the exit door involved in the incident. The Administrator reported that review of the video showed the two residents had approached the same door together two or three times prior to the elopement event. Despite their known patterns of wandering, severe cognitive impairment, and prior door-approach behavior, the residents were able to exit the facility unnoticed and unsupervised when the visitor held the door open. Staff ultimately located the residents across a four-lane high-capacity highway approximately 528 feet from the exit door and returned them to the facility, where body audits and assessments documented no injuries and intermittent confusion. The State Agency determined that the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision to prevent the elopement of these residents, who had exhibited exit-seeking behaviors, placed them and other residents at risk for wandering and elopement in a situation likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death and cited the facility at F689 with Immediate Jeopardy and Substandard Quality of Care. The residents’ medical records and elopement reports documented that both were confused, had impaired memory, and were identified as wanderers. One resident had a BIMS score of 3 and the other a BIMS score of 0, both indicating severe cognitive deficits. Progress notes and elopement reports recorded that staff were notified when the residents were not on the unit and could not be located, that all staff were engaged in searching, and that the residents were ultimately found outside and assisted back into the building. Interviews with CNAs and an LPN described hearing a Code W called, running outside, and seeing the residents across the street after they had crossed the four-lane highway. The DON acknowledged that the residents were always walking in the facility, often together, and that they had wandered to doors and looked out, and agreed that increased monitoring and not allowing visitors to have door codes could have prevented the residents from leaving the building.
Removal Plan
- Conducted a facility search.
- Notified police of missing residents.
- Director of Nursing interviewed staff and residents.
- Notified the Medical Director and residents’ families.
- Administrator and Director of Nursing checked the wander guard system and facility doors to ensure proper functioning.
- Returned Resident #1 and Resident #2 to the facility.
- Completed an incident report.
- Completed an emergency Quality Assurance meeting.
- Initiated in-service training for all staff on the elopement policy, including a quiz to validate comprehension, and required staff (including contract staff) to complete the in-service before working their next scheduled shift, with Administrator monitoring compliance.
- Responded immediately to the door alarm by sending staff outside to locate residents and notifying additional staff to assist with the search.
- Reviewed video surveillance and confirmed a visitor held the door open allowing residents to exit.
- Held an emergency Quality Assurance meeting with the Medical Director, Director of Nursing, Administrator, Regional Director, involved staff, and Infection Preventionist.
- Changed the main entry door code.
- Verified entrance door signage was in place instructing not to allow residents to exit unaccompanied.
- Identified residents at risk for elopement and ensured elopement bracelets/transmitters were functional and doors were locking appropriately.
- Reviewed care plans for residents at risk for elopement.
- Completed body audits on Resident #1 and Resident #2.
- Conducted audits verifying resident location, elopement risk, and wander guard bracelet function.
- Medical Records updated care profiles of residents at risk for wandering.
- Assistant Administrator began audits of all doors for function and security.
- Provided in-services on elopement policy and procedure, Resident Rights, and incident and accident reporting.
- Conducted elopement drills on each shift.
- Implemented monitoring systems to sustain compliance.
- Director of Nursing to monitor wander guard system checks three times weekly for four weeks or until substantial compliance is attained.
- Director of Nursing to monitor resident behavior for elopement attempts via incident reports, observations, and communications weekly for four weeks or until substantial compliance is attained.
- Quality Assurance Committee to meet for four weeks to review compliance with the plan of action, then continue routine Quality Assurance monitoring if no further concerns are noted.
- Administrator to hold follow-up Quality Assurance meetings monthly for two months then quarterly thereafter to ensure sustained compliance.
- Updated entry screening kiosk to include an additional reminder and attestation to ensure resident safety, requiring visitors to agree that no resident comes in or out with them and triggering a staff alert if the visitor refuses.
- Administration spoke directly with the visitor to confirm visitor policies and procedures.
Elopement of Cognitively Impaired Resident Due to Inadequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent a cognitively impaired resident with a history of wandering from exiting the building unattended. The resident had diagnoses including dementia with agitation and a BIMS score of three, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The resident had been readmitted from a geriatric psychiatric hospitalization and was known by the DON to have a history of wandering. Despite this, the interdisciplinary team had previously determined that the resident was not at risk for elopement, and no elopement interventions such as a wander guard were in place at the time of the incident. On the day of the event, a visitor observed the resident standing near the front door and exited the facility without realizing the resident followed him outside. Staff later became aware that the resident was missing, and an LPN assisted in locating the resident. A CNA ultimately found the resident outside on the front porch and returned the resident to the facility, with the investigation determining the resident had been outside unattended for approximately five minutes. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident ambulated in the halls and had not previously attempted to exit the building, and that the resident was only reassessed and provided with a wander guard after the incident.
Failure to Care Plan for Pressure Injuries and Treatment Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident with pressure injuries. The facility’s undated Care Plan Policy and Procedure stated that each resident’s care plan would remain current and inform staff of needs, strengths, goals, and approaches, and that a comprehensive person-centered care plan would be completed as needed. Record review showed that the resident was admitted with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with ketoacidosis without coma and, per the Discharge MDS with an ARD of 1/19/26, had a BIMS score of 12 indicating moderately impaired cognition. Section M of the MDS documented two unstageable pressure injuries presenting as deep tissue injuries (DTIs). Physician orders dated 12/10/25 directed treatment to right and left DTI pressure ulcers. Despite these documented DTIs and treatment orders, review of the resident’s comprehensive care plan revealed no care plan addressing the DTIs on the left and right heels, which was inconsistent with the physician orders. During interviews, two LPNs responsible for MDS and care plan completion confirmed that the care plan did not include the DTIs and stated that care plans are developed based on the MDS and physician orders, and that audits comparing orders to care plans are done periodically but this had been missed. The DON stated her expectation that the wound care nurse update the care plan with new wound care treatment orders. An RN reported she could update care plan interventions but had not been trained to develop a new focused care plan and had not added the physician’s DTI treatment orders to the care plan, and she was not aware it was her responsibility to do so.
Unsecured Controlled Medication Left Unattended and Lost
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent misappropriation of resident property when a controlled substance prescribed for a resident was left unattended and subsequently went missing. Facility policies on abuse and neglect defined misappropriation of resident property to include missing prescription medications or diversion of resident medications, including controlled substances, and the Medication-Controlled Substances policy required that only authorized licensed nursing and pharmacy personnel have access to controlled medications, that all controlled substances be stored in a locked cabinet or compartment, and that accurate accountability of all controlled drugs be maintained. Despite these policies, a pharmacy courier delivered thirty Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets for a resident with a left femur fracture, and the medication was signed for by an LPN but was not signed onto the narcotic accountability record, was not documented on the narcotic box package count, and could not be located. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and had a physician’s order for Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen, was later informed that the tablets delivered had been lost. Interviews revealed that one LPN received the blister pack of thirty Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen tablets from another LPN and placed it on the nurses’ station before leaving the area, leaving the controlled medication unattended. Both LPNs reported being in the medication room while the medication remained unattended at the nurses’ station. The DON reported being notified that the medication was missing and that an investigation confirmed the medication could not be located and had been left unattended, and the Administrator confirmed staff failed to ensure controlled medications were secured and accessible only to authorized personnel and that the facility was unable to determine the location of the missing medication.
Failure to Secure Controlled Drugs and Follow Refrigerated Storage Requirements
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to store and secure medications, including controlled substances, in accordance with professional standards and manufacturer instructions. For Resident #1, who was admitted with a left femur fracture and was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, the physician ordered Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen 10-325 mg tablets. A facility investigation documented that a pharmacy courier delivered 30 tablets of this controlled medication, which were received and signed for by an LPN but were never documented in the narcotic count system and were later unable to be located. One LPN reported that after receiving the Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen from another LPN, she left the medication unattended at the nurses’ station while she completed other tasks instead of immediately securing it in the locked medication cart. The LPN who initially received the medication from the courier confirmed that the controlled medication had not been immediately secured in the locked cart following delivery. For Resident #3, who was admitted with heart disease and had a BIMS score of 10 indicating moderately impaired cognition, the physician ordered Lorazepam (Ativan) oral concentrate. The narcotic record showed that two containers of Lorazepam were signed into the narcotic record on the date of admission. Manufacturer prescribing information for the Lorazepam oral concentrate specified that it must be protected from light and stored refrigerated at 36–46°F. During a controlled drug count, surveyors observed that two bottles of Lorazepam oral concentrate for this resident were stored in the locked medication cart rather than in a refrigerator, despite the label instructions requiring refrigeration. One LPN confirmed the manufacturer’s storage instructions on the label but was unsure why the medication had not been refrigerated, and another LPN acknowledged awareness that the medication required refrigeration but confirmed it had been stored in the medication cart instead of the designated medication refrigerator.
Failure to Provide Required Involuntary Discharge Notice and Appeal Rights
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide required written notice of an involuntary discharge, including appeal rights, and to obtain a physician’s discharge order before refusing readmission of a resident following a hospital transfer. Facility policy titled “Transfer Form” stated that it is the policy of the facility to provide a completed and accurate transfer form to residents transferred or discharged from the facility, and the policy titled “Appealing a Transfer or Discharge Notice” stated that residents have the right to appeal transfer or discharge notices and, upon notice of transfer or discharge, will be provided with a statement of their right to appeal. Record review showed that the resident, admitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, left the facility by facility van to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Progress notes dated several days after the transfer documented that the resident had been discharged from the facility due to aggressive behavior and that, per conversation with the psychiatric hospital, the Administrator and Social Services Director would assist in finding alternative placement and home health if needed. Documentation further indicated that, due to threats made, the facility stated it was unable to meet the resident’s needs and communicated with the resident’s family that the resident would not be allowed to return. During interview, the Administrator confirmed that neither the resident nor the family was provided a formal involuntary discharge notice or information on appeal rights and that no physician order for discharge could be located, acknowledging that the formal notice, appeal rights, and physician order should have been obtained prior to discharge.
Failure to Investigate and Resolve Ongoing Food-Related Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that grievances voiced through the Resident Council regarding food quality and temperature were thoroughly investigated, addressed, and resolved. Resident Council minutes over multiple months documented repeated complaints that weekend food was "bad," tasted sweet, and that food was cold by the time it reached residents. Additional concerns included insufficient ice in water and tea, hard breakfast biscuits and toast, and cold grits. Although the facility’s grievance policy stated that residents and families could voice grievances without reprisal and that the facility would make prompt efforts to resolve grievances, there was no documentation that the initial complaint about weekend food quality was addressed, and subsequent complaints continued without evidence of thorough investigation or resolution. Resident Council Department Response Forms showed limited actions, such as placing food in containers to maintain temperature, conducting an in‑service for dietary staff, sending food out faster, and instructing staff to pass trays promptly, but there was no documentation of monitoring, follow‑up, or evaluation of whether these measures were effective. Residents interviewed, all cognitively intact per their MDS BIMS scores, consistently reported that the food remained cold and did not taste good, with one resident noting that staff would reheat food only if requested. The Dietary Manager acknowledged awareness of the complaints and stated he had spoken with weekend staff and made changes like replacing tray carts and providing guidance on food preparation, but confirmed there was no documentation of ongoing monitoring or additional interventions. Social Services and the Administrator both acknowledged awareness of the complaints and that additional follow‑up and resolution efforts should have occurred, yet no evidence of such follow‑up was present in the records.
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