Parkway Health & Rehab Llc
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Canton, Mississippi.
- Location
- 230 River Oaks Drive, Canton, Mississippi 39046
- CMS Provider Number
- 255273
- Inspections on file
- 16
- Latest survey
- February 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Parkway Health & Rehab Llc during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Dietary staff failed to follow proper hand hygiene and thermometer cleaning practices, leading to potential cross-contamination. Staff did not wash hands before checking food temperatures and used a dish cloth instead of disposable wipes to clean the thermometer probe. The Dietary Manager confirmed these practices could spread harmful bacteria.
The facility failed to submit accurate staffing data for Quarter 1 of 2025 due to a transition between payroll systems, leading to discrepancies in reported nursing hours. The PBJ Staffing Data Report flagged the facility for excessively low weekend staffing, although the staffing grid showed no actual issues. The Administrator and HR Director acknowledged the transition as the cause of the inaccuracies.
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for several residents, leading to unmet care needs. Residents lacked adequate care plans for ADLs, PTSD triggers, and activity engagement. Observations revealed unshaven and unkempt residents, and interviews confirmed the care plans were vague or not followed. A resident with PTSD lacked a plan for triggers, and another did not have a contracture device as required. Additionally, a resident's activity preferences were not assessed due to the absence of a care plan.
The facility failed to provide adequate ADL care for four residents, resulting in unkempt appearances and unmet grooming needs. Despite expressing a desire for grooming, these needs were not addressed by staff, contrary to the facility's policy. Observations revealed long facial hair and greasy, unwashed hair among the residents, with minimal documentation of personal hygiene care for some. The deficiency highlights a lack of adherence to the facility's quality of life policy.
A resident with a left upper extremity contracture was observed without the required splint on multiple occasions, despite a care plan order for daily application. Staff interviews revealed that the splint was not applied as aides and nurses failed to ensure its use, with one LPN admitting to signing off on its application without verification. The splint's absence was speculated to be due to it being in the laundry, highlighting a lapse in prescribed care delivery.
A facility failed to notify a physician of a resident's change in nutrition and hydration status. The resident, on dialysis, had a fluid restriction order of 1500 ml, but the dialysis RD indicated it should be 1200 ml. The facility RD recommended changes to tube feeding and fluid flushes, but these were not implemented, and the physician was not informed, leading to a delay in care.
A facility failed to ensure a resident's right to be free from physical restraints by using a bed alarm pad and a wheelchair alarm pad that restricted the resident's movements. The alarms caused the resident, who was severely cognitively impaired with a history of repeated falls, to stop moving to avoid triggering the alarm sounds. Staff confirmed the alarms were considered restraints, and the facility did not conduct restraint assessments for the devices.
A facility failed to implement necessary nutritional and hydration care for a resident on dialysis, leading to fluid overload. Despite recommendations from the RD to adjust tube feeding and fluid restrictions, these were not acted upon, resulting in the resident being consistently over their pre-dialysis target weight. Communication lapses between facility staff and the physician contributed to the deficiency.
A facility failed to provide trauma-informed care to a resident with PTSD, as the care plan did not address specific triggers or interventions. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness about the resident's PTSD and triggers, despite the resident being cognitively intact and confirming his PTSD related to Vietnam experiences. The DON acknowledged the care plan's deficiencies, which could lead to re-traumatization.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment was found with medications left unsecured on their overbed table, contrary to facility policy requiring secure storage. The LPN was unaware of the situation, and the ADON confirmed no self-administration assessment was completed. The resident's medical history includes chronic conditions such as heart and kidney disease.
A resident with a history of urinary tract infections was observed with a catheter bag and tubing on the floor, contrary to facility policy. A CNA cleaned the catheter with only water, not using soap as required. The DON confirmed these actions increased infection risk.
A facility failed to accurately complete section N of the MDS for a resident taking an antiplatelet medication. The MDS was incorrectly coded as the resident receiving an anticoagulant, despite the MAR showing the administration of the antiplatelet medication Plavix. This error was confirmed by the Medicare Nurse, who acknowledged the mistake. The resident involved had a medical diagnosis including Alzheimer's Disease.
A facility failed to update a resident's pressure risk care plan despite a decline in ADL function, leading to the development of a pressure ulcer. The resident, at risk due to incontinence and dementia, was admitted with a care plan that was not revised to address increased risk factors. The DON and MDS Nurse confirmed the care plan should have been updated with new interventions. The resident was later hospitalized with a pressure ulcer on her heel.
A resident with dementia and aphasia experienced a decline in function, requiring increased assistance with daily activities, which heightened the risk for pressure injuries. Despite this, the facility failed to implement specific interventions to prevent pressure ulcers. The resident was later hospitalized with a deep tissue injury on the right heel, which staff had not previously identified or documented. Interviews revealed that the resident's heels were not floated, and no foot pillows or positioning devices were used, contributing to the development of the pressure ulcer.
A resident receiving hospice care for COPD was involved in a misappropriation incident when their morphine sulfate was found altered in color and not properly documented. An LPN was observed tampering with the medication and failed to comply with a drug screen, leading to their termination. The facility's policies on controlled substances were not followed, resulting in a deficiency.
A facility failed to report a narcotic diversion incident involving a resident's morphine prescription to the State Agency. The discrepancy was identified by an LPN and confirmed by the DON, who found the morphine to be a different color than expected. A random drug screen was conducted, and video footage revealed an LPN tampering with the medication. The DON believed the incident was reported, but no documentation was found to confirm this.
A facility failed to document the administration of PRN Morphine Sulfate for a resident with chronic respiratory conditions. Despite being signed out on the narcotic sheet, the medication was not recorded in the MAR, as confirmed by staff interviews. This lapse in documentation could suggest potential diversion or missing narcotics, as noted by the DON.
Improper Hand Hygiene and Thermometer Cleaning in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper hand hygiene and food temperature monitoring practices were followed by dietary staff, leading to potential cross-contamination. During a kitchen observation, Dietary Staff #2 was seen gathering kitchen utensils and checking food temperatures without washing his hands. He used a white dish cloth to wipe the thermometer probe between uses, which he admitted could cause cross-contamination. This practice was confirmed to be common among staff, as it was how they were trained. The Dietary Manager confirmed that staff were required to perform hand hygiene before checking food temperatures and should use disposable wipes to clean the thermometer probe. The improper hand hygiene and use of a dish cloth instead of disposable wipes for cleaning the thermometer probe were acknowledged as practices that could result in cross-contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria to food.
Inaccurate Staffing Data Submission Due to Payroll System Transition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to submit accurate staffing data into the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system for one of the four quarters reviewed, specifically Quarter 1 of 2025. The facility's policy requires that direct care staffing and census data be collected quarterly and be both timely and accurate. However, a review of the PBJ Staffing Data Report for Fiscal Year Quarter 1 2025 revealed that the facility was flagged for excessively low weekend staffing. During interviews, the Administrator and the Human Resources Director acknowledged that the facility was transitioning between payroll systems during this period, which may have led to inaccuracies in the reported nursing hours. The facility's staffing grid for the weekends of the quarter did not show any issues with low staffing, indicating that the problem was with the data submission rather than actual staffing levels.
Deficiencies in Care Plan Development and Implementation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for several residents, leading to unmet care needs. Residents #1, #34, #61, and #67 did not have adequate care plans related to Activities of Daily Living (ADL), specifically in terms of personal hygiene and grooming. Observations revealed that these residents were unshaven and had unkempt hair, indicating that their care plans were either not developed to include necessary interventions or were not being followed by the staff. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Medicare Nurse confirmed these deficiencies, highlighting that the care plans were vague and did not accurately reflect the residents' needs. Resident #41, who has a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), did not have a care plan that addressed his specific triggers or interventions to prevent re-traumatization. The Social Worker and the DON were unaware of the resident's triggers, and the lack of a detailed care plan meant that staff were not informed of necessary precautions. This oversight could potentially lead to situations that exacerbate the resident's PTSD symptoms, as staff were not equipped with the information needed to manage his condition effectively. Additionally, Resident #12's care plan included the use of a contracture device, which was not implemented as observed during multiple visits. The Medicare Nurse confirmed that the staff did not follow the care plan for the splinting device. Furthermore, Resident #68 did not have a developed care plan for activities, which was acknowledged by the Activity Director. The absence of a care plan for activities meant that the resident's functional abilities and preferences were not assessed or addressed, leading to a lack of engagement in meaningful activities.
Deficiency in ADL Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care for four residents who required assistance. Observations and interviews revealed that these residents had unkempt appearances, with long facial hair and greasy, unwashed hair. Despite expressing a desire for grooming, these needs were not addressed by the staff. The facility's policy on quality of life, which includes grooming as per residents' wishes, was not adhered to, leading to this deficiency. Resident #1, who was cognitively intact, had not received a haircut or shave since the previous year, despite expressing a desire for grooming. The resident was not placed on the barber list, and staff failed to inquire about his grooming preferences. Similarly, Resident #61, also cognitively intact, had not been shaved or had a haircut for an extended period, and staff were unaware of his grooming schedule. Both residents expressed dissatisfaction with their current grooming status. Resident #34 and Resident #67 also exhibited signs of neglect in personal hygiene. Resident #34 had greasy hair with visible flakes and facial hair, and could not recall the last time he was groomed. Resident #67, who had severe cognitive impairment, had oily hair and long facial hair, with minimal documentation of personal hygiene care over a two-week period. The Director of Nurses acknowledged the importance of daily personal hygiene, yet the facility failed to provide consistent care, resulting in this deficiency.
Failure to Apply Splint for Resident with Contractures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a splint was applied for a resident with contractures, as observed during a survey. The resident, who had a left upper extremity contracture, was observed on multiple occasions without the required contracture device in place. The facility's policy mandates that residents with limited range of motion receive treatment to prevent further decline, yet the resident's Medication Administration Record indicated an order for a resting hand splint to be applied daily, which was not followed. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of adherence to the care plan. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of the splint and acknowledged that aides were responsible for its application, while nurses were to ensure compliance. A Licensed Practical Nurse admitted to not verifying the splint's application despite signing off on the Medication Administration Record. A Certified Nurse Aide also confirmed the splint was missing and speculated it might be in the laundry, indicating a lapse in ensuring the resident's prescribed care was delivered.
Failure to Notify Physician of Resident's Fluid Restriction Change
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify the physician of a change in a resident's nutrition and hydration status. The resident, who was on dialysis, had a fluid restriction order of 1500 ml, but the dialysis dietician indicated that the restriction should be 1200 ml. The facility's registered dietician (RD) recommended changes to the resident's tube feeding and fluid flushes to accommodate the correct fluid restriction and suggested consulting the physician for clarification. However, these recommendations were not implemented, and the physician was not promptly informed of the necessary changes. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the RD's recommendations were misplaced and not communicated to the physician, resulting in a delay in care. The resident had been admitted with diagnoses including hypertensive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. Despite the dialysis RD faxing the correct fluid restriction order to the facility, the physician was not made aware of the new recommendations, as the DON assumed the nurse practitioner would review them during a later visit.
Failure to Ensure Resident's Right to be Free from Physical Restraints
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident's right to be free from physical restraints, as evidenced by the use of a bed alarm pad and a wheelchair alarm pad that restricted the resident's movements. The alarms caused the resident to stop moving to avoid triggering the alarm sounds, demonstrating a restrictive effect. The facility's policy defines physical restraints as any device that restricts freedom of movement, which the alarms effectively did for the resident. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired with a history of repeated falls, expressed dislike for the alarm and reported stopping movement to silence it. Interviews with staff, including a CNA and the Medicare Nurse, confirmed that the alarms were considered restraints due to the resident's behavior of stopping movement in response to the alarm. The Director of Nursing was unaware of the resident's distress and the unauthorized use of a bed alarm pad, as there was no physician order for it. The Assistant Director of Nursing expressed concerns about the use of restraints, noting potential negative impacts on residents. The facility failed to conduct restraint assessments for the alarm devices, leading to the deficiency.
Failure to Implement Nutritional and Hydration Care for Dialysis Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nutritional and hydration care for a resident receiving enteral feedings and dialysis. The Registered Dietician (RD) identified issues with fluid overload and recommended changes to the resident's tube feeding and fluid restrictions. However, these recommendations were not implemented, as evidenced by the Medication Administration Record (MAR) not reflecting the RD's suggestions. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the recommendations were misplaced and not acted upon, which could have contributed to the resident's continued fluid overload. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease with Heart Failure, was on a fluid restriction of 1500 ml, contrary to the dialysis RD's recommendation of 1200 ml. The facility's RD communicated with the dialysis RD about the resident's weight gain issues and fluid overload during dialysis treatments. Despite the dialysis RD faxing a physician order for a 1200 ml fluid restriction, the facility continued with the 1500 ml restriction, leading to the resident being consistently over their pre-dialysis target weight. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of communication and follow-through on the RD's recommendations. The DON admitted that the physician was not informed of the new RD recommendations promptly, as the nurse practitioner was expected to review them during a later visit. This delay in communication and implementation of necessary dietary adjustments resulted in the resident's fluid volume status being inadequately managed, as indicated by the resident's fluctuating weights and excessive fluid retention before dialysis sessions.
Failure to Provide Trauma-Informed Care for Resident with PTSD
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide trauma-informed care to a resident with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which could minimize triggers and prevent re-traumatization. The resident, who was readmitted with diagnoses including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, had a care plan that did not address specific triggers or interventions related to his PTSD. Interviews revealed that the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) was unaware of the resident's PTSD, and the Social Worker had not discussed the resident's PTSD or triggers with him. The Director of Nurses (DON) acknowledged that the care plan did not address the resident's triggers, which included being awakened at night by staff, and confirmed that staff were not informed about these triggers or interventions. The resident, identified as cognitively intact with a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15, confirmed his PTSD was related to his experiences in Vietnam and subsequent treatment. Despite this, the facility's policy on Trauma Informed Care was not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the lack of a developed care plan for triggers and the staff's lack of awareness regarding the resident's condition and specific needs. This oversight could lead to re-traumatization, as the staff were not equipped with the necessary information to provide appropriate care.
Medication Storage Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure medications were stored appropriately, as evidenced by the observation of medications left in a resident's room. Specifically, a bottle of Tums Ultra Strength 1000 mg and Equate Nasal Spray 3 fl. oz were found on the overbed table of a resident. The facility's policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner, which was not adhered to in this instance. The resident, who has moderate cognitive impairment, expressed a need for the medications due to indigestion and was resistant to having them removed. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) assigned to the resident was unaware of the medications being left in the room, as she typically administers all medications and observes the resident taking them. The Assistant Director of Nurses (ADON) confirmed that the resident had not been evaluated for self-administration of medications, and no self-administration form was completed. The ADON acknowledged that the medications should not have been left at the bedside, as this could lead to the resident taking too much or others accessing them. The resident's medical history includes hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Improper Catheter Care and Infection Control Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper catheter care and infection control practices for a resident, identified as Resident #37, who was observed with a catheter bag and tubing resting on the floor. This observation was made during a visit where the resident's representative mentioned the resident's history of frequent urinary tract infections and the need for a catheter due to bladder retention issues. The facility's policy requires that catheter tubing and drainage bags be kept off the floor to prevent infection, but this was not adhered to in the case of Resident #37. Additionally, during an observation of catheter care, a CNA was seen cleaning the urinary meatus and catheter tubing with only water, without using soap or cleansing products as required by the facility's policy and the resident's active care order. The CNA acknowledged the oversight, stating a concern about skin irritation as the reason for not using soap. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the catheter bag should not have been on the floor and that soap and water should have been used, acknowledging that these lapses increase the risk of infection for the resident.
Inaccurate MDS Coding for Antiplatelet Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately complete section N of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for a resident taking an antiplatelet medication. Specifically, the MDS for a resident was incorrectly coded as receiving an anticoagulant medication during the 7-day look-back period, despite the Medication Administration Record (MAR) indicating that the resident did not receive an anticoagulant but was instead administered the antiplatelet medication Plavix. This discrepancy was confirmed during an interview with the Medicare Nurse, who acknowledged the error and stated that the antiplatelet box should have been marked. The resident, who was admitted with a medical diagnosis including Alzheimer's Disease, was affected by this coding error.
Failure to Revise Pressure Risk Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to revise a pressure risk care plan for a resident who developed a pressure ulcer. The resident, who was at risk for pressure ulcers due to incontinence and dementia, was admitted to the facility with a care plan that was not updated despite a decline in her activities of daily living (ADL) function. This decline, which included reduced mobility and self-feeding, increased her risk for pressure injuries. The care plan, initially set on 12/11/24 and revised on 1/27/25, did not reflect any changes or interventions to address the increased risk prior to the development of a deep tissue injury (DTI) on her right heel, identified on 1/19/25. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the care plan should have been revised to include new interventions for pressure prevention following the resident's decline in function. The MDS Nurse also acknowledged that the resident's care plan was not updated to reflect her increased risk for pressure injuries. The resident was sent to the hospital on 1/19/25, where she was assessed with a pressure ulcer on her right heel, which was black, draining, and had deep purple discoloration. The facility's failure to update the care plan and implement necessary interventions contributed to the development of the pressure ulcer.
Failure to Prevent Pressure Ulcer Development
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary services to prevent new pressure ulcers from developing for a resident. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including unspecified dementia and aphasia, experienced a decline in function approximately two weeks before being sent to the hospital. During this period, the resident required increased assistance with activities of daily living, such as feeding, toileting, and transfers, indicating a higher risk for pressure injuries. Despite this decline, no specific interventions were documented or implemented to mitigate the risk of pressure ulcer development. The resident was eventually sent to the hospital, where a deep tissue injury with epithelial separation was identified on the right heel. The wound was described as having a partial thickness pink wound bed with deep purple discoloration, scant drainage, and devitalized tissue. Interviews with staff and the resident's representative revealed that the resident's heels were not floated, and no foot pillows or positioning devices were used prior to the discovery of the wound. The only item placed on the resident's feet were socks, and there were no active orders related to skin or pressure relief prevention. Interviews with various staff members, including the Director of Nursing, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nurse Assistants, confirmed the lack of awareness and documentation regarding the resident's declining condition and the presence of the wound. The staff acknowledged that the resident's increased need for assistance should have prompted the implementation of resident-specific interventions to prevent pressure injuries. The failure to do so likely contributed to the development of the pressure ulcer on the resident's heel.
Misappropriation of Morphine Sulfate in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident's right to be free from misappropriation of property when a bottle of Morphine Sulfate was found altered in color composition and not properly accounted for on the medication administration record. The incident involved a resident who was receiving hospice care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and was prescribed Morphine Sulfate for pain and wheezing. The morphine, which was supposed to be light blue, was discovered to be clear by an LPN during administration, prompting an investigation. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that a narcotic diversion investigation had been conducted after the discovery. Video surveillance revealed that an LPN was observed manipulating the morphine vial in a suspicious manner, including withdrawing liquid from the vial and entering a bathroom with it. This LPN failed to comply with a random drug screen requested by the facility, further substantiating the allegation of diversion. The morphine vial in question was compared to a new vial, confirming a notable difference in color, which supported the suspicion of tampering. The facility's policies on abuse prevention and controlled substances were reviewed, indicating a failure to comply with regulations related to handling and documentation of controlled substances. The investigation revealed that the LPN had signed out multiple doses of morphine for the resident, despite the altered state of the medication. The facility terminated the LPN following the investigation, citing failure to comply with the narcotic investigation as the reason for termination.
Failure to Report Narcotic Diversion Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of narcotic diversion involving a resident to the State Agency, as required by their policy. The incident involved a discrepancy in the color of liquid morphine prescribed to a resident, which was initially identified by an LPN and confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON). The morphine, which should have been a clear blue color, appeared clear when drawn into a syringe. Upon further investigation, it was found that the morphine bottle delivered earlier in the month was a lighter color than a newly delivered bottle. The DON initiated a random drug screen for all nurses with access to the medication, which all complied with except for one LPN who was later observed on video footage tampering with the morphine bottle. The resident involved had been admitted to the facility with diagnoses of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Respiratory Failure with Hypoxia. Despite the DON's belief that the incident had been reported to the State Agency, there was no documentation to confirm this, and the DON acknowledged the failure to report. This oversight in reporting the narcotic diversion incident represents a deficiency in the facility's adherence to its policy on reporting and investigating suspected misappropriation of property.
Failure to Document PRN Pain Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately document the administration of PRN pain medication for a resident, leading to a deficiency in maintaining proper medical records. The facility's policy on controlled substances and charting documentation requires that all administered medications be documented in the resident's medical record. However, a review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for a resident revealed that doses of Morphine Sulfate administered on specific dates were not documented, despite being signed out on the narcotic-controlled drug form. Interviews with staff confirmed the administration of the medication but acknowledged the failure to document it in the MAR, which is essential for proving administration, informing other staff, and ensuring compliance with physician's orders. The resident involved was admitted to the facility with diagnoses of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Respiratory Failure with Hypoxia. The lack of documentation for the administered narcotic medication could lead to concerns about potential diversion or missing narcotics, as noted by the Director of Nursing. The deficiency highlights a lapse in following the facility's policy and professional standards for documenting controlled substances, which is crucial for maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
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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