Oxford Health And Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Oxford, North Carolina.
- Location
- 500 Prospect Avenue, Oxford, North Carolina 27565
- CMS Provider Number
- 345291
- Inspections on file
- 20
- Latest survey
- November 21, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Oxford Health And Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies in food service operations, including unclean kitchen equipment, improper food storage with unlabeled and expired items, and inadequate staff hygiene such as lack of hair restraints. Staff failed to maintain safe food temperatures and used chipped and dirty plates during meal service. There was confusion among staff regarding cleaning responsibilities, leading to unsanitary conditions in nourishment areas.
The facility did not follow the planned menu for residents on renal, diabetic renal, mechanically altered, and pureed diets, serving unapproved substitutions such as sliced cucumbers instead of carrots and hamburger meat instead of baked chicken leg. These actions were due to delayed shipments, staff shortages, and lack of communication among dietary staff and the RD, affecting multiple residents requiring therapeutic and texture-modified diets.
A resident with multiple complex medical conditions and severely impaired cognition experienced a significant change in condition and was transferred to the hospital. Although the physician was notified and the transfer was carried out, the responsible party was not immediately informed due to unsuccessful contact attempts and competing emergencies. The responsible party was ultimately notified by the hospital rather than facility staff.
A resident's DPOA did not receive a timely refund of a deposit after the resident was discharged to another facility. The refund was delayed due to pending insurance claims and a mailing address error, with the facility failing to follow up and reissue the check as required by policy.
Two residents with chronic pain had significant quantities of their prescribed oxycodone go missing, with medication cards and controlled drug records unaccounted for. Staff discovered the discrepancies during routine administration and audits, and a nurse with access during the relevant shifts was identified but could not be contacted after suspension. The missing medications were not found, and the affected residents did not miss any doses due to alternative pain management and timely replacement.
A resident with cognitive impairment and chronic health conditions was not consistently or accurately assessed for smoking supervision needs, as required by facility policy. Nursing staff missed quarterly smoking assessments, and documentation was inconsistent regarding whether the resident required supervision while smoking. The resident was observed smoking independently without staff present, and staff interviews revealed confusion about the assessment process and documentation.
A resident admitted with diabetes and atrial fibrillation did not receive scheduled evening doses of insulin and Apixaban because a nurse entered the medication orders into the EMR with an incorrect start date, causing the medications to be scheduled for the following morning. The medications were available in the Pyxis system, but neither the transcribing nurse nor the direct care nurse verified or administered the evening doses.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and mobility deficits was care-planned for bilateral fall mats at bedside due to fall risk, but repeated observations showed the mats were not in place. Interviews revealed that assigned nursing staff were unaware of this intervention, despite confirmation from the MDS Coordinator, DON, and Administrator that the mats were required by the care plan.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions was admitted and did not receive prescribed bedtime medications on the day of admission due to medication orders being entered into the EMR with a start date for the following day. Nursing staff did not verify or administer the scheduled medications, and the DON was unaware of the missed doses.
The facility failed to properly dispose of garbage and refuse, with dumpsters overflowing and debris scattered around. Despite efforts to remove trash bags, the area remained unclean. The Dietary Manager noted that the dietary staff were responsible for cleaning smaller dumpsters, while the larger rental dumpster was not emptied as scheduled.
The facility failed to secure and manage medications properly, with loose tablets, expired medications, and unsecured medication carts observed. Staff interviews confirmed these deficiencies, highlighting a lack of adherence to medication management protocols.
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, with heavy grease buildup and dried food on appliances, and dust on vents. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to cleaning protocols, with insufficient staffing cited as a reason for the oversight.
The facility failed to maintain clean and sanitary conditions in two resident rooms on the 500 hall. Observations revealed sticky floors, litter, overflowing trash, and improperly arranged furniture. The absence of the assigned housekeeper due to illness and inadequate weekend staffing contributed to the oversight. The Maintenance Director confirmed that furniture was not rearranged after a pest control treatment. The Administrator acknowledged the need for consistent staffing to ensure cleanliness.
A resident's dignity was compromised when a housekeeper spoke to him in a demeaning manner and used curse words regarding the cleanliness of his room. The incident was witnessed by another housekeeper, who reported it to the MDS Nurse. The resident, who was cognitively intact, confirmed the event but expressed no further concerns after discussing it with the Administrator. The offending housekeeper was removed from the facility to ensure the resident's safety.
The facility did not update the daily nurse staffing information for one day during the survey period. Observations showed the staffing sheet was outdated, and interviews indicated a lapse in the process involving the Scheduler, Administrator, and Staff Development Coordinator.
Deficient Food Service Sanitation, Storage, and Staff Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food service operations, including failure to maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment such as the double door oven, stove drip pan, steam table backsplash, and the rack under the steam table. These items were found with burnt food, oil stains, dust, dirt, and water stains. Bowls stored on the rack were also dirty. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) acknowledged that cleaning schedules were not adequately followed and that some equipment and utensils were not cleaned as required. Food storage practices were also deficient. In the walk-in freezer, raw chicken was stored in an open cardboard box alongside an opened bag of garlic bread, with neither item labeled. In the walk-in refrigerator, containers of food, sliced deli meats, and cheeses were found unlabelled and undated. Staff food was improperly stored in the same refrigerator as facility food. Additionally, nourishment refrigerators throughout the facility contained unlabeled and expired food items, standing water, and were not kept clean. There was confusion among staff regarding responsibility for cleaning and discarding expired food, with both dietary and nursing staff failing to ensure proper labeling, dating, and removal of expired items. Further deficiencies included dietary staff not wearing required hair restraints or facial hair coverings while handling food and dishes. During tray line observation, chipped and dirty plates were found in use, and cold food items such as tuna salad were not maintained at safe temperatures, exceeding the required 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These failures in food handling, storage, and sanitation practices were confirmed through staff interviews and direct observation.
Failure to Follow Planned Menus and Approved Substitutions for Therapeutic and Texture-Modified Diets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow the planned menu for residents on renal, diabetic renal, mechanically altered, and pureed diets during a lunch meal. Specifically, the planned menu indicated that residents on renal and diabetic renal diets were to receive carrots, but due to a delayed shipment, carrots were not available at the time of meal service. Instead, sliced cucumbers were served, although this substitution was not communicated or approved according to the facility's procedures. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Assistant Dietary Manager both confirmed that the menu was not followed and that there was confusion regarding appropriate substitutions, with the Registered Dietitian (RD) not being informed about the need for a substitution for carrots. Additionally, for residents on mechanically altered and pureed diets, the planned menu called for baked chicken leg (ground or pureed with gravy), but hamburger meat was prepared and served instead. The dietary staff responsible for meal preparation stated that they followed the menu and consistency sheets, but the Assistant Dietary Manager and CDM were unaware of why hamburger meat was used in place of chicken. The RD was also not informed that hamburger meat was served instead of the planned menu item. These failures affected 7 residents on renal diets, 3 residents on diabetic renal diets, 17 residents on mechanically altered diets, and 12 residents on pureed diets. The deficiencies were identified through tray line observation, record review, and staff interviews, which revealed a lack of communication, failure to follow the planned menu, and improper handling of menu substitutions for therapeutic and texture-modified diets.
Failure to Immediately Notify Responsible Party of Resident Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately notify the responsible party (RP) when a resident experienced a significant change in condition and was sent to the hospital. The resident, who had a history of nontraumatic intracerebral and intracranial hemorrhage, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dysphagia, dementia, and hemiplegia/hemiparesis, was noted to have severely impaired cognition. On the date of the incident, the resident was found to have an altered level of consciousness, was difficult to arouse, non-verbal, and had minimal response to stimuli. The physician was notified and ordered the resident to be sent to the hospital for evaluation. Although the House Nursing Supervisor attempted to call the RP to notify them of the transfer, no one answered, and it was unclear if a voicemail was left. The supervisor became occupied with another emergency and did not make further attempts to contact the RP that day. The following morning, the supervisor tried again and learned that the hospital had already notified the RP about the transfer the previous evening. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the RP should have been notified at the time of the transfer.
Failure to Timely Refund Resident Deposit After Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a timely refund of a deposit to a resident's Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) following the resident's discharge. The resident, who initially paid privately for care, was discharged to another skilled nursing facility and was owed a refund of approximately $1,700. Despite the DPOA's repeated contact with the facility's Business Office Manager (BOM) after discharge, the refund was not issued within the required 30 days. The BOM stated that the delay was due to pending insurance claims, which were resolved several months after discharge, and a subsequent error in the mailing address that resulted in the refund check being returned. The BOM acknowledged that she had not requested a new refund check with the corrected address due to an oversight. Interviews with the Director of Office Services and the Administrator confirmed that facility policy required refunds to be provided within 30 days of discharge and after all insurance payments were received. The Director of Office Services was not aware of the returned check until months later and had not received updated address information to reissue the refund. The Administrator confirmed that the resident or their representative should have received the refund according to regulation, but this did not occur due to the facility's failure to follow up and correct the mailing issue.
Failure to Protect Residents from Misappropriation of Controlled Substances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from the misappropriation of controlled substance medications, specifically oxycodone, prescribed for pain management. Two residents with chronic pain and other significant medical conditions were affected. For one resident, a physician's order for oxycodone was received and the medication was delivered and documented as administered on several occasions. However, the controlled drug record, which should have documented each withdrawal of the medication, was missing, and a significant number of tablets could not be accounted for. For the second resident, multiple deliveries of oxycodone were documented, but the corresponding controlled drug records for these deliveries were also missing, and a large quantity of tablets was unaccounted for. The events leading to the deficiency included the discovery by nursing staff that the bubble pack cards containing oxycodone and their corresponding controlled drug records were missing from the medication carts. Staff interviews confirmed that the medications were present and administered as ordered on previous shifts, but were later found to be missing. The facility's investigation identified a specific nurse who had access to the medication carts during the relevant shifts and was subsequently unable to be contacted after being suspended pending investigation. The missing medications were not found despite comprehensive searches and audits of medication carts and records. The affected residents did not report missing any doses of their pain medication, as alternative pain management was provided and replacement medications were obtained. The facility's records and staff interviews confirmed that the missing medications were as-needed (PRN) and had not been requested by the residents prior to the discovery of the discrepancy. The total number of missing oxycodone tablets between the two residents was determined to be 91, with no documentation or explanation for their disappearance.
Failure to Complete Accurate and Timely Smoking Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that smoking assessments were accurate and completed quarterly for a resident with a history of Parkinson's disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Upon admission, the resident was not using tobacco and was assessed as severely cognitively impaired. However, subsequent assessments and interviews revealed inconsistencies in the documentation and completion of smoking assessments. The resident began smoking after admission, and the assessments regarding his need for supervision while smoking were not consistently or accurately completed as required by facility policy. Nurse staff responsible for conducting smoking assessments admitted to missing some assessments and acknowledged confusion regarding the assessment process and documentation. The resident's smoking status and need for supervision were inconsistently recorded, with one assessment indicating a need for supervision, which was later struck through and replaced with an assessment stating the resident could smoke independently. The Director of Nursing confirmed that a quarterly assessment was missed and that the process for notifying nurses of due assessments was in place, but not followed in this instance. Observations showed the resident smoking independently in the designated area without staff supervision, and interviews with staff and the resident confirmed that he sometimes kept his own smoking materials, while at other times, they were stored by nursing staff. The facility's list of smokers did not consistently include the resident, and there was a lack of clarity and accuracy in the documentation and oversight of the resident's smoking status and supervision needs.
Failure to Administer Scheduled Admission Medications Due to EMR Entry Error
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a newly admitted resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic foot ulcer and atrial fibrillation did not receive scheduled evening doses of Lantus insulin and Apixaban on the day of admission. The nurse responsible for transcribing the admission orders entered the medications into the electronic medical record (EMR) but did not adjust the automatically generated start date and time, resulting in the medications being scheduled to begin the following morning. The nurse did not check the Pyxis system to verify if the medications were available for administration that evening, nor did she review whether any medications were due that night. As a result, the resident did not receive the prescribed 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM doses on the day of admission, despite the medications being available in the Pyxis system. The direct care nurse for the evening shift was unaware that the resident had scheduled medications due that night, as the EMR reflected a start date of the following day. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the transcribing nurse should have verified the start date and time for the medications and ensured administration per physician orders. The physician interviewed stated that medications should be administered on the date of admission if scheduled, and although there was potential for negative outcomes, none were documented as a result of the missed doses.
Failure to Implement Care Planned Fall Safety Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement care planned interventions for fall safety for a resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, who was severely cognitively impaired and required total assistance for activities of daily living. The resident's care plan identified a risk for falls related to muscle weakness and reduced mobility, specifying the use of bilateral fall mats at the bedside as an intervention. However, during multiple observations, the resident was found lying in bed without fall mats present on either side. Interviews with nursing staff, including a nursing assistant and a nurse assigned to the resident, revealed that they were not aware of the care plan requirement for bilateral floor mats for fall injury prevention. The MDS Coordinator confirmed that the resident was actively care-planned for the use of bilateral floor mats, and both the Director of Nursing and the Administrator acknowledged that staff should have followed the care plan and provided the mats as indicated.
Failure to Administer Admission Medications per Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medication orders for a newly admitted resident were accurately entered into the electronic medical record (EMR) and administered according to physician orders. Upon admission, the resident had multiple diagnoses including Type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic foot ulcer, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. Physician orders specified several medications to be administered at bedtime on the day of admission. However, the medications were entered into the EMR with a start date for the following day, resulting in no medications being administered on the evening of admission. Nurse interviews revealed that the nurse responsible for entering the orders did not verify if any medications were due that evening and did not check the medication dispensing system for availability. The direct care nurse was unaware that scheduled medications should have been administered that night due to the EMR start date. The Director of Nursing was not aware of the missed doses, and the physician confirmed that medications should have been given as ordered on the admission date. As a result, the resident did not receive any of the prescribed medications on the evening of admission.
Improper Disposal of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly dispose of garbage and refuse, as observed during an initial tour on June 30, 2024. Four dumpsters located near a wooded area at the back of the facility were found with large amounts of trash bags overflowing from the tops, and loose paper products, boxes, and food products scattered on the ground and surrounding areas. A follow-up observation on July 2, 2024, revealed that while the trash bags had been removed, the surrounding area had not been thoroughly cleaned, with paper and food products still present on the ground. The Dietary Manager indicated that the dietary staff were responsible for cleaning the three smaller dumpsters daily, and the larger rental dumpster was scheduled to be emptied on June 28, 2024, but was not, despite several calls made by the administrator and maintenance director to the rental company.
Medication Management Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly secure and manage medications across multiple areas, as observed during a survey. On the 400 hall medication cart, thirty-two loose and unidentifiable tablets were found, along with multiple lidocaine vials lacking security caps and opened-on dates. Additionally, a Latanoprost eye drop was found to be expired, having been opened on 4/12/24 and not discarded by the expiration date of 5/22/24. Interviews with staff, including a medication aide and the interim Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed that these medications should have been marked when opened and discarded when expired. In the 500 hall medication room, an acetaminophen suppository with an expiration date of 12/2020 and a COVID-19 vaccine with an expiration date of 4/24/2024 were found. Nurse #3 acknowledged that expired medications should be discarded. Additionally, on the 100 hall, a medication cart was left unattended with two tablets of Renvela on top, unsecured, while Nurse #4 administered medication to another resident. The nurse admitted the oversight and the Administrator confirmed that all medications should be secured or properly discarded.
Facility Fails to Maintain Cleanliness in Kitchen Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness in the food preparation and service areas, as observed during a kitchen tour. The stove burners, ovens, and fryer were found with heavy grease buildup, dried food, and liquid spills. The floor beneath these appliances was littered with dried food, grease puddles, and trash. Additionally, the plate warmers and steam table contained dried food particles and spills, and the ceiling vents and air conditioning units were covered in black dust and debris, potentially contaminating food preparation surfaces. Interviews with the kitchen staff revealed a lack of adherence to cleaning protocols. The Cook/Dietary Aide was unaware of the last cleaning of the plate and base warmers and mentioned insufficient staffing to manage both cooking and cleaning tasks. The Dietary Manager and Kitchen Supervisor admitted that the kitchen equipment and areas had not been cleaned according to the checklist, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged that the ceiling vents and fans had not been cleaned for several months, attributing it to an oversight.
Failure to Maintain Clean and Sanitary Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and sanitary environment in two resident rooms on the 500 hall, as observed during a survey. In one room, the floor was sticky with spilled food particles and littered with paper, and the resident reported that housekeeping had not cleaned the room as expected. In another room, the floor was also sticky, with crumpled wipes packets and paper on the floor, an overflowing trash can, and a biohazard bin filled with personal protective equipment. The furniture was improperly arranged, with a couch placed upside down, and the side table was dusty with visible stains. Interviews with housekeeping staff revealed that the assigned housekeeper for the 500 hallway was absent due to illness, and a floor tech was covering the duties. The floor tech admitted to starting cleaning on the 400 hallway and did not reach the 500 hallway until later, resulting in incomplete cleaning. He acknowledged the issues in the rooms but assumed maintenance was responsible for the furniture arrangement. The Maintenance Director confirmed that the furniture was not rearranged after a pest control treatment for bedbugs, which had occurred a few days prior. The Housekeeping Manager noted that there were fewer staff on weekends, which contributed to the oversight. The Administrator acknowledged that the 500 hallway required more frequent cleaning due to the residents' varying acuity levels and emphasized that the facility should maintain consistent staffing levels throughout the week. The deficiency was attributed to inadequate staffing and communication, leading to unclean and disorganized resident rooms.
Resident Dignity Compromised by Housekeeper's Inappropriate Conduct
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a resident's dignity when a housekeeper spoke to a resident in a demeaning manner and used curse words. This incident involved a cognitively intact resident who was admitted to the facility on an unspecified date. The event was witnessed by another housekeeper who reported that the offending housekeeper cursed at the resident regarding the cleanliness of his room. The witness immediately reported the incident to the MDS Nurse and provided a written statement. The resident confirmed the incident, stating that he had not experienced such behavior before or since and had no further concerns after discussing it with the Administrator. The incident was reported to have occurred in the presence of the resident's roommate, who did not recall the event. The MDS Nurse confirmed that the offending housekeeper had left the building before she arrived and that the incident was reported to her by the witness. The Administrator also confirmed that the housekeeper was removed from the facility to ensure the resident's safety. Despite the incident, the resident expressed that he was not afraid and had not seen the staff member since.
Failure to Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post the daily nurse staffing information for one of the four days during the survey period. On 6/30/24, during the initial tour and multiple observations throughout the day, it was noted that the daily nurse staffing sheet posted near the facility lobby was dated 6/28/24, indicating it had not been updated to reflect the current date, census, and staffing information. Interviews revealed that the Scheduler was responsible for completing the staffing information for the week and provided these forms to the Administrator, who was responsible for posting the information daily. The Administrator stated that the Staff Development Coordinator was tasked with ensuring the daily nurse staffing sheet was accurately completed and posted in the lobby during the weekend, while the Administrator oversaw the process to ensure visibility for residents and visitors. The Staff Development Coordinator was unavailable for an interview.
Latest citations in North Carolina
A cognitively impaired, exit-seeking resident with dementia, insomnia, gait abnormalities, orthostatic hypotension, and high fall risk repeatedly wandered at night and was known by staff to push on an emergency exit door. On two consecutive nights, the resident left the building unsupervised through a west hall emergency exit that had been manually left unlocked and with its door alarm turned off, so no alarm sounded when it was used. After the first elopement, the nurse and NA did not verify that the door’s lock and alarm were re-engaged, and no new monitoring was implemented, allowing the resident to exit again a few hours later. Maintenance later confirmed the door hardware and alarm were functioning properly and could only be disabled manually, meaning staff actions and inactions in securing and monitoring the door directly enabled both elopements.
Surveyors identified multiple failures in food labeling, storage, and sanitation, including dirty water spigots above the cooking range, a scoop stored with its handle in direct contact with rice, and unsealed croissants without open or use-by dates in a walk-in cooler. In three nourishment rooms, open food items such as a half-eaten creme pie with used forks, a reusable container of dressing, a pudding cup, a fast-food sandwich, and a milkshake were found without required open and/or use-by dates. The Dietary Manager reported that all nourishment room food must be labeled with both an open date and a 7-day use-by date and noted that new staff and nursing staff were not consistently labeling items as required.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment who used a wheelchair for mobility was observed being quickly pulled backward down a hallway while reclined in a geriatric chair, instead of being pushed forward in a dignified manner. The NA reported he pulled the chair backward because he felt it was harder to push forward, and he was unaware of any equipment problems. A SW later tested the same geriatric chair and found it functioned properly. Facility leadership, including the Staff Development Director, DON, and Administrator, stated that staff are educated on residents’ rights, dignity, and wheelchair use, and confirmed the expectation that residents be pushed forward in wheelchairs and geriatric chairs at a normal, dignified pace.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and ADL deficits, including dependence on staff for bathing and grooming, was observed multiple times with long, stringy, visibly greasy and dirty hair despite being scheduled for twice-weekly showers. Nursing staff reported providing bed baths instead of full showers and only wetting the resident’s hair, while hospice staff provided intermittent bed baths with no-rinse shampoo and were unsure of the facility’s regular shower routine. The resident had not been to the beauty shop for hair care in over two months due to being mistakenly left off the beauty shop list. Facility leadership expected that the resident’s hair would be properly washed on scheduled shower days but could not identify when the hair was last washed, resulting in a failure to provide appropriate hair washing services.
Staff failed to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) by not wearing gowns during high-contact care activities for two residents on EBP. In one case, a nurse provided catheter care to a resident with an EBP sign and available PPE but wore only gloves, later stating she believed gowns were needed only when changing the catheter. In another case, two NAs used a mechanical lift to transfer a resident with a gastrostomy tube, again with EBP signage and PPE present, but wore only gloves; one NA stated he did not view transferring as high-contact care, and the other reported she did not always use gowns for transfers. These actions conflicted with the facility’s EBP policy and posted instructions requiring both gown and gloves for high-contact activities such as catheter care and transfers.
The facility failed to obtain and document informed consent for psychotropic medications for three residents. One resident with dementia and behavioral symptoms received quetiapine and divalproex, including a dose increase, without documented evidence that the responsible party was informed of risks and benefits or consented. Another resident with anxiety and depression, severe cognitive impairment, and disruptive behaviors was started on duloxetine and given multiple doses of PRN lorazepam, again without documentation that the responsible party was informed or consent obtained. A third cognitively intact resident with depression and anxiety received escitalopram 20 mg daily with no record that she was informed of the medication’s risks and benefits or that she consented. The Nurse Team Lead, identified as responsible for obtaining psychotropic consents, and the DON both confirmed that the expected notifications and consent documentation were not present in the medical records.
A resident with intact cognition was discharged to the community without a complete discharge summary that recapitulated the course of treatment. The electronic Transfer/Discharge Report contained basic demographic and clinical data but left key sections blank, including advanced directives, diet type/texture/fluid consistency, and resident-specific information on behaviors, ambulation, bladder/bowel status, feeding, and usual level of functioning, and lacked a signed acknowledgment that a copy was provided to the resident or representative. The SW reported she arranged post-discharge services, provided a medication list and satisfaction survey, and documented discharge arrangements, but was unaware that a comprehensive discharge summary with a recapitulation of the stay was required, and the Administrator confirmed the form used did not include this required summary with interdisciplinary input.
A resident admitted with bipolar disorder and receiving routine antipsychotic and antidepressant medications had only a prior Level I PASRR on file, with no Level II PASRR request submitted despite ongoing documentation of an active psychiatric diagnosis and psychotropic treatment in MDS assessments, NP notes, and the care plan. The SW confirmed she verified the existence of a PASRR before admission but did not request a Level II evaluation, believing it was only necessary if the resident exhibited behaviors, and the administrator acknowledged that no Level II PASRR request was made for this resident with a mental health diagnosis.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple comorbidities, including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension, was not seen face-to-face by a physician within 30 days of admission as required. The resident was evaluated by a PA and later by an NP, but the Nurse Team Lead relied on a tracking report that combined all provider visits (NP, PA, and physician) without distinguishing physician-required visits. As a result, the resident did not appear on the physician-visit list when the physician was on-site and was inadvertently overlooked, a fact confirmed by both the Nurse Team Lead and the Administrator.
A resident with dementia, osteoporosis, and prior femur fracture experienced an unwitnessed fall and subsequently developed severe hip pain and decreased ability to ambulate and transfer. Nursing staff failed to document the fall on the day it occurred, did not complete comprehensive lower‑extremity or mobility assessments, and repeatedly charted pain scores of 0 despite the resident’s complaints and nurse aide reports of significant pain with movement and increased assistance needs. An NP evaluated the resident for hip pain but was not informed of the fall, did not assess the hips or legs, and treated the pain as baseline neuropathic discomfort. Over several days, PRN acetaminophen was given intermittently without consistent pain scoring, multiple shifts lacked progress notes or assessments, and aides assumed nurses were aware of the resident’s worsening pain and functional decline. Bilateral hip x‑rays were eventually ordered after internal communication about hip pain, and the report later showed an acute displaced femoral neck fracture, after which the resident was sent to the hospital and underwent a left hip hemiarthroplasty.
Unsecured Emergency Exit Allows Repeated Elopement of High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to keep an emergency exit door secured and alarmed, which allowed a cognitively impaired, exit-seeking resident at high fall risk to leave the building unsupervised on two consecutive nights. The resident had dementia with psychotic disturbance, severe cognitive impairment, a history of wandering and exit-seeking, orthostatic hypotension, gait abnormalities, and muscle weakness. Care plans and assessments identified wandering, exit seeking, fall risk, and insomnia, and interventions included a wander guard bracelet, frequent safety checks, environmental monitoring, and redirection from exits. Despite this, the resident routinely wandered at night, roamed the halls, entered other residents’ rooms, and was known by staff to push on the emergency exit door in attempts to leave. On the first night, in the early morning hours while it was still dark, the nurse noticed the resident was no longer in the hallway or in his room. The assigned NA, positioned near the west hall emergency exit, reported hearing a door slam but assumed it was a nearby resident’s room door because the emergency door alarm had not sounded. When the nurse checked the emergency exit, he found it unlocked and non-alarming, exited through it, and after walking several minutes from the back of the building to the front, located the resident standing at the main entrance. The resident’s wander bracelet triggered the main entrance door alarm when they re-entered, confirming the bracelet was in place. The nurse believed the emergency door locked and re-armed automatically and did not verify the lock or alarm status of the door after the incident or before the end of his shift, and no additional monitoring or new interventions were implemented at that time. On the second night, the same nurse observed the resident in bed at approximately 1:30 AM, but by about 2:00 AM the resident was again missing from his room. The nurse immediately went to the same west hall emergency exit and saw the resident outside through the door’s glass, walking away from the building. The door was again unlocked and did not alarm when opened. The nurse brought the resident back inside through that door and assessed him with no injuries noted. Staff interviews and maintenance inspection confirmed that the emergency exit door’s magnetic lock was controlled by a wall switch and the red alarm box on the door could only be turned on or off with a key; the system did not malfunction and could not be defeated by holding the push bar. This meant the door’s lock and alarm had been manually disabled by staff on at least one prior shift, and staff on subsequent shifts, including nurses and NAs who were aware of the resident’s exit-seeking behavior and the first elopement, did not verify that the door was secured and alarmed, allowing the resident to exit a second time without staff knowledge.
Removal Plan
- Identify recipients who have suffered, or are likely to suffer, a serious adverse outcome as a result of the noncompliance
- Ensure Resident #89 has a wander bracelet in place
- Pursue or redirect Resident #89 back into the facility if he exits
- Assess Resident #89 for acute distress or injury after an elopement event
- Administer scheduled bedtime medications for insomnia (melatonin 3 mg and trazodone 50 mg) as ordered
- Initiate an order for checks of Resident #89’s whereabouts
- Document completion of checks on the Medication Administration Record
Improper Food Labeling, Storage, and Sanitation in Kitchen and Nourishment Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label, date, and store food items and to maintain cleanliness in food preparation and nourishment areas. During an initial kitchen tour with the Dietary Manager, surveyors observed visible dirt and grime buildup on three water spigots above the cooking range and found a plastic scoop left in a rice bin with the handle and bottom in direct contact with the rice. In walk-in cooler #2, a cardboard flat of croissants had been cut open, with seven croissants already used, and the remaining croissants were not resealed or labeled with an open or use-by date. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that the open croissants had been missed by kitchen staff and that the rice scoop should have been stored in its designated holder on the bin. In three nourishment rooms, surveyors found multiple food items that were open but not properly labeled with open and/or use-by dates. In one nourishment room refrigerator, there was a half-eaten creme pie with three used plastic forks left in the pan and a small reusable container of ranch dressing, both open and unlabeled. In another nourishment room refrigerator, a vanilla pudding cup and a wrapped fast-food sandwich were open and labeled only with open dates, but no use-by dates. In a third nourishment room refrigerator, a fast-food milkshake was open with no open or use-by date. The Dietary Manager stated that all nourishment room food items were required to be labeled with both an open date and a use-by date set seven days after opening, and reported that some new staff were not labeling items correctly and that nursing staff often left items in nourishment refrigerators without appropriate labeling.
Resident Dignity Compromised During Transport in Geriatric Chair
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a failure to maintain a resident’s dignity and right to a dignified existence and self-determination when a nurse aide transported the resident in a manner inconsistent with facility expectations. The resident, who had clear speech but severe cognitive impairment and required a wheelchair for mobility, was observed during a continuous observation being quickly pulled backward approximately 30 feet down the South Hall from the day room to her room while reclined in a geriatric chair. A reasonable person would have expected to be treated with dignity and to be wheeled forward in the chair. During interviews, the nurse aide stated he chose to pull the resident backward because he felt it was harder to push the reclined geriatric chair forward and reported no awareness of problems with the chair. The social worker later pushed the same geriatric chair forward and backward in the hallway and noted no functional concerns, stating the chair worked fine and needed no repairs. The Staff Development Director reported that staff receive education on residents’ rights, dignity, and wheelchair use, including speed and footrest use, and acknowledged the resident should not have been pulled backward in the geriatric chair. The DON and Administrator both stated they expected staff to push residents in wheelchairs and geriatric chairs forward, at a normal pace, and in a dignified manner.
Failure to Provide Adequate Hair Washing for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate hair washing services for a dependent resident with ADL deficits. The resident was admitted with senile degeneration of the brain, COPD, and heart failure, and had a care plan identifying ADL deficits due to generalized weakness, with interventions including setup for hair and oral hygiene daily and assistance with bathing and dressing. An annual MDS showed the resident was severely cognitively impaired and required extensive staff assistance for ADLs, with no behaviors or rejection of care documented. The shower schedule indicated the resident was to receive showers twice weekly on specific mornings. However, multiple observations over several days showed the resident in bed with long, stringy, visibly greasy and dirty hair that was stuck flat against her head, including on a scheduled shower day. Record review showed documentation that the resident received a shower on one of the observed days, but the NA assigned that day reported she actually provided a bed bath rather than a full shower and typically only wet the resident’s hair, noting it was becoming tangled, especially in the back. The NA stated a hospice bathing team visited a couple of times a week and used a no-rinse shampoo, but she was unsure of their specific care for this resident. The hospice nurse confirmed providing bed baths with no-rinse shampoo a couple of times a week and was unsure of the facility’s regular shower routine for the resident. The beauty shop operator and unit secretary both indicated it had been longer than two months since the resident’s last beauty shop visit, and the unit secretary acknowledged the resident’s name had been left off the beauty shop list by mistake. The DON stated NAs were expected to bathe the resident twice weekly and was unaware of when the resident’s hair was last washed, while the administrator stated his expectation that the resident’s hair would be properly washed on scheduled shower days.
Failure to Use Required Gowns Under Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its own Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy requiring the use of gowns and gloves during high-contact resident care activities for residents on EBP. The written policy, revised on 7/26/2022, defined EBP as an infection control intervention to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) by using gowns and gloves during high-contact activities such as dressing, bathing, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens or briefs, assisting with toileting, and device care or use, including urinary catheters and feeding tubes. Facility signage for EBP instructed staff to don a gown and gloves for high-contact resident care activities, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, was made available in holders at resident room doors. During an observation of catheter care for Resident #132, who was on EBP and had an EBP sign and PPE bin with gowns posted outside the room, Nurse #5 entered the room without wearing a gown. She washed her hands, donned gloves, removed the resident’s brief, and provided catheter care, then discarded supplies and gloves and washed her hands. In a subsequent interview, Nurse #5 acknowledged awareness that the resident was on EBP but stated she believed a gown was only required when changing the catheter, not when providing catheter care, and indicated she must have misunderstood the EBP instructions despite having received infection control training. In a separate observation, Resident #161’s room also had an EBP sign and PPE holder on the door, and the resident had a gastrostomy tube with tube feeding formula hanging at the bedside. When the resident returned from an outside appointment in a wheelchair, two nurse aides entered the room with a mechanical lift to transfer the resident to bed. Both aides wore gloves but did not wear gowns while completing the mechanical lift transfer. One aide stated he knew the resident was on EBP due to the gastrostomy tube but believed a gown was only required when performing “some type of care” and did not consider transferring to be a high-contact activity, even when shown the sign indicating gowns and gloves were required for transfers. The other aide, who usually worked on a different unit, stated she followed EBP signage but sometimes used a gown for transfers and not all the time, and both aides had previously received EBP and PPE training. The Infection Preventionist, DON, and Administrator each stated that staff should have worn gowns in these situations according to the posted EBP signage and facility expectations.
Failure to Obtain and Document Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to obtain and document informed consent for psychotropic medications prior to initiation or dose changes for multiple residents. For one resident with unspecified dementia, anxiety disorder, depression, and delusional disorder, the physician ordered quetiapine for anxiety and agitation and later ordered divalproex for dementia with aggression and agitation, with a subsequent dose increase. The resident’s MDS showed moderate cognitive impairment, use of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant medications, and behavioral symptoms including rejection of care. Record review showed these medications were administered as ordered, but there was no documentation that the responsible party was informed in advance of the risks and benefits of starting or increasing these psychotropic medications or that consent was obtained. Another resident with anxiety disorder and depression was started on duloxetine for depression and later had PRN lorazepam ordered for daytime and bedtime anxiety with agitation. The MDS indicated severe cognitive impairment, behavioral symptoms that interfered with social interactions and disrupted care, and use of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. The MAR confirmed that duloxetine was given as ordered and lorazepam was administered on multiple days. However, the electronic medical record contained no documentation that the responsible party was informed in advance of the risks and benefits of initiating duloxetine or lorazepam or that consent was obtained. The Nurse Team Lead, who was responsible for obtaining psychotropic consents, could not locate any consent forms for this resident and could not recall whether the responsible party had been called. A third resident with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and intact cognition per the MDS, had an active order for escitalopram 20 mg daily for depression and anxiety. The MDS showed no behavioral symptoms and receipt of antidepressant medication. Review of the medical record revealed no documentation that this resident was informed in advance of the risks and benefits of initiating escitalopram and consented to the treatment. In interviews, the Nurse Team Lead consistently stated she was responsible for obtaining psychotropic consents when new orders were received from providers, but she was unable to find consent forms for the involved residents or explain what had occurred. The DON described a process in which providers communicated new or changed psychotropic orders to the Nurse Team Lead, who was expected to notify residents or responsible parties and document the notification, but acknowledged that for these residents the required documentation and consent forms were missing.
Failure to Complete Required Discharge Summary With Recapitulation of Stay
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a required discharge summary that included a recapitulation of the resident's stay for one resident who was discharged to the community. The resident was admitted to the facility and had a 5-Day MDS showing intact cognition and active discharge planning. A subsequent discharge-return not anticipated MDS documented that the resident was discharged to the community. Review of the electronic medical record showed an undated Transfer/Discharge Report containing demographic and clinical information such as date of birth, admission date, age, insurance, allergies, primary contact and physician information, diagnoses, most recent vital signs, and immunization history, with a notation to refer to the MAR for current medications. However, several sections of this report were left blank, including advanced directives, diet type/texture/fluid consistency, and resident-specific information on behaviors, ambulation, bladder/bowel status, feeding, and usual level of functioning. There was also no signature or date indicating the resident or representative received a copy of the Transfer/Discharge Report. In interviews, the SW reported she was responsible for long-term resident discharges while a Discharge Planner/Case Manager handled short-term discharges. The SW described her discharge process as arranging post-discharge needs such as follow-up appointments, home health, or equipment, providing a satisfaction survey and a list of medications with administration times, and documenting a progress note outlining discharge arrangements. She stated that when follow-up appointments were arranged, records including provider notes, therapy notes, and medication lists were faxed to the receiving provider. The SW also indicated she was not aware that a discharge summary including a recapitulation of the resident's course of treatment in the facility was required. The Administrator acknowledged that the Transfer/Discharge Report in use contained some required components but did not summarize the resident's course of treatment and that a discharge summary with input from all disciplines should have been completed per regulatory guidelines.
Failure to Request Level II PASRR for Resident With Bipolar Disorder
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to submit a request for a Level II PASRR evaluation for a resident with a serious mental health diagnosis. The resident was admitted with a diagnosis that included bipolar disorder and had only a Level I PASRR documented from an evaluation completed in 2022. The admission MDS indicated the resident was not considered by the state Level II PASRR process to have serious mental illness or intellectual disability, despite documenting an active bipolar disorder diagnosis and routine antipsychotic use. Subsequent psychiatric NP progress notes in 2024 and 2026 confirmed an active bipolar disorder diagnosis and ongoing treatment with aripiprazole and bupropion. The annual MDS again indicated the resident was not considered by the Level II PASRR process to have serious mental illness or intellectual disability, while also documenting routine antipsychotic and antidepressant use and a care plan addressing psychotropic medications related to bipolar disorder. The social worker, who had been in the role for five years and was responsible for ensuring newly admitted residents had a PASRR prior to admission, verified that she checked the state PASRR system before admission and confirmed the presence of a PASRR, but did not request a Level II evaluation at or after admission. She stated she was aware of the resident’s bipolar diagnosis and psychiatric referral but believed a Level II PASRR was only needed if the resident demonstrated behaviors, and she was not aware that a Level II evaluation was required when a resident was admitted with a mental health diagnosis and had only a Level I PASRR. The administrator also confirmed that no Level II PASRR request was made when the resident was admitted with a mental health diagnosis.
Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Visit After Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was seen face-to-face by a physician within 30 days of admission, as required. The resident was admitted with multiple significant diagnoses, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia with agitation, diabetes, severe protein-calorie malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension, and had severe cognitive impairment per a quarterly MDS assessment. Review of the electronic medical record showed no evidence that the resident had been seen by a physician within the required timeframe. Instead of a physician visit, the resident was seen by a PA and later by an NP shortly after admission. The Nurse Team Lead, who was responsible for tracking when physician regulatory visits were due, used a report from the computer system that listed the last date residents were seen by any provider (NP, PA, or physician). She manually marked which provider conducted the visit and used this list to inform providers which residents needed to be seen. Because the system did not distinguish physician visits from NP/PA visits on the tracking report, the resident did not appear on the physician-visit list when the physician was in the facility, and therefore was not scheduled for a physician visit. Both the Nurse Team Lead and the Administrator confirmed that the resident had not been seen by the physician and that this was an oversight.
Failure to Assess and Respond to Post‑Fall Hip Pain and Mobility Decline
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to comprehensively assess, recognize, and respond to a resident’s severe hip pain and functional decline following a reported unwitnessed fall. The resident had dementia, osteoporosis, and a history of femur fracture, and was previously able to transfer and ambulate with limited assistance. On the date of the unwitnessed fall, there was no nursing progress note, no documentation of a fall, no pain complaint, and no assessment of the lower extremities or of transfers, ambulation, or mobility. Nursing documentation on that date reflected a pain score of 0, and the nurse assigned to the resident did not recall any fall, pain, or assessment. The quarterly MDS showed severe cognitive impairment and a prior fall, but no pain assessment. On the following night, a nurse documented that the resident was having “a lot of pain” in her hip and placed a note in the doctor’s book, but did not call the on‑call provider, did not document administration of any pain medication, and did not record a pain score with the complaint. The nurse aide on that shift did not recall changes, but the nurse later reported that the aide had told her the resident was unable to ambulate, which was a change from baseline. The next day, another nurse documented in a late entry that the resident reported she had fallen the previous day, pulled herself up, and had not told anyone, and that the resident screamed in pain when moved. This nurse contacted the NP, who, according to the note, stated the resident complained of pain all the time; the nurse informed him that this pain was not typical. The progress note did not include a pain level, a lower extremity assessment, or documentation that the unwitnessed fall was communicated to the NP. The NP’s own note documented nonspecific hip pain, a sleepy and groggy presentation, and neuropathic/hip pain, but did not include an assessment of the legs or hips. The NP later stated he was unaware of the fall, did not assess the hips or legs, and did not inquire about changes in condition such as pain with movement or ambulation. Over the next several days, multiple nurses documented pain scores of 0 on the MAR despite intermittent administration of PRN acetaminophen and reports from nurse aides that the resident had significant pain with transfers, ambulation, and repositioning. Nurse aides reported that the resident, who had previously been able to get up and ambulate, now required increased assistance, had difficulty transferring and ambulating, and grimaced and winced in pain during movement. One aide kept the resident in bed and provided all care in bed due to pain with movement, while another aide did not report the pain to the nurse, assuming the nurse was already aware. There were no nursing progress notes on some days documenting any assessment of the lower extremities or of the resident’s ability to transfer, ambulate, or move, and some assigned nurses did not enter any assessment notes at all. A nursing supervisor received a Stop and Watch communication about hip pain, obtained an order for bilateral hip x‑rays, but did not complete a comprehensive assessment and did not document a pain level or lower extremity assessment. The x‑ray order was entered, and bilateral hip x‑rays were completed, but pain scores of 0 continued to be documented on the MAR by nursing staff, and the unit manager assigned for part of one day did not assess the resident. A nurse aide who assisted with the x‑ray reported that repositioning the resident in bed was difficult due to pain and observed grimacing and wincing. The x‑ray report later showed an acute left femoral neck fracture with displacement. The nurse who came on duty the next day found the x‑ray report on the fax machine, noted the fracture, and contacted the provider, after which the resident was sent to the emergency department. The hospital history and physical documented that the resident endorsed hip pain on arrival and was treated with analgesics and later underwent a left hip hemiarthroplasty. The NP and Medical Director both acknowledged that there was potential for complications when a fracture remained undiagnosed for several days while the resident continued to be moved, transferred, and assisted with ambulation. The DON confirmed that the facility’s investigation determined that a nurse had been informed of an unwitnessed fall and failed to report the incident, resulting in a delay in treatment, and emphasized the importance of thorough assessment and documentation.
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