Reformed Church Home
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
- Location
- 1990 Route 18 North, Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
- CMS Provider Number
- 315417
- Inspections on file
- 14
- Latest survey
- December 11, 2024
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Reformed Church Home during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to meet the required CNA staffing ratios for three day shifts, having only 10 CNAs for 89 to 90 residents instead of the mandated 11. The staffing coordinator acknowledged the difficulty in covering call-outs despite efforts to fill vacancies with per diem staff and agencies.
The facility failed to maintain the integrity of smoke barrier partitions, with three out of twelve smoke barriers having penetrations that compromised their fire resistance rating. Observations revealed holes with wires and cables running through smoke barrier walls on multiple floors, potentially affecting all 88 residents.
The facility failed to maintain proper emergency communication systems in two of its four elevators. During testing, the emergency phones in elevators #1 and #2 malfunctioned, disconnecting calls prematurely and lacking pre-recorded messages. This issue had the potential to impact the safety of 88 residents.
The facility failed to ensure a fire-rated door to a hazardous area was properly separated by smoke-resisting partitions. The basement Activities room door did not self-close due to the removal of its automatic closure mechanism. Inside, combustible items were observed, and the room exceeded the size threshold for requiring proper fire separation.
A resident with Parkinson's disease and dementia, identified as high risk for falls, experienced a fall resulting in injuries due to the facility's failure to follow the fall prevention interventions outlined in their care plan. The interventions, which included keeping the bed in the lowest position and placing a thick floor mat next to the bed, were not in place at the time of the incident. An agency CNA unfamiliar with the resident's needs was responsible for their care at the time.
Failure to Meet CNA Staffing Ratios
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the required minimum direct care staff-to-shift ratios as mandated by the state of New Jersey for three of the fourteen day shifts reviewed. Specifically, on three separate days, the facility had only 10 Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) for 89 to 90 residents during the day shift, whereas the state requirement was at least 11 CNAs. This deficiency was identified through a review of staffing records for the period from November 17, 2024, to November 30, 2024. During an interview, the staffing coordinator acknowledged awareness of the CNA staffing ratios and admitted that while the facility usually meets these ratios, covering call-outs can be challenging. The facility's staffing policy, reviewed on December 11, 2024, outlines that the staffing coordinator is responsible for filling vacancies, initially attempting to cover shifts with per diem staff and, if unsuccessful, reaching out to agencies. Despite these procedures, the facility was unable to meet the mandated staffing levels on the specified days.
Plan Of Correction
To ensure all residents have access to the care they need, Reformed Church Home has cross-trained our nursing staff to perform CNA duties during the day shift in emergencies. All residents have the potential to be affected by the staffing shortage. In addition to using our nurse managers to perform direct care, we have also contracted with additional staffing agencies to provide temporary CNAs in the event of shortages. Overtime is offered to existing staff since we are usually trying to fill vacancies due to illness. The facility has taken multiple steps to address the CNA concern. Efforts are made to stay ahead of the pay scale and to have Reformed Church Home at the top of the wage scale. Reformed Church Home is also offering an additional health family plan which is lower in cost than our traditional plans. The hope again is that we will be able to attract more CNAs with families due to our competitive rates and enhanced health coverage for families. We have also partnered with the CNA school, Above and Beyond in Colonia NJ to provide guidance and graduating CNAs job opportunities. We have also contracted with additional staffing agencies to provide temporary CNAs in the event of shortages. We have also petitioned 6 visas for CNAs from United Methodist Healthcare Recruitment out of Chicago. To ensure the deficient practice does not recur, the Director of Nursing and Staffing Coordinator will review daily/weekly staffing levels daily to ensure compliance with the required ratios. A quarterly report will be made at the QA committee.
Smoke Barrier Integrity Compromised
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the integrity of smoke barrier partitions in accordance with NFPA 101:2012 Edition, Sections 19.3.6.2.3, 8.5.6, 8.5.6.2, and 8.5.6.3. During observations conducted on December 5 and December 9, 2024, in the presence of Facility Management, it was found that three out of twelve smoke barriers had penetrations that compromised their fire resistance rating. Specifically, on the third floor above the ceiling tiles by the 1-1/2 hour fire-rated double corridor doors leading into the "A-Wing," two approximately 1-inch diameter holes with wires running through the smoke barrier wall were observed. Further observations revealed additional deficiencies on the second and first floors. On the second floor, above the ceiling tiles by the 1-1/2 fire-rated double corridor doors leading into the "A-Wing," a 1-1/2 inch diameter hole with nine black wires running through the smoke barrier wall was noted. On the first floor, above the ceiling tiles by the 1-1/2 fire-rated double corridor doors next to the Social Services office, two 1-1/2 inch diameter holes with one BX electrical cable and a 1/2-inch diameter white plastic tubing running through one penetration were found. These deficiencies had the potential to affect all 88 residents in the facility.
Plan Of Correction
Immediate Corrective Action: **Inspection of Fire-Rated Barriers and Doors:** A comprehensive inspection of all fire-rated barriers, including walls and ceilings around fire doors, will be conducted immediately to identify any penetrations that lack proper fire blocking. Areas of focus will include penetrations above fire doors, walls with ducts, pipes, cables, or conduits passing through, and other vulnerable areas in the building. **Sealing Penetrations:** All identified penetrations that lack appropriate fire-blocking will be immediately sealed using approved fire-resistant materials. These materials will include fire-rated caulk, intumescent sealants, or other materials that meet NFPA 101 and NFPA 80 requirements for fire blocking. The materials used will be selected based on NFPA guidelines to ensure that they provide an effective barrier against fire and smoke. **Verification of Fire Blocking:** Once penetrations have been sealed, the Maintenance Director will perform a follow-up inspection to verify that all fire-blocking measures are properly implemented and meet required safety standards. Any issues found during this inspection will be corrected immediately. **Systematic Changes to Prevent Recurrence:** **Contractor Instructions and Oversight:** Moving forward, any contractors who perform work involving penetrations in fire-rated walls, ceilings, or around fire doors will be instructed as follows: Contractors will be required to ensure that all penetrations made during their work are properly fire-blocked in accordance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 80 standards. Contractor contracts will include a clause requiring compliance with all fire safety and building code regulations, including sealing all penetrations with fire-resistant materials. A checklist for contractors will be developed to ensure they have followed fire-blocking protocols before finalizing any work that involves penetrations in fire-rated barriers. **Maintenance Staff Oversight:** Maintenance staff will be tasked with monitoring and inspecting any penetrations made by contractors during construction, repair, or maintenance projects. Maintenance staff will perform follow-up inspections to ensure that any penetrations made by contractors are sealed correctly and fire-blocked immediately. If any deficiencies are found, the Maintenance Director will ensure that the issue is addressed before the area is considered fully operational or before the contractor leaves the job site. **Ongoing Inspections of Fire-Barriers:** The facility's maintenance team will develop a schedule for quarterly inspections of all fire-rated barriers, including doors, walls, and ceilings, to ensure that no unsealed penetrations have been made. Any new penetrations, whether by contractors or facility staff, will be immediately sealed with appropriate fire-blocking materials, and will be included in the inspection schedule for verification. **Fire Safety Training for Staff and Contractors:** Maintenance staff will receive additional training to ensure they are fully knowledgeable about the proper methods for sealing penetrations in fire-rated barriers and identifying potential fire-blocking deficiencies. Contractors will receive orientation or written instructions regarding the facility's fire safety protocols related to penetrations and fire-blocking. This will be reinforced during contractor onboarding before starting any project that involves fire-rated walls. **Follow-Up Monitoring and Compliance:** **Follow-Up Inspections:** A follow-up inspection will be performed within 30 days of completing the immediate corrective actions to verify that all fire-blocking has been implemented properly and that the facility remains in compliance with K372. The inspection will be performed by the Maintenance Director to confirm that all fire-rated barriers are intact and that all penetrations are properly sealed. **Quarterly Audits:** A quarterly fire-safety audit will be conducted to ensure continued compliance. This will include: - A review of all areas where penetrations have occurred. - Verification that all penetrations are properly fire-blocked and meet fire-safety codes. - Auditing the contractor checklist and documentation to ensure that all work completed by contractors adheres to fire safety regulations. **Ongoing Documentation:** Documentation will be maintained for all inspections, corrections, and training sessions. This includes: - Logs of contractor instructions regarding fire-blocking requirements. - Maintenance inspection records and follow-up reports. - Audit results and corrective actions taken. **Responsible Parties:** - **Maintenance Director:** Oversees inspections, repairs, and ensures all penetrations are properly sealed. Also responsible for ensuring maintenance staff follow procedures. - **Contractors:** Responsible for ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and properly sealing penetrations made during work. **Completion Date for Corrective Action:** All immediate corrective actions, including sealing penetrations and inspecting fire-rated barriers, will be completed by 12/27/24. Ongoing monitoring and quarterly audits will begin immediately and continue per the established schedule. The results will be discussed in the facility's quarterly safety committee meetings.
Elevator Emergency Communication Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain emergency communications in proper working condition for two of the four elevators tested, as observed during a survey conducted on December 5, 2024, and December 9, 2024. During the inspection, it was found that the emergency communication telephones in elevators #1 and #2 were not functioning correctly. In elevator #1, when the emergency communication button was pressed, the operator answered, but no words were exchanged, and the call disconnected automatically within approximately 20 seconds. A second test confirmed that the phone did not function properly, as it lacked a pre-recorded message. Similarly, in elevator #2, the emergency communication phone also malfunctioned. When tested, the operator answered and requested the caller to hold, but the call disconnected automatically within approximately 20 seconds. These deficiencies were confirmed by the facility's representative during the observations and were reported during the Life Safety Code survey exit. The malfunctioning emergency communication systems in these elevators had the potential to affect the safety of 88 residents in the facility.
Plan Of Correction
The facility must ensure that all elevator systems, including emergency communication devices (e.g., emergency phones in elevators), are properly maintained and functioning to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff. **Immediate Corrective Action:** **Inspection of All Elevators:** An immediate inspection of all elevator emergency communication systems (phones) was conducted to assess functionality. This inspection was performed by the facility's maintenance team and qualified elevator service provider to ensure that all emergency phones are working. The inspection focused on: - Ensuring each emergency phone connects to a 24-hour monitoring service or can directly communicate with emergency personnel. - Verifying that phones are in working condition with clear audio and uninterrupted functionality. **Immediate Repair or Replacement:** Any non-functional or damaged emergency phones was repaired or replaced immediately to ensure they met operational requirements. All phones that are out of service will be marked as "out of order" until repaired and will not be used until fully functional. **Test All Emergency Phones:** Once repairs or replacements were made, each elevator emergency phone was tested for connectivity to emergency services, ensuring they work properly in the event of an emergency. **Systematic Changes to Prevent Recurrence:** **Scheduled Inspections and Preventive Maintenance:** A monthly inspection will be established for all elevator emergency phones. The inspection will include: - Functionality testing to ensure clear, immediate communication with emergency personnel. - Visual inspection to check for physical damage or wear. These inspections will be documented, and the results will be reviewed by the Maintenance Director. **Documentation and Record-Keeping:** A logbook will be created and maintained to record each inspection and test result, including: - Date and time of inspection. - Description of any identified issues. - Actions taken (repair, replacement, etc.). - Confirmation that repairs have been completed and phones are operational. **Training of Maintenance Staff:** Maintenance personnel will receive training on the proper testing and repair of elevator emergency phones, including how to ensure they are properly connected to emergency services. **Follow-Up Monitoring and Compliance:** **Ongoing Monitoring:** To ensure long-term compliance, the monthly inspection schedule will be adhered to and documented. **Responsible Parties:** Maintenance Director: Responsible for overseeing the inspection, repair, and maintenance of all elevator emergency communication systems. Oversees all safety systems, including elevator emergency phones, ensuring compliance with fire safety codes. **Completion Date for Corrective Action:** All immediate corrective actions, including repairs and testing of emergency phones, was completed. Monthly inspections and preventive maintenance will commence immediately after the corrective actions have been implemented and will continue regularly. The results of the inspections will be discussed at the quarterly safety committee meetings.
Failure to Maintain Fire Safety in Hazardous Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one of eight fire-rated doors to hazardous areas was properly separated by smoke-resisting partitions, as required by NFPA 101, 2012 Edition. During an observation on December 5, 2024, at approximately 9:20 AM, it was noted that the basement level Activities room door did not close to the frame when tested. The automatic door closure mechanism had been removed, preventing the door from self-closing into its frame. This deficiency was confirmed by the surveyor and facility representatives during the Life Safety Code survey exit on December 9, 2024. Inside the Activities room, the surveyor observed several combustible items, including cardboard boxes and activity crafts, which posed a potential fire hazard. The room was measured to be 91.875 square feet, exceeding the 50 square feet threshold for requiring proper fire separation. The presence of these combustible materials, combined with the lack of a functioning self-closing door, constituted a failure to comply with the necessary fire safety standards, as outlined in the relevant sections of NFPA 101.
Plan Of Correction
12/31/24 Immediate Corrective Action: Inspection of all self-closing doors: A comprehensive inspection of all self-closing doors in hazardous areas (boiler rooms, electrical rooms, storage rooms, etc.) was conducted immediately by our maintenance team. Repairs or replacements: Any self-closing doors that are not functioning properly will be repaired or replaced immediately. This includes ensuring that the doors close automatically without obstruction and maintain the required fire-resistance rating. Basement activity storage door new closure was placed. See photo for reference. Identification of Non-Compliant Doors: We will identify and tag any doors that are not compliant and make necessary repairs, ensuring all doors in hazardous areas meet the required standards for self-closing and fire resistance. Systematic Changes to Prevent Recurrence: Routine Inspections and Testing: An annual inspection and testing program will be implemented for all self-closing fire-rated doors in hazardous areas. The program will include: - Verifying the proper operation of the door-closing mechanism. - Ensuring that doors are not obstructed and can close fully. - Checking that fire-rated doors are not damaged. The results of each inspection will be documented and kept on file for review. Long-Term Sustainability: Documentation and Tracking: A detailed log of all self-closing doors will be created, listing the location of each door, its inspection dates, and any repair or maintenance actions taken. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Ongoing Compliance: The facility will schedule annual internal inspections of self-closing doors in hazardous areas to ensure continued compliance. Reports will be reviewed by the facility's fire safety officer and any identified issues will be addressed promptly. The results of the findings will be addressed at the first quarter safety committee meeting and the first quarter QA meeting. Responsible Party: Maintenance Director: Oversees the inspection, repair, and ongoing monitoring of self-closing doors.
Failure to Follow Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow fall prevention interventions as outlined in the individual comprehensive care plan (ICCP) for a resident identified as being at high risk for falls. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease and dementia, was observed in a reclining chair without the thick cushioned fall mat that was supposed to be placed next to their bed as per the care plan. The resident's ICCP included specific interventions such as keeping the bed in the lowest position and placing a thick floor mat and landing strips next to the bed. However, during an incident, these interventions were not in place, leading to the resident sustaining a hematoma and laceration after a fall. The investigation revealed that the bed was not in the lowest position at the time of the fall, and the floor mats were not in place, contrary to the care plan. The CNA responsible for the resident at the time was an agency staff member unfamiliar with the resident's specific needs. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the care plan was not followed, and the Registered Nurse/Unit Manager emphasized the importance of adhering to the care plan to ensure the best outcomes for residents. The facility's policy required that interventions be implemented for residents with a high fall risk score, but this was not adhered to in this case.
Plan Of Correction
The root cause for this deficient practice was the nurse failed to properly oversee the agency aide assigned to resident #44 to ensure the appropriate interventions were in place when the resident was in bed. The nurse was re-educated on her responsibility to oversee the care provided by a CNA and to ensure the residents under her care have the appropriate safety interventions in place. All residents who are severely cognitively impaired, have a fall risk score above 10, and who have fall interventions of a low bed and floor mats, have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. Residents Fall Risk Scores, BIMS scores, and Care Plans will be reviewed to identify residents at risk to ensure the information provided on the Resident Care Needs form is accurate. The unit managers/nursing supervisors will be educated on checking the daily staffing sheet to identify any agency staff assigned in the facility and will ensure they have received the Resident Care Needs form, which was created to easily and quickly be able to identify the care needs of residents. Licensed nursing staff will be re-educated on their responsibility to provide supervision and oversight to any CNA providing care to a resident under their care and to ensure all safety interventions are in place. A weekly Agency Staff Supervision form will be in the staffing office with the daily staffing sheets. The unit managers/nursing supervisors will complete this form daily. The form will be reviewed by the DON weekly x 12 weeks, then monthly x3 months to ensure agency staff have received the necessary information to provide safe resident care. The results of the reviews will be presented at the quarterly quality assurance meetings for the March and June meetings.
Latest citations in New Jersey
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities, and a stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer required staff assistance with ADLs and had a care plan specifying turning, repositioning, offloading, limited sitting time, and use of a ROHO cushion. While Documentation Survey Reports showed recorded interventions such as skin observation and turning/repositioning from January through March, the facility could not produce any ADL or POC documentation for turning, repositioning, or getting the resident out of bed for the preceding several months. CNAs, an LPN, and the DON reported that these interventions were performed and documented in the POC or progress notes, but the requested records for that time period were unavailable, contrary to facility policies on turning/repositioning and pressure injury prevention that require such care to be implemented and documented.
The facility failed to maintain sufficient kitchen staffing, resulting in days when no cook was on duty and the Food Service Director had to cover all meals. On one such day, residents reported receiving only cold items for all three meals, including cereal and milk for breakfast, cold cut sandwiches and chips for lunch, and cold cut ham wraps for dinner, with no cooked foods or vegetables provided. A Dietary Aide confirmed that both the scheduled cook and the FSD were ill that day, and the RD instructed use of only non-cook items, later acknowledging the meals did not meet daily nutritional requirements. Review of the monthly schedule showed only one cook on staff, with the FSD covering most cooking duties and no backup cooks despite the facility’s policy requiring nutritionally adequate meals even when a scheduled cook is absent.
A resident with dementia, psychotic disorder, seizures, and moderate cognitive impairment was hospitalized for anemia and AKI, where imaging revealed an acute displaced left femur fracture with associated hemorrhage, along with clinical findings of left leg swelling, redness, and tenderness. After being notified by a hospital RN of the fracture, facility leadership conducted an internal investigation, concluded there was no harm done in the facility, and remained unsure where or how the fracture occurred. The LNHA acknowledged that the cause of the injury was unknown, and the CEO confirmed that such an injury of unknown origin should be reported to the Department of Health. Despite a written abuse policy requiring immediate notification to the state and written follow-up within 72 hours when investigating possible abuse or neglect, the facility did not report this injury of unknown origin to the New Jersey Department of Health.
A resident with schizoaffective disorder, major depression, and a documented history of elopement risk had a Wander Guard in place and a care plan calling for frequent monitoring due to active exit-seeking. After the resident’s behaviors escalated, one-to-one monitoring was started but then discontinued when the resident was moved to a secured unit, where policy required controlled exit access. On an evening in question, staff on the secured unit allowed residents to leave unaccompanied to a soda machine on another unit, and the resident was last seen in their room around 9 p.m. By about an hour later, staff discovered the resident missing, and a nurse on another floor, not the secured unit staff, activated a Code Grey after hearing a door alarm. A subsequent head count confirmed the resident had left the building; the resident later stated they exited through a unit door, took an elevator to the front entrance, and used public transportation to visit a family member, demonstrating a failure to maintain a safe secured environment and adequate supervision to prevent elopement.
A resident with severe intellectual disabilities, obstructive and reflux uropathy, and an indwelling catheter was seen by a urologist, who recommended cystoscopy, laser lithotripsy of a bladder stone, and TURP, with a future OR schedule. Nursing documentation noted the recommendation, but there was no evidence in the EMR that staff followed up with the urologist or the physician to schedule the procedures. Central supply staff, responsible for scheduling, reported making weekly calls and tracking them on paper that was not retained and had no EMR access, and leadership confirmed there was no policy for scheduling out-of-facility appointments and no completed follow-up form because the urology office was expected to schedule surgery. The resident was later sent out with cloudy urine, poor intake, and lethargy and was admitted to the hospital with an obstructed Foley, bilateral hydronephrosis, and acute kidney injury, and the lack of documented follow-up conflicted with the facility’s charting policy requiring the medical record to support interdisciplinary communication.
Surveyors found that multiple residents did not receive meals and beverages as listed on their tray tickets, including missing biscuits, condiments, and diet sodas, as well as incorrect items such as apple products despite a documented "no apple" order and food preferences like "no gravy" not being honored. Residents with conditions such as protein-calorie malnutrition, DM, CKD, and other chronic diagnoses had care plans directing staff to provide diets as ordered and honor food and beverage preferences, yet trays frequently did not match tray cards. Kitchen staff acknowledged running out of certain items, and leadership confirmed that trays and tray tickets were expected to match and that meals should follow documented preferences.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and moderate cognitive impairment required substantial assistance with toileting and was care planned for incontinence management and skin integrity. Facility records showed that required documentation of bladder continence, bowel continence, bowel movements, and toilet use was missing on multiple shifts, with no related entries in progress notes. CNAs, who were responsible for providing and documenting toileting and incontinence care in the EMR, and nursing leadership confirmed that all care should be documented and verified by supervisors, yet a CNA reported sometimes forgetting to chart when busy. This failure to follow the facility’s documentation policy resulted in an incomplete and inaccurate medical record.
A resident with dementia, depression, mixed anxiety disorder, and severely impaired cognition, who depended on staff for ADLs and communicated via written questions due to hearing impairment, reported that a male CNA had touched them inappropriately in the groin while providing a shower and that they had informed staff or the administrator shortly thereafter. The resident’s care plan was later updated to prohibit male CNAs, and documentation showed showers were provided by a male CNA on several occasions. The facility conducted an internal investigation and concluded there was no evidence to support sexual abuse, but did not notify the NJDOH as required by its abuse/neglect policy and state regulations, a failure confirmed by the DON and administrator during surveyor interviews.
A cognitively intact resident with mental health diagnoses reported that a CNA pushed them to the floor when they entered another resident’s room after hearing yelling, later seeking ED care where an abrasion of the upper extremity and a visit reason of battery were documented. An LPN documented hearing yelling, seeing the resident grabbing the CNA’s arm, and calling 911, while the CNA stated the resident aggressively grabbed her and denied assaulting the resident. Despite the resident’s repeated written complaints to the DSS and LNHA alleging assault and expressing anger when seeing the CNA, the facility did not follow its abuse policy requiring temporary suspension of employees under investigation, did not promptly obtain statements from other staff or residents on the CNA’s assignment, and allowed the CNA to continue working regular shifts, including on the unit where the resident resided.
A cognitively intact resident with psychiatric diagnoses reported that a CNA pushed them and knocked them down, after which an LPN heard yelling, entered the room, saw the resident grabbing the CNA’s arm, and then called 911 and notified the nursing supervisor. The resident requested hospital transport to document injuries and was treated in the ED for an abrasion of the upper arm and given a Tdap injection. The nursing supervisor was informed of the incident, and staff later received education on abuse and neglect policies; however, there was no evidence that the allegation of staff-to-resident physical abuse was reported to the state health department, and the ADON indicated she believed it was a resident-to-staff incident rather than a reportable staff-to-resident allegation.
Failure to Maintain ADL and Turning/Repositioning Documentation for High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain documentation of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks, specifically getting a resident out of bed and providing turning and repositioning, for a defined period. A resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including severe protein-calorie malnutrition, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dysphagia, a stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer, gastrostomy status, functional quadriplegia, iron deficiency anemia, and generalized muscle weakness, was assessed as having severely impaired cognition (BIMS score of 00) and requiring staff assistance with ADLs. The resident’s care plan, initiated in September 2025 and revised in March 2026, identified moisture-associated skin damage to the sacrum related to incontinence, immobility, poor cognition, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes, and included interventions such as turning and repositioning, offloading per policy, limiting sitting time, use of a ROHO cushion, and treatment per physician orders. Review of the resident’s Documentation Survey Reports (DSRs) from January 2026 to March 2026 showed recorded interventions and tasks including skin observation, turning and repositioning, and amount eaten, with the DSR reflecting the days these tasks were performed. However, the facility was unable to produce any DSRs or other documentation of ADL tasks for September 2025 through December 2025, despite staff interviews indicating that turning, repositioning, and getting the resident out of bed were performed and documented in the Point of Care (POC) system or skilled progress notes. The DON stated that turning and repositioning were documented by CNAs in the POC and that the resident was turned and repositioned every two hours or more frequently, but could not provide more than one month of ADL task sheets, citing a recent program change. This lack of documentation occurred despite facility policies on Turning and Repositioning and Pressure Injury Prevention and Management that require implementation and documentation of turning and repositioning for residents at risk of or with existing pressure injuries.
Insufficient Kitchen Staffing Led to Inadequate Meals
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves insufficient staffing in the food and nutrition services, resulting in the inability to safely and effectively carry out food service operations. During a Resident Council meeting, five of six alert and oriented residents reported that on one day the prior week there was no cook on duty and they were served cold food for all three meals. They stated that breakfast consisted of cereal and milk passed from a cart. On another day of survey observation, the Food Service Director (FSD) was observed preparing lunch and confirmed there was no cook on duty that day, so he was covering all meals himself. A Dietary Aide reported that on the day in question the scheduled cook called out sick and the FSD was also ill, leaving no cook available. The Registered Dietician (RD) was notified and instructed the Dietary Aide to use only items that did not require cooking, resulting in breakfast of cold cereal, milk, and juice; lunch of cold cut sandwiches and chips; and dinner of cold cut ham wraps, with no cooked items or vegetables provided. The RD later acknowledged that these meals did not meet daily nutritional requirements. Review of the March kitchen schedule showed only one cook scheduled for the month, with the FSD covering most cooking duties, including all breakfasts and all meals on certain days, and no backup cooks available after two cooks had quit. The facility’s own Dietary Emergency Staffing policy requires provision of safe, sanitary, and nutritionally adequate meals even in the absence of a scheduled cook, with the Administrator responsible for oversight and regulatory compliance.
Failure to Report Injury of Unknown Origin to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors determined that the facility failed to report an injury of unknown origin to the New Jersey Department of Health after a resident was found to have a left femur fracture. The resident had dementia with behavioral disturbances, a psychotic disorder with hallucinations, seizures, and chronic candidiasis, and was assessed on a recent MDS as moderately cognitively impaired with a BIMS score of 9/15. On 3/19/26, a hospital RN notified the facility that the resident, who had been admitted to the hospital with anemia and acute kidney injury, was also found to have left leg swelling, redness, and tenderness, and that a CT scan showed a left femur fracture. A facility document titled "Conclusion Summary of Investigation" described an acute displaced fracture of the left femur with a large adjacent hemorrhage and areas suspicious for active bleeding. During an interview, the LNHA stated that after being notified by the hospital of the fracture, the facility conducted an investigation and concluded there was no harm done in the facility, and that she was unsure where the fracture occurred, suggesting it may have happened during transfer to or at the hospital. When questioned about protocol for injuries of unknown origin, the LNHA acknowledged that the facility did not know how the injury occurred. In a separate interview, the President/CEO confirmed that an injury of unknown origin is supposed to be reported to the Department of Health and agreed that the resident’s fracture would be considered such an injury. The facility’s abuse policy, revised 1/1/2025, states that the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services must be called immediately to report that the facility is investigating an allegation of abuse or neglect, with written confirmation of the investigation results to follow within 72 hours. Despite this policy, the injury of unknown origin was not reported to the Department of Health.
Failure to Prevent Elopement From Secured Unit for Known High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a safe environment and provide adequate supervision to prevent the elopement of a resident who was a known elopement risk. The resident had been identified as high risk for elopement since admission in 2024 and had a Wander Guard device in place. An Elopement/Wandering Risk Evaluation completed on 03/04/2026 documented a history of actual or attempted elopement, verbal expressions of wanting to go home, and exit-seeking behavior, as well as cognitive impairment with poor decision-making skills. The resident’s care plan, initiated in 2024 and revised in 2025, identified the resident as an elopement risk and wanderer with a Wander Guard on the ankle and called for monitoring of behaviors and frequent monitoring due to active exit-seeking. In early March 2026, the resident’s behavior escalated. On 03/03/2026, the resident requested transfer to a facility closer to a family member after that family member had reduced the frequency of visits. On 03/04/2026, the resident attempted to leave the floor and was hard to redirect, leading the facility to place the resident on one-to-one monitoring while awaiting a secured unit bed. The resident was then transferred to a secured third-floor unit on 03/04/2026, and the one-to-one monitoring was discontinued. Facility policy on safety and supervision stated that resident supervision is determined by assessed needs and that supervision may need to be increased with changes in mental status or behaviors. The Code Grey/Elopement policy emphasized controlling exit access on secured units, including the use of door codes to leave the unit. On the evening of 03/08/2026, the resident was observed on the secured unit by staff around 9:00 PM. One LPN reported last seeing the resident at about that time when providing a snack, after which the resident went to their room; a CNA also saw the resident in the room on the phone at 9:00 PM. Staff on the secured unit stated that residents there were allowed to go off the unit unaccompanied to a soda machine on another unit, despite the resident’s elopement risk and Wander Guard. Around 10:00 PM, staff discovered the resident was no longer in the room and could not be found on the unit. Staff on the secured unit reported not hearing any door alarm sounding prior to the activation of a Code Grey, and they did not initiate the Code Grey themselves. A nurse on another floor heard a door alarm at about 10:00 PM and activated Code Grey, after which a head count revealed the resident was missing from the building. The resident later reported having exited the secured unit through an exit door, taken the elevator to the front entrance, left the building while still wearing the Wander Guard, and used public transportation to travel to a family member’s home, where police subsequently located the resident. These events led surveyors to determine that the facility failed to maintain a safe environment on the secured unit with adequate supervision to prevent elopement, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy finding under F689.
Removal Plan
- The DON and ADON provided immediate in-service training and began reeducation regarding safety and protocols for residents at risk for wandering and elopement.
- Upon the resident’s safe return, the resident was reassessed.
- A new Wander Guard with a secure band was placed on the resident’s ankle.
- The resident’s room was moved adjacent to the nurses’ station for monitoring.
- The resident was placed on 1:1 monitoring for all shifts.
- The DON and ADON provided facility staff education on the importance of monitoring residents’ doors on secure units to prevent residents from exiting.
- The DON and ADON in-serviced all staff on monitoring doors on secured units to prevent unauthorized exits.
- The DON and ADON in-serviced all staff that residents living on secured units need to be escorted by staff members when leaving the unit.
- Testing of all door alarms and door locks was completed and confirmed working as designed by Northeast Protection Partners.
- The Wander Guard installer completed testing of all Wander Guard alarms and magnetic locks and confirmed they are working as designed.
- A trained staff member will be stationed on all shifts in the hallway of the secured unit to supervise doors and prevent unauthorized exit by all residents living on that unit.
- All staff who work on the secured units were in-serviced by the DON and ADONs on monitoring doors on secured units to prevent unauthorized exits.
Failure to Document and Follow Up on Urology-Ordered Catheter-Related Procedures
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide timely follow-up management and care for a resident with an indwelling catheter after a urology consultation. The resident was admitted with obstructive and reflux uropathy, congenital malformation of the urinary system, and severe intellectual disabilities, and was dependent on staff for toileting with an indwelling catheter in place. A urology visit summary documented that the resident was to be scheduled for cystoscopy, laser lithotripsy of a bladder stone, and a transurethral resection of the prostate. Nursing notes indicated that the resident returned from the urology appointment with a recommendation for a future operating room schedule. However, there was no documented evidence in the electronic medical record that the facility followed up with the urologist or contacted the resident’s medical doctor regarding scheduling these procedures. Subsequently, the resident was admitted to the hospital with an obstructed Foley catheter, bilateral hydronephrosis, and acute kidney injury, and prior nursing documentation noted cloudy yellow urine, poor intake, and lethargy with an order to send the resident out for further evaluation. Interviews revealed that central supply staff, who were responsible for scheduling appointments, stated they called the urology office weekly but did not have access to the EMR and kept paper logs of attempts that were not retained. The infection preventionist, LNHA, and ADON acknowledged that there was no facility policy for scheduling out-of-facility appointments, that the process relied on central supply’s undocumented personal log, and that no consult follow-up form was completed because the urology office was expected to schedule the surgery. The facility’s charting documentation policy stated that the medical record should facilitate communication between the interdisciplinary team, but there was no documentation of follow-up attempts or escalation when the procedures were not scheduled.
Failure to Provide Meals Consistent With Diet Orders and Documented Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to consistently provide meals and condiments in accordance with residents’ diet orders and documented food preferences as listed on tray tickets. During a breakfast observation, one resident reported missing items from their tray; review of the tray and ticket showed the resident did not receive a biscuit, pepper packet, or ketchup packet, despite these items being ordered. This resident had diagnoses including protein-calorie malnutrition, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and was on a no added salt, consistent carbohydrate diet with a care plan intervention to provide and serve diet as ordered. Another resident, observed eating breakfast in bed, reported both missing and incorrect items. The tray ticket called for a fruit cup, cranberry juice, a biscuit, salt, pepper, and ketchup, but these were not all present; instead, the resident received applesauce and apple juice, which were not on the ticket, and the ticket specifically indicated no apple products. On a subsequent breakfast observation, the same resident’s tray again lacked the ordered salt, pepper, and cranberry juice and instead contained apple juice, despite an order specifying no apple and an allergy to peach skin. This resident’s care plan included an intervention to provide food and beverage preferences. During a kitchen interview, the cook acknowledged not making enough biscuits and could not explain why condiments were missing. Additional residents experienced similar issues during lunch observations. One resident reported that a can of diet ginger ale listed on the lunch ticket was not provided, despite a care plan intervention to honor food preferences. Another resident stated they were given the wrong vegetable; chopped carrots were served instead of the chopped oriental vegetables listed on the tray ticket, even though the care plan directed staff to provide and serve diet as ordered and honor food preferences. A further resident reported receiving gravy on both roast pork and mashed potatoes when the tray ticket documented a preference for no gravy, despite a care plan intervention to honor food preferences. The Food Service Director and DON both stated that tray tickets and meal trays should match and that meals should be consistent with residents’ preferences as indicated on the tray cards, but were unable to explain the missing condiments.
Failure to Maintain Complete and Accurate Toileting and Continence Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an accurate and complete medical record for a resident with diagnoses including a cervical vertebra fracture, heart failure, and type II diabetes. The resident’s comprehensive MDS showed a BIMS score of 12/15, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and documented that the resident required substantial assistance with toileting hygiene and toilet transfer. The care plan identified the resident as being at risk for skin breakdown, having incontinent episodes, and having a self-care performance deficit, with interventions such as routine incontinence checks, offering toileting every 2–3 hours, keeping the skin clean and dry, and providing one-person assistance for toileting and all transfers. The Documentation Survey Report for January specified that bladder continence, bowel continence, bowel movements, and toilet use were to be documented each shift. Record review showed missing documentation for multiple dates and shifts for bladder continence, bowel continence, bowel movements, and toilet use, with no corresponding entries in the progress notes to account for this care. Interviews with the LPN Unit Manager, a CNA, the DON, and the LNHA confirmed that CNAs were primarily responsible for providing toileting and incontinence care and were expected to document all care in the EMR, and that supervisors were responsible for verifying that documentation was completed. The CNA interviewed acknowledged sometimes forgetting to document care when busy. The facility’s charting and documentation policy required that all services provided to residents be documented completely and accurately, including treatments or services performed, which was not followed in this case, resulting in incomplete medical records for the resident.
Failure to Report Allegation of Sexual Abuse to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) as required by regulation and its own abuse/neglect policy. A resident with diagnoses including dementia, depression, and mixed anxiety disorder, and with severely impaired cognition per the most recent MDS, was dependent on staff for ADLs such as toileting hygiene, showering, and lower body dressing. During a surveyor interview conducted using written questions due to the resident’s hearing impairment, the resident stated they preferred only female CNAs to provide care and reported that a few months earlier a male CNA, whose name sounded like a specific individual, had touched them inappropriately in the groin area while giving a shower. The resident indicated they had reported this incident to either someone who changed them or to the administrator on or shortly after the day it occurred. The resident’s care plan, revised at a later date, included an intervention specifying no male CNAs, and point-of-care documentation showed the resident received showers on multiple dates, which the DON identified as having been provided by a specific male CNA. The facility initiated an internal investigation, including interviews, staff statements, and record reviews, and concluded there was no evidence to support the allegation of sexual abuse. However, the investigation file contained no documentation that the NJDOH was notified of the allegation. In interviews, the DON described the facility’s process for handling abuse allegations, including reporting to NJDOH within specified time frames if an event is deemed reportable, and the administrator acknowledged that the allegation should have been reported to NJDOH but was not. The facility’s written policy required immediate notification (as soon as possible but not to exceed 2 hours) to the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Office of the Ombudsman for residents 60 or over, followed by a written report within 5 days, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Remove Alleged Perpetrator and Fully Investigate Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from alleged abuse by a CNA and failure to implement its abuse policy after learning of the allegation. A cognitively intact resident with diagnoses including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder reported that a CNA pushed them, causing them to fall, when they entered another resident’s room after hearing yelling and crying. An ED after-visit summary documented that the resident was seen for battery and diagnosed with an abrasion of the left upper extremity. The facility’s own abuse/neglect policy stated that employees under investigation would be temporarily suspended until the Administrator reviewed the results of the investigation, but this was not followed for the CNA involved. On the date of the incident, an LPN documented that they heard yelling from another resident’s room and, upon entering, observed the resident yelling and grabbing the CNA’s left upper arm. The LPN reported asking the resident to leave the CNA alone, then leaving the room to notify the Nursing Supervisor and call 911. The CNA’s written statement asserted that the resident grabbed her in an aggressive manner to cause physical harm and that she did not assault the resident. The facility administration later reviewed video footage and statements from the CNA and the LPN and concluded there was no merit to the resident’s accusatory statement, citing the resident’s mental health history, and asked the CNA to return to her scheduled shift. On multiple occasions following the incident, the resident sent emails to the Director of Social Services and the LNHA stating that the CNA had assaulted them and expressing distress that the incident was not addressed. Despite these communications, the facility did not obtain statements from other staff members beyond the alleged perpetrator, the LPN, and the Nursing Supervisor, and did not interview or obtain statements from other residents typically on the CNA’s assignment until after the surveyor requested investigation documents. Payroll and assignment records showed that the CNA continued to work regular shifts, including on the behavior unit where the resident lived, both immediately after the incident and after the resident’s written allegation of assault. Facility staff, including the DSS, LNHA, and ADON, acknowledged the resident’s ongoing anger when seeing the CNA on the unit and referenced the resident’s history of aggressive and explosive behavior, but the facility did not remove the CNA from resident care or from the resident’s unit in accordance with its abuse policy when the allegation was reported.
Removal Plan
- Resident #1 had a follow up consultation with the Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE)
- ADON conducted abuse policy re-education for nursing staff post incident
- The Administrator and the ADON were re-educated on the Abuse Policy and Procedure and Federal deficiency F600 (free from abuse and neglect) by the President of Clinical Services
- The ADON and the Regional Nurse Consultant provided 1:1 re-education on the Abuse Policy to the Registered Nurse Supervisor involved in the incident
- ADON began facility-wide education for all staff on the Abuse Policy to protect all residents from abuse
- Unit managers and Nursing Supervisors were re-educated by ADON on the Abuse Policy and the requirement to report
- The Social Worker conducted additional interviews on the two units assigned to the CNA
Failure to Report Alleged Staff-to-Resident Physical Abuse to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report to the New Jersey Department of Health an allegation of physical abuse involving a resident and a CNA. The cognitively intact resident, with diagnoses including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, reported that a CNA pushed them and knocked them down. A behavior note documented that an LPN heard yelling and shouting in another resident’s room where the CNA was providing care, and when the LPN entered, the resident was observed grabbing the CNA’s arm. The LPN then exited the room to call 911 and notify the nursing supervisor. A facility event summary indicated that the resident called 911 and requested transport to the hospital to document injuries allegedly sustained from being physically assaulted by the CNA. Emergency department records showed the resident was treated for an abrasion of the left upper arm and received a Tdap injection. A nursing supervisor’s witness statement documented that she was made aware of an incident between the resident and the CNA. Facility documents showed that staff were in-serviced on abuse and neglect policies and procedures following the incident, but there was no evidence that the allegation of abuse was reported to the New Jersey Department of Health. During an interview, the ADON stated that the facility would notify the Department of Health for alleged abuse, major injury, and staff-to-resident abuse, but indicated she believed this incident was considered a resident-to-staff incident rather than a staff-to-resident allegation, and thus it was not reported as required.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
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