Ormsby Post Acute Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Carson City, Nevada.
- Location
- 3050 N Ormsby Road, Carson City, Nevada 89703
- CMS Provider Number
- 295067
- Inspections on file
- 33
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Ormsby Post Acute Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with type 1 DM and insulin orders requiring MD notification for BG values outside set parameters experienced multiple episodes of hypoglycemia, including documented BG readings in the 40s. Nursing notes showed insulin was held and hypoglycemia treated, but there was no documentation that the physician was notified of these low BG values as required. Later, the resident was found unresponsive and clammy with a BG of 31 mg/dl; an RN administered oral glucose gel even though the resident could not safely swallow and the standing order required Glucagon SQ/IM for unresponsive residents with hypoglycemia. The BG remained critically low until EMS arrived and administered IV dextrose, after which the resident briefly aroused and then coded, ultimately expiring. Leadership and clinical staff confirmed that physician notification had not occurred for prior low BG readings and that the hypoglycemia treatment orders were not followed during the unresponsive episode.
A resident with type 1 DM and diabetic autonomic neuropathy was found unresponsive and clammy by a CNA during the night. An RN obtained a blood glucose of 31, administered oral glucose gel outside of order guidelines, and did not administer ordered Glucagon. A repeat blood glucose remained 31, EMS administered D10, the resident briefly regained consciousness, then became unresponsive, CPR was initiated, and the resident expired. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator reported there was no accessible documentation of the required abuse/neglect investigation, stating that records previously maintained by the former DON could not be located and some electronic files were inaccessible after a change of ownership, contrary to the facility’s abuse/neglect policy requiring a complete, documented investigation.
The facility failed to document cooking and holding temperatures for chicken before serving it to residents. Dietary staff removed chicken from the oven and placed it on a steam table without checking temperatures. The Dietary Manager confirmed that temperatures were not documented, and the Registered Dietician acknowledged the lack of temperature recording, which could lead to foodborne illness. The facility lacked a policy on foodborne illness, and no cooking temperature log was found, despite existing policies requiring temperature checks.
A facility failed to coordinate hospice care for three residents, resulting in missing documentation of hospice visits and care provided. The lack of coordination and documentation compromised the quality of hospice care. The DON confirmed that hospice visit notes were not documented in the residents' charts, and the facility did not have evidence of required visits being completed as per the hospice care plans.
The facility failed to provide the required Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) to two residents, resulting in non-compliance with Medicare requirements. One resident, with conditions including osteoarthritis and respiratory failure, was discharged without receiving the NOMNC. Another resident, with diabetes and kidney disease, did not receive the NOMNC for an extended admission period. The BOM confirmed the absence of documentation for both cases, despite the facility's policy to follow CMS guidelines.
The facility failed to transmit MDS 3.0 assessments to the State within the required 7-day timeframe for 4 out of 10 months, starting in June 2024. A significant percentage of admission assessments were completed late, with the Executive Director confirming that the late filings were due to a change in MDS Coordinators.
The facility failed to ensure accurate MDS assessments for two residents, one receiving hospice care and another discharged home. A resident's hospice care was not documented in the MDS, and another's discharge status was incorrectly recorded as a hospital discharge instead of home. The MDS Consultant confirmed these inaccuracies, and the facility lacked a specific policy for MDS completion, relying on the RAI manual.
A facility failed to develop a person-centered Comprehensive Care Plan for a resident with type 2 diabetes mellitus, omitting documentation of insulin use. Despite physician's orders for HumaLOG and Insulin Glargine being recorded in the MAR, the Care Plan lacked evidence of insulin administration. The DON confirmed this omission, which could impact the resident's care related to insulin management.
A facility failed to ensure behavior monitoring was specific to a resident's condition for psychotropic medication use. The resident, diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, had multiple psychotropic medications prescribed. However, the behavior monitoring was not tailored to the resident's specific behaviors, potentially leading to unnecessary medication use. The DON noted that CNAs documented behaviors during shifts, but the EMR lacked resident-specific instructions.
The facility failed to properly store and monitor medications, as a refrigerator contained food items alongside vaccines, lacked a temperature log, and was unsecured. A multi-dose vial of Tubersol Solution was expired, and a medication cart was left unattended with an unlocked drawer. These actions violated the facility's policies on medication storage and administration.
A facility failed to protect resident information and maintain complete medical records. A computer screen displaying resident data was left unattended in a public area, and a resident's Treatment Administration Record had missing documentation for scheduled care and medication. The DON confirmed these omissions, which violated facility policies.
A newly assigned agency RN provided direct care without completing required orientation, training, or competency validation. The RN began their shift without reviewing the orientation packet, refused to complete it when prompted by an LPN, and did not administer as-needed medications to several residents, requiring intervention by other staff. Facility policies and the staffing agency contract required completion of orientation and competency checks prior to independent assignment, which were not fulfilled.
A LTC facility failed to protect residents from abuse and neglect, including a CNA refusing to assist a resident out of bed, an LPN verbally abusing a resident, a physician continuing an unwanted breast exam, and a resident-to-resident sexual abuse incident. These incidents involved residents with cognitive impairments and dependencies on staff, highlighting significant deficiencies in care and supervision.
A nurse in an LTC facility was witnessed self-administering insulin prescribed to a resident with type I diabetes. The resident, who is blind, was unaware of the incident until informed by others and expressed feeling upset. The facility's guidelines define this as misappropriation of resident property.
A resident received incorrect medications for three days due to a nurse inputting orders from another resident's discharge summary. The error was discovered after the resident showed symptoms of hypotension and was hospitalized. The physician admitted to signing the orders without thorough review, and the DON expected the provider to question inappropriate orders.
A resident was mistakenly administered medications intended for another resident due to an error in order entry by the admitting nurse. The resident received treatments for conditions they did not have, leading to hospitalization for monitoring adverse side effects. The facility's policy required clarification of medication orders, which was not followed in this instance.
The facility failed to investigate a potential misappropriation of narcotic medication for a resident and did not thoroughly investigate an abuse allegation involving another resident. The alleged perpetrator of the abuse was allowed to continue working, posing a risk to residents. The facility's policies on abuse prevention and investigation were not adequately followed, leading to significant oversights in the investigation process.
The facility failed to ensure the Infection Preventionist (IP) had the skills to review lab results for transmission-based precautions, leading to potential exposure to communicable diseases. Additionally, a nurse lacked competency in medication administration, risking adverse reactions. The IP also lacked knowledge in pneumococcal vaccine administration and failed to complete Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) documentation, risking ineffective antibiotic treatment.
The facility failed to maintain food safety and hygiene standards, with personal items found on food prep counters and staff not performing hand hygiene during meal service. Personal items and charging cords were improperly placed on food prep counters, and staff did not follow hand hygiene protocols when handling meal trays, as confirmed by the Nutritional Services Supervisor.
The facility failed to properly investigate an allegation of sexual abuse, allowing a suspended staff member to continue working unsupervised. Additionally, the Infection Preventionist (IP) lacked the skills to effectively track infections and antibiotic use, and failed to identify residents needing pneumococcal vaccines, increasing the risk of infections with Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs).
The QAPI committee in a LTC facility failed to identify several critical issues, including concerns with Enhanced Barrier Precautions, incorrect APRN documentation, inadequate abuse investigations, and issues with narcotic medication tracking. Additionally, the absence of a Hospice Coordinator and inadequate pneumococcal vaccine screening were overlooked, indicating a failure in the facility's QAPI processes.
The facility failed to ensure accurate documentation and tracking of infections and antibiotic use, affecting 10 residents prescribed antibiotics. The Infection Preventionist's form lacked necessary elements, leading to incomplete records. Additionally, the facility did not provide required education on antibiotic use and the Antibiotic Stewardship Program to staff and residents.
The facility failed to ensure timely compliance and ethics training for 15 employees, including the Administrator and DON. Document reviews showed that several employees either completed the training late or lacked evidence of completion for 2023. Human Resources staff were unsure about the training requirements, contributing to the deficiency.
Two residents had unsecured medications in their rooms, including powders and inhalers, with CNAs improperly handling them. One resident's CNA applied medicated powders without proper authorization, while another resident's inhalers were left unsecured after being brought in by family. Additionally, a medication cart was left unattended with a CNA watching it, which was outside their scope of practice.
The facility failed to secure and properly store medications, leaving a medication cart unattended with over-the-counter pills, improperly storing Lorazepam that required refrigeration, and not removing discontinued medications. Additionally, medications were found without proper labeling, making them unusable. These actions were against facility policy and professional standards.
The facility failed to properly screen and educate residents about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, resulting in a lack of documentation for eligibility, education, and vaccine administration or declination. Two residents were not screened for influenza vaccination, and seven residents were not screened for pneumococcal vaccination. The Infection Preventionist and Director of Nursing Services acknowledged the oversight and lack of adherence to CDC guidelines.
The facility failed to ensure timely resident rights training for 9 out of 20 sampled employees, including an Administrator, CNAs, and an LPN. Some employees completed training significantly after hire, while others lacked documentation of training completion. Human Resources staff were unsure about training requirements, and the facility did not adhere to its policy of training upon hire and annually.
The facility failed to provide timely Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) training for 15 out of 20 sampled employees, including roles such as Administrator, DON, and CNAs. The deficiency was identified through interviews and document reviews, revealing that several employees either did not receive QAPI training upon hire or lacked documentation of annual training as required by the facility's policy. The Human Resources staff confirmed the lack of timely training and expressed uncertainty about the training requirements.
The facility failed to provide timely infection control training to several staff members, including an Administrator, CNAs, a Certified Occupational Therapist, an LPN, a cook, and a Hospitality Aide. The facility's policy requires training upon hire and annually, but records showed delays and missing documentation. Human Resources staff were unsure about training requirements, contributing to the deficiency.
The facility failed to provide timely behavioral health training for 10 employees, including an Administrator, Dietary Manager, and CNA. The training was either delayed or lacked documentation, contrary to the facility's policy requiring completion upon hire and annually. Human Resources staff were unsure about the training requirements.
The facility failed to obtain informed consent for psychoactive medications for three residents. A resident was given Duloxetine, Hydroxyzine, Melatonin, and Alprazolam without prior consent. Another resident received Clonazepam and Vraylar without documented consent. A third resident was administered Hydroxyzine multiple times before consent was obtained. The DNS confirmed that informed consent was required but not obtained as per facility policy.
The facility did not post the current menu, preventing residents from reviewing and requesting alternatives. Observations showed outdated menus in multiple units, confirmed by the Nutritional Services Supervisor, who noted the lack of a formal policy and reliance on verbal instructions.
A facility failed to report and investigate a potential incident of narcotic diversion involving a resident's Morphine medication. The medication appeared tampered with, as it was discolored and contained a foreign substance. Despite the hospice RN and facility RN discarding the medication, the incident was not reported to the Resident Care Manager or the Director of Nursing Services, and no investigation was initiated at the time.
The facility failed to develop Comprehensive Care Plans for two residents, leading to deficiencies in care. A resident with type I diabetes mellitus lacked documentation of insulin use and diagnosis in their Care Plan. Another resident with a history of MRSA infection and indwelling devices lacked a care plan for infection control, including Enhanced Barrier Precautions. These omissions were confirmed by nursing leadership.
A resident with a history of falls experienced an unwitnessed fall while attempting to transfer to a wheelchair. Despite the incident, the resident's fall risk care plan was not updated with new interventions, contrary to the facility's policy. The RN confirmed the fall, and the DON acknowledged the care plan should have been revised.
A resident with limited mobility and requiring a Hoyer lift for bathing did not receive scheduled showers twice a week as per their care plan. Despite being scheduled for showers on specific days, documentation was lacking, and staff interviews confirmed the resident often received bed baths instead. The DNS was unaware of the missed showers, and there was no documented facility policy for showering.
The facility failed to ensure that the Director of Nursing (DNS) was trained and certified in CPR, as required by facility policy. The DNS's CPR certification had expired, and Human Resources confirmed the lack of current certification, despite the policy mandating that all licensed nurses maintain valid CPR certification.
The facility failed to coordinate wound care with hospice, leading to discrepancies in care for a resident with cellulitis. Another resident experienced a fall without proper assessment, and medication was administered without a current order. Additionally, a resident's high blood sugar was not reported to the physician, and prescribed medication was unavailable without timely notification to the pharmacy or physician.
A resident at risk for pressure injuries developed a new wound on the coccyx that was not reported to the wound care team or DNS in a timely manner, leading to a delay in treatment. Despite the resident's risk factors and pain, the wound care team was not informed until several days after the wound was first observed, resulting in the wound progressing to a stage II pressure injury. The facility's policy for documenting and reporting new skin impairments was not followed.
A resident's urostomy drainage bag was found on the floor, contrary to care plans requiring urostomy care every shift. Staff confirmed the bag should not be on the floor due to infection risk, but it was placed there to prevent kinks. The DON acknowledged the lack of a facility policy for urostomy care, contributing to the deficiency.
A resident with chronic respiratory conditions was not provided oxygen with humidification as ordered, leading to complaints of dryness. The LPN confirmed the order included humidification, but it was not followed. The DNS acknowledged the oversight, which was against the facility's policy requiring adherence to physician orders.
The facility failed to maintain proper documentation for dialysis care for two residents with ESRD. One resident's dialysis binder lacked necessary documentation, and another resident's clinical record was missing dialysis communication transfer forms for multiple dates. The DNS confirmed these lapses, which were contrary to the facility's policy requiring specific information from the dialysis center.
A facility failed to ensure timely physician visits for a resident admitted with skin infections and cellulitis. The resident's last physician visit was documented over a month prior, and the DON confirmed the resident had not been seen since, contrary to the facility's policy requiring visits every 30 days for the first 90 days post-admission.
The facility did not meet its staffing requirements during weekend shifts in December 2023. The PBJ Staffing Data Report showed low weekend staffing, and the Facility Assessment Tool projected three to four licensed nurses per shift for an average census of 72. On a weekend, the second shift had only two nurses for 89 residents, exceeding the average census. The DNS confirmed the staffing shortage.
The facility failed to ensure the availability and administration of prescribed medications for residents, leading to deficiencies in pharmaceutical services. A resident did not receive Amlodipine-Olmesartan for hypertension, another did not receive Cholecalciferol, and a third did not receive Ammonium Lactate for dry skin. Despite daily pharmacy deliveries, medications were marked as 'On Order from Pharmacy' and not administered, with staff failing to follow up adequately.
The facility reported a medication error rate of 8.51%, exceeding the acceptable rate of 5%. Errors included a resident missing doses of Amlodipine-Olmesartan due to unavailability, another receiving the wrong form of Aspirin, and a third receiving Diclofenac Sodium gel without a current order. Staff acknowledged the errors and the failure to adhere to medication administration policies.
The facility failed to document medication administration for a resident with a pulmonary embolism, inaccurately recorded a provider's licensure in resident records, and did not maintain complete clinical records for two residents. The MAR lacked evidence of anti-coagulant administration, and the provider was incorrectly documented as an MD instead of an APRN. Additionally, required assessments and blood sugar monitoring for a resident on dialysis were not documented, and another resident's care plan inaccurately reflected their behavior.
The facility inaccurately reported weekend staffing coverage in their PBJ submissions to CMS. Despite having sufficient staffing according to nursing schedules and timesheets, the PBJ reports indicated low weekend staffing for a specific period. The DNS confirmed the inaccuracies, noting that the facility did have adequate staffing, except for one weekend.
The facility failed to implement proper infection control measures for a resident with an MDRO infection, as there was no signage or PPE cart for TBP. The IP and DNS acknowledged the absence of a PPE disposal bin in the resident's room. Additionally, a resident's urostomy drainage bag was improperly placed on the floor, increasing infection risk, due to the lack of a facility policy on urostomy care.
A facility failed to document the screening, education, and offering of a COVID-19 booster vaccine to an RN hired in 2023. The RN's vaccination records showed previous doses, but there was no evidence of a booster being offered or declined. The Infection Preventionist confirmed the lack of documentation, despite facility policy requiring it.
Failure to Notify Physician of Recurrent Hypoglycemia and to Follow Hypoglycemia Treatment Orders
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a diabetic resident from neglect when nursing staff did not follow physician orders for monitoring and responding to hypoglycemia and did not notify the physician of critical low blood glucose (BG) values. The resident had type 1 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications and diabetic autonomic neuropathy and was ordered multiple insulin regimens, including Lantus and sliding-scale Insulin Aspart, with explicit instructions to notify the physician for BG less than 80 mg/dl or greater than 350 mg/dl. The resident also had PRN orders for oral glucose gel for BG less than 70 mg/dl with symptoms of hypoglycemia if able to swallow, and for Glucagon to be given SQ or IM for BG less than 70 mg/dl with signs of hypoglycemia when the resident was unable to swallow or was unresponsive. The resident’s care plan included monitoring, documenting, and reporting signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. On two separate dates prior to the fatal event, the resident experienced documented episodes of hypoglycemia with BG readings below the ordered parameters. A progress note documented that on one date the resident’s Lantus was held due to a blood sugar of 46 mg/dl and that Glucagon was administered, with a plan to recheck. Another progress note documented a low blood sugar of 47 mg/dl prior to breakfast, after which the resident was given juices and other fluids and the BG increased to 103 mg/dl. During this second episode, staff discussed with the resident the concern about hypoglycemia and suggested contacting the provider to lower the Lantus dose, but the resident declined changes and staff planned to remind the next shift to offer midnight snacks. The clinical record, however, lacked documentation that the physician was notified of these BG readings below 80 mg/dl, despite the physician order requiring notification for BG values outside the specified parameters. On the night of the fatal incident, a CNA found the resident unresponsive and clammy. An RN assessed the resident and obtained a fingerstick blood glucose of 31 mg/dl. Despite the resident being unresponsive and unable to drink or eat, the RN administered one tube of oral glucose gel, which was not in accordance with the physician’s order that specified Glucagon for hypoglycemia in residents who were unable to swallow or unresponsive. A repeat BG 20 minutes later remained 31 mg/dl. Emergency Medical Services were called, and when they arrived, the resident’s BG was 19 mg/dl. EMS administered D10, after which the resident briefly became arousable and then became unresponsive again, leading to CPR and subsequent death. Facility leadership, including the DON and CNO, confirmed that the physician had not been notified of the earlier low BG readings and that Glucose gel was inappropriately used instead of Glucagon when the resident was unresponsive, constituting a failure to follow physician orders and a failure to report changes in condition as required by facility policy and job descriptions.
Failure to Document Investigation of Neglect-Related Hypoglycemic Event and Death
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide documented evidence of a thorough investigation into an incident suspicious for neglect involving Resident #8. Resident #8 had diagnoses including type 1 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications and diabetic autonomic (poly) neuropathy. According to the Facility Reported Incident (FRI), a CNA found the resident unresponsive and clammy at approximately 1:00 AM. An RN assessed the resident, obtained a blood glucose result of 31, and administered oral glucose gel outside of order guidelines instead of administering the prescribed Glucagon per physician order. A repeat finger-stick blood glucose remained 31, EMS was called, and EMS administered 10% Dextrose. The resident briefly regained consciousness, then became unresponsive again, CPR was initiated by EMS, and the resident expired. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator stated there was no documentation of the facility’s investigation of this incident. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator reported that the former DON had the investigation documentation, but it could not be located in the former DON’s office, and many electronic files were inaccessible following a change of ownership in February 2026. This lack of available documentation was inconsistent with the facility’s Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy, which required an immediate investigation upon suspicion or reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including identifying responsible staff, interviewing all involved persons and witnesses, and providing complete and thorough documentation of the investigation.
Failure to Document Food Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain and document cooking and holding temperatures for chicken before serving it to residents during lunch service. On the specified date, dietary staff removed three large trays of chicken breasts from the oven and transferred them to a holding tray on the steam table. The chicken was then plated and prepared for delivery to residents without the necessary temperature checks. The Dietary Manager confirmed that temperatures were neither taken nor documented before serving, although they claimed temperatures were checked during cooking. However, no documentation or observation of these checks was available. The Registered Dietician acknowledged that the facility did not record cooking temperatures and was following the facility's policy, which could potentially lead to foodborne illness if the chicken was undercooked. The Executive Director admitted that the facility lacked a policy related to foodborne illness. The facility's existing policies required a minimum cooking temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken and a holding temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, with food temperatures to be documented daily before meal service. However, a cooking temperature log could not be located, indicating a lapse in adherence to these policies.
Deficient Coordination of Hospice Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper coordination of hospice care between the facility and hospice agencies for three residents receiving hospice services. This deficiency was identified through clinical record reviews, document reviews, and interviews. The lack of coordination resulted in missing documentation of hospice visits and care provided, which was not available in the residents' clinical records or hospice binders. This failure to document and coordinate care had the potential to compromise the quality of hospice care provided to the residents. Resident #230 was admitted to hospice care with a care plan that included skilled nursing, CNA visits, social worker, and chaplain services. However, the facility's records lacked documentation of these visits, and the hospice binder did not have a sign-in sheet for hospice staff. The DON confirmed that hospice visit notes were not documented in the resident's chart prior to a specific date, and the facility did not have evidence of the required CNA visits being completed as per the hospice care plan. Similarly, Resident #50 and Resident #4 also experienced deficiencies in the documentation and coordination of hospice care. Resident #50's records lacked hospice visit notes, and the sign-in sheets were incomplete. For Resident #4, the hospice communication binder and EMR lacked visit notes, and the facility did not have a current hospice care plan or documentation of completed visits. The DON confirmed that the facility did not have documented evidence of completed hospice visits for these residents and that the hospice agency did not consistently use a sign-in log to track hospice staff visits.
Failure to Provide Medicare Non-Coverage Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the proper Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) to two residents, resulting in non-compliance with Medicare requirements. For the first resident, who was admitted with conditions including primary generalized osteoarthritis and chronic respiratory failure, there was no documented evidence that the NOMNC was provided before their discharge home. The Business Office Manager (BOM) confirmed the absence of the NOMNC in the resident's clinical record, despite the facility's policy to follow CMS instructions for the NOMNC. Similarly, the second resident, admitted with diagnoses such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, did not receive the NOMNC for an extended admission period. Although the resident's discharge was initially planned for an earlier date, it was extended due to a medical condition. The BOM confirmed the lack of documentation for the NOMNC related to this extension. The facility's Executive Director acknowledged the expectation to provide the NOMNC two days before the end of benefits, as per CMS guidelines, but this was not adhered to in these cases.
Late Submission of MDS Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 assessments were transmitted to the State within the required 7-day timeframe for 4 out of 10 months, starting in June 2024. This deficiency was identified through interviews and document reviews, revealing that a significant percentage of admission assessments were completed late during these months. Specifically, in June 2024, 10.3% of admission assessments were late, followed by 12.5%, 14.5%, 13.5%, and 11.9% in subsequent months. The Executive Director confirmed that the MDS Coordinator was responsible for submitting these assessments and acknowledged that the late filings were due to a change in MDS Coordinators at the facility.
Inaccurate MDS Assessments for Hospice and Discharge Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accuracy of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for two residents, which could potentially deprive them of necessary care and services. Resident #4, who was admitted with diagnoses including spondylopathies and unspecified dementia, was receiving hospice services as documented in a Hospice Plan of Care. However, the quarterly MDS assessment did not indicate that Resident #4 was receiving hospice care, as required by the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) manual. This oversight was confirmed by the MDS Consultant upon review of the clinical record. Similarly, Resident #79, admitted with a diagnosis of a femur fracture, was documented in a Nursing Progress Note as being discharged home. However, the discharge MDS assessment inaccurately recorded the resident as being discharged to a short-term general hospital. The MDS Consultant confirmed this discrepancy upon reviewing the clinical record. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the facility did not have a specific policy for completing MDS assessments and relied on the RAI manual for guidance.
Failure to Document Insulin Use in Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a person-centered Comprehensive Care Plan for a resident with type 2 diabetes mellitus, specifically regarding the use of insulin. The resident was admitted with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and had physician's orders for HumaLOG and Insulin Glargine to be administered subcutaneously. Despite these orders being documented in the Medication Administration Record, the resident's Care Plan lacked documented evidence of the use of insulin. The Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of insulin-specific documentation in the Care Plan and expressed an expectation that the care plan would not be insulin-specific. According to the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 manual, the care plan should be used to provide services to maintain the resident's highest practicable wellbeing and should be revised based on changing needs and interventions. The failure to include insulin use in the care plan had the potential to result in residents not receiving necessary care and services related to insulin management.
Failure to Monitor Resident-Specific Behaviors for Psychotropic Medication Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that behaviors monitored were associated with the specific condition indicated by the physician for the use of psychotropic medications for one resident. This deficiency was identified during an interview, clinical record review, and document review. The resident in question was admitted with diagnoses including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The resident's psychotropic medication orders included Buspirone, Clonazepam, Duloxetine, Trazodone, and Wellbutrin, prescribed for anxiety and depression. However, the behavior monitoring instructions in the electronic medical record were not specific to the behaviors that needed to be monitored for this resident. The Director of Nursing explained that CNAs documented behavior monitoring during each shift, inputting progress notes for new and escalating behaviors. However, the behavior monitoring was not tailored to the resident's specific behaviors. The facility's policy on psychotropic drugs required that residents with such medication orders be evaluated and appropriate interventions implemented, with the interdisciplinary team ensuring appropriate diagnoses of behavioral symptoms. Despite this policy, the lack of resident-specific behavior monitoring led to the potential for the resident to use unnecessary medication with possible adverse effects.
Medication Storage and Monitoring Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and monitoring of medications and biologicals, as evidenced by several deficiencies. One of the medication storage refrigerators, located in the Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) office, contained food items such as mozzarella cheese sticks, soda cans, yogurt, queso cheese, sour cream, and jalapeno stuffed olives, stored alongside vaccines and a vial of Tubersol Solution. The refrigerator lacked a temperature log, and the SDC confirmed that the refrigerator was left unsecured and that food should not have been stored with vaccines or biologicals. Additionally, a multi-dose vial of Tubersol Solution was found to be expired, having been open for 49 days, exceeding the facility's policy of discarding such vials 28 days after opening. The Director of Nursing (DON) and a Registered Nurse (RN) confirmed the expiration policy, and the DON acknowledged the vial should have been discarded as its efficacy would have been reduced. The facility's policy mandates that outdated or expired medications be immediately removed from stock and disposed of. Furthermore, a medication cart in the 200 hallway was left unattended with the top drawer unlocked, allowing access to resident medications. The facility's policy requires medication carts to be kept closed and locked when out of sight of the medication nurse. These deficiencies indicate lapses in the facility's adherence to its medication storage and administration policies, potentially compromising medication integrity and safety.
Deficient Practices in Resident Information Security and Record Keeping
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to safeguard resident-identifiable information and maintain complete medical records, as observed during a survey. A computer screen on a medication cart was left unattended and displayed resident medication information in a public area, which was confirmed by a Registered Nurse (RN) upon returning to the cart. This practice was against the facility's policy that required resident health information to remain private and not visible when not in direct use. Additionally, the facility did not maintain complete clinical records for a resident who had been admitted with conditions including orthopedic aftercare following surgical amputation and basal cell carcinoma. The Treatment Administration Record (TAR) for this resident had multiple blank spaces for scheduled administrations of wound care and medication, indicating missing documentation. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed these omissions, which were contrary to the facility's policies requiring documentation of care and medication administration in accordance with prescriber's orders.
Failure to Document and Complete Required Orientation and Competency for Agency RN
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to document and ensure completion of required orientation, training, and competency validation for a newly assigned agency Registered Nurse (RN) prior to the RN providing direct resident care. The RN began working an overnight shift without having completed the facility's orientation packet, which included training competencies, as required by facility policy. The Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) and Executive Director (ED) confirmed that the RN did not arrive at the scheduled time to complete orientation and started the shift without documented orientation, skills check, or training. The RN also refused to review or fill out the orientation packet when prompted by an LPN assigned to train them. During the shift, several residents reported that the RN did not administer as-needed medications, prompting the LPN to notify management and administer the medications themselves. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the RN had not completed any documented orientation or training before providing care. The facility's contract with the staffing agency and internal policies required that all agency staff receive appropriate orientation and competency validation, including medication administration and infection control, prior to independent assignment. These requirements were not met in this instance.
Multiple Incidents of Abuse and Neglect in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from various forms of abuse and neglect, as evidenced by several incidents involving different residents. One resident was neglected when a CNA refused to assist them out of bed and closed the door to prevent them from calling for help, despite the resident's increased anxiety at night and dependence on staff for mobility. This incident was verified by the facility, and the CNA admitted to the actions. Additionally, the same resident experienced neglect when their brief was not changed for eight hours, resulting in them sitting in soiled conditions, which was also confirmed by the facility's investigation. Another resident was verbally abused by an LPN who yelled at them during care, causing the resident to feel unsafe and cry the following day. Witnesses corroborated the resident's account, noting the LPN's inappropriate behavior and use of a cell phone during the incident. The facility verified the verbal abuse allegation and took action against the LPN involved. A separate incident involved a physician who continued a breast examination on a resident despite the resident's repeated requests to stop, making the resident uncomfortable. Witnesses confirmed the resident's account, and the facility acknowledged the situation as a potential concern of abuse. Additionally, a resident-to-resident sexual abuse incident occurred when one resident kissed another on the lips without consent, despite the latter's cognitive impairments and inability to consent. The facility was aware of the offending resident's history of inappropriate behavior, yet the incident still occurred.
Misappropriation of Resident's Insulin by Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident's medication from being wrongfully used by a staff member. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was witnessed by another nurse self-administering insulin that was prescribed to a resident diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus. The incident was documented in a Facility Reported Incident (FRI) on 08/05/2024, and the nurse involved admitted to the act in a signed statement dated 08/09/2024. The Director of Nursing (DON) expressed that the nurse should have sought management support or emergency medical care instead of using the resident's medication. The resident involved, who is blind, was unaware of the incident until informed by another resident and staff. The resident expressed feeling upset as the nurse did not seek permission to use the insulin. The facility's PRIDE Education Module, updated in 10/2022, defines misappropriation of resident property as the deliberate use of a resident's belongings without consent, and diversion of medication for staff use is cited as an example of such misappropriation.
Medication Error Due to Incorrect Order Entry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure professional standards for prescribing medications were followed, resulting in a resident receiving incorrect medications. A nurse mistakenly input medication orders for a resident from another resident's hospital discharge summary. This error went unnoticed for three days, during which the resident received medications for conditions they did not have, such as hypertension and Parkinson's disease. The error was discovered and reported after the resident exhibited symptoms of hypotension and was unable to stay awake or alert. The resident, who had been admitted with diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy and protein-calorie malnutrition, was readmitted to the facility from the hospital. The incorrect medications were administered multiple times over the course of three days, leading to the resident being sent to the Emergency Department and subsequently hospitalized for four days. The medications included acetaminophen, asenapine, benztropine, and others, which were not appropriate for the resident's actual medical conditions. The physician involved admitted to having skimmed through the orders and signing them without thorough review, relying on the nurse to contact them with any questions. The Director of Nursing expressed an expectation that the provider should have questioned the orders for medications treating diagnoses the resident did not have. The facility's Medical Director Independent Contractor Agreement outlined the provider's responsibility for coordinating medical care and ensuring the facility provided the required care, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Medication Error Due to Incorrect Order Entry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's drug regimen was free from unnecessary medications, resulting in a significant medication error. A resident was readmitted to the facility with specific diagnoses, including metabolic encephalopathy and sequelae of protein-calorie malnutrition. However, upon readmission, the admitting nurse mistakenly input medication orders from another resident's hospital discharge summary. This error led to the resident receiving incorrect medications for three days before the mistake was discovered. The medications administered included treatments for conditions such as hypertension, Parkinson's disease, and hyperlipidemia, which the resident did not have. The error was identified when the resident exhibited symptoms such as hypotension and an inability to stay awake or alert, prompting a transfer to the Emergency Department for further evaluation. The facility's policy on medication administration required that medications be administered according to the prescriber's written orders and that any discrepancies be clarified with the provider pharmacy or prescriber before administration. Despite this policy, the resident received medications unrelated to their diagnoses, leading to hospitalization to monitor for adverse side effects.
Failure to Investigate Misappropriation and Abuse Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate a potential incident of misappropriation of a resident's prescribed narcotic pain medication. This involved Resident #44, whose Morphine Sulfate solution appeared tampered with, as noted by a hospice RN. The medication was discolored, and a paper-like substance was visible in the bottle. Despite these observations, the facility did not initiate an investigation into the potential misappropriation of property until prompted by the surveyors. Additionally, the facility did not thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse involving Resident #19. The resident alleged inappropriate touching by a male staff member during care. Despite the serious nature of the allegation, the facility allowed the alleged perpetrator to continue working in the facility, thereby failing to protect Resident #19 and other residents from potential further abuse. The DNS did not review the clinical records to verify the involvement of the staff member, which was a critical oversight in the investigation process. The facility's policies on abuse prevention and investigation were not adequately followed, as evidenced by the lack of immediate suspension of the alleged perpetrator and the failure to conduct a thorough investigation. The DNS admitted to not reviewing the clinical records as part of the investigation, which could have confirmed the staff member's involvement in providing care to Resident #19. This oversight allowed the alleged perpetrator to continue working, posing a risk to the safety and well-being of all residents.
Removal Plan
- The alleged perpetrator was suspended to ensure completion of the investigation regarding care provided to the resident of concern.
- All residents were interviewed related to sexual abuse, and non-interviewable residents were assessed for sexual trauma.
- All facility staff would be educated on Abuse Prevention and Investigation.
Deficiencies in Infection Control and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Infection Preventionist (IP) possessed the necessary skills to review lab results for determining the appropriateness of implementing transmission-based precautions (TBP). The IP incorrectly believed that a resident had to be symptomatic with visible signs of infection to be placed in TBP and did not consider lab results as a basis for isolation. Additionally, the IP did not review wound cultures obtained by a hospital prior to a resident's admission, despite the facility's policy allowing such reviews. This lack of competency in infection prevention could lead to residents not being placed on necessary precautions, potentially exposing others to communicable diseases. The facility also failed to ensure that a nurse administering medications had completed a competency for medication administration. A Registered Nurse (RN) incorrectly stated that medicated powders could be left in a resident's room and applied by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) admitted that the facility did not complete a competency checklist with nurses but relied on a pharmacy audit tool, which was not provided upon request. This deficiency could result in residents not receiving medications as prescribed, increasing the potential for adverse medication reactions. Furthermore, the IP lacked the knowledge necessary for the appropriate selection and administration of pneumococcal vaccines. The IP incorrectly believed that pneumococcal vaccines expired after five years and needed to be repeated, and the facility did not offer certain vaccines recommended by the CDC. The IP also failed to use CDC guidance, including decision flow sheets, to determine vaccine needs. Additionally, the IP did not correctly complete the Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) tools and documentation, including antibiotic time outs, which could lead to residents being treated with ineffective antibiotics, resulting in prolonged infections or the development of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO).
Deficiencies in Food Safety and Hand Hygiene Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper food safety and hygiene standards in its dietary services. Personal items, including a beverage from a fast-food restaurant and a personal bag, were found on a food preparation counter, which was confirmed by the Nutritional Services Supervisor to be inappropriate. Additionally, charging cords were present on another food prep counter where sandwiches were being prepared, which the supervisor also acknowledged should not have been there. The facility lacked a policy regarding personal items in the kitchen, as confirmed by the Nutritional Services Supervisor. The facility also failed to ensure proper hand hygiene practices during meal service. A CNA did not perform hand hygiene after handling a soiled tray before delivering a new meal tray to another resident. Similarly, a Nursing Aid in Training and another CNA did not perform hand hygiene before delivering meal trays to residents. Both staff members acknowledged the requirement for hand hygiene but denied failing to perform it. The Nutritional Services Supervisor was unaware of these lapses in hand hygiene, which contradicted the facility's hand hygiene policy that mandates the use of alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water before and after handling food or assisting residents with meals.
Deficiencies in Abuse Investigation and Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse involving a resident. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) was aware of the allegation but did not review the resident's clinical record to verify if the alleged perpetrators, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Nurse-Aid in Training (NAT), had provided care to the resident. Despite the ongoing investigation, the NAT continued to work unsupervised, as the DNS was unable to contact the NAT to inform them of the suspension. This oversight potentially exposed residents to further abuse. The Infection Preventionist (IP) at the facility lacked the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively monitor and track infections and antibiotic use. The IP failed to consistently document critical information such as the type of infection, the prescribed antibiotic, and lab results on the Line Listing Report. This omission hindered the facility's ability to track infections and antibiotic use accurately, increasing the risk of residents developing infections with Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs). Additionally, the IP demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the administration of pneumococcal vaccines. The IP did not utilize CDC guidance or provide floor nurses with tools to determine which vaccines residents were eligible for. This resulted in the facility's failure to identify residents in need of additional pneumococcal vaccines, potentially compromising their health.
QAPI Committee Oversights in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee failed to identify several critical issues, leading to deficiencies in care and management. The committee did not recognize concerns related to Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) and Transmission Based Precautions (TBP), which could have been identified through audits and led to necessary staff education. Additionally, the committee overlooked an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) signing documentation with the credentials of a Medical Doctor, a discrepancy that could have been caught by Medical Records during daily audits. Furthermore, there was a lack of thorough investigation into resident abuse allegations, which could have been addressed by verifying employee contact information upon hire. The QAPI committee also failed to identify issues with tracking and reconciling narcotic medications, including those for hospice care, and the absence of a designated Hospice Coordinator, which affected communication regarding medications. Moreover, the committee did not address concerns related to the screening and offering of pneumococcal vaccines to residents, which could have been identified through immunization audits. These oversights indicate a failure in the facility's QAPI processes to effectively identify and address quality deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Deficiency in Antibiotic Use Monitoring and Education
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Infection Preventionist (IP) accurately documented and tracked infections and antibiotic use among residents. The Line Listing for Infections by Resident form, used by the IP, lacked necessary elements such as the prescribed antibiotic, start and stop dates, ordered lab work, and lab results. This omission affected the documentation for 10 out of 31 residents who were prescribed antibiotics for infections between January and May 2024. The IP confirmed that the form did not include a space to document the type of infection, and the column for Transmission Based Precautions was pre-populated with 'none', requiring manual changes. The IP's process for tracking infections involved daily reviews of the Orders Listing Report, which included physician orders for antibiotics. However, discrepancies were found between the Orders Listing Report and the Line Listing for Infections by Resident form. Several residents with physician orders for antibiotics were not included in the Line Listing Report for various months, indicating incomplete or outdated documentation. The IP acknowledged these discrepancies and confirmed that the documentation was not current. Additionally, the facility failed to provide education related to antibiotic use and the Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) to both staff and residents. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed the lack of educational provision. The facility's policy on the ASP, dated September 2017, required education for nursing staff, providers, and residents, but there was no documented evidence of such education being provided. This lack of education and incomplete documentation could potentially affect the entire resident census of 89.
Failure to Ensure Timely Compliance and Ethics Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely completion of compliance and ethics training for 15 out of 20 sampled employees. The deficiency was identified through interviews and document reviews, revealing that several employees did not complete the required training upon hire or annually as stipulated by the facility's policy. Employees, including the Administrator, Director of Nursing, Activities Director, Dietary Manager, and others, either completed the training late or lacked documented evidence of having completed it for the year 2023. The Human Resources staff admitted to being unsure about the timing and frequency of the required compliance and ethics training. This uncertainty contributed to the failure in ensuring that employees received the necessary training to prevent and detect violations and promote quality care. The facility's policy, published in November 2019, clearly stated the requirement for all staff to complete this training upon hire and annually thereafter, but this was not adhered to, leading to the identified deficiency.
Unsecured Medications and Improper Delegation of Duties
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications were not left unsecured at a resident's bedside, as observed with two residents. For one resident, medications including Nystop powder, Phytoplex antifungal powder, and Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray were found unsecured in the resident's room. The CNA responsible for the resident's care admitted to applying the powders, which was outside their scope of practice, as they were not trained to administer medications. The RN confirmed the nasal spray should have been secured in the medication cart, and the Director of Nursing Services stated that CNAs should not apply medicated powders and that medications should not be left at the bedside. Another resident had multiple inhalers, including Albuterol, Spiriva, and Symbicort, left unsecured in their room. These inhalers were brought in by the resident's family due to the facility's initial lack of availability. A CNA found the Albuterol inhaler on the resident's lunch tray and returned it to the resident, intending to inform the nurse, which did not happen. The LPN was unaware the inhalers remained in the room and later removed them, placing them in the medication cart. The facility's policy prohibits medications from being left in resident rooms unsupervised due to safety concerns. Additionally, a medication cart was left unattended with over-the-counter medications on top while a CNA watched it as the nurse used the restroom. The CNA acknowledged that watching medications was not within their scope of practice. The facility's policy states that medications should only be accessible to licensed nursing personnel or authorized staff. The Nevada Nurse Practice Act supports this by prohibiting the delegation of tasks to unqualified personnel.
Medication Security and Storage Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the security and proper storage of medications, as observed during a survey. A medication cart was left unattended with over 20 over-the-counter plastic bottles containing pills on top, while a CNA was asked to watch the cart as the nurse used the restroom. The CNA confirmed that watching medications was not within their scope of practice. The RN acknowledged that vitamins are considered medications and should not have been left unsecured. Facility policy states that medication supplies should only be accessible to licensed nursing personnel or those authorized to administer medications. Additionally, the facility did not store medications according to manufacturer guidelines and failed to remove discontinued medications from the medication cart. A bottle of Lactulose solution belonging to a deceased resident was found in the cart, despite the medication being discontinued. Furthermore, a bottle of Lorazepam was improperly stored in the medication cart instead of being refrigerated as required by the manufacturer. The LPN confirmed the improper storage and the need for refrigeration. The ADON and DNS acknowledged the expectation for medications to be stored according to guidelines and removed when discontinued. The facility also failed to ensure proper labeling of medications. An unopened bottle of Morphine Sulfate oral solution and a bottle of Lorazepam were found without proper labels, making them unusable. The RN2 and RCM confirmed the lack of labeling and explained that medications without complete labels should not be used. The facility's policy and the Pharmacy Services Agreement require medications to be labeled according to professional standards, but this was not adhered to in these instances.
Deficiency in Vaccine Screening and Education
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were properly screened for eligibility to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and that education regarding these vaccines was provided to the residents or their representatives. Specifically, two residents were not screened for influenza vaccination eligibility, and seven residents were not screened for pneumococcal vaccination eligibility. The clinical records of these residents lacked documented evidence of screening, education, and whether the vaccines were offered, administered, or declined. For influenza vaccines, Resident #62 was not offered a vaccine due to being admitted after the end of the flu season, despite their original admission date being earlier. The Infection Preventionist (IP) acknowledged the oversight and noted that the admitting nurse failed to document immunization information, which could have been caught during weekly audits that were not conducted that week. Similarly, Resident #9's record lacked documentation of influenza vaccine screening and education, with the IP suggesting confusion due to the resident's hospice status, although hospice residents should still receive care, including immunizations. Regarding pneumococcal vaccines, several residents, including Resident #9, #80, #77, #85, #23, and #242, were not properly screened or educated about the CDC's recommended vaccines. The IP confirmed that these residents' records lacked documentation of eligibility screening and education, and the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) admitted that the facility had not been using CDC guidance or decision flow sheets to determine vaccine recommendations. The facility's policy stated that they followed CDC recommendations, but the lack of documentation and adherence to guidelines led to the deficiency.
Deficiency in Timely Resident Rights Training for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that resident rights training was completed in a timely manner for 9 out of 20 sampled employees. These employees included the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Services Manager, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), a Certified Occupational Therapist, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Hospitality Aide, and a Housekeeper. The personnel records showed that some employees received their training significantly after their hire date, while others lacked documented evidence of having completed the training in the previous year or at all. Specifically, the Administrator and Housekeeper completed their training 48 and 46 days after hire, respectively, while the Hospitality Aide completed it 24 days after hire. Additionally, the Certified Occupational Therapist and one CNA had no documented evidence of having completed the training. The Human Resources staff expressed uncertainty regarding the timing and frequency of the required resident rights training. The facility's policy, last updated in July 2015, mandates that all staff complete resident rights training upon hire and annually thereafter. However, the facility did not adhere to this policy, as evidenced by the lack of timely training for the sampled employees. This deficiency was confirmed through personnel record reviews, interviews, and document reviews, highlighting a systemic issue in the facility's training processes.
Deficiency in QAPI Training for Facility Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) training was completed for 15 out of 20 sampled employees. The deficiency was identified through interviews and document reviews, revealing that several employees either did not receive QAPI training upon hire or lacked documentation of annual training as required by the facility's policy. Employees in various roles, including the Administrator, Director of Nursing Services, Dietary Manager, and Certified Nursing Assistants, were among those who did not receive timely QAPI training. The facility's policy mandates that all staff complete QAPI training upon hire and annually thereafter, but this requirement was not met for the majority of the sampled employees. The Human Resources staff confirmed the lack of timely QAPI training for the identified employees and expressed uncertainty about the frequency and timing of the required training. The facility's QAPI Plan, last updated in October 2018, emphasizes the importance of staff input in maintaining high-quality care for residents. However, the failure to provide timely and documented QAPI training suggests a gap in the facility's adherence to its own policies, potentially impacting the quality of care and services provided to residents.
Infection Control Training Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely infection control training to a significant portion of its staff, as evidenced by the personnel records of seven employees. These employees, including an Administrator, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), a Certified Occupational Therapist, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a cook, and a Hospitality Aide, did not receive infection control training in accordance with the facility's policy. The policy, published in November 2016, mandates that all staff complete infection control training upon hire and at least annually thereafter. However, the records showed delays in training completion ranging from 28 to 48 days after hire for some employees, while others lacked documentation of training for the previous year. During an interview, the Human Resources staff expressed uncertainty about the timing and frequency of the required infection control training. This lack of clarity contributed to the failure to ensure that all staff received the necessary training in a timely manner. The absence of documented evidence of infection control training for several employees highlights a systemic issue in the facility's adherence to its own infection prevention and control program standards.
Behavioral Health Training Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely completion of behavioral health training for 10 out of 20 sampled employees. Employees #1, #4, #5, #9, #10, #11, #14, #16, #19, and #20 did not receive behavioral health training within the required timeframe. Employee #1, hired as the Administrator, completed the training 55 days after hire. Employee #4, the Dietary Manager, and Employee #6, the Food and Nutrition Services Manager, had no documented evidence of training for 2023. Employee #5, the Social Services Director, completed the training 26 days after hire. Employees #9, #10, #11, #14, #16, and #20 lacked documented evidence of behavioral health training altogether. The Human Resources staff expressed uncertainty about the timing and frequency of the required behavioral health training. The facility's policy, published in November 2016, mandates that behavioral health training be completed by employees upon hire and annually thereafter. The lack of timely training was confirmed by the Human Resources staff, indicating a systemic issue in adhering to the facility's training policy.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Psychoactive Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain informed consent for psychoactive medications prior to their administration for three residents. Resident #23 was administered Duloxetine, Hydroxyzine, Melatonin, and Alprazolam without prior informed consent. The consent forms for Duloxetine and Xanax were signed after the medications had already been administered, and the consent for Hydroxyzine was signed even later. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) and the Divisional Director of Clinical Operations (DDCO) confirmed that informed consent was required before administering these medications. Resident #28 was given Clonazepam and Vraylar without documented evidence of informed consent. The DNS confirmed that no informed consent had been obtained prior to the administration of these medications, which are classified as antianxiety and antipsychotic drugs. The facility's policy requires informed consent for such medications, but this was not adhered to in the case of Resident #28. Resident #66 received Hydroxyzine for anxiety on multiple occasions in March and April before a consent form was signed in late April. The DNS acknowledged that the medication was administered without the necessary informed consent. The facility's policies clearly state that informed consent must be obtained before administering psychotropic drugs, but this protocol was not followed for the residents involved.
Failure to Post Current Menu
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the current menu was posted, which would allow residents to review and request an alternative if preferred. On May 19, 2024, observations revealed that the menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner posted in various units, including the Brookside Unit, Classics Unit, and Advantage Unit, were dated for May 17, 2024, rather than the current date. This discrepancy was confirmed by the Nutritional Services Supervisor on May 20, 2024, who acknowledged that the current day's menu should have been posted before breakfast was served. The supervisor admitted to providing verbal instructions for the menu change, which were not followed, and also noted the absence of a formal policy on menu postings.
Failure to Report and Investigate Potential Narcotic Diversion
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report a potential incident of misappropriation of a resident's prescribed narcotic pain medication. Resident #44, who has diagnoses including hemiplegia, hemiparesis, cognitive communication deficit, and aphasia, was involved in this incident. On May 21, 2024, a hospice RN discovered that a bottle of liquid Morphine for the resident appeared tampered with, as it was discolored and contained a paper-like substance. The hospice RN and the facility RN discarded the bottle due to these concerns. However, the Resident Care Manager and the Director of Nursing Services were not informed of the issue, and no investigation was initiated at that time. The facility's policy requires immediate reporting of suspected misappropriation of resident property, but this was not followed. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the incident had not been reported or investigated as potential misappropriation. The failure to report and investigate the tampered medication could lead to undetected narcotic diversion, potentially causing increased pain and diminished quality of life for the resident. The facility only began investigating the concern after it was brought to their attention by the surveyors.
Deficiencies in Comprehensive Care Planning for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a person-centered Comprehensive Care Plan for two residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident #50, who was admitted with a diagnosis of type I diabetes mellitus, had a physician's order for NovoLOG insulin administration. However, the resident's Care Plan lacked documentation of both the insulin use and the diabetes diagnosis. This omission was confirmed by the Director of Nursing Services, who acknowledged that the correct diagnosis and insulin use should have been documented to ensure appropriate treatment. Resident #77, admitted with multiple diagnoses including a history of MRSA infection, also lacked a Comprehensive Care Plan addressing infection control measures. Despite having a PEG tube and a tracheal stoma, there was no documented evidence of a care plan related to infection control, including Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for these indwelling devices. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of a Comprehensive Care Plan policy and reliance on the Resident Assessment Instrument to guide care plan development. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed the expectation for care plans to include all types of transmission-based precautions, which was not met for Resident #77.
Failure to Update Care Plan After Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update the care plan for a resident with a history of falls following an unwitnessed fall. Resident #5, who was admitted with diagnoses including repeated falls and difficulty in walking, experienced an unwitnessed fall while attempting to transfer themselves to a wheelchair. The fall occurred on 05/18/2024, and the resident was found on the floor by their roommate, who then notified the staff. Despite the incident, the resident's fall risk care plan, which was last updated on 02/18/2024, was not revised to include new interventions to prevent further falls. The Registered Nurse confirmed the unwitnessed fall, and the Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that the care plan should have been updated after such an event. The facility's policy, titled Fall Evaluation (Morse Scale) and Management, requires a licensed nurse to review and update the care plan with newly identified interventions after a resident falls. However, this policy was not followed, resulting in a deficiency in the care provided to Resident #5.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide scheduled showers to a dependent resident, identified as Resident #3, who required assistance and the use of a Hoyer lift for bathing. Despite being scheduled for showers twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the resident reported not receiving these showers over several months. The care plan documented the need for a two-person assist for bathing, yet the POC Response History lacked documentation of showers or bed baths being offered or refused on the scheduled dates. Specific instances were noted where there were gaps of five to six days between offered showers or bed baths. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and the DNS, confirmed the lack of adherence to the resident's bathing schedule. The CNA acknowledged that the resident typically received bed baths and noted the need for hair washing, while the DNS was unaware of the missed showers. The DNS emphasized the importance of regular showers for hygiene and infection prevention but admitted there was no facility policy or standard practice documented for showering and bathing. The ADON also confirmed the resident should have been offered showers or bed baths on the specified dates.
Lack of CPR Certification for Director of Nursing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff were trained and certified to perform Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a resident cardiac arrest. This deficiency was identified for one of the five sampled licensed nurses, specifically the Director of Nursing (DNS), referred to as Employee #2. Employee #2's personnel record indicated that their CPR training and certification had expired. During an interview, Human Resources staff confirmed that CPR certification was required for all licensed nurses and acknowledged that Employee #2 did not have a current CPR certification. The facility's policy on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, updated recently, also documented the requirement for licensed nurses to maintain current CPR certification.
Deficiencies in Wound Care, Fall Assessment, and Medication Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper wound care and coordination with a contracted hospice provider for a resident with a serious infection and cellulitis. The resident was observed with a partially covered wound that appeared wet and infected, and there was a lack of coordination between the facility and hospice regarding wound care orders. Discrepancies were found between the hospice's plan of care and the facility's orders, including differences in medication dosages and administration schedules. The facility did not have a designated hospice coordinator, leading to inconsistencies in care. Another resident experienced a fall, and the facility failed to conduct a proper post-fall assessment as per their policy. The resident reported increased difficulty walking and had an unwitnessed fall, but there was no documented assessment by a registered nurse, nor were orthostatic vital signs or blood sugar levels checked. The facility's policy required these assessments to rule out injuries and manage the resident's condition effectively. Additionally, the facility administered medication without a current order and failed to notify the physician when a resident's blood sugar exceeded a critical level. A resident requested pain relief, and a nurse applied a topical gel without verifying an active order. Another resident's prescribed medication was unavailable, and the facility did not notify the pharmacy or physician promptly. These deficiencies highlight significant lapses in medication management and communication within the facility.
Failure to Timely Report and Treat Pressure Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the development of a new pressure ulcer and did not report it in a timely manner for appropriate treatment. Resident #62, who was at risk for pressure injuries, developed a new wound on the coccyx that was not reported to the wound care team or the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) until several days after it was first observed. The wound was initially noted on 05/11/2024, but the DNS was not informed until 05/20/2024, leading to a delay in obtaining physician orders for treatment. The resident's condition included unspecified dementia with psychotic disturbance, cognitive communication deficit, muscle weakness, age-related physical debility, and chronic heart failure. Despite being at risk for pressure injuries, the resident's Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments did not document any unhealed pressure injuries prior to the incident. The resident experienced pain and discomfort, which was noted in various progress notes, but the wound care team was not notified as per the facility's policy. The facility's policy required that new skin impairments be documented and reported to the physician, DNS, and the Registered Dietician (RD) for nutritional evaluation. However, this process was not followed, resulting in the wound progressing to a stage II pressure injury. The lack of timely notification and treatment orders contributed to the deficiency, as the wound care team was not informed until nine days after the initial observation.
Improper Urostomy Care Leads to Infection Risk
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper care for a resident's urostomy drainage bag, which was observed on the floor while the resident was laying in bed. This incident involved a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis, other specified functional intestinal disorders, and chronic kidney disease, stage 3. A physician's order and care plan both documented the need for urostomy care every shift, starting from a specified date. However, during an observation, the resident's urostomy drainage bag was found on the floor, contrary to the care plan. Interviews with facility staff, including a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), confirmed that the drainage bag should not be on the floor due to the risk of infection. The RN noted that the bag was placed on the floor to prevent kinks when hung on the side of the bed, while the CNA acknowledged the risk of infection from the bag being on the floor. The Director of Nursing Services also confirmed the increased infection risk and admitted that there was no facility policy or documented standard of practice for catheter or urostomy care, contributing to the deficiency.
Failure to Administer Oxygen with Humidification as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer oxygen as ordered for a resident diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia. The resident was admitted with a physician's order for oxygen at three liters per minute (LPM) via nasal cannula, with humidification. However, during an observation, it was noted that the resident's oxygen was being administered without the required humidification, leading to complaints of dryness in the nose and mouth. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) confirmed the physician's order included humidification, but the oxygen was still being administered without it. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) acknowledged that the facility's policy required oxygen to be administered per physician order, and the failure to include humidification was not in compliance with the order. The facility's policy also emphasized the importance of following the five rights of medication administration, which includes ensuring the right medication is administered as ordered.
Failure to Maintain Dialysis Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Dialysis Transfer forms were completed and maintained for two residents, Resident #80 and Resident #57, who required dialysis services. Resident #80, diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus with kidney complications and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), was admitted to the facility with a physician's order for dialysis on specific days. On a particular day, it was observed that Resident #80's dialysis binder, which should have contained documentation related to dialysis and pre and post-dialysis assessments, only had blank copies of the Dialysis Transfer forms. The Registered Nurse (RN) confirmed that the binder was sent with the resident to the dialysis center but was not returned with the necessary documentation. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) confirmed that the clinical record for Resident #80 did not include the scanned copies of the Dialysis Transfer form, indicating a lapse in maintaining accurate records. Similarly, Resident #57, also diagnosed with ESRD and dependent on renal dialysis, had a physician's order for dialysis treatment on specific days. However, the clinical record for Resident #57 lacked documented evidence of completed dialysis communication transfer forms for multiple dates. The DNS confirmed the absence of these forms in the clinical record and acknowledged that the nursing staff should have ensured the forms were completed and checked upon the resident's return from dialysis. The facility's policy required the dialysis center to provide specific information upon the resident's return, and if not provided, the facility was to notify the DNS. This policy was not adhered to, leading to the deficiency in maintaining proper documentation for dialysis care.
Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Visits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely physician visits for one of the sampled residents, identified as Resident #9. Resident #9 was admitted with diagnoses including a local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection, and cellulitis of the right lower limb. The clinical record indicated that the last physician visit for Resident #9 occurred on 04/07/2024. On 05/28/2024, the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the resident had not been seen by a physician or nurse practitioner since the last documented visit, despite the facility's policy requiring residents to be seen by a physician at least once every 30 days for the first 90 days after admission.
Inadequate Weekend Nurse Staffing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate staffing of licensed nurses during the weekend shifts in December 2023, as required by their Facility Assessment Tool. The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Staffing Data Report indicated excessively low staffing levels on weekends. The Facility Assessment Tool projected the need for three to four licensed nurses per shift based on an average daily census of 72 residents. However, on December 17, 2023, the second shift was staffed with only two licensed nurses, despite the facility census being 89, which was 17 residents over the average daily census. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the staffing did not meet the facility's expectations, resulting in a shortage of nurses for that weekend shift.
Medication Availability and Administration Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that ordered medications were available and administered to residents, resulting in deficiencies in pharmaceutical services. Resident #88, who was admitted with diagnoses including aftercare following joint replacement surgery and essential hypertension, did not receive the prescribed Amlodipine-Olmesartan 10-20 mg for three consecutive days. The medication was marked as 'On Order from Pharmacy' in the Medication Administration Record (MAR), indicating it was not available at the facility. Despite daily pharmacy deliveries, the medication was not administered, and the nursing staff did not follow up adequately to ensure its availability. Similarly, Resident #5, with a diagnosis of postlaminectomy syndrome, did not receive the prescribed Cholecalciferol 1000 units as it was not available in the medication cart. The medication was also marked as 'On Order from Pharmacy' in the MAR. Additionally, Resident #23, who had multiple diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and type two diabetes mellitus, did not receive the prescribed Ammonium Lactate solution for several days. The facility's policy required staff to document non-administration reasons and notify the physician, but these steps were not effectively followed, leading to the deficiencies observed.
Medication Administration Errors Exceed Acceptable Rate
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, resulting in an error rate of 8.51% based on 47 medication administration opportunities and four errors. The errors involved three residents, each with specific medication administration issues. Resident #88, who was admitted with diagnoses including aftercare following joint replacement surgery and hypertension, did not receive the prescribed Amlodipine-Olmesartan for three consecutive days due to the medication being unavailable in the facility. The LPN responsible for administering the medication acknowledged the absence of the medication and the potential concern due to the resident's elevated blood pressure. Resident #55, admitted with diagnoses including cerebral infarction and thrombosis, was administered the incorrect form of Aspirin. The RN gave the resident a chewable Aspirin 81 mg instead of the prescribed enteric-coated Aspirin 81 mg. The RN confirmed the error after administering the medication, acknowledging that the medication did not match the physician's order. Resident #5, with a diagnosis of postlaminectomy syndrome, did not receive the prescribed Cholecalciferol 1000 units due to its unavailability. Additionally, the RN applied Diclofenac Sodium 1% gel to the resident's knee without a current physician's order, as the order for this medication had been completed and was no longer active. The RN admitted to not contacting the physician before administering the gel, which was against the facility's medication administration policy. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed that all medications require an active physician's order and that the facility's policy mandates adherence to the five rights of medication administration.
Deficiencies in Medication Administration and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete Medication Administration Records (MAR) for the administration of an anti-coagulant for one resident, identified as Resident #66. This resident was admitted with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and had a physician's order for Apixaban, an anti-coagulant, to be administered twice daily. However, the MAR for specific dates lacked documented evidence that the medication was administered or refused by the resident. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) confirmed the absence of documentation and acknowledged that the nurse should have recorded the administration or refusal of the medication. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that the documentation in resident records accurately represented the licensure of a healthcare provider. The provider was documented as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the records of numerous residents, despite being licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). This discrepancy was confirmed by the provider, the DNS, and the Medical Director, who were unaware of the incorrect documentation. The Medical Director was responsible for reviewing the provider's documentation but had not identified the error. The facility also failed to maintain complete clinical records for two residents. For Resident #80, the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) lacked evidence of required assessments of the resident's dialysis access site and blood sugar monitoring. The DNS confirmed that the facility's policy required blood sugar checks for diabetic residents receiving dialysis, but these were not documented. Similarly, Resident #68's care plan inaccurately documented the resident's behavior, stating that the resident touched private parts of other residents, which was not the case according to staff interviews.
Inaccurate PBJ Staffing Reports Submitted to CMS
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately report weekend staffing coverage in their Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) submissions to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The PBJ Staffing Data Report for the period from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, indicated excessively low weekend staffing. However, facility nursing schedules and timesheets showed that there was sufficient staffing coverage for weekends during this period, except for the weekend of December 17, 2024. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the PBJ reports submitted to CMS were inaccurate, despite the facility having adequate staffing coverage for the weekends in question, excluding the specified weekend.
Infection Control Deficiencies in MDRO and Urostomy Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement appropriate infection prevention and control measures for a resident with a multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) infection. Resident #9, who was admitted with a diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and cellulitis, did not have the necessary transmission-based precautions (TBP) in place. On observation, there was no signage indicating enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) or TBP on the resident's door, nor was there a personal protective equipment (PPE) cart outside the room. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) confirmed the absence of these precautions, despite the resident having a wound that required dressing changes and was colonized with MRSA. The Infection Preventionist (IP) and Director of Nursing Services (DNS) acknowledged the oversight in not placing a dedicated bin for PPE disposal inside the room of Resident #9, who was under contact precautions. The IP was found holding contaminated dressings, waiting for a proper disposal bag, indicating a lapse in the facility's protocol for waste management in TBP rooms. The facility's policy did not include specific instructions for PPE disposal, which contributed to the deficiency. Additionally, the facility did not maintain proper care for a resident with a urostomy. Resident #3's urostomy drainage bag was observed on the floor, which was confirmed by both a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as inappropriate due to the increased risk of infection. The DNS confirmed the lack of a facility policy regarding catheter or urostomy care, which led to the improper handling of the urostomy drainage bag, further highlighting the facility's failure to adhere to infection control standards.
Failure to Document COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Screening and Education for RN
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a Registered Nurse (RN), hired on July 10, 2023, was screened for eligibility to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine, provided with education regarding the vaccine, and offered the vaccine, which was either administered or declined. The RN's COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card showed vaccinations on February 1, 2021, and February 22, 2021, with an additional dose recorded on September 17, 2021. However, there was no documented evidence in the RN's Human Resources (HR) file indicating that the RN was screened for a booster, educated about it, or that the booster was offered and either administered or declined. The Infection Preventionist (IP) confirmed that the facility held COVID vaccination clinics twice a year, with a third party administering the vaccines. The IP stated that when an employee received a booster, a copy of the immunization record was kept in the HR file, but no signed declination was collected if the vaccine was declined. The facility's policy, revised on April 18, 2022, required maintaining documentation of COVID vaccinations and boosters, including a declination form for those who declined. The CDC guidelines, updated on May 14, 2024, recommended updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone five years and older, but the facility did not have the necessary documentation for the RN in question.
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Two residents admitted with indwelling Foley catheters did not have physician orders obtained or implemented for catheter care and management. Nursing documentation and MDS entries showed the presence of Foley catheters, but the EHR lacked orders for catheter maintenance, monitoring, or justification for continued use. One resident was observed with a full urine meter bag that had not been emptied, reported no routine cleansing of the insertion site, and had an undated, loose stabilizer, with family stating they often performed cleaning due to inconsistent staff care. CNAs and RNs confirmed the absence of catheter care orders and related documentation, and the DON verified that expected admission orders for Foley size, justification, irrigation as needed, and twice-daily catheter care were not obtained, in contrast to facility policies.
A resident with type 1 DM and insulin orders requiring MD notification for BG values outside set parameters experienced multiple episodes of hypoglycemia, including documented BG readings in the 40s. Nursing notes showed insulin was held and hypoglycemia treated, but there was no documentation that the physician was notified of these low BG values as required. Later, the resident was found unresponsive and clammy with a BG of 31 mg/dl; an RN administered oral glucose gel even though the resident could not safely swallow and the standing order required Glucagon SQ/IM for unresponsive residents with hypoglycemia. The BG remained critically low until EMS arrived and administered IV dextrose, after which the resident briefly aroused and then coded, ultimately expiring. Leadership and clinical staff confirmed that physician notification had not occurred for prior low BG readings and that the hypoglycemia treatment orders were not followed during the unresponsive episode.
A resident with type 1 DM and diabetic autonomic neuropathy was found unresponsive and clammy by a CNA during the night. An RN obtained a blood glucose of 31, administered oral glucose gel outside of order guidelines, and did not administer ordered Glucagon. A repeat blood glucose remained 31, EMS administered D10, the resident briefly regained consciousness, then became unresponsive, CPR was initiated, and the resident expired. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator reported there was no accessible documentation of the required abuse/neglect investigation, stating that records previously maintained by the former DON could not be located and some electronic files were inaccessible after a change of ownership, contrary to the facility’s abuse/neglect policy requiring a complete, documented investigation.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions and intact cognition was sent to the hospital under an L2K after an altercation involving verbal aggression and throwing an ashtray. While the hospital later discharged the resident with a psychiatric diagnosis and arranged transport back, facility leadership had already decided, based on an unwritten practice to deny readmission for L2K cases, that the resident would not be accepted back and reassigned the bed despite available capacity. Hospital calls about the transfer were routed to case management, which confirmed the denial, and when the resident arrived with EMTs and discharge papers, staff refused readmission, did not accept the paperwork, did not provide medications, and called law enforcement, resulting in the resident being trespassed from the property even though staff knew the resident had no housing or resources. The facility had a written transfer/discharge policy allowing return after acute care but no written criteria for residents hospitalized under an L2K, and staff followed only verbal direction from leadership.
A fire response led to residents being evacuated to a courtyard while doors to the building remained closed, during which a family member, upset about not being allowed to enter, recorded a video capturing multiple residents, staff, and visitors without consent and posted it on social media with a disparaging narrative. Several residents with complex medical conditions, including COPD, cerebral infarction, tracheostomy status, Parkinson’s disease, schizoaffective disorder, dementia, and others, later recognized themselves in the widely viewed post and reported feeling upset, offended, or that their privacy was violated. Some residents and representatives noted they were not given the opportunity to consent, and one resident reported that staff told the individual to stop filming but the recording continued, contrary to facility policy prohibiting unauthorized imaging and transmission of resident images.
The facility failed to timely report two separate incidents to the state agency: a fire-related event in the main dining room and unauthorized videotaping of multiple residents by a family member. In the first incident, smoke and a burning electrical odor were observed in the main dining room, residents were evacuated, and the fire department later determined the source was a seized HVAC fan blower motor; the room was found to have only one smoke detector at the entrance, with the rest of the large space lacking detection. In the second incident, while residents were evacuated during the same code red, a family member recorded residents’ faces without consent and posted the footage on social media, contrary to facility policies that classify such conduct as a violation of resident rights and abuse requiring reporting within 24 hours. Both incidents were reported to the state agency 11 days after they occurred.
A resident with multiple comorbidities, including CHF, prior CVA, anxiety, depression, muscle weakness, and impaired mobility and coordination, was subjected to rough incontinence care by a CNA. A PT who entered the room during a brief change observed the CNA roll the small-statured resident onto their side, noted redness on the resident’s buttocks, and saw the CNA roughly wipe the area. The resident cried out in pain, stating that it hurt, but the CNA did not respond or adjust care and continued the brief change. The facility’s investigation concluded the CNA had been rough and dismissive of the resident’s expressed pain, in violation of the facility’s abuse policy.
A resident with cerebral palsy and dysphagia had an outdated and incomplete personal property inventory, despite ongoing additions of items such as clothing, plants, books, and sentimental objects. The resident’s guardian later found the resident’s cupboard completely empty, although it had previously contained food, candy, Tupperware, ceramic mugs from vacations, a soup bowl from a great grandmother, gift cards, and greeting cards from deceased relatives. Staff, including a CNA and SW, acknowledged that many belongings in the room were never added to the inventory list, and the DON informed the SW that the resident’s items had been removed and placed in a secure cabinet in preparation for a survey, with gift cards unaccounted for. This failure to maintain an accurate inventory and the removal of belongings without notifying the guardian violated the resident’s right to retain and use personal possessions.
A resident with cerebral palsy, communication deficits, and mental health diagnoses returned from school and told a CNA that a teacher had pulled their hair, pinched them, yelled at them, and refused to change them, while documentation also showed a 9 cm abrasion on the resident’s back after a reported school incident. The CNA immediately brought the resident to the SW, who, according to the CNA, dismissed the allegation, stated they did not believe the teacher, and referenced the resident’s history of fabricating stories, then the CNA reported the concern to the DON. The DON acknowledged being informed that the resident returned crying and soiled and notified the Abuse Coordinator, but neither the DON nor the Abuse Coordinator reported the allegation to the SA, law enforcement, ombudsman, physician, or responsible parties, despite facility policy requiring immediate reporting of any alleged or suspected abuse or injuries of unknown source.
A resident with cerebral palsy, communication deficits, and mental health diagnoses returned from school distressed and reported to a CNA that a teacher had pulled the resident’s hair, pinched the resident, yelled, and refused requested care. The CNA brought the resident to the SW, who expressed disbelief in the allegation, characterized the resident as fabricating stories, and referenced potential school expulsion and limiting friend visits. Nursing documentation the same day noted a new 9 cm abrasion on the resident’s upper back present on return from school. The DON, who was notified by the CNA, did not interview the resident, teacher, or SW and did not review the clinical record or complete a wound assessment. The Abuse Coordinator, though aware of behavioral issues reported by the teacher, did not obtain statements, review the record, or initiate any abuse investigation, despite facility policy outlining required investigative steps for abuse and neglect allegations.
Failure to Obtain and Implement Foley Catheter Care Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain and implement physician orders for the care and management of indwelling Foley catheters for two residents. One resident was admitted with diagnoses including polyneuropathy, acute respiratory failure, and acute pulmonary edema, and both the nursing documentation evaluation and admission MDS documented the presence of an indwelling Foley catheter. However, the medical record contained no physician orders for Foley catheter care and maintenance. On review, the DON confirmed that monitoring and maintenance orders for the Foley catheter were expected but were not present in the record. Another resident, admitted with prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and a recent UTI treated in the hospital where a Foley catheter was placed, was observed with a urine meter bag containing 350 ml of urine that had not been emptied that morning. The resident and family reported that the Foley catheter had not been replaced since admission and that the insertion site was not routinely cleansed, with the family often providing cleaning due to inconsistent staff care. A CNA confirmed the urinary bag was full and should have been emptied at the start of the shift, and noted the catheter stabilizer was undated and loose. Review of the EHR by RNs showed no care or management orders for the indwelling catheter since admission and therefore no documentation of routine catheter care. The DON confirmed that admission orders for Foley size, justification for use, irrigation as needed, and twice-daily catheter care, including cleaning around the insertion site and emptying the bag, had not been obtained or entered, resulting in no documented catheter care in the MAR, contrary to facility policies requiring valid justification and admission assessment with communication to the physician.
Failure to Notify Physician of Recurrent Hypoglycemia and to Follow Hypoglycemia Treatment Orders
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a diabetic resident from neglect when nursing staff did not follow physician orders for monitoring and responding to hypoglycemia and did not notify the physician of critical low blood glucose (BG) values. The resident had type 1 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications and diabetic autonomic neuropathy and was ordered multiple insulin regimens, including Lantus and sliding-scale Insulin Aspart, with explicit instructions to notify the physician for BG less than 80 mg/dl or greater than 350 mg/dl. The resident also had PRN orders for oral glucose gel for BG less than 70 mg/dl with symptoms of hypoglycemia if able to swallow, and for Glucagon to be given SQ or IM for BG less than 70 mg/dl with signs of hypoglycemia when the resident was unable to swallow or was unresponsive. The resident’s care plan included monitoring, documenting, and reporting signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. On two separate dates prior to the fatal event, the resident experienced documented episodes of hypoglycemia with BG readings below the ordered parameters. A progress note documented that on one date the resident’s Lantus was held due to a blood sugar of 46 mg/dl and that Glucagon was administered, with a plan to recheck. Another progress note documented a low blood sugar of 47 mg/dl prior to breakfast, after which the resident was given juices and other fluids and the BG increased to 103 mg/dl. During this second episode, staff discussed with the resident the concern about hypoglycemia and suggested contacting the provider to lower the Lantus dose, but the resident declined changes and staff planned to remind the next shift to offer midnight snacks. The clinical record, however, lacked documentation that the physician was notified of these BG readings below 80 mg/dl, despite the physician order requiring notification for BG values outside the specified parameters. On the night of the fatal incident, a CNA found the resident unresponsive and clammy. An RN assessed the resident and obtained a fingerstick blood glucose of 31 mg/dl. Despite the resident being unresponsive and unable to drink or eat, the RN administered one tube of oral glucose gel, which was not in accordance with the physician’s order that specified Glucagon for hypoglycemia in residents who were unable to swallow or unresponsive. A repeat BG 20 minutes later remained 31 mg/dl. Emergency Medical Services were called, and when they arrived, the resident’s BG was 19 mg/dl. EMS administered D10, after which the resident briefly became arousable and then became unresponsive again, leading to CPR and subsequent death. Facility leadership, including the DON and CNO, confirmed that the physician had not been notified of the earlier low BG readings and that Glucose gel was inappropriately used instead of Glucagon when the resident was unresponsive, constituting a failure to follow physician orders and a failure to report changes in condition as required by facility policy and job descriptions.
Failure to Document Investigation of Neglect-Related Hypoglycemic Event and Death
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide documented evidence of a thorough investigation into an incident suspicious for neglect involving Resident #8. Resident #8 had diagnoses including type 1 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications and diabetic autonomic (poly) neuropathy. According to the Facility Reported Incident (FRI), a CNA found the resident unresponsive and clammy at approximately 1:00 AM. An RN assessed the resident, obtained a blood glucose result of 31, and administered oral glucose gel outside of order guidelines instead of administering the prescribed Glucagon per physician order. A repeat finger-stick blood glucose remained 31, EMS was called, and EMS administered 10% Dextrose. The resident briefly regained consciousness, then became unresponsive again, CPR was initiated by EMS, and the resident expired. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator stated there was no documentation of the facility’s investigation of this incident. The Administrator/Abuse Coordinator reported that the former DON had the investigation documentation, but it could not be located in the former DON’s office, and many electronic files were inaccessible following a change of ownership in February 2026. This lack of available documentation was inconsistent with the facility’s Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation policy, which required an immediate investigation upon suspicion or reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including identifying responsible staff, interviewing all involved persons and witnesses, and providing complete and thorough documentation of the investigation.
Failure to Readmit Hospitalized Resident Under L2K and Lack of Criteria for Psychiatric Holds
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident was readmitted following a hospital transfer under a legal hold (L2K) and the absence of written criteria or policy governing residents hospitalized under an L2K. The resident had multiple medical diagnoses, including diabetes mellitus with long-term insulin use, chronic right lower leg ulcer, cellulitis, infective myositis, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, reduced mobility, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, chronic pain, and anxiety disorder, and had an intact cognition score (BIMS 15/15). After a resident-to-resident altercation in the smoking area, during which the resident was verbally aggressive and threw an ashtray, the physician ordered an L2K and the resident was transferred to the hospital. Facility staff, including the DON and RN, described the L2K as used when a resident was a danger to self or others and confirmed the resident was sent out under an L2K. Hospital records documented that the resident’s behavioral symptoms stabilized in the emergency department, were assessed as secondary to psychiatric illness, and that the resident remained a danger to self and unable to care for self, with ongoing psychotic behavior noted. The hospital ultimately discharged the resident with a diagnosis of acute situational disturbance and arranged transportation back to the facility. Prior to the resident’s return, the hospital made multiple calls to the facility about the transfer, which were routed to case management; the receptionist reported being informed by case management and the marketing director that the facility would not readmit the resident. The marketing director stated that facility practice was to deny readmission for residents sent out under an L2K and that the decision not to readmit this resident was made in advance based on direction from the administrator, after which the resident’s bed was reassigned despite available capacity in the building. When the resident arrived back at the facility with EMTs and hospital discharge papers, staff informed the resident that readmission would not occur, that belongings had been packed, and that the previous room was occupied. Staff did not contact the hospital for clarification because the resident did not want to return to the hospital. The facility did not accept the discharge paperwork, did not provide medications, and did not readmit the resident, with the DON stating there were no physician orders and that residents sent to the hospital were considered discharged once admitted. Law enforcement was called, the resident was issued a trespass notice, and was escorted off the property, despite the facility’s awareness that the resident had no home, no local family, and no resources. The resident reported staying at a nearby bus stop for several days without food, money, or medications, and later presented to the hospital with worsening leg swelling and a confirmed DVT after not receiving prescribed medications. The facility’s existing transfer and discharge policy stated that residents transferred to an acute care setting were permitted to return upon discharge, and the DON confirmed there was no written policy governing L2K or hospital readmissions, with staff following only verbal direction from leadership.
Unauthorized Social Media Video of Residents During Fire Response
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure residents’ privacy rights were protected when an unauthorized video recording of residents during a fire response was made and posted on social media. During a Code Red related to smoke from the dining room ceiling, residents were evacuated to the outdoor courtyard while doors to the facility remained closed under the fire protocol. A resident’s family member, upset about not being allowed to enter from the courtyard, began video recording the scene, capturing multiple residents, staff, visitors, and minors without consent. The 45‑second video was then uploaded to social media with a narrative criticizing the facility’s handling of the event and referring to residents in a disparaging manner, and it subsequently received extensive public engagement in the form of comments, likes, and shares. The facility identified approximately 20 residents who were present in the courtyard and appeared in the video, including residents with significant medical conditions such as acute on chronic respiratory failure, COPD, cerebral infarction, encephalopathy, gastrostomy and tracheostomy status, protein‑calorie malnutrition, bilateral above‑knee amputations, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, schizoaffective disorder, Parkinson’s disease, pleural effusion, bipolar disorder, atrial fibrillation, polyneuropathy, and dementia. Several residents personally confirmed being evacuated to the courtyard during the incident and later recognizing themselves in the posted video. One resident reported witnessing a staff member instruct the person filming to stop, but the individual continued recording despite this direction. Multiple residents and resident representatives reported feeling upset, offended, or violated by being recorded and included in the social media post without their consent. Some residents stated they would have wanted the opportunity to give or withhold consent, and others expressed that the filming and posting were inappropriate and that they took offense to the situation. Public guardians and family members of residents with dementia or under guardianship also expressed disapproval of their residents being recorded without consent and used in a social media video. The facility’s own policy on videotaping, photographing, and imaging of residents states that transmitting unauthorized images of any resident via internet or social media is a violation of residents’ rights and that any such image or recording that may be construed as humiliating or demeaning is considered resident abuse and must be reported and investigated, underscoring that the incident constituted a failure to protect resident privacy and dignity.
Failure to Timely Report Fire Incident and Unauthorized Resident Videotaping
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report to the state agency a fire-related incident that occurred in the main dining room. On 03/08/2026 at 12:50 PM, a maintenance assistant observed smoke coming from a ceiling vent in the main dining room along with a burning electrical odor, activated the fire alarm, and staff evacuated residents to the courtyard while the fire department responded. The fire department determined the source was a seized HVAC fan blower motor whose belt generated smoke briefly until failure, with no fire, heat, injuries, or suppression activity. During the investigation, the surveyor observed that the 3,363 square foot main dining room was protected only by a single photoelectric smoke detector at the entrance providing egress coverage, with the remainder of the space, including the tray ceiling, lacking detection, which appeared inconsistent with NFPA 72 (2010) Section 17.7.3.2.1. The facility did not submit a report of this incident to the state agency until 03/19/2026, which was 11 days after the event. The facility also failed to timely report an incident of unauthorized video recording and social media release involving multiple residents. On 03/08/2026, during the same code red for unidentified smoke in the dining room and while residents were evacuated to the outdoor courtyard awaiting clearance from the fire department, a resident’s family member recorded unauthorized video footage that included residents’ faces without their consent and later posted this footage on social media. Staff and resident interviews, review of social media footage, and facility documents on 03/20/2026 confirmed the unauthorized videotaping and social media release. The facility’s policy on videotaping and photographing residents, dated 10/01/2021, stated that transmitting unauthorized images of any resident via email, internet, or social media is a violation of resident rights and that any images or recordings that may be construed as humiliating or demeaning are considered abuse, which should be reported and investigated as such. The facility’s abuse policy defined exploitation as taking advantage of a resident for personal gain and required that incidents of abuse be reported to the state survey agency no later than 24 hours if they did not result in serious bodily harm; however, the facility did not report this incident to the state agency until 03/19/2026, 11 days after it occurred.
Failure to Protect Resident From Rough and Painful Incontinence Care by CNA
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from physical abuse by a CNA during incontinence care. The resident had multiple medical conditions, including acute chronic systolic congestive heart failure, cerebral infarction due to embolism of the right middle cerebral artery, anxiety disorder, depression, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, bilateral localized swelling, and lack of coordination. During a brief change in the resident’s room, a Physical Therapist entered after knocking and announcing therapy and observed the CNA roll the small-statured resident onto their side. Upon removal of the brief, the therapist noted the resident’s bottom appeared red. The Physical Therapist then observed the CNA roughly wipe the resident’s bottom, after which the resident verbalized, “ow, that hurt.” The CNA did not respond to the resident’s expression of pain and continued changing the brief without acknowledging or addressing the resident’s discomfort. The facility’s investigation, as described by the Administrator, determined that the CNA had been rough with the resident during the brief change and was dismissive of the resident’s verbal call out when the resident felt pain. This conduct was contrary to the facility’s abuse policy, which states that each resident has the right to be free from abuse, including physical abuse or mistreatment, and that the facility would implement processes to ensure residents are not subject to abuse by staff.
Resident Belongings Removed and Poorly Inventoried Without Notification
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to respect a resident’s right to retain and use personal possessions and to maintain an accurate inventory of those belongings. The resident, who had cerebral palsy, a developmental motor disorder, and dysphagia, was admitted with an inventory list that included clothing, an E‑Reader/iPad, a backpack, a stuffed animal, hair accessories, a wheelchair tool kit, a bathing suit, an iPad stand, a wheelchair, and cushions. The most recent inventory list on file was dated in 2023 and did not reflect all of the resident’s belongings. Staff, including a CNA and the SW, acknowledged that many items present in the resident’s room, such as plants, books, stuffed animals, lotions, blankets, clothing, jackets, nightlights, and pictures, were not documented on the inventory sheet, and that the list was “quite bare” and required updating. The resident’s Guardian reported arriving to find the cupboard in the resident’s room completely empty, although it had previously contained food items, candy, Tupperware, ceramic mugs from vacations, a soup bowl from the resident’s great grandmother, approximately $75 in gift cards, and greeting cards from deceased relatives. The Guardian was not notified that these items had been removed and filed a grievance about the missing property. The SW later learned from the DON that staff had removed the resident’s belongings from the room and placed them in a secure cabinet due to an upcoming survey, and that the gift cards could not be located. The facility’s own policies stated that all personal effects were to be inventoried upon admission and that all items subsequently brought into the facility were to be added to the inventory form, but this was not done for this resident, and belongings were removed from the room without prior notification to the Guardian or documentation on the inventory list.
Failure to Report Alleged School Abuse of a Resident to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an allegation of abuse to the State Agency (SA) as required. A resident with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, cognitive communication deficit, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder returned from school after being picked up due to behaviors. Alert progress notes documented that upon return, the resident was calm and toileting was performed, during which the resident reported to a floor CNA that a teacher at school had abused them, specifically by pulling their hair, pinching their arm, yelling at them, and refusing to change them when requested. The resident became emotional and cried while making this report. The CNA immediately took the resident to the Social Worker (SW) and reported the allegation in the resident’s presence. According to the CNA’s account, the SW disregarded the resident’s report, stated they did not believe the teacher would do what was claimed, and characterized the resident’s account as a fabricated story. The SW also told the resident that if they had another behavior, they would be expelled from school and would be denied a virtual visit with a friend as punishment. The CNA then left the SW’s office with the resident and reported the concerns to the DON. A nursing progress note from the same day documented that the resident had an incident at school in which they slid partially out of their wheelchair and scraped their back, resulting in a 9 cm abrasion on the upper back. In subsequent interviews, the CNA reiterated that the resident had reported the teacher pulled their hair, pinched their underarms, yelled at them, and refused to change them, and that the resident stated they were being abused. The CNA stated they notified the DON and later reported the concern to the ombudsman. The SW, when interviewed, described being responsible for case management and acknowledged that abuse allegations should be reported to the Abuse Coordinator or DON and then to the SA, and identified various forms and signs of abuse. The SW recounted a prior incident in which the resident had alleged the teacher hit them first, but the SW believed the resident was not an accurate historian and considered the statement confabulatory. The SW confirmed there was documentation of a 9 cm abrasion on the resident’s back and acknowledged the note indicated the resident returned from school with an injury. The DON stated uncertainty about the process for abuse investigation and reporting, including not being sure who the designee for the Abuse Coordinator would be. The DON reported being told that the resident arrived from school crying and in soiled briefs, and that the resident disliked the teacher because the teacher was mean. The DON stated they immediately notified the Abuse Coordinator but did not report the concern further. The Abuse Coordinator/Administrator defined abuse and neglect and stated that the facility would be responsible for reporting any allegation of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation to law enforcement, the ombudsman, the SA, the physician, and responsible parties, regardless of whether it occurred inside or outside the facility. The Abuse Coordinator acknowledged being notified of the resident’s increased behaviors and being told the resident kicked at the teacher, but was unaware of the resident’s allegation that the teacher hit them first until informed later by the SW. The Abuse Coordinator confirmed that no reports had been made to law enforcement, the ombudsman, the SA, the physician, or responsible parties after being notified of the alleged abuse. The facility’s abuse policy required the Administrator or DON to notify the SA, ombudsman, child protective services, and law enforcement when an alleged or suspected case of neglect, injuries of unknown source, or abuse was reported, but this did not occur in this case.
Failure to Investigate Resident’s Allegation of Abuse by External Caregiver
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate an allegation of abuse involving Resident #6 after the resident reported being abused by a school teacher. Resident #6, who had spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, cognitive communication deficit, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, returned from school on 02/10/2026 and was documented as calm and collected initially. Alert progress notes recorded that after toileting, the resident told a floor CNA that the resident was being abused by the teacher, naming the teacher and describing hair pulling, arm pinching, and yelling. The resident became emotional and cried while reporting this to the CNA. The CNA immediately took Resident #6 to the Social Worker (SW) with the resident present. According to the CNA’s account and documentation, the SW disregarded the resident’s report, stated disbelief that the teacher would do what was alleged, and characterized the resident’s account as a fabricated story. The SW also told the resident that if the resident had another behavior, the resident would be expelled from school and would be denied a virtual visit with a friend as punishment. The CNA and resident then left the SW’s office, and the CNA reported the concerns to the DON. The CNA did not speak with the Abuse Coordinator at that time but documented the experience in the electronic health record and later reported the concern to the ombudsman. A nursing progress note from the same date documented that the resident returned from school with a 9 cm abrasion on the upper back, described as resulting from sliding partially out of the wheelchair and scraping on a pedestal. In subsequent interviews, the SW stated that if notified of an abuse allegation, the SW would report it to the Abuse Coordinator or DON and that abuse included physical and verbal abuse and neglect. The SW recounted that about a month prior, the teacher had reported the resident hit and kicked the teacher, and the resident had responded that the teacher hit the resident first; the SW believed the resident had no physical marks and considered the resident an unreliable historian. A behavior progress note effective 02/10/2026 documented that the SW found the resident’s statement about the teacher hitting first to be confabulatory. The SW acknowledged feeling sorry for the teacher, not believing the teacher would hit the resident, and confirmed that the resident’s right to visit a friend was not contingent on behavior. The SW also acknowledged the note indicating a 9 cm abrasion on the resident’s back and initially believed the resident fell off the toilet, despite documentation that the injury was present upon return from school. The DON reported uncertainty about the abuse investigation and reporting process, including not being sure who the designee for the Abuse Coordinator would be. The DON stated that on the day of the incident, the CNA reported that the resident arrived from school crying and in soiled briefs, and that the resident disliked the teacher because the teacher was mean. The DON did not interview the resident, the teacher, or the SW, and did not review the resident’s electronic health record after being notified of the alleged abuse. The DON was unaware of the alert notes and nursing progress note documenting the new abrasion and acknowledged that a wound assessment should have been completed but was not. The Abuse Coordinator/Administrator described that an abuse investigation should include review of records, shift assignments, and interviews with residents, family, and staff, and confirmed that the facility was responsible for reporting allegations of abuse occurring inside or outside the facility. The Abuse Coordinator stated being notified only of the resident’s increased behaviors and the teacher’s report that the resident kicked at the teacher, and did not speak with anyone else about the allegation at that time. The Abuse Coordinator later learned from the SW that the resident had said the teacher hit first, but because the resident could not specify where, the SW deemed the statement unreliable. The Abuse Coordinator did not obtain written statements from the resident, CNA, SW, or DON, and did not review the resident’s clinical record. The Abuse Coordinator confirmed that no investigation into the allegation of abuse was initiated, despite facility policy requiring, at a minimum, review of the incident report, medical record, and interviews with the reporter, witnesses, resident, staff, roommate, family, and visitors.
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