Buckeye Terrace Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Westerville, Ohio.
- Location
- 140 N State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
- CMS Provider Number
- 365933
- Inspections on file
- 35
- Latest survey
- March 24, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 10
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Buckeye Terrace Rehabilitation And Nursing Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors identified widespread environmental deficiencies, including a mattress stored against a dining room wall with wheelchairs bracing it, damaged and unpainted walls, a loose handrail, separated wall corners, littered and dirty hallways, overflowing trash at nursing stations, cigarette butts in a corridor, and an elevator floor with multiple brown spots. On an upper floor, there were paint streaks on the floor and similar dirt and paper debris. Maintenance staff confirmed these conditions and acknowledged the non-homelike appearance, while housekeeping staff reported significantly limited hours, elimination of the floor-stripping/waxing role, and a practice of cleaning only select “important” areas and a limited number of rooms, with CNAs assisting when spills occurred. These practices and conditions did not align with facility policies requiring floors and building areas to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner and kept in good repair and free from hazards.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was found to have a large section of wall missing beside their bed. The damage, which had existed for some time, was observed by staff and only reported to maintenance after a delay, resulting in the resident's environment not being maintained in a safe, comfortable, and functional manner.
A resident with paraplegia and an unstageable heel pressure ulcer was not provided with Prevalon boots as ordered for pressure relief. Despite physician orders and care plan interventions requiring the boots every shift, observations and interviews confirmed that staff had not applied them for over a month.
Three residents with complex medical conditions did not receive their prescribed medications within the required timeframe on multiple occasions. Nursing staff confirmed that late administration was due to insufficient staffing, and facility policy requires medications to be given within one hour of the scheduled time.
A facility failed to provide adequate care for a resident with a PleurX chest tube due to lack of staff education and absence of a care plan. The resident, with a history of Stage IV breast cancer and other health issues, was admitted with the chest tube but had no assessment or physician orders for its care. The PleurX was not drained during the resident's stay, leading to shortness of breath and hospital transfer.
A facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience for a resident with dementia, dysphagia, and hemiplegia. The resident required assistance with eating, but the care plan did not include standing while feeding. Observations showed an STNA standing and holding the resident's head during meals, contrary to the facility's policy, which emphasized feeding with safety, comfort, and dignity.
A resident reported an alleged sexual abuse incident to facility staff, but the facility failed to report it to the state survey agency and did not follow its abuse policy. The resident, with intact cognition, was moved to another floor three days later, contrary to the policy requiring immediate action.
A resident with intact cognition reported an incident of sexual abuse by another resident, but the facility failed to document the allegation in the medical record and delayed moving the resident to a different floor. The facility's policy to prevent access during an investigation was not promptly followed.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and identified as a fall risk was left unattended in the shower room, resulting in a fall. Despite the care plan requiring supervision during showers, the resident was left alone, contrary to the facility's fall risk management policy. Interviews confirmed the lack of supervision at the time of the incident.
A resident with multiple medical conditions was dependent on staff for personal hygiene, yet the facility failed to provide adequate nail and skin care. Despite being scheduled for regular baths, nail care was consistently neglected, resulting in long fingernails with a dark substance and excessive dry skin on the resident's feet. Observations and interviews confirmed these findings, leading to a deficiency report for non-compliance.
The facility failed to timely assess and treat pressure ulcers for three residents, resulting in the development and worsening of Stage III ulcers. A resident's sacrum ulcer progressed to Stage III due to delayed treatment, while another's unstageable coccyx ulcer was not documented or treated promptly, leading to Stage III progression. A third resident's coccyx ulcer was not documented until it reached Stage III, with treatment delayed by three days.
A resident at risk for skin breakdown due to diabetes and impaired mobility did not receive weekly skin assessments as ordered, leading to the development of a stage two pressure ulcer. The facility failed to document and report skin issues, as evidenced by unsigned bath sheets and unreported findings by an STNA. Interviews confirmed these lapses in care and documentation.
The facility failed to identify risks and provide adequate supervision for residents with substance use disorder, leading to drug overdoses. One resident overdosed by injecting opioids into his PICC line, and another overdosed on prescribed opiates and non-prescribed Fentanyl. The facility did not implement individualized care plans or perform necessary checks, resulting in unsecured medications and drug paraphernalia in residents' rooms.
A facility failed to timely repair a resident's sink, leaving it non-functional for over a month despite multiple maintenance requests. Staff and management were aware of the issue, but no permanent solution was implemented, leading to prolonged inconvenience for the resident.
Failure to Maintain Clean, Safe, and Well-Maintained Environment Throughout Facility
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in resident care and common areas, affecting all 62 residents in the building. Surveyor observations on the first floor showed a mattress propped against a dining room wall with two wheelchairs holding it up, holes and torn wallpaper behind it, and a broken chair part under the mattress edge. There was also a large streak-like hole in the wall near the dining room entrance. Hallways on the first floor had dirt and brown smears, were littered with small white paper pieces, and two nursing station trash cans were overflowing. Additional structural issues included a handrail pulled away from the wall, unpainted re-plastered wall sections, and multiple areas where walls and corners had separated, including near the soiled utility room, between a resident room and the resident/family lounge, and near the courtyard door. Seven cigarette butts were observed in the hallway between the courtyard and ambulance doors, and the elevator floor had multiple brown spots. On the second floor, surveyors observed white streaks on the floor from the elevator to a resident room that appeared to be paint streaks, as well as dirty hallways with brown spots and scattered small white paper pieces similar to those on the first floor. A CNA stated she did not know what the white streaks were but thought they looked like paint. The maintenance staff member confirmed the presence of the mattress, damaged walls, litter, overflowing trash, loose handrail, unpainted plaster, separated walls, cigarette butts, and dirty elevator floor, and explained that the white streaks on the second floor were paint streaks resulting from moving a heavy door. The maintenance staff member also verified that the overall appearance of the facility was not in a homelike manner. Housekeeping staff reported that the person who previously stripped and waxed floors was no longer employed because the position was considered unnecessary, and that housekeeping hours were limited to a budgeted 30 hours per week, resulting in housekeepers typically working only about four hours per day. According to housekeeping, cleaning efforts were focused on “important areas” such as bathrooms, nurses’ stations, main hallways, and a limited number of resident rooms, with staff doing only what they could within their limited hours and CNAs assisting with spills when housekeeping was not present. Subsequent observation confirmed missing handrail corners on two halls, which the Administrator verified at the time. Review of facility policies showed that floors were required to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner with daily cleaning, and that maintenance services were required to keep the building, grounds, and equipment in good repair and free from hazards, which was not achieved as evidenced by the observed conditions.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Resident Environment Due to Wall Damage
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a large portion of a resident's wall, measuring approximately three feet wide by two feet long, was found missing beside the right side of the resident's bed. This issue was observed on multiple occasions and confirmed by both staff and maintenance personnel. The resident affected had a history of schizophrenia, seizures, morbid obesity, muscle weakness, transient ischemic attack, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, chronic pain syndrome, and difficulty walking, and was assessed as having severe cognitive impairment. Staff interviews revealed that the damage to the wall had existed for an extended period, though the exact duration was unknown. The certified nurse aide confirmed that such damage would have taken time to develop and acknowledged that staff are responsible for reporting room damage to maintenance in a timely manner. Maintenance staff and the administrator were unaware of how or when the damage occurred and only became aware of it after being informed by staff. The facility began repairs after the issue was reported.
Failure to Provide Ordered Pressure Relief for Resident with Pressure Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of acute kidney failure, muscle weakness, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, and paraplegia was admitted to the facility and assessed as requiring self-care assistance. The resident's care plan included interventions for multiple pressure ulcers due to immobility, specifically the use of Prevalon boots every shift to relieve pressure on the heels and prevent further skin breakdown. The resident had an unstageable pressure ulcer on the left heel, and physician orders required the application of Prevalon boots every shift. Despite these orders, multiple observations over two days revealed that the resident was not wearing the Prevalon boots at any time. The resident confirmed that staff had not placed the boots on him for over a month. This was further corroborated by the unit manager, who acknowledged that the resident was not wearing the boots as ordered. The failure to implement the prescribed pressure relief intervention constituted a deficiency in the facility's care for residents with pressure ulcers.
Failure to Administer Medications Timely Due to Staffing Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications to residents in a timely manner as prescribed, affecting three out of five residents reviewed for medication administration. Medical record review showed that one resident with diagnoses including intraspinal abscess, syphilis, anxiety, and bipolar disorder received trazodone for insomnia more than 90 minutes late on multiple occasions. Another resident with acute kidney failure, muscle weakness, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, and paraplegia received oxycodone for pain more than 90 minutes late on several nights. A third resident with a left femur fracture, muscle weakness, dysphagia, and chronic kidney disease received gabapentin for pain more than 90 minutes late on two occasions. Staff interviews confirmed that medications were often administered late at night due to insufficient nursing staff, and the facility's policy requires medications to be administered within one hour of the prescribed time. The late administration of medications was verified for each resident on the specific dates listed in the medical administration records. This deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation and is documented under the relevant complaint number.
Failure to Manage PleurX Chest Tube
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary and adequate care for a resident with a PleurX chest tube. The nursing staff were not properly educated on the management of the PleurX chest tube, which is used to drain fluid from the pleural space to ease breathing. The resident, who had a history of Stage IV breast cancer with metastases and other serious health conditions, was admitted to the facility with the PleurX chest tube in place. However, there was no assessment or care plan addressing the use of the PleurX chest tube, and no physician orders were in place for its care during the resident's stay. The resident's medical records and progress notes revealed that the PleurX drain was not addressed upon admission, and the resident's care plan did not include any instructions for managing the chest tube or monitoring for potential infections. Despite recommendations for intermittent drainage to manage shortness of breath, the facility did not have a drain kit available, and the resident's PleurX was not drained during their stay. This oversight led to the resident experiencing shortness of breath and being sent to the hospital, where it was confirmed that the PleurX had not been drained since the resident's discharge from the hospital to the facility. The lack of proper assessment, monitoring, and physician orders for the PleurX chest tube, along with the absence of staff training on its use, contributed to the deficiency. The resident's condition, including acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure and pneumonia, was exacerbated by the failure to manage the PleurX chest tube appropriately. The facility's oversight in ensuring the necessary care and monitoring for the resident's medical device resulted in the resident being transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience for a resident with dementia, dysphagia, and hemiplegia. The resident required partial to moderate assistance with eating, as documented in their care plan. However, the care plan did not include an intervention for standing while feeding. Observations revealed that a State tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) stood while feeding the resident and held the back of the resident's head during meals. This practice was contrary to the facility's policy, which emphasized feeding residents with attention to safety, comfort, and dignity, specifically advising against standing over residents while assisting them with meals. The deficiency was identified during an investigation under Complaint Number OH00158608.
Failure to Report and Act on Alleged Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an incident of alleged sexual abuse to the state survey agency and did not implement their abuse policy following the allegation. This deficiency affected one resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including schizophrenia, post-traumatic seizures, traumatic brain injury, and depression. The resident had a BIMS score indicating intact cognition. The incident involved another resident placing the affected resident's hand on his clothing over his penis, which made the resident uncomfortable. The resident reported the incident to the Business Office Manager, Social Worker, and Administrator on the same day it occurred. Despite the report, the facility did not file a self-reported incident with the state survey agency as required by their policy, which mandates reporting within two hours of an allegation. The resident was moved to another floor three days after the incident, but the facility's policy also required immediate action to protect the resident, including preventing access during the investigation. Interviews with staff confirmed the delay in reporting and relocation of the resident, and a review of the EIDC portal showed no initial report of the incident.
Failure to Implement Abuse Policy After Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse policy following an allegation of sexual abuse involving a resident. Resident #23, who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, post-traumatic seizures, traumatic brain injury, and depression, reported an incident where another resident, Resident #38, placed her hand on his clothing over his penis. Despite Resident #23's intact cognition, as indicated by a BIMS score of 14, the progress notes in her medical record did not document the allegation of sexual abuse that occurred on 10/18/24. Resident #23 reported the incident to the Business Office Manager, Social Worker, and the Administrator on the same day it occurred. However, the facility did not take immediate action to protect Resident #23, as she was only moved to another floor away from Resident #38 three days later, on 10/21/24. This delay in response was confirmed by interviews with an LPN and a State-tested Nursing Aide. The facility's policy, which defines sexual abuse as non-consensual sexual contact and requires action to prevent access to the resident during an investigation, was not followed promptly.
Failure to Provide Supervision for Fall-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate supervision for a resident identified as a fall risk, leading to an incident where the resident fell while unattended in the shower room. The resident, who has diagnoses including epilepsy, muscle weakness, and post-traumatic stress disorder, was assessed to have moderate cognitive impairment and required supervision for showering and bathing. Despite these needs, the resident was left alone in the shower room by a State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA), resulting in a fall. The resident's care plan, which was initiated earlier in the year, identified the risk of falls due to factors such as abnormal posture and impaired gait, and included interventions to prevent falls, such as ensuring staff assistance during showers. However, these interventions were not followed, as confirmed by interviews with the resident, the STNA, and a Registered Nurse (RN). The facility's policy on falls and fall risk management, which states that residents should not be left unattended in the bathroom until adequate postural stability is established, was not adhered to, leading to the deficiency.
Failure to Provide Adequate Nail and Skin Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nail and skin care for a resident who was dependent on staff for personal hygiene. The resident, who had multiple medical conditions including anoxic brain damage and chronic kidney disease, was unable to complete a mental status interview and relied on staff for bathing and personal hygiene. Despite being scheduled for baths twice a week, records indicated that nail care was consistently not performed. Observations confirmed that the resident had long fingernails with a dark substance underneath and excessive dry, flaky skin on their feet. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and a Wound Nurse Practitioner confirmed the presence of long fingernails and significant dry skin on the resident's feet. The Wound Nurse Practitioner ordered ammonium lactate lotion to address the dry skin but noted that there were no wounds or pressure areas. The deficiency was identified during an investigation under a specific complaint number, highlighting the facility's non-compliance in providing necessary personal hygiene care for the resident.
Failure to Timely Assess and Treat Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess and treat pressure ulcers in a timely manner for three residents, leading to the development and worsening of pressure ulcers. Resident #3 was admitted with a Stage II pressure ulcer on the sacrum and was identified as high risk for pressure sores. Despite this, the facility did not implement timely treatments, resulting in the development of a Stage III pressure ulcer on the left buttock and later on the coccyx. The treatments prescribed by the wound nurse practitioner were delayed, and the pressure ulcer on the coccyx was not identified until it reached Stage III. Resident #1 was admitted with an unstageable pressure ulcer to the coccyx, but the facility failed to document measurements or descriptions of the wound. The pressure ulcer was not treated until two weeks after admission, and the wound progressed to a Stage III ulcer. The Director of Nursing confirmed the lack of documentation and delayed treatment. Resident #2 was admitted with a pressure ulcer to the coccyx, but the facility did not document measurements or descriptions until the ulcer was identified as Stage III. Treatment was delayed by three days after the wound was identified. The Director of Nursing verified the delay in treatment and lack of documentation. This deficiency was part of a continued non-compliance issue from a previous complaint survey.
Failure in Pressure Ulcer Care and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pressure ulcer care and prevention for a resident, leading to a deficiency. The resident, who was cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for transfers and toileting, was at risk for skin breakdown due to conditions such as type two diabetes mellitus and impaired mobility. Despite physician orders for weekly skin assessments and the application of barrier cream with each incontinent episode, the last recorded skin assessment was completed months prior to the survey. Additionally, bath sheets from multiple dates lacked nurse signatures, indicating a failure in documentation and oversight. During an observation, a reddened open area was found on the resident's right upper buttocks, which was confirmed as a stage two pressure ulcer. The STNA who provided care on a previous date admitted to noticing a 'scratch' but failed to document or report it to a nurse. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON and ADON, confirmed the lack of weekly skin assessments and the absence of nurse signatures on bath sheets. The corporate nurse also verified these lapses, highlighting a breakdown in communication and documentation processes within the facility.
Failure to Prevent Drug Overdoses in Residents with Substance Use Disorder
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to identify potential risks and hazards for residents with a substance use disorder, develop and implement comprehensive and individualized care plans, and provide adequate supervision to prevent unintentional or intentional drug overdoses. This resulted in Immediate Jeopardy and actual harm/death when a resident overdosed by injecting opioid medications into his PICC line after obtaining a syringe from the trash bin on the facility medication cart. The resident had a history of intravenous illicit substance abuse prior to admission and had an intravenous line while at the facility. The resident was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor and subsequently passed away. A plastic jar with various pills, used syringes, and an unopened syringe were found in the resident's nightstand drawer after the incident. Another resident with a history of substance abuse disorder was found unresponsive in his room from a drug overdose. The resident had obtained medications from a former resident and had stored them in his room for several days prior to the incident. The resident was transferred to the emergency room with altered mental status and unresponsiveness due to an intentional opiate overdose. The toxicology report revealed the resident had overdosed on prescribed opiates and non-prescribed Fentanyl. The facility identified 26 residents with a history of substance use disorder, but failed to provide adequate supervision and individualized care plans for these residents. The facility's assessment revealed there were 15 residents with active or current substance use disorders for the first quarter of 2023. However, the facility did not implement interventions to address the residents' history of intravenous drug use. The facility also failed to perform mouth sweeps after medication administration and did not use tamper tape or locked caps for intravenous access lines. The facility's policies on medication storage and resident self-administration of medication were not adequately followed, leading to unsecured medications and drug paraphernalia being found in residents' rooms.
Removal Plan
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #100 called emergency medical services (EMS) for possible drug overdose for Resident #1. Police arrived shortly after EMS.
- LPN #100 notified Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) #102 that Resident #1 was being sent out for possible drug overdose. The LNHA was notified of Resident #1's possible drug overdose.
- The facility began their investigation into Resident #1's possible drug overdose. The LNHA spoke to the hospital and obtained an official police report. The LNHA interviewed Resident #67 (roommate of Resident #1) and Resident #29 about any information related to Resident #1's overdose.
- LNHA reviewed video footage of the front reception camera for any packages being delivered to the facility. This was completed due to information received from an interview with Resident #29. No evidence was observed on camera footage of any packages being delivered.
- The DON provided education on the new process changes to five registered nurses (RNs) and twelve LPNS on the following system changes: effective Immediately, all syringes will only be disposed of in a sharp container including all needles syringes and mouth sweeps will be performed on all resident's post medication administration. Any agency nurses would be educated by the DON prior to the start of their shift on the above system changes if needed.
- Physician orders were written by the DON for all residents to have mouth sweeps after administration of medication. These were to appear on the medication administration record (MAR) for the nurses to sign and validate that this task was performed.
- The DON completed writing physician orders for all residents to say, Crush medications if suspected 'cheeking' medications (concealing a medication in the mouth i.e. between the teeth and the cheek, to avoid swallowing it).
- An audit was initiated by the DON for the disposal of syringes into the appropriate sharp container and not in the medication trash bin on the side of the medication cart. This audit would be completed by the DON/Designee three times per week for two weeks then two times a week for two weeks and then weekly for eight weeks. Results of the audits to be reviewed in monthly QA for further need of monitoring and/or enhancement.
- An audit was initiated by the DON for mouth sweeps to ensure a mouth sweep was performed post medication administration. The DON/Designee would complete this audit three times a week for two weeks, then twice a week for two weeks, and then weekly for eight weeks. Results would be reviewed in monthly QA for further need of monitoring and or enhancement.
- The facility reviewed the care plans for all the residents to identify any resident who had a history of substance abuse were identified and to make sure those identified as having a history of substance abuse had an appropriate care plan in place.
- Resident #2 was noted to be unresponsive by LPN #130. Resident #2's pulse was 55 and oxygen saturation was 66. LPN #130 applied oxygen to Resident #2 per non-rebreather and then called 911. LPN #130 administered two doses of Narcan (a medication to treat narcotic overdose in an emergency) prior to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival. Resident #2 was arousing but not yet oriented. Police arrived on the scene and searched Resident #2's room. No medications were found in Resident #2's room.
- EMS made the decision to transport Resident #2 to the ED.
- The DON verified with LPN #130 the last time Resident #2 had received a dose of his medication and the medication was crushed as physician ordered.
- DON drove to the hospital and interviewed Resident #2 about details of the potential drug overdose.
- Facility Department Heads completed a full house sweep of 18 resident's rooms; residents who were on the facility substance use disorder (SUD) program per the contract agreement. No illegal substances were found in this sweep of residents' rooms. These 18 residents had signed a contract allowing staff to conduct room searches because they were identified at high risk.
- The facility department heads conducted a room sweep for 24 residents not on the SUD program who gave permission for the room sweep when asked. No illegal substances were found.
- An emergency Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting was held with facility department heads and Medical Director #500 to discuss Resident #2's overdose and the facility's plan of correction and steps taken toward an abatement plan.
- The DON completed education to the facility nurses for policy review of medication storage and for no medication/substance to be kept in the resident's rooms. Five RN's,12 LPNS, and 19 State tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) were educated. All assigned agency nurses would be educated by the DON prior to the start of their shift on the facility medication storage policy and no medications/substances to be unsecured in resident rooms.
- The LHNA completed in person education for all 53 residents residing in the facility on this date related to the facility policy for medication storage in the facility and there were to be no medications/substances in resident rooms.
- The facility initiated random room audits to check for unsecured medications/substances five times a week times for two weeks, then three times a week for two weeks, then times a week for two weeks, and then weekly for six weeks. Results would be reviewed in monthly QA for further need of monitoring and/or enhancement. This audit will be performed by the DON/Designee.
- Onsite surveyor observations revealed the nurses disposed of syringes and needles in the sharp' container. There were no syringes observed in the medication trash bins.
- Surveyors noted there were no medications observed in Resident #2's room.
- Surveyor review of Resident #2 and #3's medication administration records (MAR) revealed nursing was completing mouth sweeps after medication administration.
- Surveyor review of the facility's audits for medication sweeps post medication administration, the disposal of syringes into the appropriate sharp container, and checks for unsecured medications/substances revealed no negative findings from the audits completed through this time.
Failure to Timely Repair Resident's Sink
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely repair a resident's sink and ensure it was functional for the resident's use. Resident #27 had two maintenance requests placed on 02/14/24 and 03/14/24 for a clogged sink, both of which were marked as closed without resolving the issue. Interviews with staff, including a State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) and the Director of Maintenance, confirmed knowledge of the clogged sink and the lack of water supply. The Director of Maintenance admitted that the sink was temporarily fixed by shutting off the water supply, but no follow-up appointments with a plumber were scheduled to permanently resolve the issue. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator were also unaware of the unresolved maintenance request, indicating a communication breakdown within the facility's management team. Resident #27 and the resident's daughter expressed concerns about the non-functional sink, stating that the water supply had been shut off since the resident's admission on 03/20/24. Observations on 04/25/24 and 04/30/24 confirmed that the sink remained non-functional, and the water supply was still turned off. The Administrator acknowledged that the facility did not respond timely and appropriately to the maintenance request, leading to a prolonged period without a functional sink for Resident #27. This deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number OH00153228.
Latest citations in Ohio
A resident with intact cognition receiving Medicare Part A skilled services for metabolic encephalopathy had services discontinued while benefit days remained, but the facility did not issue the required Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN). The Social Services Director later confirmed that no SNF ABN was provided and reported she believed only a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) was needed when all skilled services were stopped. This practice conflicted with the facility’s written policy, which required SNF ABNs to be issued when extended care items or services were initiated, reduced, or terminated due to expected non-coverage by Medicare.
Surveyors identified that the facility exceeded the acceptable medication error rate when two residents with type 2 DM received insulin doses that were not administered according to orders or manufacturer instructions. In two separate observations, an LPN administered Novolog and another LPN administered insulin glargine and insulin lispro without priming the insulin pens, and the insulin lispro and Novolog were given after the residents had already consumed a significant portion of their breakfast meals, despite orders for administration before meals. Manufacturer information for both insulin products required priming before each injection to ensure accurate dosing, and facility policy required medications, including insulin, to be administered safely, timely, and in accordance with prescriber orders and specified time frames.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to document tray line food temperatures for multiple meals served from two dining room kitchenettes, despite having a “Trayline Taste & Temperature Log” and a policy requiring food to be stored, prepared, distributed, and served according to professional food safety standards. Review of logs showed repeated missing entries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner services in both the Harrison and McClellan dining areas, and the Senior Director of Culinary Services confirmed that temperatures had not been recorded for those meals, potentially affecting all residents receiving meals from those kitchenettes.
The facility failed to conduct and document required periodic care conferences for two residents, despite multiple comprehensive, quarterly, and significant change MDS assessments and a policy requiring periodic care conferences with resident and/or family participation. One resident with Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke hemiplegia, TIA, DMII, and depression had only two documented care conferences over a year, while another resident with aphasia, cerebrovascular disease, DMII, gait difficulty, coagulation defect, depression, and muscle weakness had no documented care conferences in the past year, aside from a declined invitation to the representative. The UCC confirmed that care conferences were expected to occur quarterly and that no additional documentation existed for either resident.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease and type II DM, who required extensive assistance with ADLs and was receiving scheduled Lantus and sliding-scale Humalog, experienced a severely elevated blood glucose level. The on-call provider was notified and ordered an additional dose of lispro insulin with a directive to recheck the blood glucose after administration. Nursing staff administered the extra insulin but did not document any follow-up blood glucose check, and the DON confirmed that this reevaluation was required by the facility's abnormal blood glucose policy and was not completed or documented.
A resident with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and hypothyroidism was prescribed levothyroxine once daily along with other medications. A consultant pharmacist’s monthly drug regimen review recommended that levothyroxine be given in the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before food, per manufacturer instructions. The medical record contained no documented physician response to this recommendation, and the MAR showed the drug scheduled for morning administration while the resident was observed eating breakfast and receiving the medication at the same time. An LPN confirmed administering levothyroxine during the meal, and the DON verified there was no documentation explaining whether or why the pharmacist’s recommendation was or was not followed, resulting in a failure to act on and document the identified irregularity.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities, documented gait and balance abnormalities, and a high fall risk was care planned and assessed by therapy to require contact guard assistance and use of a gait belt for transfers and ambulation. While being assisted by a CNA from a recliner to the bathroom with a walker, the CNA did not apply a gait belt, even though the resident had a known tendency to lean backward when standing. As the CNA reached to open the bathroom door, the resident lost balance and fell backward, striking the back of the head, and was later found by an LPN without a gait belt in place, contrary to the facility’s gait belt policy and the resident’s assessed needs.
A resident with CKD stage five requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD) was admitted with pre-admission physician orders for three daily PD exchanges and monitoring for peritonitis (fever, abdominal pain, cloudy effluent), but these monitoring orders were not entered into the facility’s physician orders. The care plan referenced PD and general monitoring but did not specifically address peritonitis monitoring. Paper PD flowsheets showed incomplete and inconsistent documentation of exchanges and resident condition, including missing condition/comments for individual treatments and no record of one ordered PD exchange. The PD cycler flowsheet lacked effluent descriptions on multiple days. The PD nurse reported facility staff were expected to monitor effluent and symptoms, and the DON confirmed the absence of specific peritonitis monitoring orders, lack of an order for the PD cycler, and documentation gaps, despite a facility policy requiring ongoing assessment and monitoring for complications before, during, and after dialysis treatments.
A nurse was observed preparing multiple oral medications for a resident with depression, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, and impaired cognition by pushing tablets and capsules from unit-dose cards directly into her ungloved hand and then using her fingers to place them into a medication cup. In a follow-up interview, the RN confirmed this practice and acknowledged that the correct procedure is to dispense medications directly from the card into the cup, contrary to the facility’s medication administration policy requiring adherence to good nursing principles and practices.
A resident with Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anxiety, significant ADL dependence, and behavioral symptoms was observed seated in a chair positioned against the nursing station with a locked wheelchair placed directly in front, also against the nursing station, effectively restricting movement. An LPN confirmed both wheelchair wheels were locked and that it should not have been placed there, while a CNA stated she had positioned the wheelchair to prepare for lunch, was unable to complete the transfer, and left it in place, acknowledging this was wrong. This arrangement conflicted with the facility’s restraint policy, which prohibits physical restraints except when alternatives are ineffective for treating a medical symptom and defines restraints as devices adjacent to the body that cannot be easily removed and that restrict freedom of movement or access to the body.
Failure to Issue Required SNF ABN When Discontinuing Medicare Part A Services
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to issue a Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN) when Medicare Part A services were discontinued for a resident who still had available benefit days. The resident was admitted with a diagnosis of metabolic encephalopathy and had intact cognition per the Minimum Data Set assessment. The facility’s own SNF Beneficiary Notification Review documented that Medicare Part A skilled services began on 02/11/26 and the last covered day was 03/11/26, and that the facility initiated discharge from Medicare Part A services before the resident’s benefit days were exhausted. Despite this, no SNF ABN was provided to the resident or the resident’s representative. During interviews, the Social Services Director stated that the SNF ABN was issued hours prior to the last covered day but, upon reviewing her files, confirmed that no SNF ABN had actually been issued for this resident. She further explained that she believed an SNF ABN was only required if one skilled service remained and that if all skilled services were being discontinued, only the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) needed to be issued. The Administrator, however, stated that a resident should always receive both a SNF ABN and a NOMNC when Medicare Part A services are discontinued and benefit days remain. Review of the facility’s written policy dated 03/28/23 showed that the facility was required to issue SNF ABNs for initiation, reduction, or termination of extended care items or services when Medicare payment was not expected, which did not occur in this case.
Plan Of Correction
This Plan of Correction is submitted as required under State and Federal law. This Plan of Correction does not constitute an admission on the part of the Facility that the findings cited are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency or that the scope and severity regarding the deficiency cited are correctly applied. Any changes to the Facility's policies and procedures should be inadmissible in any proceeding on that basis. Without admitting or denying the validity or the existence of the alleged noncompliance, the Facility submits this Plan of Correction with the intention that it be inadmissible by any third party in any civil or other action against the facility or any employee, agent, officer, director or shareholder of the Facility. The Facility is utilizing this Plan of Correction as its allegation of substantial compliance as of 05/29/2026 F-0582 Corrective action for resident/s: On 5/14/26 Resident #34 was informed of rights and responsibilities related to Advanced Beneficiary Notice and voiced understanding of information for future reference by administrator. Identification of other residents who may be affected: Any resident receiving skilled services from nursing or therapy services. The Administrator audited all residents who were discharged from skilled services in the past 30 days to ensure they were issued a Notice of Non-Coverage and Advanced Beneficiary Notice on 5/29/26. No non-compliance was noted. Measures for systemic change: On 5/14/2026 Business Office Manager, Director of Rehab, Minimum Data Set nurse, Director of Nursing and Social Services Director were educated on proper procedure of issuing of Notice Of Medicare Non Coverage and Advanced Beneficiary Notice by administrator. All upcoming discharges from skilled services will be reviewed weekly at Utilization Review meeting to ensure notices will be delivered timely. How Corrective Action will be monitored: Administrator or designee to complete audits of all residents being discharged from skilled services to ensure they were issued a Notice of Non-Coverage and Advanced Beneficiary. This audit will be completed weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 2 months. Corrective action will be initiated for any noted non-compliance. Audit findings will be reviewed as part of the monthly quality assurance process to determine the need for further monitoring. Date of Compliance 5/29/26
Insulin Administration Errors and Failure to Prime Insulin Pens
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, with surveyors identifying 3 errors out of 28 medication administration opportunities, resulting in a 10.71% error rate. For one resident with type 2 diabetes mellitus and moderate cognitive impairment, the physician’s order directed Novolog insulin 10 units via subcutaneous pen-injector to be given before meals. During an observed medication pass, the LPN administered 10 units of Novolog insulin without priming the pen and did so after the resident had already consumed approximately 50% of the breakfast meal. The LPN later confirmed she did not prime the pen and acknowledged that the insulin was ordered to be administered prior to meals. Manufacturer instructions for the Novolog FlexPen specified that an air shot (priming) must be performed before each injection to ensure proper dosing. Another resident, also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and with intact cognition, had orders for insulin glargine 35 units subcutaneously twice daily and insulin lispro 20 units subcutaneously before meals, plus 12 units subcutaneously if blood glucose was between 251 mg/dL and 300 mg/dL. During an observed medication administration, an LPN administered 35 units of insulin glargine and 32 units of insulin lispro without priming the insulin pens and after the resident had consumed approximately 90% of the breakfast meal, despite orders for insulin lispro to be given before meals. The LPN later stated she could not remember if she had primed the pen and acknowledged that the insulin was ordered to be administered prior to meals. Manufacturer information for insulin lispro stated that the pen must be primed before each injection to confirm insulin delivery and remove air, and that failure to prime could result in too much or too little insulin. The DON confirmed the expectation that insulin be administered as ordered, including priming each pen with two units before dialing the prescribed dose, and facility policy required medications, including insulin, to be administered safely, timely, and in accordance with prescriber orders and required time frames.
Plan Of Correction
This Plan of Correction is submitted as required under State and Federal law. This Plan of Correction does not constitute an admission on the part of the Facility that the findings cited are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency or that the scope and severity regarding the deficiency cited are correctly applied. Any changes to the Facility's policies and procedures should be inadmissible in any proceeding on that basis. Without admitting or denying the validity or the existence of the alleged noncompliance, the Facility submits this Plan of Correction with the intention that it be inadmissible by any third party in any civil or other action against the facility or any employee, agent, officer, director or shareholder of the Facility. The Facility is utilizing this Plan of Correction as an allegation of substantial compliance as of 5/29/2026. F-0759 Corrective action for resident/s: Residents #21 and #22 were assessed and evaluated by nurse and Director of Nursing 5/14/26. Resident #21 and #22 both denied any adverse effects and none were noted upon assessment by the Director of Nursing on 5/14/2026. Notification made to physician on 5/14/2026. LPN # 2 competency Eval on insulin administration with the Director of Nursing completed 5/14/2026. Identification of other residents who may be affected: Diabetic residents on assignment of LPN #2/station 2 have the potential to be affected and were assessed by the DON/Designee on 5/14/26 and found to be within normal limits. Measures for systemic change: All Nurses were educated by the Director of Nursing on the steps for Insulin administration per competency, diabetes clinical protocol policy, Medication and treatment orders policy, administering medications policy, and Obtaining fingerstick Glucose Level policy On 5/14/2026. How Corrective Action will be monitored: Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing will complete insulin administration audits on 5 nurses. This audit will be completed weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 2 months. Corrective action will be initiated for any noted non-compliance. Audit findings will be reviewed as part of the monthly quality assurance process to determine the need for further monitoring. Date of Compliance: 5/29/2026
Failure to Document Tray Line Food Temperatures in Dining Room Kitchenettes
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to document tray line food temperatures for meals served from the Harrison and McClellan Dining Room kitchenettes, as required by professional standards for food service safety and the facility’s own policy. Review of the “Trayline Taste & Temperature Log” (revised September 2018) showed missing temperature documentation for multiple meals from the Harrison Dining Room kitchenette, including dinner on 03/30/26 and 03/31/26, lunch and dinner on 04/01/26 and 04/02/26, dinner on 04/07/26, and lunch and dinner on 04/08/26 and 04/10/26. The Senior Director of Culinary Services confirmed during interview that tray line food temperatures were not documented on the log for these meals. Similarly, review of the same log for the McClellan Dining Room kitchenette revealed that tray line food temperatures were not documented for dinner on 04/01/26, breakfast and lunch on 04/02/26, and lunch and dinner on 04/07/26. The Senior Director of Culinary Services also verified these omissions during interview. The facility census at the time was 27 residents, and the governing “Food and Nutrition” policy, approved on 09/07/21, stated that the facility must store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.
Plan Of Correction
F812 The facility will continue to ensure food temperatures are completed before meals are served for all residents. To ensure compliance with this standard the following measures have been taken: 1. Immediately 4/15/26 culinary supervisor #224 was re-educated by Dietary Manager to this standard and policy "Food and Nutrition" which includes documentation of food temperatures. 2. All dietary staff have been re-educated to the standard and policy "Food and Nutrition" during the month of April 2026. 3. Audits of food temperature documentation to be completed by Dietary Manager 4 x per week for 4 weeks then weekly for 4 weeks. 4. Administrator to validate audits/compliance and provide additional training as needed. Administrator will present to QAPI committee for ongoing monitoring and further direction.
Failure to Conduct and Document Required Care Conferences
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to complete and document comprehensive care conferences at required intervals in accordance with care plan regulations and facility policy. For one resident with Parkinson’s disease with dyskinesia, cognitive communication deficit, hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, transient cerebral ischemic attack, type II diabetes mellitus, and major depressive disorder, the record showed multiple MDS assessments over a one-year period, including annual, quarterly, and significant change assessments. However, only two care conferences were documented during the last 12 months, despite the expectation that care conferences be conducted quarterly with the resident and family when possible. The Unit Care Coordinator confirmed that no additional care conference documentation existed for this resident beyond the notes dated 04/21/25 and 01/02/26. A second resident, with diagnoses including aphasia following cerebrovascular disease, cerebral infarction, type II diabetes mellitus, unsteadiness on feet, difficulty in walking, coagulation defect, depression, and muscle weakness, also had multiple MDS assessments completed over the review period, including quarterly and annual assessments. The record contained a note that a care conference was offered to the resident’s representative, who declined to attend, but there was no documentation of any care conferences for the most recent 12 months. The Unit Care Coordinator confirmed that no other care conference documentation was available for this resident. Facility policy stated that periodic care conferences involving the resident, family, and the interdisciplinary team are part of the care planning process, but the required periodic care conferences and corresponding documentation were not completed for these two residents.
Plan Of Correction
THIS PLAN OF CORRECTION SERVES AS BERKELEY SQUARE'S CREDIBLE ALLEGATION OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE AS OF June 1, 2026. Without admitting or denying the validity or existence of the alleged deficiencies, Berkeley Square provides the following Plan of Correction: F657 The facility will continue to document completion of care conferences at the required intervals for all residents, including residents #04 & #15. To ensure compliance with this standard the following measures have be taken: 1. The social service designee and the inter- disciplinary team were re-educated by the administrator to the facility policy "Care Conference" on 4/29/26 and verbalized understanding. 2. Care conferences for resident #04 and resident #15 were conducted on or before 4/29/2026 by the interdisciplinary team. 3. Review of all other residents was conducted by the social service designee to validate and ensure that care conference schedule is up to date with timely care conferences scheduled for them on 4/15/2026. Audits of care conferences to be completed weekly for four weeks and then monthly after that by the social service designee. Documentation of the care conference including any identified concerns in the medical record. Administrator to validate audits/compliance and provide additional training as needed. Administrator will present results of these audits to QAPI committee for ongoing monitoring and further direction.
Failure to Reevaluate Blood Glucose After Treatment for Hyperglycemia
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with diabetes received treatment in accordance with professional standards of practice when nursing staff did not reevaluate the resident's blood glucose after treatment for severe hyperglycemia. The resident, admitted with diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and depression, had physician orders for Humalog insulin on a sliding scale before meals, Lantus insulin 25 units daily, and lisinopril 5 mg daily. The resident required extensive assistance with activities of daily living, including transfers, toileting hygiene, eating, and bathing. On the evening in question, the resident's blood glucose was documented as 532 mg/dL, and the on-call provider was notified. The provider gave a new order to administer an additional 8 units of lispro (Humalog) and to recheck the blood glucose in 30 minutes. The electronic medication administration record showed that the blood glucose of 532 mg/dL was obtained at 9:00 p.m. and that the additional 8 units of lispro were administered at 9:21 p.m. However, there was no documentation in the resident's chart that the blood glucose was rechecked after the additional insulin was given. In an interview, the DON confirmed there was no evidence of reevaluation and verified that, according to the facility's "Abnormal Blood Glucose Procedure" policy, the resident should have been reevaluated and that the evaluation step should have been included in the progress note documentation.
Plan Of Correction
F684 The facility will continue to ensure all residents, including #03, receive treatment in accordance with professional standards of practice and reevaluated for hyperglycemia. To ensure compliance with this standard the following measures have been taken: 1. The director of nursing assessed resident #03, reviewed documentation and orders and found no ill effects immediately 4/16/26. 2. All licensed nurses were re-educated to facility policy "Blood Glucose Monitoring" by the Director of Nursing/designee in April 2026. 3. Audits of like-residents that require blood sugar checks to be completed by the director of nursing/designee two times a week for 4 weeks and then monthly after that to validate correct follow through when there is abnormally high blood glucose result. The Administrator will bring results of these audits to the QAPI committee for ongoing monitoring and further direction.
Failure to Act on Pharmacist Drug Regimen Recommendation for Thyroid Medication
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that pharmacy recommendations from the monthly drug regimen review were acted upon and documented for a resident. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and hypothyroidism, and had current physician orders for levothyroxine 150 mcg once daily, buspirone 50 mg twice daily, and losartan 100 mg once daily. A medication regimen review dated 11/25/2025 included a consultant pharmacist recommendation that levothyroxine be administered consistently in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30–60 minutes before food, per manufacturer instructions. There was no specific physician response in the medical record to this recommendation, and the facility’s policy stated that consulting pharmacist reviews are sent to nursing and addressed with the primary care provider or consulting specialist for review and follow-up. Review of the resident’s medication administration record for April 2026 showed levothyroxine scheduled for 9:00 a.m. On observation, the resident was seen eating breakfast in the dining area at 8:03 a.m., and an LPN reported administering the levothyroxine 150 mcg to the resident while the resident was in the dining area eating breakfast. The DON confirmed there was no evidence in the resident’s medical record explaining why the consultant pharmacist’s recommendation from 11/25/2025 was or was not acted upon. This lack of documented physician review and action on the pharmacist’s identified irregularity constituted noncompliance with the drug regimen review requirements.
Plan Of Correction
F756 The facility will continue to ensure the pharmacy recommendations from the monthly drug regimen review by a licensed pharmacist are acted upon for all residents, including #08. To ensure compliance with this standard the following measures have been taken: 1. Resident #08 was assessed by the registered nurse and med review completed by 4/28/26. After review of resident's drug regime's, it was discovered that resident #8 had 2 separate medication recommendations on the same form, to be reviewed by two separate practitioners, pharmacy has been instructed and agreed to separate meds on individual forms. 2. Licensed nurses re-educated to facility policy "Drug Regimen Review" by Director of nursing/designee in April 2026 and no later than 5/8/26. Licensed nurses are responsible for ensuring the reviews and recommendations are given to the physician for timely review. 3. Review of all other current residents Drug Regimen orders completed by Director of nursing/designee on 4/16/26 to ensure recommendations were followed up on/reviewed by the physician and address concerns if needed. 4. Audit of drug regime recommendations, pharmacy recommendations, and physician follow up to be completed weekly for four weeks by the Director of nursing/designee. Administrator will present results of these audits to the QAPI committee for ongoing monitoring and further direction.
Failure to Use Required Gait Belt During Ambulation Resulting in Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that a required gait belt was used while assisting a high fall‑risk resident with ambulation, resulting in a fall with head injury. The resident had multiple diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, hypertension, osteoarthritis, muscle weakness, gait and mobility abnormalities, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and visual hallucinations. Admission and subsequent MDS and fall risk assessments documented that the resident was severely cognitively impaired, required moderate to maximal assistance with transfers and ambulation, could not independently come to a standing position, exhibited loss of balance while standing, used an assistive device, and had decreased muscle coordination. The resident had a history of falls prior to admission and was assessed as being at high, later moderate, risk for falls. The resident’s fall care plan identified her as at risk for falls and included interventions such as providing maximum to moderate assistance with transfers and walking short distances, use of a walker and wheelchair, and following the facility’s fall protocol. Therapy notes and care conference documentation indicated that the resident leaned backwards when standing, required contact guard to minimal assistance for bed mobility and transfers, and needed constant verbal cueing for safe sequencing during toilet transfers. The physical therapist confirmed that the resident was to use a gait belt with staff when ambulating, and the DON verified that therapy had assessed the resident as requiring contact guard assistance and a gait belt for ambulation and transfers. On the day of the incident, a CNA was assisting the resident from her recliner to the bathroom using a walker. The CNA walked beside the resident, providing guidance and support, and reported having a hand on the resident while assisting her. As they approached the bathroom door, the CNA reached for the doorknob to open it, and at that moment the resident began to lose her balance and fell backwards to the floor, striking the back of her head. The nurse who responded found the resident on her back at the foot of the bed with her feet near the bathroom, noted a red raised area on the back of the head, and documented that the resident was not wearing a gait belt and that the gait belt was on the dresser. In the facility’s investigative summary and in interviews, the CNA acknowledged that she did not have a gait belt on the resident while ambulating her, despite the resident’s assessed need for hands‑on assistance and gait belt use per facility policy and the resident’s care and therapy plans.
Failure to Implement PD Orders and Monitor Resident Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement pre-admission physician orders for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to provide ongoing monitoring for a resident with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage five who required PD. Pre-admission orders dated 11/14/25 specified three daily PD exchanges at 6:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 10:00 P.M., and directed staff to monitor for signs and symptoms of peritonitis, including fever, abdominal pain, and cloudy effluent. These monitoring orders were not entered into the facility’s physician orders. The resident’s care plan noted the need for PD and included general monitoring interventions (labs, signs of bleeding, bacteremia, septic shock, and significant vital sign changes), but did not specifically address the ordered monitoring for peritonitis. Review of PD documentation showed incomplete and inconsistent charting of treatments and resident condition. The paper peritoneal flowsheet had columns for time of PD and condition/comments, including instructions to call the nurse immediately for cloudy fluid, abdominal pain, or fever. However, the first entry on 11/15/26 at 2:00 P.M. only noted that the PD nurse completed the exchange, and the 10:00 P.M. entry that day had no condition/comment documentation. Subsequent days (11/16/25, 11/17/25, and 11/18/25) contained only one condition/comment entry per day rather than for each exchange, and there was no documentation that the 6:00 A.M. PD on 11/18/25 was completed. The PD cycler flowsheet starting 11/19/25 lacked any description of the effluent on multiple days. The PD nurse from the dialysis company stated facility staff were expected to monitor effluent for cloudiness and assess for abdominal pain and fever, and the DON confirmed there was no electronic physician order for peritonitis monitoring or for use of the PD cycler, that the paper charting did not allow for effluent description or symptom documentation for each treatment, and that PD was not documented at one ordered time. The facility’s dialysis policy required ongoing assessment and monitoring for complications before, during, and after treatments, which was not reflected in the documentation for this resident.
Improper Infection Control During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in infection prevention and control related to medication administration for Resident #29. The resident was admitted on 02/28/14 with diagnoses including depression, traumatic brain injury, and anxiety, and had impaired cognition per a quarterly MDS assessment. During an observation on 03/25/26 at 6:58 A.M., RN #281 prepared the resident’s medications by removing an Amoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate tablet from the medication card and pushing it directly into her ungloved hand, then using her fingers to place the pill into a medication cup. The same process was observed for multiple other medications, including Escitalopram Oxalate, Furosemide, Sennosides, Lyrica, and Vitamin D, each being pushed from the card into the RN’s ungloved hand and then transferred by her fingers into the medication cup before administration to Resident #29. In a subsequent interview at 7:27 A.M. the same day, RN #281 confirmed she had placed each medication into her ungloved hands prior to administration and acknowledged that the proper procedure was to push the pills directly from the card into the medication cup. Review of the facility’s “Medication Administration – General guidelines” policy, revised 10/08/25, stated that medications are to be administered in accordance with good nursing principles and practices. This practice failure was cited as a deficiency under Complaint Number 2681777.
Improper Use of Wheelchair as a Physical Restraint
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s failure to ensure a resident was free from physical restraints. Resident #7, admitted with diagnoses including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and anxiety disorder, was documented on a recent MDS as rarely understood and dependent for ADLs except eating. The resident ambulated independently on the unit without an assistive device and had documented verbal and other behaviors occurring one to three days during the look-back period. The care plan noted the resident had potential to be physically aggressive, chase staff, throw objects, and be combative with care, with interventions such as offering choices, administering medications as ordered, and intervening early when agitation occurred. During an observation and interview, Resident #7 was found sitting in a chair with the right arm of the chair positioned against the nursing station and a wheelchair placed directly in front of him. The left arm of the wheelchair was also against the nursing station, and both wheelchair wheels were locked, creating a barrier that appeared to restrain the resident, who was sleeping with his knees touching the locked wheelchair. An LPN confirmed both wheelchair wheels were locked and that the wheelchair should not have been placed in front of the resident. A CNA reported she had placed the wheelchair there in preparation to get the resident up for lunch, was unable to transfer him, and left the wheelchair in that position, acknowledging it was wrong to keep it there. The facility’s physical restraint policy stated that physical restraints are not used except when alternatives are not appropriate or effective for treating a medical symptom and defined physical restraints as any device attached or adjacent to the body that the individual cannot easily remove and that restricts freedom of movement or access to the body.
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