Cedarwood Plaza
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
- Location
- 12504 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106
- CMS Provider Number
- 365033
- Inspections on file
- 37
- Latest survey
- October 14, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 10
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Cedarwood Plaza during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Three residents with orders for low sodium or cardiac diets did not receive their prescribed meals, as all residents were served chicken with mushroom gravy instead of the required sautéed mushrooms. This occurred despite clear physician orders and care plans, and was confirmed by staff interviews and observation. The deficiency had the potential to affect additional residents on similar therapeutic diets.
The facility did not ensure that meals were palatable or served at safe, appetizing temperatures due to malfunctioning kitchen equipment, inadequate use of thermal bases, and failure to follow recipes for seasoning. Several residents, including those with complex medical needs, received food that was cold, bland, and not in accordance with their care plans or facility policy.
The facility did not maintain the required holding temperature for mechanical soft chicken during meal service, with food temperatures falling below 135°F and not being reheated as needed. This was due to non-functional kitchen equipment and delayed repair requests, affecting multiple residents on mechanical soft diets.
A resident with an indwelling Foley catheter did not receive catheter care according to standards, as a CNA failed to check for bowel incontinence before care, used unclean surfaces for supplies, did not clean the catheter insertion site properly, and neglected hand hygiene between glove changes. These actions were inconsistent with facility policy and infection control protocols, as confirmed by staff interviews and policy review.
A resident with multiple complex diagnoses experienced a significant, unaddressed weight loss over several months. Despite care plan interventions and facility policy requiring prompt reweighting and monitoring, staff did not timely identify or respond to the resident's declining weight, and nutritional assessments failed to reflect the true extent of the loss. This resulted in continued weight decline and repeated hospitalizations.
A resident with an indwelling catheter did not receive proper infection control during care, as a CNA failed to use clean techniques, placed soiled items on the floor, did not perform hand hygiene or change gloves appropriately, and wore contaminated PPE outside the room, contrary to facility policy. These actions were confirmed by staff interviews and policy review, with the deficiency potentially affecting all residents on the unit.
Surveyors found that the kitchen was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, with multiple food items improperly labeled or stored, exposed and freezer-burned meat, and unsanitary equipment and fixtures. These deficiencies had the potential to affect all 104 residents in the facility.
Surveyors observed that the dumpster area was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, with significant debris such as used gloves, food containers, and a damaged cardboard box scattered around. The grease barrel was also left open with a stock pot of water on top. These conditions were confirmed by a dietary aide and had the potential to affect all 104 residents.
Several residents received smaller meal portions and did not receive all menu items as specified, with some items substituted or omitted entirely. Staff used incorrect scoop sizes, and some residents did not receive fruit or dessert with their meals. The dietary manager confirmed that substitutions and incorrect portion sizes occurred, affecting multiple residents and potentially impacting all except those who were NPO.
Dietary staff did not adhere to proper food handling protocols, including using a dish cloth to dry silverware instead of air-drying and assembling sandwiches with gloved hands without serving utensils. The dietary manager confirmed these actions were not in line with facility policy, which requires air-drying of equipment and use of utensils to prevent direct hand contact with food. Two residents on NPO status were not affected.
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in food storage and preparation, affecting 111 residents. Observations revealed unlabeled and undated food items, live gnats, and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen, including grime build-up and unclean tray carts. These issues were confirmed by the Dietary Manager.
The facility failed to maintain appropriate food temperatures and palatability, affecting six residents. Observations revealed that while initial food temperatures were acceptable, subsequent monitoring was lacking, resulting in food being served at inadequate temperatures. Residents expressed dissatisfaction, noting that hot foods were served cold and the overall taste was poor.
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care to two residents, resulting in prolonged periods of discomfort. One resident, with cognitive impairment and mobility issues, was left in a soiled state for over four hours, while another resident, who was cognitively intact but required supervision, was left with saturated sheets for several hours. Staff interviews indicated that residents were checked and changed only twice per shift, contrary to the facility's policy of providing care as needed.
A facility failed to ensure staff wore appropriate PPE during wound care for a resident under Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). The resident, with multiple medical conditions and dependent on staff for ADLs, required EBP due to a heel wound and indwelling devices. Despite facility policy, the RN did not wear a gown during care, acknowledging the oversight. This deficiency was noted during a complaint investigation.
A facility failed to provide a safe environment when an STNA brought an unsecured loaded firearm into the facility. A resident mistakenly took the bag containing the firearm to her room, found it, and hid it under her mattress. The firearm was later recovered by the police. The STNA was terminated for violating the facility's policy on firearms.
Failure to Provide Prescribed Low Sodium/Cardiac Diets to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three residents received their prescribed two-gram sodium (low sodium) and/or cardiac diets as ordered by their physicians. Medical record reviews showed that these residents had significant diagnoses such as type two diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and hypertensive heart disease, all of which required careful dietary management. Physician orders and care plans for these residents specifically indicated the need for low sodium or cardiac diets, and these requirements were documented in their nutritional assessments and care plans. During a review of the facility's menu and direct observation of meal service, it was found that the lunch menu for a specific day required residents on a two-gram sodium or cardiac diet to receive chicken with sautéed mushrooms instead of mushroom gravy. However, observation of the steam table and tray line revealed that no sautéed mushrooms were available, and all residents, including those on restricted diets, were served chicken with mushroom gravy. Only one resident received a different gravy due to a dislike or allergy, not due to dietary restrictions. Interviews with dietary staff and the dietary consultant confirmed that the correct menu modification for residents on therapeutic diets was not followed, and the error was attributed to oversight. Review of the facility's policy indicated that meals should be checked against the therapeutic diet spreadsheet to ensure accuracy, but this procedure was not followed, resulting in the deficiency. This issue affected three residents directly and had the potential to impact an additional six residents identified as being on similar therapeutic diets.
Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Heated Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, attractive, and maintained at a safe and appetizing temperature. Observations revealed that the steam table used to keep food warm was not fully operational, with three wells not working and the steamer out of service. As a result, some food items, such as zucchini and onions, were served at temperatures as low as 101.5°F, which is below the facility's policy requirement of at least 135°F for hot foods. Additionally, the zucchini and onions were served without seasoning or margarine, and the noodles were served without the required herbs or margarine, resulting in bland and unappetizing meals. The facility also lacked enough thermal pellet bases to keep all residents' meals warm, using them only for residents on the third floor, while others received only heated plates and dome lids. Interviews with dietary staff and consultants confirmed the issues with food preparation and temperature maintenance. Staff acknowledged that the lack of operational equipment negatively affected their ability to maintain proper food temperatures. During meal service, when the kitchen ran out of noodles and mushroom gravy, trays with thermal pellets were left sitting out while more food was prepared, and these pellets were not reheated before use. Test trays prepared for surveyors confirmed that the food was served at inadequate temperatures and lacked flavor, with the zucchini and onions specifically noted as cold and tasteless, and the noodles as warm but flavorless. Several residents were directly affected by these deficiencies. One resident with a history of chronic kidney disease, weight loss, and other medical conditions reported that meals were not tasteful and described lunch as terrible. Another resident with chronic respiratory failure, diabetes, and heart disease stated that the zucchini lacked flavor and the food was at room temperature. A third resident with cancer, diabetes, and malnutrition risk described the lunch as unappetizing and not warm enough. These findings were corroborated by reviews of medical records, care plans, and facility recipes, which specified the use of seasonings and proper food temperatures that were not followed during the observed meal service.
Failure to Maintain Safe Holding Temperature for Mechanical Soft Chicken
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that mechanical soft chicken was held at a safe temperature during lunch service, potentially affecting 18 residents who required a mechanical soft diet. Observations revealed that while most food items were initially cooked to safe internal temperatures, the mechanical soft chicken was found to be at 123.0°F during tray line setup, below the required holding temperature of 135°F. Despite other food items being reheated after low temperatures were identified, the mechanical soft chicken was not reheated and remained on the steam table. Subsequent temperature checks showed the mechanical soft chicken had dropped further to 109.2°F and then 108.7°F, still below the safe threshold, before it was finally reheated after surveyor intervention. Interviews with dietary staff and consultants indicated that several wells of the steam table and the steamer were not fully operational, which had been an ongoing issue for approximately a week and a half. The lack of functioning equipment hindered the facility's ability to maintain safe food temperatures. Documentation from equipment repair companies showed that repairs had not been promptly requested or completed, and there was no evidence that parts were unavailable as previously claimed by staff. The facility's policy required hot foods to be held at or above 135°F, but this standard was not met for the mechanical soft chicken during the observed meal service.
Failure to Perform Proper Catheter and Incontinence Care Increases Infection Risk
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to perform catheter care according to appropriate standards of practice, increasing the risk of contamination and urinary tract infection. Review of a resident's medical record showed the individual had multiple diagnoses, including neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, and required an indwelling Foley catheter with care every shift. The care plan specified the need for enhanced barrier precautions and outlined that incontinence care should be provided prior to catheter care if the resident was soiled, to prevent contamination. During direct observation, a CNA did not check for bowel incontinence before starting catheter care and used washcloths that were placed directly on an unclean overbed table without a barrier. The CNA did not use a method to ensure a clean part of the washcloth was used for each stroke, did not use soap, and failed to clean the area around the catheter insertion site or the catheter itself. After incomplete catheter care, the CNA left and re-entered the room, changed only one glove without performing hand hygiene, and then performed incontinence care. The same soiled gloves were used to reposition the catheter tubing and fasten a clean brief, further increasing the risk of contamination. Interviews with staff confirmed that the observed practices did not align with facility policy or standard infection control procedures. Policies required the use of clean basins and washcloths, cleaning from the meatus outward with a clean part of the cloth for each stroke, and performing hand hygiene between glove changes. The failure to follow these procedures was corroborated by staff interviews and review of facility policies, which emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene and cleaning techniques to prevent infection.
Failure to Timely Address Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to timely address a significant weight loss in a resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including schizophrenia, severe sepsis with septic shock, adrenocortical insufficiency, depression, and thyrotoxicosis. The resident's care plan identified altered nutritional status and significant weight loss, with interventions such as monitoring intake, providing supplements, and alerting nursing or dietitian staff if intake was inadequate. Despite these interventions, the resident experienced a substantial weight loss over a short period, dropping from 192 pounds to 146 pounds between early May and July, as documented in both facility and hospital records. The facility's records showed that the resident's weight was stable until early May, after which there was a marked decline. The resident was hospitalized for altered mental status, and hospital records confirmed a significant weight loss during the stay. Upon return to the facility, further weight loss was documented, but there was no timely documentation or intervention addressing the ongoing weight loss between May and July. The quarterly nutritional assessment did not reflect the hospital or recent facility weights, and incorrectly noted no significant weight loss, despite meal intake averaging only 50% and the resident refusing supplements. Interviews with staff revealed that standard procedures for monitoring significant weight loss, such as obtaining reweights and initiating weekly weights, were not followed in a timely manner. The dietitian and DON confirmed that the resident's weight loss was not addressed promptly, and the facility's policy requiring reweights within 48 hours of a five-pound deviation was not implemented. The lack of timely assessment and intervention contributed to the resident's continued decline, as evidenced by further weight loss and subsequent hospitalizations.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Procedures During Catheter and Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper infection prevention and control procedures were followed during care for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. During observation, a certified nurse aide (CNA) performed catheter and incontinence care without adhering to established protocols. The CNA used wet washcloths placed directly on an unclean overbed table, did not use a barrier or basin, and failed to clean the catheter insertion site appropriately. The same gloves were used throughout the care process, including handling clean and soiled items, and the CNA did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene at appropriate intervals. Additionally, the CNA exited and re-entered the resident's room while still wearing the same gown and gloves used during care, and handled clean items after touching soiled materials without proper glove changes or hand hygiene. Further deficiencies were observed in the handling of soiled linens and personal protective equipment (PPE). The CNA placed soiled washcloths and briefs on the floor next to the resident's bed and in the bathroom doorway, rather than immediately disposing of them in appropriate bags. The CNA also failed to have trash bags ready prior to care, as required by facility policy. After completing care, the CNA walked through the hallway and accessed clean linen and medication carts while still wearing the soiled gown and gloves, further breaching infection control protocols. Only after these actions did the CNA perform hand hygiene and properly dispose of PPE and soiled items. Interviews with staff confirmed that the observed practices were inconsistent with facility policies and standard infection control procedures. Staff acknowledged that basins and clean washcloths should be used, soiled items should never be placed on the floor, and PPE must be removed before exiting a resident's room. Hand hygiene was also confirmed as a required step before and after glove changes. Review of facility policies corroborated these requirements, including proper cleaning of the catheter insertion site, appropriate disposal of soiled linens, and correct donning and doffing of PPE. The failure to follow these procedures was observed to affect one resident directly and had the potential to impact all residents on the unit.
Deficient Food Storage and Unsanitary Kitchen Conditions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen related to food storage, labeling, and cleanliness. During an inspection, it was found that several food items in the walk-in cooler, including a spiral ham, chopped onion, diced turkey, butter, bacon bits, and beef fat, were either not labeled or not dated. In the walk-in freezer, beef slabs were left exposed on a cardboard box, showing significant freezer burn, and cookie dough bites were stored in an open plastic bag. These findings were confirmed by a dietary aide at the time of discovery. Further inspection of the kitchen revealed unsanitary conditions, including multiple light fixtures containing dust, debris, and dead bugs. The six-burner cooktop had a thick layer of black food buildup around and underneath the burners, and the microwave used for resident food was extremely dirty with brown residue. The facility's policy on food preparation and storage was reviewed and found to be undated, but it stated that food items should be kept free of harmful organisms and substances. The observed deficiencies had the potential to affect all 104 residents in the facility.
Improper Disposal and Sanitation of Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dumpster area in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during a survey with a dietary aide. Significant amounts of debris, including plastic gloves, used plastic silverware, paper plates with food residue, brown bags, and various plastic items were found scattered to the left of the dumpster. In front of the dumpster, a cardboard box was observed on the ground, appearing to have been run over multiple times by vehicles. To the right of the dumpster, the facility's grease barrel was found open to the air with a stock pot of water placed on top. These findings were confirmed by staff during the survey. This deficiency had the potential to affect all 104 residents residing in the facility, as noted in the facility census at the time of the survey.
Failure to Provide Correct Menu Items and Serving Sizes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received correct serving sizes and all menu items as specified on the posted menu. Observations and interviews revealed that several residents received smaller portions than required, and some menu items were substituted or omitted entirely. For example, residents reported receiving small portions at mealtimes and not knowing what was on the menu prior to receiving their meals. Review of the menu indicated specific serving sizes and items for different diet types, but during meal service, staff used incorrect scoop sizes, resulting in smaller portions. Additionally, some menu items such as coleslaw and apple slices were replaced with chips, cottage cheese with fruit, and applesauce cups, which were also served in smaller portions than required. Further observations showed that some residents did not receive fruit cups or dessert with their meals, and staff confirmed these omissions. The dietary manager acknowledged that substitutions were made due to unavailable items and verified that the portions served were not consistent with the menu requirements. These deficiencies affected multiple residents and had the potential to impact all residents except those who were NPO (nothing by mouth). The findings were based on direct observation, record review, and staff and resident interviews.
Failure to Follow Sanitary Food Handling and Serving Procedures
Penalty
Summary
Dietary staff failed to follow proper food handling and sanitation procedures during meal service. One dietary aide was observed using a dish cloth to dry silverware, rather than allowing them to air dry as required by facility policy, and then placed the dried silverware into a holder. The aide confirmed she was unaware that this method was not permitted. Additionally, during lunch tray preparation, another staff member was seen assembling sandwiches by handling bread, deli meat, lettuce, and tomato with the same pair of gloved hands, without using serving utensils as expected. The dietary manager confirmed that serving utensils should have been used. The facility's policy specifies that all food service equipment should be cleaned, sanitized, air-dried, and that tongs or other utensils should be used to avoid direct hand contact with food. Two residents were identified as receiving nothing by mouth per physician orders, and thus were not affected by the meal service.
Sanitation Deficiencies in Food Storage and Preparation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored, prepared, and served under sanitary conditions, potentially affecting 111 residents who received meals from the kitchen. During an observation, several issues were noted in the facility's kitchen. In the main freezer, bread and French fries were stored in clear plastic bags without labels or dates. In the dry food storage area, an open bag of powdered sugar was wrapped in ripped plastic wrap, spilling out when handled, and other bread items lacked labels or dates. A bag of tortilla shells was found with an expired use-by date, and an unlabeled container with a brown substance was stored without a label or date. Live gnats were observed near the bread and dish machine, and wet oven trays were stored with clean pots and pans. Additionally, there was a heavy build-up of black grime on the floor under the dish machine and dried food particles and grime on the walls where they met the floor throughout the kitchen. Two tray carts used for transporting resident food had a large amount of dried white substance resembling dried milk, indicating they were not kept clean and sanitary. These observations were confirmed by the Dietary Manager during an interview, highlighting the facility's non-compliance with sanitary food storage and preparation standards.
Deficiency in Food Temperature and Palatability
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. During an observation of the kitchen food production and lunch tray line meal service, it was noted that while all hot foods initially reached acceptable temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit, a second set of temperatures was not taken to monitor the food throughout the service. A test tray was prepared and sent to the dining room, where the temperatures were taken by the Dietary Manager. The ham slice was found to be 106 degrees Fahrenheit, barely warm to taste, the cold potato salad was 75 degrees Fahrenheit, not cold, and the mixed vegetables were 136 degrees Fahrenheit, only warm. These temperatures were verified by the Dietary Manager. Interviews with six residents revealed dissatisfaction with the food service. Residents reported that hot foods were served cold, the food did not taste good, and some even resorted to ordering food from outside due to the poor quality. The facility's policy on food temperatures at the point of service requires that hot food items be cooked, held, and served at appropriate temperatures, with frequent monitoring to ensure safe food holding temperatures. This deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number OH00162967.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care to two residents, resulting in prolonged periods of discomfort and potential health risks. Resident #10, who was moderately cognitively impaired and required substantial assistance due to hemiplegia and hemiparesis, was left in a soiled state from before 10:00 A.M. until after 2:00 P.M. The resident had been in a chair since before 7:00 A.M. and was not checked or changed until CNA #335, with the help of LPN #312, transferred her to bed. The resident's brief was found to be completely saturated with urine and stool, indicating a significant delay in care. Similarly, Resident #74, who was cognitively intact but required supervision for toileting due to overflow incontinence and muscle weakness, was left sitting in a chair with saturated sheets from 8:45 A.M. until after 1:00 P.M. The room had a strong odor of urine, and the resident reported having asked for assistance hours earlier. Staff interviews revealed that residents were typically checked and changed only twice per shift, which was insufficient for the needs of these residents. The facility's policy required incontinence care to be provided as needed, but this was not adhered to, leading to the deficiency.
Failure to Use PPE During Wound Care Under EBP
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff wore appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when caring for a resident on the South unit who was under Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). This deficiency was observed during wound care for Resident #51, who had a history of type two diabetes mellitus, anoxic brain damage, urinary tract infection, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and other infections. The resident was dependent on staff for all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and had orders for EBP due to a heel wound, a foley catheter, and tube feedings. Despite these orders, the Registered Nurse (RN) performing wound care did not wear a gown, which was required for high-contact resident care activities under EBP. The RN, who was also the facility's Wound Care Nurse and Infection Preventionist, acknowledged the oversight during an interview, stating that she forgot to put on her gown. The facility's policy on Enhanced Barrier Precautions, last reviewed in November 2023, clearly stated that gowns and gloves are to be used for high-contact resident care activities for residents with wounds or indwelling medical devices. This incident was identified as a deficiency during the investigation of a complaint, highlighting a lapse in adherence to infection control protocols.
Unsecured Firearm Incident in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe environment free from potential accident hazards when a State tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) brought an unsecured loaded firearm into the facility. The firearm, along with additional rounds of ammunition, was left wrapped in a fleece vest and placed in a clear plastic bag on a cart in the 3 North Hallway. This area was accessible to residents, and one resident mistakenly took the bag to her room, found the firearm, and placed it under her mattress. The facility was unaware of the firearm's location until the resident informed another STNA, who then notified the local police department. The police took possession of the firearm and ammunition. The incident involved Resident #64, who had diagnoses including depression, anemia, and uncomplicated alcohol dependence. The resident had mild or no cognitive impairment but experienced daily occurrences of feeling down or depressed. A psychiatry note indicated that the resident was alert and oriented to person and place but had poor memory, insight, and judgment. The resident found the unattended bag on the cart, believed it was hers, and took it to her room, where she discovered the loaded firearm and hid it under her mattress. STNA #563 admitted to bringing the loaded firearm to work for personal protection due to working nights and taking the bus. The STNA stored the firearm with his personal belongings in a bag at his workstation on the third floor. The STNA noticed the bag was missing after returning from lunch and notified a nurse. The facility staff, including the Director of Nursing (DON) and Unit Manager (UM), conducted searches of the facility but were unable to locate the firearm until Resident #64 informed STNA #592 about it. The facility's policy prohibits firearms and other weapons on the premises, and STNA #563 was subsequently terminated for violating this policy.
Removal Plan
- STNA #563 informed Unit Manager (UM) #628 his coat and firearm were missing from the 3 North Hallway. UM #628 immediately notified the DON of the missing firearm.
- The DON notified the Administrator of the missing firearm.
- The Administrator notified the local police department (LPD) of the missing firearm.
- The DON assigned managers to search the first, second, and third floors of the facility for the missing firearm.
- The Local Police Department (LPD) arrived at the facility. The Administrator and UM #628, along with the responding officer, reviewed camera surveillance to determine if the missing firearm could be seen being removed from the last known location. The cameras did not assist in identifying who may have removed the bag carrying the missing firearm.
- The DON and Administrator assigned new areas for managers to search for the missing firearm, including dietary, the basement, and the exterior of the facility.
- The DON and Maintenance Supervisor (MS) #618 searched the garbage for the missing firearm.
- A second officer from the LPD arrived and obtained a statement from STNA #563 regarding the missing firearm.
- STNA #592 located the missing firearm in Resident #64's room. The LPD took immediate possession of the firearm.
- STNA #563 was suspended pending the investigation into the firearm he brought into the facility.
- An Ad Hoc QAPI was held with the Administrator, DON, Business Office Manager (BOM) #537, Cook #639, Receptionists #535 and #583, Corporate Admission (CA) #701, Dietary Tech (DT) #702, Assistant Business Office Manager (ABOM) #565 and Admissions Director (AD) #703 to review the facility policy on Firearms and Other Weapons. The facility prohibits employees, residents, visitors, vendors, or others from possessing firearms or other weapons while in/on facility premises.
- The DON notified Medical Director (MD) #704 of the incident involving the firearm.
- Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) #705 re-educated the DON on the facility's policy on firearms and other weapons.
- The DON and CCO #705 educated all staff, including five activities staff, two admissions staff, two business office staff, one central supply staff, 25 dietary staff, seven hospitality aides, 12 housekeepers, two laundry staff, 27 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), one maintenance staff, three medication technicians, three social workers, two therapists, three receptionists, 10 Registered Nurses (RN) and 37 STNAs related to the facility firearm policy. Education was provided in person for staff at the facility and over the phone for those off duty.
- UM #628 completed a skin assessment for Resident #64. No new areas of concern were identified.
- The DON or designee completed an assessment of all residents. Residents were safe and at baseline. No psychosocial concerns were identified.
- The Administrator placed new, more prominent signage at the entrances prohibiting firearms in the facility.
- Maintenance Staff (MS) #618 changed door codes due to the suspension of STNA #563.
- The DON or designee implemented a system to audit five random staff four times weekly for four weeks then three random staff weekly for eight weeks to ensure knowledge of the facility's firearms policy. Findings would be reviewed in weekly QAPI meetings to ensure compliance with the policy.
- Regional Director of Operations (RDO) #706 notified STNA #563 of termination of employment due to not following the facility policy on firearms.
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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