Heritagespring Healthcare Center Of West Chester
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in West Chester, Ohio.
- Location
- 7235 Heritagespring Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069
- CMS Provider Number
- 366301
- Inspections on file
- 22
- Latest survey
- November 19, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Heritagespring Healthcare Center Of West Chester during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident admitted from another facility did not receive apixaban, an anticoagulant, due to missing pages in the faxed admission orders. Nursing staff failed to notice the incomplete documentation and did not verify that all medication orders were present, resulting in the omission of the anticoagulant. The resident, who had a history of atrial fibrillation, later developed a pulmonary embolism and was hospitalized, where it was confirmed that the medication had not been administered.
A resident with insomnia did not receive prescribed zolpidem on multiple occasions due to delays in obtaining a valid prescription and pharmacy delivery, as well as lapses in staff follow-up and communication. The medication was not available in the Pyxis system, and staff documented contacting the pharmacy but did not ensure timely administration as ordered.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions was prescribed Oxycontin for pain management. After the pharmacy delivered 30 tablets, the medication could not be accounted for following the resident's discharge. Facility staff failed to follow protocol by transferring narcotic keys without a required count, resulting in the inability to reconcile and account for the controlled substance.
A resident dependent on staff for oral intake began coughing and showing signs of respiratory distress while being fed breakfast. Despite multiple staff members observing the resident's distress and white phlegm-like secretions, no comprehensive assessment or appropriate action was taken. The resident stopped breathing and was pronounced dead after failed resuscitation attempts, highlighting the facility's failure to address the change in condition.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was subjected to verbal abuse by a CNA during care. The CNA responded to the resident's agitation with profanity and threatening gestures, while another CNA present did not intervene. The incident was reported by the resident's sister, leading to a deficiency citation for the facility's failure to protect the resident from abuse.
A facility failed to timely treat a UTI for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses. Despite having an indwelling catheter, there was a delay in collecting a urine sample for a UA C&S, ordered on 08/07/24 but not collected until 08/16/24. This resulted in a delay in diagnosing the UTI and starting the prescribed antibiotic, Macrobid, on 08/19/24. Interviews confirmed the delay, highlighting a lapse in timely intervention protocols.
A facility failed to ensure timely signing of progress notes by an NP, affecting three residents with various medical conditions. The NP admitted to not charting during visits and was instructed she had 48 hours to complete notes, leading to delays of up to three days in signing.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents were seen by their physician at least every 60 days, as required. One resident with severe cognitive impairment had not been seen since July, and another resident with multiple diagnoses had not been seen since February. The deficiency was confirmed by the Administrator, and the medical director's responsibilities include ensuring adequate and appropriate medical services.
A facility failed to ensure accurate documentation in a resident's medical record. The resident, with severe cognitive impairment, was observed through video footage where an LPN administered medication and took blood pressure but did not complete an oxygen saturation assessment, despite documenting it as done. This discrepancy was confirmed in an interview with the DON.
The facility failed to maintain proper hand hygiene during care for two residents. A CNA was observed feeding a resident without washing hands or wearing gloves, while another CNA improperly handled catheter care, despite coaching from an LPN. Both residents had severe cognitive impairments and were dependent on staff for care.
Failure to Identify Missing Admission Orders Leads to Omission of Anticoagulant
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure a resident was free from significant medication errors during the admission process. Upon admission from another skilled nursing facility, the resident's transfer documents were incomplete, with several pages missing from the faxed admission orders, including those listing current medications. The admitting nurse entered medication orders from the incomplete fax without noticing the missing pages, and the same incomplete set of orders was provided by the resident's family upon arrival. The missing documentation resulted in the omission of an order for apixaban, an anticoagulant medication that the resident had been receiving at the previous facility for atrial fibrillation. Multiple staff members, including the admitting nurse, a nurse practitioner, and a second nurse who double-checked the orders, failed to identify that the admission orders were incomplete and that the anticoagulant was missing from the medication list. The facility's process required verification of orders and confirmation that all pages were received, but this was not done. The resident's care plan included a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation but did not address anticoagulant therapy, and the medication administration record showed that apixaban was not administered during the resident's stay. The resident subsequently developed symptoms of shortness of breath and tachycardia, prompting transfer to a hospital where a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made. Hospital staff confirmed with the facility that the resident had not received apixaban since admission. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the error was not detected during the initial review or subsequent verification of orders, and the omission was only discovered after the resident's hospitalization.
Removal Plan
- Resident #148's medical record was reviewed by the DON, including a review of the medication list from admission and the admission orders transcribed into the EMR.
- CNE #200 conducted a review of Resident #148's medical record including physician orders, care plans, and administration records.
- Regional MDS Nurses #220, #230, #235, and #240 completed an audit of all residents admitted in the last 60 days to ensure admission orders were transcribed correctly into the medical record.
- Any concerns noted during the audit were reviewed with NP #360 and orders updated as needed by licensed nurses.
- Regional MDS Nurses #220, #230, #235, and #240 verified that all pages of admission orders from transferring facilities were received/present.
- The DON or designee completed an audit of current residents with atrial fibrillation diagnosis and residents receiving anticoagulant medications for appropriateness.
- NP #360 reviewed current residents with atrial fibrillation diagnosis and residents receiving anticoagulant medications for appropriateness.
- Nurse Educator #280 completed a medication administration observation.
- RN #15 and RN #16 were immediately provided education by the DON, including ensuring admitting orders are received and transcribed into the medical record, that all pages of the orders are received, and hard copy of the orders are received upon resident's arrival.
- Licensed nurses were provided with an additional in-service education by the DON and ADON #100, including ensuring admission medication orders are reviewed and transcribed into resident medical records, that all pages of the orders are received, and that a hard copy of orders is received upon resident's arrival.
- A performance improvement (PI) audit worksheet was implemented to verify residents' admitting orders are transcribed completely (including all pages are verified) into the medical record.
- The PI audit is being completed by the DON or designee for any residents admitting to the facility for the previous day, daily for seven days, then three times per week for four weeks, then weekly for four weeks, and then monthly.
- The results of the PI worksheet will be reviewed by the QAPI team.
- Quality Assurance meetings were held with the Administrator, Medical Director, the DON, CNE #200, Regional Nurse #350, and Consultant Pharmacist #400.
- Five additional medical records were reviewed with no concerns for significant medication errors identified.
Failure to Administer Ordered Hypnotic Medication Due to Pharmacy and Communication Delays
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medication was dispensed and administered as ordered for one resident with a diagnosis of insomnia. Upon admission, the resident had a physician's order for zolpidem 10 mg at bedtime, but review of the medication administration records (MAR) showed that the medication was not administered on several occasions, with some doses marked as 'Medication Unavailable/Pharmacy Notified' and others left blank. The facility's records indicated that the medication was not available in the automated dispensing system (Pyxis), and pharmacy deliveries were delayed, with only a partial supply delivered several days after admission and the remainder not delivered until the day of discharge. Staff interviews revealed that when medications were unavailable, the protocol was to contact the pharmacy and document the communication, but there were lapses in follow-up to obtain a new prescription when needed. The pharmacy required a new prescription to dispense the medication, and although a three-day supply was eventually provided after pharmacy contact with the provider, there was no evidence of timely follow-up for additional prescriptions. The Director of Nursing was unaware that the medication had not been available and stated that the expectation was for staff to obtain necessary prescriptions or escalate the issue for assistance. Facility policy required prompt delivery of drugs and documentation of any shortages or irregularities, but in this case, the process failed to ensure the resident received the prescribed hypnotic medication as ordered. The deficiency was identified through record review, staff and pharmacy interviews, and policy review, confirming that the facility did not meet the requirement to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident.
Failure to Account for Controlled Substances Due to Inadequate Reconciliation Procedures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an accurate reconciliation and accounting of all controlled substances for a resident who was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including chronic ulcers, diabetes with foot ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylolisthesis. The resident had a physician's order for Oxycontin 10 mg, to be administered twice daily for chronic pain. On a specified date, the pharmacy delivered 30 tablets of Oxycontin for the resident, but these tablets could not be accounted for during a subsequent review. Medical record review showed that the resident was discharged home with his wife and was sent with medications for the rest of the weekend. However, the day after discharge, the facility discovered that the full supply of 30 Oxycontin tablets delivered earlier was missing. The facility was unable to determine the whereabouts of the medication, and the discrepancy was identified through inconsistencies between narcotic proof of use sheets and narcotic skids. Interviews with facility staff revealed that two nurses failed to follow protocol by transferring narcotic keys without conducting a required count of the controlled substances. This lapse in procedure contributed to the inability to reconcile the controlled drug records and maintain an accurate account of the medication, as required by facility policy and federal regulations.
Failure to Address Change in Condition Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care for a resident, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy and serious life-threatening harm that ultimately led to the resident's death. The resident, who was dependent on staff for oral intake, began coughing and showing signs of respiratory distress while being fed breakfast by a CNA. Despite the resident's evident distress, the CNA left the room to inform an LPN, who later entered the room but failed to perform a thorough assessment of the resident's condition. Throughout the morning, multiple staff members, including CNAs and LPNs, entered the resident's room and observed white phlegm-like secretions and signs of respiratory distress. However, none of the staff conducted a comprehensive assessment or took appropriate action to address the resident's deteriorating condition. The resident continued to exhibit signs of respiratory distress, including coughing and increased secretions, until he stopped breathing and CPR was initiated. The resident was pronounced dead after failed resuscitation attempts by EMS. The facility's failure to assess and respond to the resident's change in condition, despite multiple opportunities to do so, directly contributed to the resident's death. The report highlights the lack of timely and adequate medical intervention by the facility's staff, which was a significant factor in the adverse outcome.
Removal Plan
- Resident #60's progress notes, orders, and care plans were reviewed by Corporate Registered Nurse/Nurse Educator #111. No concerns were noted.
- The DON and UM/LPN #21 interviewed LPN #22, CNAs #12, #11 and #13 in regard to Resident #60's condition prior to the resident coding. Interviews were completed.
- ADON #45 reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- The DON reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- The DON was provided in-service education by VPN #112 on the Change of Condition policy and conducting assessments including, but not limited to, vital signs and pulmonary assessment.
- A Quality Assurance (QA) meeting was held with the Administrator, Medical Director #90 (Via Phone), the DON, ADON #45, CRN/Nurse Educator #111, and VPN #112 to review findings. The QA committee developed, reviewed and approved the plan of action. This QA meeting included a review of the Change of Condition policy. No changes were made to the Change of Condition policy. A determination was made for a plan of action including, but not limited to, plan to assess all residents' vitals and lungs in house.
- All 107 current residents' vital signs were obtained by the DON, ADON #45, LPN #21, RNs #32, #30, #33, #28, Physical Therapist #110, Director of Therapy #100 and all vital signs were completed. Resident #05 refused vital signs.
- All 107 current residents' pulmonary status were assessed by the DON, ADON #45, UM/LPN #21, RNs #32, #30, #33 and #28. All assessments were completed. Resident #05 and Resident #42 refused assessments. Resident #32 was assessed with left lung rhonchi and right lung with diminished breath sounds. NP #80 was notified, and a new order for chest x-ray and albuterol was obtained. Resident #30 was assessed with coughing and diminished bilateral lung sounds. NP #80 was notified, and guaifenesin and a chest x-ray were ordered.
- The DON and CRN/Nurse Educator #111 started an additional in-service education to the current 37 licensed nurses. This education was sent electronically, verified it was delivered, then reached out to every nurse for verification. The education included, but was not limited to, ensuring a nurse assesses residents for potential change in condition. A resident assessment for a change in condition assessment includes, but not limited to, vital signs and cardiopulmonary assessment.
- The DON and CRN/Nurse Educator #111 provided the 37 licensed nursing staff with one-on-one additional in-service education. This additional in-service education included, but was not limited to, ensuring a nurse assesses residents for potential change in condition. A resident assessment for a change in condition assessment includes, but not limited to, vital signs and cardiopulmonary assessment. Any licensed nurse not on-site was provided education via telephone by the DON. The education onsite and via telephone were completed for all licensed nursing staff. All licensed nurses were able to verbalize understanding of the educational content.
- The DON reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- To monitor ongoing compliance, the DON or designee will review current residents progress notes daily from the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. This will be completed daily for 30 days.
- A Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet is being completed for 10 random residents to ensure the residents are assessed for potential changes in condition using a general physical assessment and obtaining vital signs. The Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet is being completed by the DON or designee daily for seven days, then three times per week for four weeks, then weekly for four weeks, then monthly. If any issues are noted, the DON will take appropriate action at the time the concern is noted. Results of the Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet will be reported to the QA committee for a determination of the need for further ongoing formal monitoring.
- A QA meeting was held with the Administrator, Medical Director #90 (Via Phone), DON, ADON #45, CRN/Nurse Educator #111, and VPN #112 to review education and the audit findings. The QA committee reviewed the plan and no concerns were identified. The QA committee will monitor weekly for four weeks.
- Medical Director #90 was notified of Immediate Jeopardy by the Administrator.
- Interviews with LPN #23, LPN #27, LPN #24, LPN #21, and ADON #45 revealed the staff had received education and in-service training on change in condition, physician notification, documentation and were knowledgeable about the facility's procedures and processes.
- Review of the medical records for five additional residents (#30, #32, #75, #112, and #113) related to a change in condition, revealed no concerns were noted.
Verbal Abuse Incident Involving Resident with Cognitive Impairment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were free from verbal abuse, specifically affecting one resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including major depressive disorder and hemiplegia. The resident was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and had behavior problems such as being combative and using racial slurs. During an incident, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed on video being rough with the resident during care, which led to the resident becoming agitated and using profanity. The CNA responded with verbal abuse, including using profanity and making threatening gestures towards the resident. The incident escalated as the CNA continued to taunt the resident, who attempted to raise an arm in a possible attempt to hit the CNA. The CNA threatened to call the police on the resident if he hit her, further agitating the resident. Another CNA present during the incident did not intervene to stop the verbal abuse. The Director of Nursing (DON) arrived after the incident and separated the involved staff from the resident. The facility's policy on abuse and neglect was not followed, as the staff failed to protect the resident from verbal abuse. The policy requires immediate reporting of such incidents to the Administrator and the State Survey Agency. The incident was reported by the resident's sister, who observed the live feed of the electronic monitoring device in the resident's room. The facility's failure to prevent and address the verbal abuse led to the deficiency being cited.
Delay in UTI Treatment Due to Late Urine Sample Collection
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement timely interventions to appropriately treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses, including osteomyelitis of the vertebra and atrial fibrillation. The resident, who was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, was noted to have suprapubic tenderness and cloudy urine with sediment on examination. Despite a physician's order for a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity (UA C&S) due to urinary discomfort, there was a significant delay in collecting the urine sample. The initial order for the UA C&S was placed on 08/07/24, but the sample was not collected until 08/16/24, resulting in a delay in diagnosing the UTI and starting antibiotic treatment. Interviews with the Nurse Practitioner and Director of Nursing confirmed the delay in obtaining the urine sample, despite the resident having an indwelling catheter, which should have facilitated timely collection. The delay in collecting the UA C&S led to a delay in the administration of the prescribed antibiotic, Macrobid, which was not started until 08/19/24. This deficiency was identified during an investigation under Complaint Numbers OH00159762 and OH00159005, highlighting a lapse in the facility's adherence to timely intervention protocols for treating infections.
Delayed Signing of Progress Notes by NP
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the physician and nurse practitioner's (NP) progress notes were timely written and signed at each visit, affecting three residents. Resident #30, who had moderate cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including malignant neoplasm and chronic kidney disease, had a progress note dated 11/12/24 that was not signed until 11/13/24. Resident #32, with severe cognitive impairment and conditions such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes mellitus, had multiple progress notes with delays in signing, ranging from one to three days after the date of service. Resident #75, who had a significant change in condition and was unable to complete a BIMS due to communication difficulties, also experienced delays in the signing of progress notes, with some notes signed two days after the date of service. The NP involved, identified as NP #80, admitted during an interview that she did not chart her visits while seeing the residents. She reported that upon being hired, she was instructed by her manager that she had up to 48 hours to complete and sign her progress notes after seeing the residents. This practice led to the deficiency, as the progress notes were not signed and completed at the time of the visit for the residents involved.
Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Visits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were seen by their physician at least every 60 days after the initial assessment, as required. This deficiency affected two residents, Resident #32 and Resident #75. Resident #32, who was admitted with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, convulsions, and atrial fibrillation, had not been seen by their physician, MD #90, since July 19, 2024, despite having severe cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of seven. Similarly, Resident #75, who was admitted with conditions such as a fracture of the right femur, type two diabetes mellitus, anxiety disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, had not been seen by MD #90 since February 27, 2024, even though the resident was unable to complete a BIMS due to being rarely or never understood. The deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Administrator on November 14, 2024, who verified that both residents had not been evaluated by their physician every 60 days. The job description for the medical director indicated that the medical provider is responsible for coordinating and overseeing medical care and treatment, including ensuring that all necessary medical services provided to residents are adequate and appropriate. However, the facility did not adhere to these requirements, resulting in the failure to provide timely physician visits for the affected residents.
Inaccurate Documentation of Resident's Medical Record
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate documentation in a resident's medical record, specifically affecting one resident. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, was observed through video footage on a specific date. During this observation, an LPN entered the resident's room, administered medication, and took the resident's blood pressure. However, the LPN did not complete an oxygen saturation level assessment, despite documenting a pulse oximetry of 94% in the resident's medical record. The LPN's actions were reviewed in an interview with the Director of Nursing, where it was confirmed that the oxygen saturation assessment was not performed, yet it was inaccurately documented. The LPN's job description includes maintaining appropriate documentation and evaluating resident care needs, which was not adhered to in this instance. This deficiency was identified through a combination of medical record review, video footage, and staff interviews.
Inadequate Hand Hygiene During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure appropriate hand hygiene during resident care, affecting two residents. For Resident #60, a CNA was observed on video footage entering the resident's room with a breakfast tray, handling various items, and feeding the resident without performing any hand hygiene or wearing gloves. The CNA touched her face, personal phone, and pants during the process, further compromising infection control. The resident had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living. For Resident #114, who had an indwelling Foley catheter and severe cognitive impairment, a CNA was observed performing catheter and peri-care without proper hand hygiene. The CNA was coached by a Unit Manager/LPN to change gloves and wash hands after moving from dirty to clean areas, but failed to do so, contaminating a washcloth used to rinse the catheter tubing. The facility's hand hygiene policy required staff to change gloves and wash hands when moving between contaminated and clean areas, which was not adhered to in these instances.
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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