Pavilion At St Luke Village, The
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- 1000 Stacie Drive, Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201
- CMS Provider Number
- 395265
- Inspections on file
- 32
- Latest survey
- September 22, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 8
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Pavilion At St Luke Village, The during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A deficiency was cited for not ensuring a resident's right to dignity, self-determination, communication, and the exercise of their rights. The report does not specify the exact circumstances or individuals involved.
Multiple residents repeatedly reported long wait times for care and delayed meal distribution, with meal trays left sitting and food becoming cold. Despite these ongoing concerns being raised in Resident Council meetings, the facility failed to file or document grievances as required and did not keep residents informed of any actions taken, leaving the issues unresolved.
The facility did not ensure that MDS assessments accurately reflected the clinical status of three residents. One resident's MDS failed to document ongoing tracheostomy care, continuous oxygen therapy, and suctioning as ordered. Another resident's MDS inaccurately recorded PASARR status, omitting the need for specialized mental health services. A third resident was incorrectly assessed as having an indwelling catheter, which was not present upon observation. These inaccuracies were confirmed by the NHA and were not consistent with clinical records or direct observations.
A resident did not receive treatment and care in accordance with physician orders and their own preferences and goals, resulting in a failure to meet the resident's individualized care needs.
A resident with COPD and chronic kidney disease, receiving IV antibiotics for MRSA, had seven scheduled doses of Cefazolin lacking documentation in the MAR. The NHA confirmed that nursing staff omitted these entries, and an RN attested to administering the medication but failing to document it in the EHR.
A resident with a history of schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety was hospitalized for psychiatric reasons and later readmitted with updated behavioral health needs. The facility did not revise the resident's care plan to include new diagnoses, recent behavioral episodes, or interventions identified by the behavioral hospital, and failed to document a review or update of the care plan to reflect the resident's current condition.
A resident receiving continuous enteral nutrition via PEG tube did not have the feeding container labeled with the date and time it was opened and hung, as required by facility policy. Additionally, the resident's wheelchair and feeding pole were observed to be coated with dried residue and were not maintained in a sanitary condition.
A resident with a diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety did not have an individualized, person-centered care plan that identified symptoms, triggers, or interventions to minimize re-traumatization, despite facility policy requiring trauma-informed, culturally competent care. The facility was unable to demonstrate that care was provided in accordance with professional standards and the resident's preferences.
A resident identified as at moderate risk for pressure injuries developed worsening pressure ulcers due to the facility's failure to consistently implement and document preventive interventions such as scheduled turning, repositioning, and nutritional support. Despite care plans and physician orders, staff did not provide evidence of performing required tasks, and the resident's wounds progressed from Stage II to unstageable, leading to actual harm and hospital evaluation.
The facility failed to enforce its compliance and ethics program when two employees accepted or failed to report offers of monetary compensation from an insurance vendor in exchange for resident referrals. Despite required training and clear policies, staff did not report the vendor's actions or their own involvement, resulting in violations of the Anti-Kickback statute and facility policy.
The facility did not meet the required nurse aide to resident ratios on six shifts, as per Pennsylvania regulations effective July 2024. Staffing records showed shortfalls in the number of nurse aides on night and evening shifts in January 2025, with no additional staff available to compensate. This was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
The facility did not meet the required LPN-to-resident ratio on a day shift, with only 3.40 LPNs available for 108 residents, instead of the required 4.32. This staffing shortfall was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
The facility did not meet the required minimum of 3.2 hours of direct resident care per resident per day on several occasions in January 2025. Staffing levels were insufficient, providing only 3.13, 3.00, and 3.06 hours on specific days. This deficiency was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
The facility failed to meet the required nurse aide to resident ratios on 18 out of 48 shifts reviewed, as mandated by the regulation effective July 1, 2024. The staffing records showed multiple instances where the number of nurse aides was insufficient, with no higher-level staff available to compensate for the deficiency. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the shortfall during an interview.
The facility failed to meet the required LPN-to-resident ratios on six shifts, as evidenced by staffing records and staff interviews. On several occasions, the number of LPNs was below the required minimum for the resident census, with specific deficiencies noted on the evening and night shifts. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed these deficiencies.
The facility did not consistently provide the required 3.2 hours of direct nursing care per resident per day. On multiple occasions, the nursing care hours fell short, ranging from 2.88 to 3.19 hours. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the shortfall in staffing levels.
The facility failed to implement a comprehensive infection control program, resulting in a scabies outbreak among residents and staff. Inadequate tracking and documentation of infections, along with poor environmental conditions in the central supply room, contributed to the spread of infections. A resident with heart disease and chronic kidney disease developed a persistent rash, later confirmed as scabies, highlighting the facility's failure to maintain proper infection control practices.
The facility failed to respond promptly to residents' call bells, affecting their dignity and quality of life. Two residents reported waiting 20 minutes to two hours for assistance, while five others expressed similar concerns during a group interview. The NHA and DON acknowledged the issue but could not explain the delays.
The facility failed to prevent pressure ulcers in two residents. One resident developed a Stage II pressure injury on her ear due to inadequate padding of oxygen tubing, despite having a care plan. Another resident, with reduced mobility and Alzheimer's, developed pressure areas on her buttock and sacrum due to lack of scheduled repositioning and incontinence care. The sacral wound worsened to an unstageable pressure area. The DON confirmed the facility's failure to implement consistent preventive measures.
A facility failed to provide a resident with restorative nursing services to maintain mobility, despite a program being in place. The resident, with chronic kidney disease and pulmonary embolism, was cognitively intact and had a good prognosis with therapy. However, documentation showed missed sessions, and the resident reported not receiving the necessary services. The NHA confirmed the oversight but lacked evidence of service delivery.
A facility failed to provide individualized incontinence care for a resident with Alzheimer's and severe cognitive impairment, leading to the development of a Stage II pressure ulcer. Despite the resident's documented incontinence and need for substantial assistance, the facility did not implement a tailored continence management program or perform frequent incontinence checks, as required by their policy.
A resident did not receive six doses of Pregabalin for neuropathic pain management due to a delay in medication delivery from the pharmacy. Despite a STAT delivery request and confirmation of the prescription, the medication was not provided until two days later. The DON confirmed the facility's responsibility to ensure timely pharmaceutical services.
A facility failed to document the clinical rationale for continuing an antipsychotic medication for a resident with Alzheimer's and anxiety. Despite no maladaptive behaviors being recorded, the resident's medication dosage was increased without proper justification. The care plan lacked identification of anxiety as a problem and did not include non-pharmacological interventions. Interviews with the NHA and DON revealed an inability to provide evidence for the medication's necessity or attempts at alternative interventions.
A resident reported that her soiled clothing was not being taken to the laundry, leading to dirty clothes accumulating in her closet. An LPN confirmed the issue and removed the dirty clothing. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the facility's responsibility to maintain a clean and homelike environment.
A resident with cellulitis did not receive timely antibiotic treatment due to a known allergy to the prescribed medication, Doxycycline. The facility failed to contact the medical director when the attending physician did not respond to clarify the order, resulting in a delay in treatment.
A resident was administered Macrodantin for a UTI without meeting the criteria for antibiotic therapy, as per the facility's antibiotic stewardship policy. Despite no documented symptoms, the medication was given following family insistence, highlighting a failure to adhere to the policy.
A resident with a pressure ulcer on the right heel experienced deterioration due to the facility's failure to implement necessary care and interventions. The resident's condition worsened, leading to osteomyelitis, as the facility did not follow recommendations for repositioning and use of Prevalon boots. Additionally, the facility delayed notifying the physician of critical x-ray results, contributing to the resident's declining health.
A resident with multiple wounds, including venous ulcers and a necrotic pressure ulcer, did not receive adequate wound assessments and documentation from the nursing staff. Critical details such as drainage and wound description were missing, and the differentiation between pressure and non-pressure wounds was not made. This led to delayed identification of osteomyelitis in the resident's heel, with the attending physician not being notified promptly, resulting in the resident's condition worsening.
A resident with a PICC line and diagnosed with a septic knee and diabetes did not receive the prescribed IV antibiotic, Daptomycin, for three consecutive days. The facility's policy on timely medication administration was not followed, and the attending physician was not notified of the missed doses. Interviews with the DON and the administrator confirmed these failures.
The facility failed to provide appropriate pain management for two residents by not attempting non-pharmacological interventions before administering opioid medication and not following physician orders. One resident received medication without prior non-pharmacological attempts, while another received medication for pain levels below the prescribed threshold.
A resident with a septic knee and diabetes did not receive the prescribed antibiotic, Daptomycin, for three consecutive days due to the facility's pharmacy failing to deliver the medication on time. This was confirmed by the NHA.
The facility failed to document the results of monthly drug regimen reviews conducted by a pharmacist for several residents with various diagnoses, including diabetes and COPD. Despite completing reviews, there was no evidence of identified irregularities, recommendations, or physician actions, as confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
The facility failed to maintain a comprehensive infection prevention and control program for two months. The last recorded data for monitoring infections was completed in late May, with no evidence of surveillance activities thereafter. The Infection Preventionist transitioned roles in early June, and the NHA confirmed the lack of a functional system to analyze infection trends during this period.
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff, resulting in long wait times for resident care. Residents reported delays in call bell responses, particularly during evening shifts and meal times, leading to frustration and unmet care needs. Staffing records confirmed the facility did not meet state-required nurse aide and LPN ratios, and the Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the issue.
The facility failed to provide an accessible smoking area for two residents who smoked prior to a new non-smoking policy. The policy required residents to smoke offsite without staff assistance, posing challenges for residents with mobility issues. Both residents expressed dissatisfaction, and the facility acknowledged the difficulties but did not provide a safe smoking area.
A resident with spinal stenosis and hypertension reported being slapped by another resident who entered her room uninvited. The facility failed to notify the resident's representative, who holds medical and financial Power of Attorney, about the incident. This deficiency was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator and violates Pennsylvania Code regarding nursing services and resident rights.
A resident with spinal stenosis reported discomfort due to a non-functioning cooling unit in their room, which had been an issue for over a month. Despite a maintenance request, no repairs were made, and the Nursing Home Administrator could not provide evidence of scheduled repairs, failing to ensure a comfortable environment.
A resident was physically abused by another resident who entered her room uninvited and slapped her. The facility's policy on abuse prevention was not effectively implemented, as the aggressive resident had a known history of entering rooms and becoming agitated. The RN Supervisor was aware of the behavior, but adequate measures were not in place to prevent the incident.
A facility failed to investigate an injury of unknown source for a cognitively impaired resident on anticoagulant therapy, despite multiple instances of unexplained vaginal bleeding. Additionally, the facility did not thoroughly investigate an allegation of physical abuse involving two residents, lacking a statement from the initial reporter and failing to substantiate the claim due to insufficient evidence.
A facility failed to ensure accurate MDS assessments for a resident, as the Discharge MDS indicated a discharge to a hospital, while records showed the resident was discharged home. This inaccuracy was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease exhibited intrusive wandering and aggressive behavior, including entering other residents' rooms uninvited and slapping another resident. The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, individualized care plan to manage these dementia-related behaviors, as confirmed by staff and the Nursing Home Administrator.
A resident with multiple ulcers and Type 2 diabetes had an x-ray revealing osteomyelitis, but the physician was not promptly notified. The x-ray was completed, and results were available, but the physician was informed only after a change in condition assessment five days later, leading to a delay in treatment.
A facility failed to document an incident where a resident with Alzheimer's disease intruded into another resident's room and committed physical abuse. Despite the report of the incident, there was no documentation in the clinical records of either resident, violating professional standards for nursing documentation.
A facility failed to coordinate care between the facility and a hospice agency for a resident with liver cancer. Despite a physician order for hospice services, the resident's care plan did not reflect the necessary coordination to meet their daily and terminal care needs. This deficiency was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator.
A facility failed to assess and evaluate a resident's bowel and bladder function, leading to a deficiency in care. The resident experienced frequent incontinence, and there was no documented evidence of required evaluations or interventions. The resident reported delays in receiving toileting assistance, resulting in accidents. The nursing home administrator confirmed the lack of action on the resident's increased incontinence.
The facility failed to ensure the timely disposition of discontinued and unused medications, leading to improper storage in medication rooms. Observations revealed various medications stored in drawers and cupboards, not in designated locations for discontinued medications. Staff confirmed that these medications should have been returned to the pharmacy, and the facility failed to implement procedures for timely disposition.
The facility failed to implement consistent infection control procedures in the third-floor medication room. Medications were stored alongside staff food and beverages in a small refrigerator, which was confirmed by an LPN and the DON.
Failure to Honor Resident Rights
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified regarding the failure to honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and the exercise of their rights. The report notes that the facility did not ensure these resident rights were upheld, but does not provide specific details about the actions or inactions that led to this deficiency, nor does it mention any particular events or residents involved.
Failure to Address and Resolve Resident Grievances Regarding Care and Meal Distribution
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately address and resolve ongoing resident complaints and grievances raised during Resident Council meetings, specifically regarding long wait times for care and delayed meal distribution. Despite multiple residents consistently voicing these concerns over several months, meeting minutes indicated that grievances were to be filed on their behalf, but a review of facility records revealed no documentation of such grievances being filed for the relevant periods. Residents reported that their requests for assistance were not responded to in a timely manner and that meal trays, although arriving on time, were left sitting for extended periods before being distributed, resulting in cold food. These issues were repeatedly marked as unresolved in the Resident Council meeting minutes. Interviews with residents confirmed that these problems persisted despite being brought up multiple times, and the Nursing Home Administrator was unable to provide evidence of any effective actions taken to resolve the concerns. The administrator also could not explain the lack of grievance documentation or demonstrate any follow-up or communication with residents regarding the status of their complaints. The facility's own policy requires prompt efforts to resolve grievances and to keep residents informed of progress, but these procedures were not followed, resulting in continued dissatisfaction and unresolved issues for the affected residents.
Inaccurate MDS Assessments for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments accurately reflected the clinical status of three residents. For one resident with respiratory failure, tracheostomy, and continuous oxygen needs, the quarterly MDS assessment did not indicate that the resident was receiving continuous oxygen therapy, as-needed suctioning, or tracheostomy care, despite physician orders and treatment records confirming these interventions were provided. Another resident with schizophrenia had an annual MDS assessment that inaccurately documented the resident's PASARR status, indicating no need for a Level II PASARR, even though clinical records and a determination letter confirmed the requirement for specialized services due to a mental condition. A third resident, admitted with quadriplegia, was assessed on the admission MDS as having an indwelling urinary catheter, but direct observation revealed no catheter was present. In each case, the inaccuracies were confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator during interviews. These findings demonstrate that the facility did not follow the required procedures for accurate MDS completion, including direct observation and proper documentation, as outlined in the RAI User's Manual and state regulations.
Failure to Provide Care According to Orders and Resident Preferences
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when appropriate treatment and care were not provided according to physician orders, as well as the resident's preferences and goals. The report notes a failure to ensure that care was delivered in alignment with the established plan, which is required to meet the individual needs and wishes of the resident. This lapse resulted in the resident not receiving care as intended, based on their documented preferences and medical orders.
Failure to Accurately Document Antibiotic Administration in Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate and complete clinical records for one resident who was admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease. The resident had a physician's order to receive Cefazolin, an antibiotic, intravenously every eight hours for 15 days to treat MRSA. Upon review of the medication administration record for the specified month, it was found that documentation was missing for seven scheduled administrations of the antibiotic on several dates and times. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that nursing staff omitted the required documentation from the clinical record. An attestation from a registered nurse indicated that the medication was administered as ordered, but the nurse forgot to document these administrations in the electronic health record. The administrator acknowledged that it is the facility's responsibility to ensure that medical records are accurate and complete.
Failure to Update Comprehensive Care Plan After Psychiatric Hospitalization
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's comprehensive care plan was reviewed and revised to accurately reflect the resident's current needs and services. Clinical record review showed that the resident, who had diagnoses including schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, was transferred to a hospital for involuntary psychiatric commitment due to verbal and physical aggression. Upon readmission from a behavioral hospital, documentation from the hospital included specific red flags, warning signs, and internal coping strategies relevant to the resident's mental health status. However, the facility's care plan did not incorporate these updated findings, nor did it reflect the resident's recent psychiatric hospitalization or the escalation of behaviors that led to the hospital stay. The care plan, initially created years prior, was not updated to include the resident's current diagnosis of schizophrenia, recent behavioral episodes, or the interventions and strategies identified by the behavioral hospital. Interventions and goals in the care plan were outdated and did not address the resident's present mental health risks or needs. An interview with the director of nursing confirmed there was no documented evidence that the care plan had been reviewed or revised to reflect the resident's current condition and required interventions.
Failure to Label Enteral Feeding and Maintain Sanitary Equipment
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of dysphagia and Alzheimer's disease was admitted with a physician's order for continuous enteral feeding via a PEG tube. During observation, the enteral feeding container in use for this resident was found to be lacking a label indicating the date and time it was opened and hung, which is required to ensure safe administration within the recommended 48-hour timeframe as per facility policy. This omission was directly observed while the tube feeding and pump were running and delivering nutrition to the resident. Additionally, the resident's wheelchair and the attached feeding pole were observed to be coated with a dried tan residue, which was present on multiple surfaces including the seat cushion, seat support, back support, armrests, and wheels. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that housekeeping is responsible for scheduled cleaning of all wheelchairs and that all staff are expected to clean wheelchairs immediately when soiled. The facility failed to ensure proper labeling of enteral feeding containers and did not maintain the resident's equipment in a sanitary condition.
Failure to Provide Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Care for Resident with PTSD
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement an individualized, person-centered plan to provide trauma-informed care for a resident diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A review of the facility's policy on trauma-informed care indicated that care and services should be culturally competent, account for resident experiences and preferences, and address the needs of trauma survivors by minimizing triggers and re-traumatization. However, the clinical record for the resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including PTSD and anxiety, did not include identification of PTSD symptoms, triggers, or resident-specific interventions to address these needs. Additionally, an outside psychiatry consultation for the resident did not mention a history of PTSD, and the current care plan in effect at the time of review failed to address the resident's PTSD diagnosis or provide interventions to minimize triggers and re-traumatization. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and Social Services Director confirmed that the facility could not demonstrate the provision of culturally competent, trauma-informed care in accordance with professional standards and the resident's preferences.
Failure to Prevent and Manage Pressure Ulcers Resulting in Actual Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement care and services consistent with professional standards of practice to prevent the development of a pressure ulcer for a resident, resulting in actual harm. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including muscle weakness, dysphagia, and urinary retention, and was identified as being at moderate risk for pressure injury development. The care plan included interventions such as a pressure-reducing mattress, wheelchair cushion, encouragement of nutrition and hydration, weekly skin assessments, and repositioning every two hours. However, documentation and staff interviews revealed that these interventions, particularly scheduled turning and repositioning, were not consistently implemented or documented as ordered by the physician. Clinical records and task summary reports from the period in question failed to show evidence that staff performed the required pressure ulcer prevention tasks, specifically scheduled turning and repositioning. Additionally, licensed nursing staff did not develop or implement timely interventions to address the resident's decreased mobility and risk for pressure injuries. The facility was also unable to provide evidence of weight loss or treatment refusals by the resident, and there were inconsistencies in the administration of prescribed nutritional supplements. Over the course of several weeks, the resident developed new pressure ulcers on the buttocks and sacrum, which progressed from Stage II to unstageable ulcers with slough and eschar, eventually merging into a large ulceration. Despite updates to the care plan and new treatment orders, the lack of consistent implementation of preventive measures and documentation contributed to the worsening of the resident's condition, ultimately resulting in the resident being sent to the emergency room for evaluation due to the deterioration of the sacral wound.
Failure to Enforce Compliance and Ethics Program Regarding Vendor Kickbacks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to effectively implement and enforce its compliance and ethics program, as evidenced by the actions of two employees in the activity department and business office. The Code of Ethics manual required all employees to undergo compliance training and to report any unethical, illegal, or unprofessional behavior. Despite this, Employee 1, the Activities Director, accepted monetary payments from an insurance vendor in exchange for introducing the vendor to residents and/or their responsible parties, resulting in several residents being signed up for the vendor's insurance plan. Employee 1 admitted to accepting payments on multiple occasions, motivated by financial need and persistent encouragement from the vendor. Employee 2, the Business Office Manager, was aware of the vendor's offers to compensate staff for facilitating insurance enrollments, having witnessed such discussions at a staff party and being directly offered payment to intervene with a resident's family regarding insurance enrollment. Despite completing annual training on the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance, Employee 2 did not report these unethical solicitations to facility leadership or the compliance hotline, as required by facility policy. Other employees who witnessed the vendor's discussions also failed to report the behavior. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that she was unaware of the vendor's actions and the employees' involvement until the investigation was initiated. The lack of reporting by both Employee 1 and Employee 2, despite their training and the facility's mandatory reporting policy, demonstrated a failure in the facility's internal controls to monitor adherence to statutes, regulations, and program requirements. This deficiency resulted in the facility's inability to prevent and detect criminal, civil, and administrative violations related to the Anti-Kickback statute and the facility's own Code of Ethics.
Facility Fails to Meet Nurse Aide Staffing Ratios
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the required nurse aide to resident ratios as stipulated by the 28 PA Code Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations, §211.12 Nursing Services, effective July 1, 2024. Specifically, the facility did not provide the minimum number of nurse aides per resident on six out of twenty-one reviewed shifts. The regulation mandates a minimum of 1 nurse aide per 10 residents during the day, 1 nurse aide per 11 residents during the evening, and 1 nurse aide per 15 residents overnight. However, on several dates in January 2025, the facility's staffing records showed a shortfall in the required number of nurse aides for the night and evening shifts, based on the facility's census. For instance, on January 5, 2025, the night shift had 6.30 nurse aides instead of the required 7.07 for a census of 106 residents. Similarly, on January 6, 2025, the evening shift had 9.07 nurse aides instead of the required 9.73 for a census of 107 residents. These deficiencies were confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator on January 28, 2025. The report also noted that no additional higher-level staff were available to compensate for the staffing shortfall on the mentioned dates.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the Nurse Aide Staff to resident ratios on previous shifts. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum nurse aide to resident ratios on all shifts, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient ratios 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and comprehensive team approach. The facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. A call-in list is used to attempt to fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy is reviewed and revised as needed with IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor Nurse Aide to resident ratios 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum Nurse Aide to resident ratios are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
LPN Staffing Deficiency on Day Shift
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the required minimum staffing levels for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) during the day shift on one occasion. Specifically, on January 11, 2025, the facility did not provide the mandated ratio of one LPN per 25 residents, as evidenced by staffing records showing only 3.40 LPNs available for a resident census of 108, where 4.32 LPNs were required. This deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator on January 28, 2025.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the Licensed Practical Nurse staff to resident ratios on previous shifts. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum Licensed Practical Nurse staff to resident ratios on all shifts, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow-up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient hours 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and a comprehensive team approach. The facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care, as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. A call-in list is used to attempt to fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy is reviewed and revised as needed with the IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor Licensed Practical Nurse staff to resident ratios 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum Licensed Practical Nurse to resident ratios are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
Failure to Meet Minimum Nursing Care Hours
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently meet the required minimum of 3.2 hours of direct resident care per resident per day, as mandated by the 28 PA Code Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations, effective July 1, 2024. A review of the facility's staffing levels revealed deficiencies on specific dates in January 2025, where the facility provided only 3.13, 3.00, and 3.06 direct care nursing hours per resident, respectively. This shortfall in nursing care hours was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator on January 28, 2025.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the per patient hours on previous days. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum 3.20 per patient hours per day, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient hours 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and comprehensive team approach. The facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules etc. for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. A call-in list is used to attempt to fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy is reviewed and revised as needed with IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor per patient hours 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum 2.87 per patient hours are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
Staffing Deficiency in Nurse Aide Ratios
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the required nurse aide to resident ratios on 18 out of 48 shifts reviewed. The regulation, effective July 1, 2024, mandates a minimum of 1 nurse aide per 10 residents during the day, 1 per 11 residents in the evening, and 1 per 15 residents overnight. However, the facility's staffing records revealed multiple instances where the number of nurse aides fell short of these requirements. For example, on December 17, 2024, the night shift had 5.5 nurse aides instead of the required 6.73 for a census of 101 residents. Similar deficiencies were noted on various dates, including December 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, across different shifts. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed during an interview on January 3, 2025, that the facility did not meet the required nurse aide to resident ratios on the specified dates. Additionally, there were no higher-level staff available to compensate for the staffing deficiencies. This lack of adequate staffing was consistent across several shifts, indicating a systemic issue in maintaining the mandated staffing levels.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the Nurse Aide Staff to resident ratios on past shifts identified. The facility cannot retroactively correct the Nurse Aide Staff to resident ratios on previous shifts. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum nurse aide to resident ratios on all shifts, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient ratios 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and comprehensive team approach. The facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules etc. for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. A call-in list is used to attempt to fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy is reviewed and revised as needed with IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor Nurse Aide to resident ratios 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum Nurse Aide to resident ratios are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
LPN Staffing Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet the required LPN-to-resident ratios on six shifts out of 48 reviewed, as evidenced by a review of nurse staffing records and staff interviews. Specifically, on December 21, 2024, the evening shift had 2.88 LPNs instead of the required 3.37 for a census of 101 residents. On December 22, 2024, the night shift had 2.38 LPNs instead of the required 2.53 for the same census. On December 25, 2024, the day shift had 3.19 LPNs instead of the required 4.16 for a census of 104, and the evening shift had 3.19 LPNs instead of the required 3.47. On December 30, 2024, the evening shift had 3.5 LPNs instead of the required 3.57 for a census of 107. Finally, on December 31, 2024, the night shift had 2.13 LPNs instead of the required 2.73 for a census of 109. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed these deficiencies during an interview on January 3, 2025.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the Licensed Practical Nurse Staff to resident ratios on past shifts identified. The facility cannot retroactively correct the Licensed Practical Nurse Staff to resident ratios on previous shifts. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum Licensed Practical Nurse staff to resident ratios on all shifts, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow-up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient hours 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and comprehensive team approach. The facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules, etc. for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. A call-in list is used to attempt to fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy is reviewed and revised as needed with IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor Licensed Practical Nurse Staff to resident ratios 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum Licensed Practical Nurse to resident ratios are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
Failure to Meet Minimum Nursing Care Hours
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently meet the regulatory requirement of providing a minimum of 3.2 hours of direct nursing care per resident per day. A review of the facility's staffing levels revealed that on several dates, including December 22, 25, 27, 29, 30, 2024, and January 1, 2025, the facility provided less than the required nursing care hours, with figures ranging from 2.88 to 3.19 hours per resident. An interview with the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the facility's inability to meet the mandated staffing levels on these dates.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the per patient hours on past days identified. The facility cannot retroactively correct the per patient hours on previous days. The NHA/Designee educated the Nursing Staff Scheduler and Director of Nursing on minimum 3.20 per patient hours per day, ensuring continued proactive planning and follow up to address issues identified. Daily staffing meetings will be held with the NHA, Staff Scheduler, DON, and other team members as necessary to review per patient hours 5 days per week to review projected staffing, reconcile prior days staffing, and follow up as needed for continued improvement and comprehensive team approach. Facility utilizes contracted nursing staff, incentives, and flexible schedules etc. for current staff, focuses on recruitment of direct hire staff for continuity of care as well as employee engagement, feedback through town hall meetings, and individualized support to decrease absences. Call in list used to attempt fill unexpected absences. Resident occupancy reviewed and revised as needed with IDT during staffing meetings. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor per patient hours 5 days per week for 4 weeks, then one per week for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure minimum 2.87 per patient hours are met. The NHA/Designee will quality monitor daily staffing meetings 5 days per week for 4 weeks, weekly for 3 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure staffing meetings are occurring with required attendees.
Inadequate Infection Control Program Leads to Scabies Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive infection control program, which led to the spread of infectious diseases, including scabies, among residents and staff. The infection control tracking logs lacked detailed data collection necessary for monitoring and investigating infections, such as resident room location, infectious organism, treatment, infection start and resolution dates, symptoms, and culture information. This lack of documentation prevented the facility from identifying potential trends and implementing specific interventions to prevent the spread of infections. Resident 7, who was admitted with heart disease and chronic kidney disease, developed an itchy rash that persisted despite treatment with Triamcinolone cream and Cetirizine. The resident was placed on contact precautions, but the rash continued to spread, leading to a dermatology consult that confirmed scabies. The facility's infection control documentation revealed that 12 additional residents and several staff members also developed itchy rashes, indicating a scabies outbreak. However, there was no evidence of consistent nursing assessments or documentation regarding staff rashes and treatments. The facility's central supply room was found to be in poor condition, with visible dirt, debris, and unclean equipment, further indicating a failure to maintain an environment conducive to infection prevention. The Director of Nursing confirmed that infection control practices were not maintained, and the facility failed to implement proper infection control practices, including their established policy and procedures, to prevent and mitigate the spread of scabies.
Delayed Response to Call Bells Affects Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely responses to residents' requests for assistance, impacting their quality of life and dignity. This deficiency was identified through a review of clinical records, resident council meeting minutes, grievances, and interviews with residents and staff. Specifically, two residents out of 21 sampled, and five out of nine residents during a group interview, reported experiencing long wait times for staff to respond to call bells. Resident 25, who is moderately cognitively impaired, reported waiting 20 minutes or longer for assistance. Resident 74, who is cognitively intact, described waiting from 15 minutes to two hours for care, including a two-hour wait for pain medication. During a resident council group interview, several residents expressed distress over the long wait times. Resident 24 reported waiting 20 to 30 minutes for assistance, while Resident 28 noted that the wait time is particularly long in the evening. Resident 31 mentioned that staff sometimes turn off the call bell without returning promptly. Resident 55 shared an experience of being left on the toilet for 30 minutes, and Resident 57 indicated that she often waits 30 minutes for assistance, leading her to transfer herself to the bathroom unsafely. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing acknowledged the importance of treating residents with dignity and respect but could not explain the untimely responses to residents' requests.
Failure to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently provide care and services to prevent the development of pressure sores for two residents. Resident 19, who was admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was cognitively intact, developed a Stage II pressure injury on her left ear due to oxygen tubing. Despite having a care plan in place to prevent skin breakdown, the facility did not consistently implement effective interventions, such as padding the oxygen tubing, leading to the development of the pressure injury. Resident 26, who was readmitted with a left hip fracture, reduced mobility, and Alzheimer's disease, developed pressure areas on her left buttock and sacrum. The facility's records did not show that staff performed necessary pressure ulcer prevention tasks, such as scheduled turning and repositioning or frequent incontinence care. Additionally, there was no documentation of interventions being developed and implemented to prevent pressure areas related to the resident's declined mobility. The facility's failure to implement consistent and appropriate measures resulted in the worsening of Resident 26's sacral wound, which progressed from a Stage II to an unstageable pressure area. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility did not take consistent actions to prevent the development and worsening of pressure sores for the residents involved.
Failure to Provide Restorative Nursing Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received appropriate services and assistance to maintain or improve mobility, as required by their restorative nursing program. Resident 74, who was admitted with chronic kidney disease and pulmonary embolism, was cognitively intact and had been placed on a restorative nursing program for ambulation and active range of motion. This program was initiated in April 2024 and discontinued in November 2024. However, documentation revealed that the resident did not receive or was not offered the scheduled restorative nursing program on 18 occasions between October and November 2024. Despite a physical therapy discharge summary indicating that the resident's prognosis to maintain their current level of function was excellent with participation in the restorative nursing program, the resident reported not receiving the necessary therapy or services. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the facility's responsibility to provide these services but could not provide documented evidence that the resident received the planned restorative nursing services. This lack of service delivery was confirmed through interviews and a review of the facility's policy and clinical records.
Failure to Provide Individualized Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess and implement individualized measures to meet the toileting needs of a resident, identified as Resident 26, who was part of a sample of 21 residents. The facility's policy required residents to be evaluated for continence upon admission, quarterly, and with significant changes in status. However, despite Resident 26's documented incontinence and cognitive impairment, the facility did not provide evidence of a tailored continence management program or frequent incontinence checks and care. This lack of individualized care was evident in the resident's care plan, which did not reflect necessary interventions to prevent skin breakdown due to incontinence. Resident 26, who had Alzheimer's disease and was severely cognitively impaired, was always incontinent of bowel and bladder and required substantial assistance with personal care. After being readmitted to the facility with additional diagnoses, including a hip fracture and reduced mobility, the resident developed a Stage II pressure ulcer on the sacrum. The facility's investigation revealed that staff did not perform more frequent incontinence checks and care, which contributed to the development of the pressure ulcer. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the facility's inability to provide evidence of consistent and timely incontinence management for Resident 26.
Failure to Provide Timely Pharmaceutical Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident, identified as Resident 9, who was prescribed Pregabalin Oral Capsule 25 mg for neuropathic pain management. The deficiency occurred when the resident did not receive six doses of the medication from November 8, 2024, through November 10, 2024, due to the pharmacy not delivering the medication to the facility. Despite a physician order initiated on November 8, 2024, and communication between the facility and pharmacy services, the medication was not administered as required. The facility's policy requires that all controlled substance orders be communicated to the pharmacy, with specific instructions for timely delivery if needed before the next scheduled delivery. However, despite a STAT delivery request and confirmation of the prescription receipt by the pharmacy, the medication was not provided until November 10, 2024, at 9:00 PM. The Director of Nursing confirmed the failure to provide the medication as prescribed, acknowledging the facility's responsibility to ensure pharmacy services meet each resident's needs.
Lack of Documentation for Antipsychotic Use in Resident with Anxiety
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper documentation and justification for the continued use of an antipsychotic medication, quetiapine fumarate, for a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and generalized anxiety disorder. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, was prescribed quetiapine to manage anxiety. However, the clinical records lacked evidence of the physician's documentation of the clinical rationale for the continued administration of this medication. Despite behavior tracking indicating no maladaptive behaviors related to anxiety, the resident's quetiapine dosage was increased without adequate documentation of the necessity for such an increase. The facility's records did not show any individualized non-pharmacological interventions being developed or implemented to address the resident's anxiety-related behaviors. Furthermore, the resident's care plan did not identify anxiety or related behavioral symptoms as a problem, nor did it include any non-pharmacological strategies. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing revealed that they could not provide documented evidence justifying the use of the antipsychotic medication for the resident's anxiety. Additionally, they were unable to demonstrate that the facility had attempted to develop and implement non-pharmacological interventions to manage the resident's anxiety. This lack of documentation and failure to explore alternative interventions contributed to the deficiency identified in the report.
Failure to Maintain Clean Environment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and homelike environment for Resident 76, as observed and reported during a survey. On October 16, 2024, Resident 76 reported that her soiled clothing was not being taken to the laundry, resulting in dirty clothes accumulating at the bottom of her closet. This was confirmed during an observation at the same time, where several dirty clothing articles were found crumpled on the bottom shelf of her closet. Employee 1, an LPN, acknowledged that the facility is responsible for washing Resident 76's clothing and confirmed that soiled clothing should be placed in a laundry receptacle for cleaning. The LPN also confirmed the presence of dirty clothing in the closet and removed them. The Nursing Home Administrator later confirmed the facility's responsibility to maintain a clean and homelike environment for all residents.
Failure to Administer Timely Antibiotic Treatment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide nursing services consistent with professional standards of practice by not ensuring that a physician-ordered antibiotic was timely obtained and administered to a resident diagnosed with cellulitis. The resident, who was admitted with a diagnosis including chronic atrial fibrillation, was noted to have a slight pink discoloration on her right lower extremity, leading to a physician's order for Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day. However, the pharmacy did not send the medication due to the resident's known allergy to tetracycline, which is contraindicated with Doxycycline. Despite this, the facility did not take timely action to address the issue. The nursing staff failed to implement the facility's policy for notification of change in condition, which required contacting the medical director if the attending physician did not respond in a reasonable time. The physician did not respond to the facility's attempts to clarify and confirm the order, resulting in the resident not receiving any doses of the prescribed medication or an alternative treatment for her cellulitis. Interviews with the resident and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the delay in treatment and the failure to contact the medical director to change the medication order.
Unnecessary Antibiotic Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's drug regimen was free from unnecessary antibiotics, as required by their antibiotic stewardship policy. The policy emphasizes the importance of prescribing antibiotics only when necessary to prevent issues such as gastrointestinal disease and drug-resistant pathogens. Despite this, a resident was prescribed and administered Macrodantin for a urinary tract infection without meeting the criteria for antibiotic therapy. The resident's clinical records showed no symptoms of a urinary tract infection, yet the medication was administered following the insistence of the resident's family. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 14, had a urine culture showing E. coli growth, but no symptoms were documented to justify the antibiotic treatment. The facility's Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the criteria for antibiotic therapy were not met, acknowledging the facility's responsibility to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use. This incident highlights a lapse in adhering to the facility's antibiotic stewardship program, as the decision to administer antibiotics was influenced by external pressure rather than clinical necessity.
Failure to Implement Pressure Ulcer Care and Timely Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care to promote healing and prevent the worsening of a pressure sore for a resident, leading to deterioration and clinical complications. The resident, who was admitted with a pressure ulcer on the right heel, was at risk for developing pressure ulcers and had unhealed pressure ulcers. Upon admission, the resident's pressure wound was noted as unstageable and necrotic, but no further assessment details were documented. The care plan did not include measures to reduce pressure on the unstageable pressure ulcer, such as offloading pressure, turning, and repositioning. Subsequent assessments failed to document thorough details of the pressure wound, and the wound increased in size over time. A wound consult later revealed the pressure sore had worsened, with recommendations for a repositioning schedule and the use of Prevalon boots, which were not implemented by the facility. The resident's condition deteriorated further, with an x-ray revealing calcaneus erosion consistent with osteomyelitis, a bone infection. The facility did not timely notify the physician of the x-ray results, delaying prompt treatment. The resident was eventually sent to the hospital with worsening symptoms, including a non-healing wound and osteomyelitis. Hospital records indicated that the resident's wounds were extensive, and without debridement of dead bone, the chances of curing the osteomyelitis were minimal. The facility's failure to implement recommended measures and document thorough assessments contributed to the resident's declining condition.
Inadequate Wound Assessment and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide nursing services consistent with professional standards of quality, as evidenced by the inadequate evaluation and documentation of a resident's wounds. The resident, who was admitted with multiple wounds including venous ulcers and a necrotic pressure ulcer, did not have a complete assessment documented by the nursing staff. The assessments lacked critical details such as drainage, wound description, and the condition of surrounding tissue, which are essential for monitoring and treatment. The nursing staff also failed to differentiate between pressure and non-pressure wounds in their documentation, leading to incomplete and inaccurate records. This oversight was evident in multiple assessments where the type of wound was not identified, and the specific locations of wounds on the resident's body were not clearly documented. This lack of thorough documentation hindered the ability to monitor the resident's condition effectively and identify any deterioration in a timely manner. The deficiency was further highlighted when a wound consultant noted significant deterioration in the resident's right heel, recommending an X-ray that revealed osteomyelitis. Despite receiving the X-ray results, there was no documentation of the attending physician being notified until several days later, delaying necessary treatment. This delay in communication and action contributed to the resident's condition worsening, as confirmed by hospital records indicating a severe infection requiring intravenous antibiotics.
Failure to Administer Prescribed IV Antibiotics
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the safe and appropriate administration of physician-ordered intravenous (IV) medications for a resident. Specifically, Resident 148, who was admitted with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) and diagnosed with a septic left knee and diabetes, did not receive the prescribed IV antibiotic, Daptomycin, on three consecutive days. The facility's policy on administering medications, which requires medications to be administered within one hour of their prescribed time, was not followed. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the nursing home administrator confirmed the failure to administer the IV antibiotic therapy as prescribed and the failure to notify the attending physician of the missed doses. This deficiency was identified during a review of the resident's Medication Administration Record and was corroborated by staff interviews, highlighting a lapse in the facility's adherence to its medication administration policy.
Failure in Pain Management Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate pain management for two residents by not attempting non-pharmacological interventions before administering opioid pain medication and not adhering to physician orders. Resident 8, diagnosed with fibromyalgia, had a physician order for oxycodone to be administered as needed for pain levels between 4 and 10. However, the facility's records showed that on multiple occasions in May, June, and July 2024, the medication was given without first attempting non-pharmacological interventions. This lack of adherence to protocol was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator. Similarly, Resident 20, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, had a physician order for oxycodone to be administered for pain levels between 7 and 10. Despite this, the facility's records indicated that the medication was administered for pain levels below the prescribed threshold on several occasions in May, June, and July 2024. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that there was no documented evidence of non-pharmacological interventions being attempted prior to administering the medication, and the facility did not follow the physician's orders for pain management.
Failure to Provide Timely Antibiotic Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely pharmacy services for Resident 148, who was admitted with a septic left knee and diabetes. A physician's order was in place for the administration of Daptomycin, an intravenous antibiotic, to be given daily in the morning until August 12, 2024. However, a review of the Medication Administration Record revealed that the antibiotic was not administered on July 12, 13, and 14, 2024. This lapse occurred because the facility's pharmacy did not deliver the medication on time, as confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator during an interview on July 19, 2024.
Failure to Document Pharmacist Drug Regimen Reviews
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a licensed pharmacist performed a comprehensive monthly drug regimen review for residents, as required by their policies and procedures. Specifically, the pharmacist did not identify and report irregularities in the drug regimens of four residents, nor was there evidence that physicians acted upon any identified irregularities. The residents involved had various diagnoses, including type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, viral hepatitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite the pharmacist completing medication regimen reviews on multiple occasions, the facility could not provide documentation of the results, any noted irregularities, recommendations made, or physician responses. During the survey, it was confirmed through a staff interview that the facility lacked documented evidence of the pharmacist's recommendations or identification of irregularities in the drug regimens of the residents. The Nursing Home Administrator verified the absence of documentation, which is a violation of the facility's regulatory requirements under 28 Pa. Code 211.9 (k) Pharmacy services, 28 Pa. Code 211.12 (c) Nursing services, and 28 Pa. Code 211.2 (d)(3) Medical Director. This deficiency was identified for four out of the 24 residents sampled during the survey.
Inadequate Infection Control Program Implementation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain and implement a comprehensive infection prevention and control program for two months, specifically June and July 2024. The facility's policy on infection control, last reviewed on May 9, 2024, outlines objectives to prevent, detect, investigate, and control infections, as well as maintain records of incidents and corrective actions. However, a review of the facility's infection control data revealed that the last recorded data for monitoring and managing healthcare-associated infections was completed on May 27, 2024. There was no documented evidence of infection control surveillance and data analysis activities from May 27, 2024, through July 19, 2024. During this period, the facility lacked a functional system to analyze infection clusters, changes in prevalent organisms, or increases in infection rates. Employee 6, the Infection Preventionist, indicated that she coordinated and implemented the infection control program until June 5, 2024, when she transitioned to a different role. She was unable to provide evidence of surveillance activities after May 27, 2024. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the Infection Preventionist was not performing the required duties to implement an effective infection control program, resulting in the facility's failure to fully implement a comprehensive program during the specified months.
Staffing Shortages Lead to Delayed Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by multiple grievances and interviews with residents and staff. Residents reported long wait times for call bell responses, with some waiting over 20 minutes for assistance. This issue was particularly prevalent during the evening shift and meal times when staff were occupied with other duties. Residents expressed feelings of frustration and anger due to the delays in receiving care, which sometimes resulted in accidents or unmet care needs. Clinical record reviews revealed that several residents, including those with chronic conditions such as COPD, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, were cognitively intact and aware of the staffing deficiencies. These residents reported that the facility was often short-staffed, especially on weekends, and that the number of new admissions had increased without a corresponding increase in nursing staff. This led to residents feeling rushed and dependent on staff for assistance with activities of daily living. Observations and interviews with staff confirmed the staffing shortages, with reports of nurse aides and LPNs calling off and not being replaced. The facility's staffing records showed that they failed to meet the required minimum state ratios for nurse aides and LPNs on numerous occasions. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the staffing issues and confirmed that the facility did not provide additional direct care staff to accommodate the increased resident census.
Facility Fails to Provide Accessible Smoking Area for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to uphold the residents' right to self-determination by not providing an accessible smoking area for residents who smoked prior to the implementation of a new non-smoking policy. Two residents, identified as Resident 21 and Resident 72, were affected by this change. Resident 21, who is cognitively intact and uses a wheelchair for mobility, expressed frustration as she could no longer smoke on facility grounds and required assistance to reach the designated smoking area across the street. Similarly, Resident 72, who has moderate cognitive impairment and requires substantial help for mobility, was unable to access the smoking area without assistance. The facility's new smoking policy, effective May 10, 2024, prohibited smoking on facility grounds and required residents to sign out and smoke offsite. This policy change was discussed in a Resident Council meeting, and residents were informed that staff would no longer assist with smoking. The designated smoking area was located across the street, which presented mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and potential hazards, making it difficult for residents in wheelchairs to access safely. During interviews, both residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of assistance and the inability to smoke as they had before. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the policy change and acknowledged the difficulties residents faced in reaching the smoking area. The facility offered smoking cessation programs and assistance with transferring to another facility for residents who wished to continue smoking, but failed to provide a safe and accessible smoking area for current residents who smoked.
Failure to Notify Resident Representative of Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely notify the resident representative of an allegation of physical abuse involving Resident 35. Resident 35, who was admitted with diagnoses including spinal stenosis and hypertension, reported an incident where another resident, Resident 87, entered her room uninvited and slapped her in the face. This incident occurred when Resident 35 asked Resident 87 to put down an orange. Despite the seriousness of the incident, there was no documented evidence that the facility informed Resident 35's representative, who holds medical and financial Power of Attorney, about the reported abuse. The incident was documented in a facility incident report dated July 9, 2024, and a grievance report dated July 11, 2024, highlighted the representative's dissatisfaction with not being informed. An interview with the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the failure to notify the resident's representative in a timely manner. This deficiency is a violation of the Pennsylvania Code, specifically 28 Pa. Code 211.12 (d)(3)(5) regarding nursing services and 28 Pa. Code 201.29 (b) concerning resident rights.
Failure to Maintain Comfortable Environment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a comfortable environment for Resident 89, who was admitted with a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and is cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15. The resident reported that the temperature in his room was too warm and uncomfortable due to a non-functioning cooling unit, which had been an issue since his admission over a month ago. Despite the facility offering a room change, the resident preferred to stay in his current room with a functioning cooling unit. Observations and interviews revealed that the air cooling unit in the resident's room had not been functioning for over a month, with the room temperature recorded at 75.1 F. A maintenance request order dated May 24, 2024, indicated the issue, but no repairs had been made by the time of the survey ending July 19, 2024. The Nursing Home Administrator was unable to provide evidence of scheduled or in-progress repairs, confirming the facility's responsibility to ensure a comfortable environment for residents.
Failure to Protect Resident from Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse and mental anguish, as evidenced by an incident involving two residents. Resident 35, who was cognitively intact, reported that Resident 87, who was severely cognitively impaired, entered her room uninvited and slapped her in the face after being told to return an orange she had taken. The incident report indicated that Resident 35 was assessed with no injuries noted, but she expressed upset over the incident and concern about Resident 87's potential for further aggression. The facility's policy on abuse prevention and investigation was not effectively implemented, as Resident 87 had a known history of entering other residents' rooms uninvited and becoming agitated. Despite this, adequate measures were not in place to prevent the incident. The RN Supervisor acknowledged being aware of Resident 87's behavior and potential for aggression, yet the facility did not ensure sufficient supervision or intervention to prevent the altercation. The nursing home administrator confirmed the facility's failure to protect Resident 35 from abuse.
Failure to Investigate Alleged Abuse and Injury of Unknown Source
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate an injury of unknown source for Resident 24, who was severely cognitively impaired and receiving anticoagulant therapy. Despite multiple instances of unexplained vaginal bleeding documented in nursing progress notes, there was no evidence that the facility conducted an investigation to rule out abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed that no investigation or physical examination was conducted to determine the cause of the bleeding, which was a violation of the facility's abuse prohibition policy. Additionally, the facility did not thoroughly investigate an allegation of physical abuse involving Resident 35, who reported being slapped by another resident, Resident 87. The incident report noted that Resident 35 was assessed with no injuries, but the investigation lacked a statement from the staff member who initially reported the incident. Interviews revealed that Resident 87 had a history of entering other residents' rooms uninvited and becoming agitated, yet the facility did not substantiate the abuse allegation due to a lack of corroborating evidence. The facility's failure to conduct thorough investigations in both cases highlights a deficiency in adhering to their abuse prohibition policy. The policy mandates immediate reporting and investigation of any injury of unknown source or abuse allegation, which was not followed in these instances. This oversight potentially compromised the safety and well-being of the residents involved.
Inaccurate MDS Assessment for Discharged Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessments accurately reflected the status of a resident. Specifically, the MDS assessment for a resident who was discharged from the facility was found to be inaccurate. The resident's Discharge MDS assessment indicated that they were discharged to a short-term general hospital, whereas the Discharge Plan and Instructions showed that the resident was actually discharged home. This discrepancy was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator.
Failure to Implement Individualized Dementia Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement individualized plans to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms for a resident, identified as Resident 87, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and was severely cognitively impaired. The deficiency was identified following an incident where Resident 87 entered another resident's room uninvited and slapped the resident when confronted. The care plan for Resident 87, initially dated April 10, 2024, did not adequately address the resident's behaviors of intrusive wandering, taking items that did not belong to her, and potential for agitation when confronted. Interviews with staff and residents revealed that Resident 87 had been exhibiting behaviors such as entering other residents' rooms uninvited and becoming agitated when told no. Despite these behaviors, the facility did not have a comprehensive, individualized person-centered plan to address and manage these dementia-related behaviors. The facility's failure to document and implement specific interventions to manage Resident 87's behaviors was confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator, who acknowledged the lack of a comprehensive care plan to address these issues.
Failure to Notify Physician of Abnormal X-ray Results
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify the attending physician of abnormal x-ray results for a resident, leading to a delay in treatment. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Type 2 diabetes and multiple ulcers, had a wound consult on July 10, 2024, which recommended an x-ray due to the deterioration of a pressure ulcer on the right heel. The x-ray, completed on July 11, 2024, revealed calcaneus erosion consistent with osteomyelitis. However, there was no documentation indicating that the physician was informed of these results on the same day. The deficiency was further highlighted when a change in condition assessment five days later noted increased pain and confirmed osteomyelitis, prompting the physician to be notified and the resident to be sent to the hospital. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the failure to notify the physician promptly, which was a breach of the facility's responsibility to ensure timely communication of critical health information.
Failure to Document Resident Incident and Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate and complete clinical records for two residents, as required by professional standards of practice. Resident 35, who was admitted with spinal stenosis and hypertension, reported an incident where Resident 87, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, entered her room uninvited and slapped her. Despite this report, there was no documentation in the clinical records of either resident regarding the incident of intrusive wandering and physical abuse. The deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator, who acknowledged the absence of documented evidence in the clinical records for both residents. This lack of documentation contravenes the American Nurses Association Principles for Nursing Documentation and the Title 49 Professional and Vocational Standards, which mandate timely and accurate record-keeping to ensure informed decisions and high-quality care.
Failure to Coordinate Hospice Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper coordination of care and services between the facility and the hospice agency for a resident diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the liver and bile duct. The resident was admitted to the facility and had a physician order for hospice services to be provided at the facility. However, during a survey, it was found that the resident's care plan did not reflect the necessary coordination of services between the facility and the hospice agency to meet the resident's daily care needs and specific needs related to their terminal diagnosis. This lack of coordination was confirmed during an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator.
Failure to Evaluate and Address Bowel and Bladder Incontinence
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly assess and evaluate bowel and bladder function for a resident, leading to a deficiency in providing appropriate care. The facility's policy requires residents to be evaluated for continence upon admission, quarterly, and with significant changes in status. However, for one resident, there was no documented evidence of a Bowel and Bladder evaluation or Bowel and Bladder Elimination Pattern evaluation being completed upon admission or quarterly, despite the resident's frequent incontinence of bladder and bowel. The resident's condition declined, as noted in the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, which showed an increase in bowel incontinence over time. The resident reported that nursing staff often took a long time to respond to call bells, resulting in delayed assistance with toileting. On one occasion, the resident waited over 15 minutes for help, leading to an accident due to bowel incontinence. The nursing home administrator confirmed that there was no documented evidence of the facility acting upon the resident's increased bowel incontinence or implementing any scheduled toileting programs in response to the decline in bowel function. This lack of timely evaluation and intervention contributed to the deficiency in care.
Failure to Implement Timely Disposition of Resident Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement a system to ensure the timely disposition of resident medications, leading to the improper storage of discontinued and unused medications. During an observation of the second-floor medication room, various medications, including antibiotics, pain medications, and diuretics, were found stored in drawers below the counter. These medications were in blister cards with preprinted pharmacy labels, some of which had the resident's name scratched off. Employee 2, a Registered Nurse, confirmed that these medications were not in a designated location for discontinued medications and should have been returned to the pharmacy for disposition. The RN was unable to explain the handwritten note found on top of the discontinued medications, which stated, 'all need to take turns.' Further observations in the third-floor medication room revealed similar issues, with medications stored in drawers and cupboards among resident care equipment. Medications such as heparin vials, Paxlovid, and Ipratropium-Albuterol solution were found improperly stored. Employee 1, an LPN, confirmed that these medications were not in a designated location for discontinued medications and should have been returned to the pharmacy. Both employees stated that pharmacy deliveries occur daily, and discontinued medications should be inventoried and placed in a pharmacy bag for return. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) confirmed that discontinued medications should be picked up by the pharmacy or destroyed by nursing staff and not stockpiled in medication rooms. The NHA stated that the facility is to return discontinued medications to the pharmacy at least quarterly but was unable to explain why medications belonging to a resident discharged months earlier were still in the facility. The facility failed to implement procedures to ensure the timely disposition and secure storage of discontinued medications.
Infection Control Deficiency in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the consistent implementation of infection control procedures in the third-floor medication room. During an observation on April 9, 2024, at approximately 9:28 AM, it was found that a small, dormitory-size medication refrigerator was located on the floor. Inside the refrigerator, resident medications were stored alongside two plastic, one-gallon containers of iced tea and six 16 fluid oz. bottles of salad dressings on the door. An interview with an LPN confirmed that the food and beverages stored in the medication refrigerator belonged to staff. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the facility failed to store medications under sanitary conditions, which could potentially spread infection.
Latest citations in Pennsylvania
Surveyors identified that a fire-rated separation door between building levels did not meet NFPA 101 multiple occupancy requirements. Initially, the basement separation door had holes where panic hardware had been removed and only a turning knob remained, compromising the door’s fire-rated function. On revisit, although panic hardware had been installed, the door still failed to latch properly in the frame due to friction. Facility leadership and maintenance staff acknowledged these door deficiencies.
Surveyors found that the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan was not compliant with regulatory requirements because it lacked a documented community-based all-hazards risk assessment and the facility-based hazard vulnerability analysis had not been updated on an annual basis. During document review and an interview with the Maintenance Director, it was confirmed that the community-based HVA was missing from the plan and that the existing facility-based assessment had last been updated in 2024, leaving the plan without current, comprehensive all-hazards risk assessments.
Surveyors observed that stair towers used as exits were not properly maintained, as multiple stair landings were being used for storage. Chairs were found stored on landings in several stairwells on one floor, and the Maintenance Director confirmed that these items were being kept within the stair towers.
Surveyors found that the common area soiled linen room on the second floor, classified as a hazardous area in a sprinklered location, had a door that failed to positively latch when tested. This door is required to self-close and latch to maintain proper separation for hazardous areas. The issue was confirmed with the Maintenance Director during the survey.
Surveyors found that oxygen storage requirements were not maintained when a freestanding oxygen cylinder was observed unsecured in a third-floor room and the C-Hall oxygen storage room door failed to close and latch due to a coordinator malfunction. The Maintenance Director confirmed these oxygen storage deficiencies during the survey exit interview.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to review and update its emergency preparedness policies and procedures on an annual basis. During document review, the facility could not provide a community-based HVA, which is required to inform updates to the emergency preparedness plan, and the facility-based HVA had not been updated as required. In an interview, the Maintenance Director confirmed both the missing community-based HVA and the lack of an annual update to the facility-based HVA.
Surveyors found that the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan lacked required policies and procedures for tracking the location of on-duty staff and sheltered patients during and after an emergency. The plan also did not include a method to document the specific name and location of any receiving facility or other site if staff and patients were relocated. During the exit interview, the Maintenance Director confirmed that these tracking and documentation procedures were not present in the plan, affecting the entire facility.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to develop and maintain required arrangements with other facilities and providers to receive patients if operations were limited or ceased. Document review showed that transfer agreements were missing, and this absence of formal arrangements to ensure continuity of services was confirmed by the Maintenance Director during the exit interview.
Surveyors determined that the facility’s emergency preparedness communication plan did not include any method for sharing appropriate information from the emergency plan with residents and their families or representatives. During document review and staff interviews, it was confirmed that the written plan lacked a defined process for communicating emergency planning information to residents and their representatives, and this omission affected the entire facility.
Two residents receiving PRN anti‑anxiety medications were not protected from potential chemical restraints when PRN lorazepam/Ativan orders lacked required 14‑day stop dates and physician re‑evaluation. One resident with schizoaffective disorder, dementia, and anxiety had a PRN Ativan order without a stop date that was administered multiple times over several months. Another resident with metabolic encephalopathy, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease had a PRN lorazepam order without a stop date that was still being administered weeks later, with no documented physician reassessment. The DON confirmed that these PRN psychotropic orders should have included 14‑day limitations but did not.
Noncompliant Fire-Rated Separation Door Between Multiple Occupancies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet NFPA 101 multiple occupancy construction type requirements by not maintaining a compliant fire-rated separation door between building levels. During an observation in the basement, surveyors found that the building separation door had holes where the fire exit (panic) hardware had been removed, and the only remaining hardware was a turning knob, compromising the integrity of the fire-rated door. In a subsequent onsite revisit, surveyors observed that although panic hardware had been installed on the same fire-rated door, the door failed to latch properly in the frame due to friction. The administrator and maintenance staff confirmed the presence of the holes in the fire-rated door and later confirmed that the door continued to have a deficiency because it did not latch.
Plan Of Correction
The Facility submits this Plan of Correction under procedures established by the Department of Health in order to comply with the Department's directive to change conditions which the Department alleges is deficient under State and/or Federal Long Term Care Regulations. This Plan of Correction should not be construed as either a waiver of the facility's right to appeal or challenge the accuracy or severity of the alleged deficiencies or an admission of past or ongoing violation of State and Federal regulatory requirements. Please accept this plan of correction as the facility's written credible allegation of compliance such that all alleged deficiencies cited have been or will be corrected by the date or dates indicated. To remain in compliance with all federal and state regulations, the facility has taken or will take the actions set forth in the following plan of correction. 1. The correct fire rated hardware was ordered and will be installed on the basement building separation door. 2. Results will be shared with the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee with corrections made as needed.
Failure to Maintain Current All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness Risk Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an Emergency Preparedness Plan that was based on and included both a documented facility-based and community-based risk assessment utilizing an all-hazards approach. During document review, surveyors found that the Emergency Preparedness Plan did not contain a documented community-based risk assessment. The plan therefore lacked the required community-based hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) component that should identify and address community-level emergency events. Surveyors also determined that the facility-based risk assessment within the Emergency Preparedness Plan had not been updated annually as required. The last update to the facility-based HVA was documented in 2024, indicating that it was not current at the time of review. During the exit interview, the Maintenance Director confirmed both the absence of the community-based HVA and that the facility-based HVA had not received the required annual update.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The facility will update the facility assessment to include the All Hazards Assessment annually. 4.2. The Director of Maintenance or designee Services will monitor bi-annually to meet compliance with E-006. Completion Date: 06/30/2026 Status: APPROVED Date: 06/09/2026
Improper Storage of Chairs in Exit Stair Towers
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that stairways and smokeproof enclosures used as exits were not properly maintained as required by NFPA 101. On one of five levels, multiple stair tower landings were being used for storage. During observations on May 4, 2026, chairs were stored on the landings of stair #2 on the third floor C-wing at 11:30 a.m., stair #3 on the third floor B-wing at 11:40 a.m., and stair #4 on the third floor A-wing at 11:50 a.m. In an exit interview on the same day at 1:30 p.m., the Maintenance Director confirmed the presence of this storage within the stair towers.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The chairs were permanently removed from the third floor C-wing, stair # 2, the third floor B-wing, stair # 3, and the third floor A-wing, stair # 4 on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026. 4.2. The maintenance staff will be in-serviced on importance of verifying that stairwells are cleared Stairways and smokeproof enclosures used 4.3. The maintenance staff will perform monthly audits to confirm that stairwells are cleared. Audits will be completed for 6 months. 4.4. The maintenance director will monitor to meet the compliance
Soiled Linen Room Door Failed to Latch in Hazardous Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to NFPA 101 hazardous area enclosure requirements when observing the soiled linen room on the second floor. During the survey, the common area soiled linen room door was tested and found to fail to positively latch. This room qualifies as a hazardous area in a sprinklered location, and the door is required to self-close and latch to maintain proper separation. The deficiency was confirmed during an exit interview with the Maintenance Director, who acknowledged the door problem. No residents or specific patient conditions were mentioned in the report, and no additional contributing actions or events beyond the failed latching mechanism of the soiled linen room door were described.
Plan Of Correction
K 03214.1. On the second floor, the common area soiled utility room door latch was repaired on May 4th, 2026. 4.2. The maintenance staff will be in-serviced to meet compliance requirements of K-0321; NFPA 101 Hazardous areas - enclosures. 4.3. The maintenance staff will perform monthly audits to meet compliance requirements of K-0321 to November 30th, 2026. 4.4. The maintenance director will monitor to meet the compliance requirements of K-0225. Completion Date: 06/30/2026 Status: APPROVED Date: 06/09/2026
Failure to Maintain Required Oxygen Cylinder Storage and Secured Storage Room
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified deficiencies in the facility’s compliance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 99 requirements for gas equipment cylinder and container storage. During observation on the third floor, surveyors found a freestanding oxygen cylinder in room 5352 at 11:30 a.m. This cylinder was not described as being secured or stored in accordance with the specified oxygen storage requirements, which include proper enclosure and handling precautions for cylinders available for immediate use in patient care areas. Further observation at 11:40 a.m. revealed that the C-Hall oxygen storage room door failed to close and latch due to a malfunctioning door coordinator. This condition meant the designated oxygen storage room was not being properly secured as required. During the exit interview on the same day at 1:30 p.m., the Maintenance Director confirmed the oxygen storage deficiencies observed by the surveyors.
Plan Of Correction
Completion Date: 06/30/2026 Status: APPROVED Date: 06/09/2026 4.1. The empty freestanding oxygen cylinder on the 3rd floor rom 5352 was removed & placed into the proper oxygen storage room on May 4th, 2026. The corridor malfunction identified on the c hall oxygen storage door will be repaired to ensure proper closure. 4.2. The maintenance staff will be in-serviced to meet compliance requirements of K-0923; NFPA 101 Gas equipment - Cylinder & container storage. 4.3. The maintenance staff will perform monthly audits to meet compliance requirements of K-0923 to November 30th, 2026. 4.4. The maintenance director will monitor to meet the compliance requirements of K-0923.
Failure to Annually Update Emergency Preparedness Policies and Risk Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that its emergency preparedness policies and procedures were reviewed and updated at least annually, as required. Surveyors cited that the facility did not have an emergency preparedness plan community-based risk assessment available for review. This community-based Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) is one of the required components used to update the facility’s emergency preparedness policies and procedures each year. During document review, surveyors found that the facility could not provide the community-based HVA and also confirmed that the facility-based HVA had not been updated annually as required. In an exit interview, the Maintenance Director acknowledged the absence of the community-based HVA and the missing annual update to the facility-based HVA, confirming that the emergency preparedness policies and procedures were not properly updated based on the emergency plan and risk assessment.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The facility will update the emergency preparedness to include the community based risk assessment 4.2. The Director of Maintenance or designee Services will monitor bi-annually to meet compliance with E-013.
Missing Emergency Tracking System for Staff and Patients
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, specifically the absence of required policies and procedures for tracking on-duty staff and sheltered patients during an emergency. During document review, the surveyor examined the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and found that it did not contain a system to track the location of on-duty staff and sheltered patients in the facility’s care during an emergency. The review further showed that the plan lacked provisions to document the specific name and location of any receiving facility or other location if on-duty staff and sheltered patients were relocated during an emergency. In an exit interview, the Maintenance Director confirmed that these policies and procedures were missing from the Emergency Preparedness Plan, affecting the entire facility.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The facility will update the emergency preparedness plan to include a system to track the location of on-duty staff and sheltered patients in the facility's care during an emergency; the specific name and location of the receiving facility or other location of on-duty staff and sheltered patients are relocated during an emergency. 4.2. The Director of Maintenance or designee will monitor bi-annually to meet compliance with E-0018.
Lack of Emergency Transfer Arrangements With Other Facilities
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and maintain arrangements with other facilities and providers to receive patients if the facility experiences limitations or cessation of operations. During document review, surveyors determined that the facility did not have the required transfer agreements or documented arrangements in place as mandated under the emergency preparedness regulations, which require policies and procedures to ensure continuity of services to patients. On the date of the survey, at a specified time in the morning, the surveyor’s review of facility documentation showed that these arrangements were missing. In an exit interview later that day, the Maintenance Director confirmed that the transfer agreements were not in place, corroborating the surveyor’s findings that the facility lacked the necessary arrangements to ensure continuity of services in an emergency situation.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The facility will update the emergency preparedness plan to provide arrangements with other facilities and other providers to receive patients in the event of limitations or cessation of operations to maintain the continuity of services to facility patients. 4.2. The Director of Maintenance or designee will monitor bi-annually to meet compliance with E-0025. Completion Date: 07/07/2026 Status: APPROVED Date: 06/09/2026
Failure to Include Resident/Family Communication Method in Emergency Plan
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain and update an emergency preparedness communication plan that included a method for sharing information from the emergency plan with residents and their families or representatives. During document review and interview on May 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., the surveyor determined that the written emergency communications plan lacked any described process or method for communicating appropriate portions of the emergency plan to residents and their families or representatives, affecting the entire facility. In an exit interview with the Maintenance Director on the same day at 1:30 p.m., the Maintenance Director confirmed that the emergency communications plan did not include such a method for sharing information from the emergency plan with residents and their families or representatives. No specific residents, medical histories, or clinical conditions were identified in the report, and the deficiency pertained to the facility-wide emergency preparedness communication plan documentation and content.
Plan Of Correction
4.1. The facility will update the emergency communications plan to include a method of sharing information from the emergency plan with the residents and their families or representatives, affecting the entire facility. 4.2. The Director of Maintenance or designee will monitor bi-annually to meet compliance with E-0035.
Failure to Limit and Re‑Evaluate PRN Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that residents were free from potential chemical restraints by not complying with federal requirements for PRN psychotropic medications. For one resident with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, dementia, and anxiety disorder, the MDS showed cognitive impairment and the care plan identified mood problems, yelling out, and anxiety/restlessness. A physician ordered PRN Ativan for anxiety with no stop date specified. The MAR showed the PRN Ativan was administered multiple times over several months, including in January, March, and April 2026, without a 14‑day limitation or documented stop date. The DON stated that the PRN order was supposed to have a 14‑day stop date, confirming that the order did not meet regulatory requirements. For another resident with metabolic encephalopathy, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease, a physician ordered PRN lorazepam every four hours for anxiety, again without a specified stop date. The MAR documented administration of lorazepam nearly a month after the order was written, with no evidence that the physician had re‑evaluated the continued use of the PRN anti‑anxiety medication beyond 14 days. The DON confirmed that no stop date had been added to this order. These omissions resulted in PRN psychotropic medications being available and used beyond 14 days without required time limitations or documented physician re‑evaluation, constituting a failure to ensure residents were free from potential chemical restraints and unnecessary drugs.
Plan Of Correction
Pharmacist will send out a re-education to all the providers regarding PRN psychotropics and end dates by May 4, 2026. Resident records for all residents receiving psychotropics were checked on April 30, 2026- no other orders were missing stop dates. New psychotropic orders added to Point Click Care dashboard on May 1, 2026- listing shows new orders and stop dates. Interdisciplinary team will review dashboard during clinical meeting for stop dates- any missing stop dates will be added. Charge nurses will audit order listing report for new psychotropic orders- 5 residents will be audited x 4 weeks, then 2 residents per week for 4 weeks, then random residents monthly. Audits will be added to quality indicators and reviewed at QAPI.
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Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
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