Alpine Nursing Home Inc
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Coventry, Rhode Island.
- Location
- 557 Weaver Hill Road, Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
- CMS Provider Number
- 415089
- Inspections on file
- 20
- Latest survey
- March 27, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Alpine Nursing Home Inc during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to meet the nutritional needs of residents as its diet manual did not include national guidelines or current Dietary Reference Intakes. Additionally, the menu served lacked standardized recipes, and the Food Service Director confirmed the absence of recipes with caloric and nutrient content.
The facility was cited for several deficiencies in food service safety, including improperly labeled spray bottles, accumulation of grease on kitchen surfaces, uncovered trash receptacles, and improper cooling of food. These issues were observed during a survey and acknowledged by the Food Service Director.
A facility failed to follow a physician's order for a resident with bradycardia by measuring the radial pulse instead of the apical pulse. The Medication Technician documented the radial pulse as the apical pulse on the MAR for multiple days, which was acknowledged by the Director of Nursing Services.
The facility failed to provide trauma-informed care for five residents by not completing trauma assessments or developing care plans that accounted for their traumatic experiences and preferences. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed the lack of completed assessments, despite the facility's policy emphasizing the importance of addressing past trauma.
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff had the necessary competencies to provide safe and effective care. Five Medication Technicians were found to lack the skills to obtain an apical pulse, impacting the care of a resident with bradycardia. The Director of Nursing Services confirmed the absence of competency assessments for these staff members.
The facility failed to provide respiratory care consistent with professional standards for two residents. One resident's oxygen tubing was not changed as ordered, and another resident received an incorrect oxygen flow rate. Both discrepancies were acknowledged by nursing staff and the Director of Nursing Services.
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for two residents receiving oxygen therapy. One resident's oxygen tubing was not changed as documented, and another resident's PRN oxygen administration was not recorded in the Treatment Administration Record.
The facility failed to conduct appropriate infection control practices for two staff members during the care of COVID-19 positive residents. Staff D administered eye drops without gloves and did not perform hand hygiene, while Staff E performed nail care without gloves and brushed nail clippings onto the floor. Both staff members admitted to not following proper PPE protocols.
The facility failed to ensure accurate assessments for a resident with hand contractures. Despite OT evaluations documenting contractures in both hands, the MDS Assessments did not reflect these findings on multiple dates. The Therapy Manager and DON confirmed the oversight, acknowledging the inaccuracy in the assessments.
Failure to Meet Nutritional Needs Due to Lack of Standardized Recipes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a dietary menu that meets the nutritional needs of residents in accordance with established national guidelines. The facility's diet manual, titled Alpine Nursing Home LLC Dietary Manual 2024-2025, did not include the established national guidelines for developing regular and therapeutic diet menus. Additionally, the manual lacked the current Dietary Reference Intakes, which are necessary to ensure the nutritional adequacy of the menu served to the resident population. A review of the menu served from March 24, 2025, through March 27, 2025, showed no evidence of standardized recipes being on file. During an interview with the Food Service Director, in the presence of the Director of Nursing Services, it was revealed that the facility does not have standardized recipes with caloric and nutrient content.
Deficiencies in Food Service Safety and Labeling
Penalty
Summary
The facility was found to have several deficiencies in food service safety during a survey. Observations revealed that spray bottles in the main kitchen were improperly labeled, lacking necessary information such as a signal word or a statement indicating that full label information was available on the outside package. This was in violation of the State Operations Manual Appendix PP-Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard. Additionally, the kitchen hood over the stove was noted to have an accumulation of grease, which was acknowledged by the Food Service Director (FSD) as needing cleaning, contravening the Rhode Island Food Code requirement for nonfood contact surfaces to be free of dirt and debris. Further observations identified that trash receptacles in the kitchen were uncovered and not in continuous use, which is against the Rhode Island Food Code. Moreover, the facility failed to properly cool cooked time/temperature control for safety food, as evidenced by the split pea soup not reaching the required temperature within the specified time frame. The FSD was unaware of this issue until it was pointed out by the surveyor. These findings indicate a failure to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as required by relevant regulations.
Failure to Follow Physician's Order for Apical Pulse Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that services provided met professional standards of quality by not following a physician's order for a resident diagnosed with bradycardia. The resident had a physician's order to monitor the apical pulse daily, which is the most accurate evaluation of heart rate, especially when an abnormality is detected. However, during a surveyor observation, it was found that a Medication Technician, Staff A, obtained the resident's radial pulse instead of the apical pulse as ordered. Staff A admitted to documenting the radial pulse as if it were the apical pulse on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for multiple days in April 2024. The Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that Staff A did not follow the physician's order and confirmed that it is the facility's expectation for staff to adhere to such orders. The MAR review for April 2024 showed that Staff A documented obtaining the apical pulse on eight out of twelve days, despite actually measuring the radial pulse. This discrepancy highlights a failure in following professional standards and physician directives, potentially impacting the resident's care and monitoring for bradycardia.
Failure to Provide Trauma-Informed Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents who are trauma survivors received trauma-informed care in accordance with professional standards of practice. Specifically, for five residents, the facility did not complete trauma assessments or develop and implement care plans that accounted for their traumatic experiences and preferences. Resident ID #31, who was admitted with diagnoses including depression, anxiety, and dementia with psychotic disturbance, had a documented history of trauma involving the tragic death of a spouse. Despite this, there was no evidence of a completed trauma assessment or a care plan addressing the trauma. Similarly, residents ID #22, #26, #50, and #51, all admitted with various forms of dementia and anxiety, also lacked documented trauma-informed care assessments. During an interview, the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that trauma assessments were the responsibility of the Social Worker but was unable to provide evidence that these assessments had been completed for the mentioned residents. The facility's policy on Trauma-Informed Care & Compassion Fatigue emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing past traumatic experiences to provide a sense of safety and well-being for residents. However, the facility did not adhere to this policy, resulting in a failure to provide appropriate trauma-informed care for the affected residents.
Failure to Ensure Nursing Staff Competency in Obtaining Apical Pulse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that nursing staff possessed the appropriate competencies and skill sets to provide nursing and related services to assure resident safety and maintain the highest practicable physical well-being of each resident. Specifically, five Medication Technicians (MTs) were found to lack the competency to obtain an apical pulse, which is a critical measurement for residents with certain heart conditions. This deficiency was identified through surveyor observations, record reviews, and staff interviews. For instance, Resident ID #8, who was admitted with a diagnosis of bradycardia, had a physician's order to monitor the apical pulse daily. However, during an observation, Staff A was found to be obtaining the radial pulse instead of the apical pulse as ordered. Staff A admitted to documenting the radial pulse as if it were the apical pulse on the Medication Administration Record (MAR). The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) confirmed that there was no evidence that the five MTs had demonstrated the competencies and skill sets for obtaining an apical pulse. The deficiency was further substantiated by the DNS's acknowledgment that the facility lacked evidence of competency assessments for the MTs in question. This lapse in ensuring proper competencies directly impacted the care provided to residents, particularly those with specific medical conditions requiring accurate heart rate monitoring. The report highlights that the facility did not meet the regulatory requirements as outlined in the State Operation Manual Appendix PP, which mandates that all nursing staff possess the necessary competencies to meet residents' needs safely and promote their well-being.
Failure to Provide Appropriate Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide respiratory care consistent with professional standards of practice for two residents. Resident ID #2, who was readmitted with diagnoses including acute and chronic respiratory failure, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary fibrosis, had a physician's order to change oxygen tubing weekly. However, surveyor observations on multiple dates revealed that the oxygen tubing was not changed as per the order, with the tubing labeled with an outdated date. Both the Licensed Practical Nurse and the Director of Nursing Services acknowledged the discrepancy during interviews. Resident ID #23, admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, had a physician's order for oxygen administration at 2-4 liters per minute as needed for shortness of breath. Surveyor observations found that the resident was receiving only 1.5 liters per minute, contrary to the physician's order. The Registered Nurse and the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the oxygen was not administered as prescribed. These failures indicate a lack of adherence to physician orders and professional standards of practice in respiratory care.
Failure to Maintain Accurate Medical Records for Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records in accordance with professional standards for two residents receiving oxygen therapy. For Resident ID #2, who was admitted with acute and chronic respiratory failure, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary fibrosis, a physician's order required weekly changes of oxygen tubing. Despite documentation indicating the tubing was changed on 4/6/2024, surveyor observations on 4/10/2024 and 4/11/2024 revealed the tubing was dated 3/31. Both a Licensed Practical Nurse and the Director of Nursing Services confirmed the discrepancy, acknowledging the inaccurate documentation. For Resident ID #23, admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, a physician's order prescribed oxygen via nasal cannula as needed for shortness of breath. Surveyor observations on 4/11/2024 and 4/12/2024 confirmed the resident was receiving oxygen, but the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) was not signed off for these dates. A Registered Nurse admitted to not documenting the administration of oxygen on 4/12/2024, and the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that the expectation was for nursing staff to document PRN oxygen administration on the TAR.
Infection Control Deficiency: PPE and Hand Hygiene Failures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct appropriate infection control practices relative to personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene for two staff members, Staff D and E, during the care of COVID-19 positive residents. Staff D was observed administering eye drops to a resident without wearing gloves and touching the resident's bedside table and drawer without performing hand hygiene. Staff D acknowledged the failure to apply gloves and perform hand hygiene before administering the eye drops. This incident involved a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who was admitted in April 2022 and was on droplet and contact precautions due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the facility. Similarly, Staff E was observed performing nail care for another COVID-19 positive resident without wearing gloves and brushing nail clippings off the resident's bed onto the floor. Staff E also touched the resident's bedside table without wearing gloves. Staff E admitted to not applying gloves before entering the room. This incident involved a resident diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who was admitted in January 2022 and was also on droplet and contact precautions. The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) confirmed the expectation for staff to follow proper infection control practices but could not explain why Staff D and E failed to do so.
Failure to Accurately Reflect Resident's Hand Contractures in Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the assessment accurately reflected the resident's status for a resident with hand contractures. The resident was admitted in January 2022 with diagnoses including age-related physical disability, tremors, and contracture of the right hand. Occupational Therapy (OT) evaluations and treatments from April 2023 to November 2023 documented contractures in both hands, which caused functional limitations. However, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessments did not document these contractures on multiple dates from April 2023 to March 2024. During a surveyor observation in April 2024, the resident's hands appeared contracted. Interviews with the Therapy Manager and the Director of Nursing Services confirmed that therapy was provided for the hand contractures and that the MDS Assessments should have reflected these contractures. The Director of Nursing Services acknowledged the inaccuracy in the MDS Assessments and was unable to provide evidence that they were completed accurately for the resident's hand contractures.
Latest citations in Rhode Island
A cognitively impaired resident with dementia and severe BIMS impairment, care planned and ordered to wear a wander guard with regular placement and function checks, eloped from the facility after being last seen in an activity room with a visitor. Staff later could not locate the resident for dinner, and searches were initiated while the resident’s whereabouts were unknown for several hours. Witnesses, including the Activities Director, Receptionist, another resident’s family member, and the visitor, reported that the resident and visitor exited through the main entrance without a wander guard alarm sounding and without use of a door code. The visitor admitted driving the resident to the spouse’s home without notifying staff. EMS and hospital records documented that the resident had been missing for several hours, was confused, could not recall events, and reported severe throat and chest pain, arriving at the hospital with an ankle monitoring device in place. Upon the resident’s return, the facility discarded the original wander guard without testing its functionality and could not provide evidence of consistent monitoring per policy and physician orders, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy situation.
A resident with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, severe cognitive impairment, documented exit-seeking behavior, and a care plan identifying high elopement risk and the use of a wander guard was inadequately supervised. Earlier in the day, an LPN observed the resident attempting to open an exit door and redirected the resident, who was later last seen in their room. The resident subsequently exited a secured unit through a stairwell door that only briefly alarmed and was not connected to the wander guard system, descended to a basement level, and left through an exterior door. Because wander guard sensors were only placed at elevators and not at exit doors or stairwells, the resident’s departure went undetected until a Code Orange was called and the elopement protocol initiated, after which staff located the resident off premises and returned the resident to the facility.
A cognitively intact resident with spinal stenosis and post-stroke hemiplegia/hemiparesis was discharged from the hospital with documented referrals to a spine center for evaluation and possible spinal steroid injections, which were reiterated in a later provider note citing ongoing lower extremity weakness. Despite these physician-ordered referrals and the resident’s repeated attempts to reach the appointment scheduler, the facility did not schedule or facilitate the neurosurgical consultation. The unit secretary, who was responsible for scheduling, reported being unaware of the referrals, and neither she nor the DON could provide any evidence that efforts were made to arrange the appointment, leading to a prolonged delay in the resident’s surgical follow-up.
A resident with dysphagia, autonomic dysfunction, seizure disorder, a G-tube, and dependence on staff for feeding had physician orders and a care plan requiring a minced and moist diet with thin liquids given by spoon only while upright. Video from a room camera showed a nurse providing thin liquids through a straw while the resident was lying down and continuing despite the resident coughing. Additionally, a physician ordered every-shift monitoring and documentation of vital signs, including lung sounds, O2 saturation, temperature, and signs of aspiration for seven days, but the MAR showed that required vital signs were not obtained on multiple shifts. The DON confirmed these deviations from physician orders and expected practice.
A resident with intact cognition and a history of hypertension used the call light for toileting assistance when a CNA entered the room and yelled statements such as not "playing games" and telling the resident to wait, causing the resident to become upset. A nursing supervisor heard the CNA yelling, went to the room, and observed the resident visibly upset, while an LPN’s written statement described the CNA’s tone as very rude and yelling about having been with another resident. The CNA later acknowledged speaking loudly to the resident, and during interviews, the administrator and DON could not demonstrate that the resident had been free from verbal abuse as required by the facility’s abuse prohibition policy.
A resident with Alzheimer’s disease receiving hospice services was observed by an RN to be grimacing, with swelling and bruising of the right ankle, and an x-ray later confirmed displaced fractures of the medial and lateral malleolus. Facility policy required that responsible family or legal representatives be notified within 24 hours of significant condition changes or injuries and that this notification be documented in the medical record. A NP documented the fracture findings and ordered that hospice and the resident’s representative be contacted, but there was no documentation that the representative was notified. In interviews, the resident’s representative reported learning of the injuries from hospice staff, the RN acknowledged not notifying the representative, and the DON could not provide evidence that immediate notification occurred, resulting in a deficiency for failure to notify the representative of a significant change in condition.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease, severe cognitive impairment, and non-ambulatory status, receiving hospice care, was found grimacing with swelling and bruising to the right ankle after being brought to the dining room. An x-ray later confirmed acute to subacute displaced fractures of both the medial and lateral malleolus, with no cause identified in the record, making it an injury of unknown origin. A hospice aide reported that during care, the resident became agitated and flailed while two CNAs held the resident's arms and legs, but care was not stopped and the nurse was not notified of the behavior. The RN on duty could not show that the injury of unknown origin was reported to RIDOH, and the DON acknowledged that the incident was not reported, resulting in a failure to report an alleged violation and injury of unknown origin as required.
A non-ambulatory hospice resident with severe cognitive impairment developed swelling and bruising of the right ankle after being taken to the dining room and receiving care in the room, during which the resident became agitated and flailed while a hospice aide and two CNAs continued care and physically held the resident’s arms and legs. An RN later noted the ankle changes, obtained an x-ray order from a provider, and imaging confirmed acute to subacute displaced fractures of both the medial and lateral malleolus. The clinical record and interviews with the RN, DON, and NP showed that no thorough investigation was conducted into the origin of the injury, no potential causes were documented or identified, and no interventions to prevent further or potential injury were documented, despite regulatory requirements and a community complaint alleging lack of notification and unclear cause of the injury.
A resident with CHF, afib, moderate cognitive impairment, and low body weight was mistakenly given another resident’s clozapine 150 mg and melatonin 3 mg by a CMT who entered the wrong room and failed to verify identity, contrary to facility policy requiring multiple resident-identification checks. The resident did not receive ordered warfarin and metoprolol during this pass. Subsequently, the resident was found unresponsive with abnormal respirations, tachycardia, and hypoxia, required EMS intervention with suctioning, high-flow oxygen via BVM, and IV emergency cardiac medication, and was admitted to the hospital with altered mental status, profound hypothermia, pleural effusion, and aspiration pneumonia, later transitioning to comfort care and expiring. The DON was unable to show the resident was kept free from significant medication errors, and the Medical Director stated she expected correct medications to be given to the correct resident.
The facility failed to ensure that a CMT had demonstrated competency in resident identification during medication administration and did not complete the required quarterly medication aide evaluations. Despite only one documented evaluation and no evidence of competency in verifying resident identity, the CMT was scheduled to pass medications and entered the wrong room, administering clozapine 150 mg and melatonin 3 mg intended for another resident to a frail, elderly resident with CHF and Afib. The resident, who weighed 79.2 pounds, subsequently developed tachycardia, shortness of breath, altered mental status, profound hypothermia, a small pleural effusion, and aspiration pneumonia, was admitted to the hospital for comfort measures only, and later died. The DON acknowledged that quarterly evaluations were required and could not provide evidence that the CMT had demonstrated competency in medication administration per state requirements.
Elopement of Cognitively Impaired Resident Despite Wander Guard Device
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide necessary supervision and maintain an effective elopement prevention system for a cognitively impaired resident identified as an elopement risk. The resident had diagnoses including dementia, cognitive communication deficit, and anxiety disorder, and a Quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 4/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The resident’s care plan, initiated after prior attempts to leave the facility, required use of a wander guard bracelet, weekly assessment of the device’s functioning and battery status, and visual checks or supervision for safety. Physician orders directed staff to check placement of the Tektone wander guard bracelet every shift and to check its functionality weekly. Documentation on the March Treatment Administration Record indicated the device was in place on the day of the incident and that its functionality had been checked and found operational several days earlier. On the day of the elopement, staff observed the resident wearing the wander guard bracelet in the activities room during a bingo activity in the mid-afternoon. An LPN reported last seeing the resident in the activity room seated with a visitor and wearing the wander guard. Later, when the LPN attempted to escort the resident to dinner, the resident could not be located, and a subsequent call to the resident’s spouse confirmed that the spouse did not have the resident and was unaware the resident was missing. The facility’s elopement protocol was then initiated, and staff, along with law enforcement, conducted searches of the building and surrounding community. During this time, staff and management did not know the resident’s whereabouts for several hours. Interviews and witness accounts established that the resident exited the facility through the main entrance with a visitor. The Activities Director stated that she did not see the resident or visitor leave and did not hear a wander guard alarm at the exit. The Receptionist reported seeing the resident and a visitor walking toward the main entrance and also did not hear an alarm. A visitor later admitted that she removed the resident from the facility at the resident’s request to go home, drove the resident to the spouse’s house, dropped the resident off, and left without notifying staff; she stated that the wander guard alarm did not sound when they exited and that she had never been given a door code. A family member of another resident reported seeing the visitor leave with the resident through the main entrance without hearing an alarm or seeing a code entered. The resident ultimately arrived at the spouse’s home with a sandwich in hand, appeared confused, and could not explain how they had gotten there. EMS and hospital records documented that the resident had been missing from the facility for several hours, could not recall their whereabouts, and reported severe throat and chest pain; the hospital record also noted that the resident arrived with an ankle monitoring device in place. Following the resident’s return, the facility did not evaluate or test the wander guard device that had been in use at the time of the elopement. A Regional Nurse documented that a new wander guard device was applied to the resident’s left ankle, and later acknowledged in interview that the original device had been discarded without assessment. The Regional Administrator and Regional Nurse were unable to provide evidence that the previous device had been checked or tested for functionality upon the resident’s return. The Administrator stated that it was unclear whether the wander guard system had failed, whether an alarm had sounded without staff response, or whether a visitor had entered a door code, and confirmed that visitors should not have the door code. The facility was also unable to provide documentation confirming that staff consistently monitored the resident in accordance with facility policy and physician orders. These failures resulted in the resident leaving the facility unsupervised for approximately six hours while staff were unaware of the resident’s whereabouts, placing the resident at risk for serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death, and constituted a situation of Immediate Jeopardy.
Failure of Elopement Prevention and Supervision for High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and maintain an effective elopement prevention system for a resident assessed as a high elopement risk. The resident had Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 00), a documented history of exit-seeking behaviors, and a care plan identifying high elopement risk, prior elopements, recent attempts to leave, verbalizations about leaving, and wandering behavior requiring a wander guard. On the morning of the incident, an LPN observed the resident attempting to open the unit exit door at approximately 9:30 AM; the resident was redirected and escorted back to the dining room. The resident was last seen in their room at approximately 10:00 AM. Despite residing on a secured unit and wearing a wander guard, the resident eloped from the unit via a stairwell door that alarmed when opened but stopped alarming after the door closed and after a period of time. The wander guard system was configured so that sensors were only located at the elevators and did not detect the resident at the unit exit doors or stairwell. The resident used the stairwell to descend several flights to the basement level and exited through a basement exterior door, leaving the building undetected. A Code Orange was not called and the elopement protocol not initiated until approximately 11:20 AM, at which time the resident had already traveled off premises and was later observed walking along a main road and crossing a four-lane street before being located and returned to the facility at approximately 11:45 AM.
Failure to Arrange Neurosurgical Follow-Up for Resident With Spinal Stenosis
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that services were provided in accordance with professional standards of quality for a resident admitted with spinal stenosis and post-stroke hemiplegia/hemiparesis. The resident was admitted in October 2025 with diagnoses including spinal stenosis and left-sided weakness following a stroke. A Continuity of Care - Post-Acute Facility document dated 10/24/2025 indicated that, upon hospital discharge, a referral to a spine center was placed to evaluate the need for spinal steroid injections. A subsequent provider progress note dated 11/17/2025 documented the resident’s ongoing chronic lower extremity weakness related to lumbar disc protrusions and reiterated the need for outpatient neurosurgical follow-up, with an additional referral placed at that time. Record review and interviews showed that, despite these clear and repeated physician-ordered referrals, the facility did not schedule or facilitate the required neurosurgical consultation. The resident, who had a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 14/15 indicating cognitive intactness and ability to express needs, reported making multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the facility’s appointment scheduler to obtain the neurosurgical consultation for spinal injections. During an interview, the Unit Secretary responsible for scheduling appointments stated she was unaware of the referrals, and neither she nor the Director of Nursing Services could provide evidence that any efforts were made to arrange the neurosurgical appointment. A community complaint alleged that the resident waited approximately five months without resolution of the needed surgical follow-up appointment.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for Dysphagia Management and Vital Sign Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that nursing services met professional standards of practice and followed physician orders for a resident with significant swallowing difficulties and other complex medical conditions. The resident, admitted with diagnoses including seizure disorder, autonomic dysfunction, presence of a gastrostomy tube, bilateral upper extremity contractures, and dysphagia, was dependent on staff for eating. A physician’s order dated 1/6/2026 specified a house diet with minced and moist texture and thin liquids to be provided by spoon only. The care plan initiated on 12/4/2024 also identified swallowing difficulty and included an intervention to provide thin liquids via spoon. A community complaint and video footage from the resident’s room showed that during an overnight shift, a nurse gave the resident a drink using a straw while the resident was lying down and continued to provide liquids while the resident was coughing, contrary to the physician’s order and care plan. The DON confirmed, after reviewing the video, that the nurse provided thin liquids with a straw while the resident was not upright and continued despite the resident’s coughing. The facility also failed to follow a physician’s order related to monitoring for possible aspiration. A physician’s order dated 3/19/2026 directed staff to obtain and document the resident’s vital signs, including lung sounds, oxygen saturation, temperature, and signs and symptoms of aspiration such as coughing or runny nose, every shift for seven days. Review of the March 2026 Medication Administration Record showed that vital signs were not obtained during the 3:00 PM–11:00 PM and 11:00 PM–7:00 AM shifts on 3/23/2026, and the 11:00 PM–7:00 AM shift on 3/24/2026. In an interview, the DON stated she expected vital signs to be obtained and documented each shift as ordered and acknowledged that the facility failed to ensure physician orders were followed for this resident.
Failure to Protect a Resident From Verbal Abuse by Nursing Assistant
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from verbal abuse by a nursing assistant. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including hypertension and had an admission MDS Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 15/15, indicating intact cognition. On the evening in question, after the resident used the call light for toileting assistance, Nursing Assistant Staff A entered the room and yelled, "I'm not playing games with you tonight, you keep pressing the call light, and I told you to wait." The resident reported being upset by this interaction. A Nursing Supervisor, Staff B, who was on duty at the time, responded to the resident’s room after hearing Staff A yelling and observed the resident to be visibly upset. An LPN, Staff C, provided a written statement indicating she heard Staff A speaking in a very rude tone and yelling, "I told you to wait, I was with another resident." Staff A’s own written statement acknowledged that she spoke back to the resident loudly. During an interview with the Administrator and the Director of Nursing Services, they acknowledged the findings and were unable to provide evidence that the resident was free from verbal abuse during this incident, in contrast to the facility’s abuse prohibition policy defining verbal abuse as disparaging or derogatory oral, written, or gestured language within a resident’s hearing.
Failure to Notify Resident Representative of Significant Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately notify a resident’s representative of a significant change in condition, specifically an injury of unknown origin resulting in right ankle fractures. The facility’s policy dated 10/19/2023 requires responsible family members or legal representatives to be notified as soon as possible, or within 24 hours, of any changes in the resident’s condition, including significant physical changes and any accidents resulting in injury, with documentation of such notification in the medical record. The resident, admitted in October 2025 with Alzheimer’s disease and receiving hospice services, was observed on 3/9/2026 by an RN to be grimacing after being brought to the dining room, and further assessment revealed swelling and bruising of the right ankle. An x-ray was ordered and later confirmed acute to subacute fractures of the medial malleolus with displacement and a moderately displaced fracture of the lateral malleolus. A subsequent progress note by a nurse practitioner documented the fracture findings and included an order to contact hospice and the resident’s representative to review the results. However, record review did not show any evidence that the resident’s representative was notified by the facility of the injuries, nor was there documentation of such notification in the medical record as required by policy. During interviews, the resident’s representative stated that they were not notified by the facility and instead learned of the injuries from hospice staff. The RN who first identified the bruising and swelling acknowledged that she did not notify the resident’s representative. The Director of Nursing Services was unable to provide evidence that the resident’s representative was immediately notified when the injuries were identified, confirming the failure to follow the facility’s notification policy.
Failure to Report Injury of Unknown Origin to State Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report an injury of unknown origin to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for a resident with Alzheimer's disease who was non-ambulatory, dependent on staff for all transfers, and had severe cognitive impairment. The resident, who was on hospice services, was brought to the dining room by staff and was later observed grimacing, with swelling and bruising to the right ankle. An x-ray obtained that evening confirmed acute to subacute fractures of both the medial and lateral malleolus with displacement. A subsequent nurse practitioner note documented the fracture findings and included an order to contact hospice and the resident's representative, but the clinical record did not identify a cause for the injury, classifying it as an injury of unknown origin. Record review also failed to show that this injury of unknown origin was reported to RIDOH. During interviews, a hospice aide reported that after lunch she provided care to the resident in the room, accompanied by two CNAs. She stated the resident was not in discomfort before care, but became agitated during care and flailed upper and lower extremities, while one CNA held the resident's legs and another held the resident's arms; she did not stop care or notify the nurse of the resident's behavior. After care, the resident was transferred to a chair and returned to the dining room, and the aide later learned of the swollen ankle after returning from lunch, without knowing how the injury occurred. The RN on duty at the time of injury identification was unable to provide evidence that the injury of unknown origin was reported to RIDOH, and the Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that the facility did not report the injury to RIDOH, confirming the failure to report the alleged violation and injury of unknown origin as required.
Failure to Investigate Injury of Unknown Origin and Identify Cause of Ankle Fractures
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate an injury of unknown origin for a non-ambulatory resident with Alzheimer’s disease who was dependent on staff for all transfers and had severe cognitive impairment. The resident, who was on hospice services, was brought to the dining room by staff and later exhibited grimacing, with swelling and bruising noted to the right ankle. An x-ray obtained the same day confirmed acute to subacute displaced fractures of both the medial and lateral malleolus. Although the nurse on duty notified the provider and obtained the x-ray order, the clinical record lacked documentation of any investigation into how the injury occurred, any determination or discussion of potential causes, or identification of the origin of the fractures. Surveyor interviews revealed that a hospice aide, accompanied by two CNAs, had taken the resident to the room after lunch to provide care. During care, the resident, who had not shown discomfort beforehand, became agitated and flailed upper and lower extremities while one CNA held the resident’s legs and another held the resident’s arms; care was continued despite the agitation, and the nurse on duty was not notified of this behavior. After care, the resident was transferred to a chair and returned to the dining room, and the hospice aide later learned of the swollen ankle but did not know how the injury occurred. The RN who discovered the swelling and bruising, the DON, and the NP all acknowledged there was no thorough investigation, no documentation establishing the origin of the injuries, and no evidence of implemented measures to prevent further or potential injury, and the facility could not provide investigative findings or evidence of required reporting.
Fatal Medication Error Due to Failure to Verify Resident Identity
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident was free from significant medication errors when a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) administered another resident’s medications without verifying identity. On the evening medication pass, the CMT, identified as Staff A, entered the wrong room and gave clozapine 150 mg and melatonin 3 mg, which were prescribed for a different resident, to Resident ID #1. This administration occurred despite a facility policy requiring staff to verify resident identity using methods such as checking an identification band, reviewing a photograph attached to the medical record, and, if necessary, confirming identity with other personnel. All patient identifiers were missed, and the resident did not receive his or her regularly scheduled medications, including warfarin 0.5 mg and metoprolol 12.5 mg. Resident ID #1 had been admitted in October 2025 with diagnoses including congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation and was over a specified advanced age. A recent MDS assessment showed moderately impaired cognition with a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 10 out of 15. The resident weighed 79.2 pounds, and the provider documented that the clozapine dose administered in error was a significant concern given the resident’s small body habitus. Record review confirmed there were no physician orders for clozapine 150 mg or melatonin 3 mg for this resident. Following the medication error, progress notes documented that late on the night of the error, the LPN (Staff B) recorded that the resident had received another resident’s medications and had missed his or her own scheduled warfarin and metoprolol. The next morning, staff found the resident unresponsive with abnormal breathing, pale skin, a heart rate of 136 bpm, and an oxygen saturation of 90%, prompting transfer via EMS. EMS records described the resident as unresponsive with audible gurgling, excessive oral secretions requiring suctioning, a fast and irregular heart rate between 150–190 bpm, and severely depressed respirations requiring bag-valve-mask support and IV emergency heart medication. Hospital records documented elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, altered mental status, profound hypothermia, a chest x-ray showing a small left pleural effusion and aspiration pneumonia, and subsequent transition to end-of-life care, with the resident expiring several days later. During interviews, the DON could not demonstrate that the resident was kept free from significant medication errors, and the Medical Director stated she would have expected the correct medications to be administered to the right resident.
Failure to Ensure CMT Medication Competency and Required Quarterly Evaluations
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) had the required competencies and quarterly evaluations to safely administer medications, as required by Rhode Island regulations. State regulations mandate that medication technicians must complete a State‑approved course, demonstrate competency in drug administration, and receive quarterly evaluations by the Director of Nursing (DON) or RN designee, with documentation placed in personnel files. The facility’s own assessment stated that department‑specific training and competencies are completed throughout employment to ensure staff can safely and competently provide the required care. However, review of the CMT’s personnel record showed she was hired as a CMT/Nursing Assistant and had only one medication administration evaluation since hire, with no evidence of the four required quarterly evaluations. Record review of the CMT’s “Medication Administration Competency” document showed no evidence that she had demonstrated competency in identifying a resident prior to medication administration. Despite this, she was scheduled to administer medications periodically. On the evening in question, the CMT entered the wrong room and administered medications intended for another resident to Resident ID #1, without verifying the resident’s identity and missing all patient identifiers. The medications administered in error included clozapine 150 mg and melatonin 3 mg, which were prescribed for another resident. Resident ID #1 had been admitted in October 2025 with diagnoses including congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation and was over a specified advanced age. Following the medication error, a provider note documented that the CMT had administered the wrong medications by entering the wrong room and failing to verify identity, and that the clozapine dose was of significant concern given the resident’s low body weight of 79.2 pounds. The resident subsequently presented to the hospital with elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, and altered mental status, was found to have profound hypothermia, a small left pleural effusion, and aspiration pneumonia, and was admitted for inpatient comfort measures only. The resident later expired. The DON acknowledged that medication aide evaluations are required at least quarterly and was unable to provide evidence that the CMT had demonstrated competency in medication administration per state requirements.
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