Achieve Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Anderson, South Carolina.
- Location
- 611 East Hampton Street, Anderson, South Carolina 29624
- CMS Provider Number
- 425047
- Inspections on file
- 26
- Latest survey
- March 5, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Achieve Rehabilitation And Nursing Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident experienced misappropriation of their prescribed Percocet, leading to inadequate pain management. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported being out of the medication for several days and was given Tylenol instead, which did not alleviate their pain. Discrepancies in medication administration records and conflicting accounts from an LPN led to her termination for failing to follow medication policy.
A facility failed to accurately document a resident's code status, leading to a significant deficiency. The resident, who was cognitively intact, had chosen to be a Full Code, but their EMR incorrectly indicated a DNR status. Interviews with LPNs revealed they would not initiate CPR based on this incorrect information, placing the resident at risk. The facility's policy required periodic reviews of advance directives, but this was not followed, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy.
The facility failed to maintain sanitation and food safety standards, affecting 151 residents. Observations revealed soiled food service equipment, ineffective sanitizing solutions, and improper food storage. Resident food storage areas lacked thermometers, and expired, undated food items were found. Staff did not follow proper hand hygiene, and meal carts were not cleaned between uses.
The facility's laundry room was found to be unsanitary, with grime and dust on washing machines, fans, and other equipment. Clean items were improperly stored in the dirty area, and the laundry chute was filled with dust. Interviews revealed a lack of a set cleaning schedule and inadequate cleaning due to space constraints.
The facility failed to maintain a clean and homelike environment in three of its four units, with significant cleanliness issues observed over four days. The 300 unit had soiled walls and floors, while a water-stained ceiling tile indicated a potential leak. Resident rooms and common areas, including bathrooms and floors near kitchen and nursing stations, had dirt buildup. These issues were confirmed by the Maintenance Director and Housekeeping Supervisor.
The facility did not follow its menu policy, affecting residents' nutritional needs. Two residents reported dissatisfaction with the food service, noting deviations from the menu and cold meals. Staff served incorrect portions and omitted menu items like rolls and hushpuppies, impacting 151 residents.
The facility failed to maintain safe electrical outlets in four resident rooms, affecting seven residents. Broken outlet covers and non-functioning outlets prevented residents from using essential devices like TVs and refrigerators. Despite reports to staff, the issues persisted for over a month, impacting residents' quality of life and exposing them to potential hazards.
A facility failed to maintain the dignity of a resident with Alzheimer's by not ensuring privacy during personal care. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, was exposed to a roommate while receiving incontinence care because the privacy curtain was not pulled. The CNA involved admitted to being distracted and forgetting to close the curtain, despite the facility's policy requiring privacy measures during care.
A facility failed to provide the required Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN) and Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) to a resident when Medicare Part A services ended. The resident, who required various levels of assistance and had a BIMS score indicating cognitive intactness, did not receive the necessary notifications due to incomplete SNF Beneficiary Notification Review forms. The Administrator confirmed the oversight, attributing it to a possible misunderstanding by the Social Service Director.
The facility failed to provide adequate ADLs for two residents, resulting in poor personal hygiene. One resident did not receive regular showers as scheduled, while another had neglected nail care, leading to long, dirty fingernails and an odor from her hand. Inconsistent documentation and insufficient staffing contributed to these deficiencies.
The facility failed to provide a consistent activities program for residents on the secure/dementia care unit, affecting two residents with severe cognitive impairments. One resident, with a history of enjoying crime shows, was left without access to a TV or radio, while another resident with schizophrenia and aggressive behaviors received no organized activities due to staff shortages and a COVID outbreak. The absence of activities was confirmed by staff and acknowledged by facility management.
A resident with chronic lymphedema and circulatory deficits did not receive prescribed compression wraps due to a delay in order fulfillment by the DME provider. Despite repeated entries in the system, the facility failed to apply the wraps, leading to worsened edema. The Regional Director of Clinical Services and the DON acknowledged the delay and deficiency in care.
Two residents in a facility did not receive restorative nursing care as ordered by their physicians. One resident, with a history of stroke, was not provided with a carrot for her hand or a wedge for her leg, while another resident did not have a required hand splint applied. The Restorative Aide had been reassigned to CNA duties, leading to a lack of implementation of the restorative program. The Director of Nursing was unaware of these deficiencies, resulting in a failure to provide necessary care.
A resident experienced significant weight loss due to the facility's failure to monitor weights, implement interventions, and track meal intake. Despite having a care plan, the facility did not conduct weekly weight checks or notify the physician of the weight loss. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's condition.
The facility failed to administer oxygen according to physician orders for two residents and lacked physician orders for another resident's oxygen use. One resident received less oxygen than prescribed, while another received more. Additionally, a third resident used oxygen without any physician order or documentation. Observations revealed issues with equipment cleanliness and adherence to prescribed oxygen levels, as confirmed by staff interviews.
A facility failed to accurately document a resident's physician's orders after readmission from the hospital, leading to incomplete medical records. The resident required specific care, including a diet, foley catheter, and fluid restriction, which were not entered into the EMR. The DON confirmed the oversight, and the Regional Director noted the absence of a specific policy for entering orders.
A facility failed to conduct and document a thorough investigation into an alleged staff-to-resident abuse incident involving a resident with severe cognitive impairment. Although staff statements were collected, there was no evidence that residents were interviewed or that the investigation's conclusions were properly documented. The administrator confirmed the lack of documentation and substantiation for the investigation.
Misappropriation of Resident's Narcotic Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from the misappropriation of narcotic medication, specifically Percocet, which was intended for pain management. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 out of 15, was admitted with diagnoses including polyneuropathy, paraplegia, and anxiety. The medication monitoring records indicated discrepancies in the administration of Percocet, with two tablets unaccounted for. LPN1 signed off on administering the medication on dates when it was not available, and conflicting accounts were given regarding a medication error. The resident reported being out of Percocet for a couple of days and experiencing pain, which was inadequately managed with Tylenol. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in LPN1's statements, leading to her termination for failure to follow medication administration policy. LPN2 confirmed that the narcotic sheets showed the last administration of Percocet was on a previous date, and the medication had run out. Despite being aware of the shortage, LPN2 did not document the medication as unavailable due to previous instructions, instead coding it incorrectly as refused. The facility's administrator acknowledged the discrepancies and the changing stories from LPN1, which contributed to the decision to terminate her employment. The resident's pain was not effectively managed due to the misappropriation and mismanagement of the medication.
Failure to Accurately Document Resident's Code Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately document a resident's wishes regarding their code status, which led to a significant deficiency. The resident, identified as R110, was cognitively intact and capable of making their own decisions, as evidenced by a perfect score on the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). Despite this, the resident's electronic medical record (EMR) incorrectly indicated a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status, contrary to the resident's documented choice of being a Full Code. This discrepancy was confirmed through a review of the resident's advance directive form, which clearly showed the resident's preference for resuscitation in the event of a sudden failure of a vital function. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's true code status. Two Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) stated they would not initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) based on the incorrect DNR status in the EMR. This misunderstanding placed the resident at risk of not receiving life-saving measures, as the staff relied on the inaccurate information in the EMR rather than the resident's documented wishes. The facility's policy on residents' rights regarding treatment and advance directives mandates periodic reviews of such directives as part of the comprehensive care planning process. However, the facility failed to adhere to this policy, as the resident's code status had been incorrect since the order was placed. The Administrator confirmed the error, acknowledging that the resident's code status had not been accurately reflected in the medical record, which constituted Immediate Jeopardy at F578.
Removal Plan
- Resident #110 Code Status medical record was updated to reflect their Advance Directive Form.
- All residents have the potential to be affected by this alleged deficient practice.
- On admissions all residents will be listed as full code unless documented is provided. The Interdisciplinary team will review advance directives. All new admissions will be reviewed in effort to ensure substantial compliance. Random audits will be reviewed in effort to ensure substantial compliance.
- Director of Nursing (DON)/Designee conducted a facility-wide assessment to determine if any other residents were affected by this alleged deficient practice. Any identified concerns were corrected. The DON/Designee reeducated all licensed practical nurses and registered nurses to review code status order entry. Any staff not currently working will be educated prior to the start of next shift.
- All Licensed Nursing staff were educated by the Director of Nursing/Designee, the outcome of the Immediate Jeopardy ensuring that Residents have the right to formulate advanced directives. Any staff not currently working will be educated prior to the start of the next shift until all staff have been educated.
- DON/Designee will complete random audits using an Advance Directive audit tool for all new admissions. Random audits to be conducted in effort to ensure substantial compliance. Any negative findings will be corrected, and this will be discussed at the Facility monthly Facility Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting.
Sanitation and Food Safety Deficiencies in Kitchen and Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper sanitation and food safety standards in the kitchen and resident food storage areas, potentially affecting 151 of 157 residents. Observations revealed that food service equipment and areas were soiled and in need of cleaning. Specifically, shelves under the coffee pot and sheet pan racks were covered with visibly soiled aluminum foil, and a food processor and canola oil container were stored on a soiled shelf. Additionally, drawers containing food utensils were rusty and soiled with food particles, and food scoops had dried food on them. Sanitizing solutions used for cleaning food preparation counters were found to be ineffective, testing at zero parts per million (ppm) instead of the required 150 to 400 ppm. This was observed on multiple occasions, with staff using these solutions to clean counters. Furthermore, the dry food storage room contained open and unsealed boxes of kosher salt and containers of spices that were visibly soiled and greasy. Some food items, such as paprika and ranch dressing, were not stored according to manufacturer's instructions, leading to potential cross-contamination. In the resident food storage areas, refrigerators lacked thermometers, making it impossible to determine if they were maintained at safe temperatures. Expired and undated food items were found, including sliced apples, tomato juice, and Mighty Shake nutritional supplements. Additionally, staff failed to follow proper hand hygiene practices, as observed when a staff member did not change gloves after handling soiled items before returning to food service. Meal carts used for transporting resident trays were also found to be soiled and not cleaned between uses, further compromising food safety.
Unsanitary Conditions in Laundry Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness and organization in the laundry room, leading to unsanitary conditions. Observations revealed that the designated dirty area had two large washing machines covered with white dried material, gray grime, and dust. A fan on the floor was caked with dust and grime, and a blue bin on the floor contained dust, black material, and a glove. A partially ripped plastic bag with pillows and three pillows not in bags were lying directly on the floor. Paper towels, gloves, and blankets were also found on the floor. The laundry dispenser was caked with dust and grime, and a large plastic bag filled with clean washcloths was improperly stored on the floor in the dirty area. In the designated clean area, six dryers had a moderate amount of dust on top, and a silver cart with a microwave, coffee pot, and other items was very dusty. The refrigerator, hot water heater, and windowsill were also covered in dust. The laundry chute in another area was filled with dust and had dust strings hanging inside. Interviews with the laundry aide and housekeeping supervisor revealed a lack of a set cleaning schedule, inadequate cleaning due to space constraints, and improper storage of clean items in the dirty area. The housekeeping supervisor acknowledged the need for cleaning and confirmed that the laundry chute required attention.
Facility Fails to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment in three of its four units, specifically the 100, 200, and 300 units. Observations conducted over four days revealed several areas with significant cleanliness issues. The 300 unit had soiled walls with scuffs and a dark brown buildup on the floors along the baseboards, as well as heavy dirt accumulation around door frames to the kitchen and employee lounge. Additionally, a water-stained and drooping ceiling tile was observed in the corridor leading to the shower room, indicating a potential leak. Further observations noted dirt buildup in resident rooms, including along walls, vents, and under closets, with dust and debris on heaters. Bathrooms also had dirt accumulation along walls and behind toilets. Common areas such as the floor in front of the refrigerator behind the nursing station on the 200 unit and the floor under and beside the ice maker on the 100 unit were heavily soiled. These observations were verified by the Maintenance Director and Housekeeping Supervisor, who acknowledged the need for cleaning and maintenance in these areas.
Failure to Follow Menu and Serve Correct Portions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to its policy regarding menu preparation and service, which resulted in a deficiency affecting the nutritional needs of residents. The policy required that menus be posted in advance and followed as posted, but during the survey, it was observed that the menu was not followed for two residents. Specifically, the facility was supposed to serve buttered corn and hushpuppies to residents on regular diets, and seasoned carrots and a dinner roll to those on mechanical soft diets. However, the staff served lima beans instead of carrots and did not provide any rolls or hushpuppies. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the scoop sizes used for serving were incorrect, further deviating from the menu requirements. Interviews with two residents revealed dissatisfaction with the food service, noting that the food was often not as per the menu and was frequently served cold. One resident mentioned that the menu was not followed about 75% of the time. The staff member responsible for serving the meal admitted to making changes to the menu without explanation and forgetting to prepare the required bread items. This failure to follow the menu as planned had the potential to impact the nutritional intake and satisfaction of 151 out of 157 residents consuming food at the facility.
Electrical Outlet Deficiency in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain electrical outlets in safe operating conditions in four resident rooms, affecting seven residents. Observations revealed broken outlet covers and non-functioning outlets, which prevented residents from using essential devices such as televisions, refrigerators, and charging their personal devices. The Maintenance Director confirmed the issues, and an electrician verified the non-functioning outlets, but the problems persisted for over a month. Residents and family members reported the issues to staff, but the problems were not addressed in a timely manner, leading to inconvenience and potential safety hazards. Residents affected by the non-functioning outlets included those who were cognitively intact, as indicated by their Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) scores. Interviews with residents and staff revealed that the electrical issues had been ongoing for several weeks, with some residents having to use common areas to watch television or charge their devices. Despite reports to the Maintenance Director and other staff members, the issues remained unresolved, impacting the residents' quality of life and potentially exposing them to electrical hazards.
Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain and promote the dignity of a resident, identified as R123, by not ensuring privacy during personal care. R123, who was admitted with Alzheimer's disease and was severely cognitively impaired, was observed receiving incontinence care without the privacy curtain being pulled. This oversight occurred while R123's roommate, who was alert and oriented, was present and able to observe the care being provided. The incident was noted during an observation where a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was providing care to R123 without ensuring the privacy curtain was closed, thus exposing R123's lower body. Interviews with the CNA involved and other staff members, including a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Director of Nurses (DON), confirmed that the facility's policy required staff to maintain resident privacy by using clothing, blankets, and privacy curtains during personal care. The CNA admitted to being distracted and forgetting to pull the curtain, while the DON stated that all staff were educated on the facility's dignity policy during orientation. This failure to adhere to the policy placed residents at risk for diminished self-worth, self-esteem, and feelings of embarrassment.
Failure to Provide Beneficiary Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN) and the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) to a resident, identified as R136, who was reviewed for Beneficiary Notification among 36 sample residents. This oversight occurred when Medicare Part A services ended for R136 on December 22, 2024. R136 was admitted to the facility with diagnoses including neurological conditions, urinary tract infection, diabetes, and depression. The resident's Minimum Data Set (MDS) indicated a need for various levels of assistance with daily activities and a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 12, showing cognitive intactness. The facility's SNF Beneficiary Notification Review forms were incomplete, and the necessary notices were not provided. During an interview, the Administrator confirmed the omission and suggested that the Social Service Director might not have understood the importance of completing and providing these forms due to the low number of residents covered by Medicare Part A.
Failure to Provide Adequate ADLs for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for two residents, R145 and R115, to maintain adequate personal hygiene. R145, who was cognitively intact and required assistance with various ADLs, did not receive regular showers as per the facility's schedule. Despite being scheduled for showers three times a week, records and interviews revealed that R145 went extended periods without a shower, receiving them only sporadically. The facility's documentation was inconsistent, and there were discrepancies between the shower schedule and the actual showers provided, as noted by the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the Director of Nursing. R115, who was severely cognitively impaired and required maximum assistance for personal care, was observed to have long, dirty fingernails with black material underneath and an offensive odor from her left hand. Despite the facility's policy that licensed nurses should trim the nails of residents with diabetes, and CNAs should clean them, R115's nail care was neglected. Interviews with staff indicated that there were not enough personnel to provide adequate nail care, and the issue of the odor from R115's hand was not reported to the nursing staff as required. The facility's policies on ADLs, including bathing and nail care, were not adhered to, resulting in inadequate personal hygiene for both residents. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that showers were supposed to be provided consistently, and the CNAs were responsible for documenting and reporting any issues. However, the lack of proper documentation and communication among staff contributed to the deficiencies in care for R145 and R115.
Failure to Provide Consistent Activities Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a consistent activities program for residents on the secure/dementia care unit, specifically affecting one resident with paranoid schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, and severe cognitive impairment. This resident, who was ambulatory and often found in communal areas, had a care plan that included interventions to manage behaviors such as wandering and aggression. However, due to a COVID outbreak and the absence of the designated activity staff member, no organized activities were provided for several weeks, as confirmed by staff interviews. Another resident, who was non-verbal and severely cognitively impaired, was also affected by the lack of activities. This resident had a history of enjoying crime shows and horror movies but was observed lying in bed without access to a television or radio. Despite being placed on a one-on-one activity schedule, the resident had not received these interactions due to staffing shortages and a recent COVID outbreak. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident used to watch television with a roommate who had since moved, leaving the resident without access to preferred activities. The absence of organized activities for these residents was acknowledged by the facility's Regional Director of Clinical Services and the Activity Director, who were unaware of the situation until informed. The lack of activities was attributed to the absence of the activity staff member and the impact of a COVID outbreak, which led to a failure in following the facility's policy to provide an ongoing activities program tailored to residents' needs and preferences.
Failure to Implement Physician's Orders for Compression Wraps
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow a physician's order for a resident diagnosed with chronic lymphedema and circulatory deficits. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired, was observed with notable edema in her feet and legs, which worsened as she stood throughout the day. Despite a physician's order for tubular compression wraps to be applied daily, there were no records of the wraps being applied or removed as prescribed. The order was initially placed on 11/16/24, but the necessary equipment was not provided by the contracted DME provider, leading to a significant delay in treatment. The Regional Director of Clinical Services acknowledged the delay, noting that the order had been repeatedly entered into the system without fulfillment. The Director of Nursing expressed that the delay was unacceptable and contrary to her expectations for timely processing and execution of treatment orders. The lack of action in obtaining and applying the compression wraps as ordered by the physician resulted in a deficiency in the care provided to the resident.
Failure to Provide Ordered Restorative Nursing Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate restorative nursing care to two residents, R115 and R71, as ordered by their physicians. R115, who was admitted with diagnoses including type two diabetes mellitus and a history of stroke with hemiparesis, was ordered to participate in a restorative nursing program five times a week for range of motion (ROM) exercises and to have a carrot placed in her left hand and a wedge to her left leg for positioning. However, observations revealed that R115 did not have the carrot or wedge as ordered, and interviews with staff indicated a lack of awareness and implementation of these orders. The Restorative Aide (RA) had not been providing restorative services for several months due to being assigned as a CNA, and the Director of Nursing (DON) was unaware of the missing devices. R71, who had a history of stroke with hemiparesis and hemiplegia, was ordered to wear a left-hand brace for six hours per day. Despite this order, R71 reported not having seen rehabilitation staff for several days and not having the splint applied. The Therapy Director confirmed that the splint was to be worn daily, but the order for restorative nursing was delayed, and the RA was not informed of R71's need for the splint. The DON confirmed that the RA had not worked in her role for several months, and the responsibility for applying the splint fell to the nursing staff, who did not fulfill this duty. The facility's failure to ensure the implementation of restorative nursing programs as ordered by physicians for R115 and R71 resulted in a lack of necessary care and support for these residents. The absence of communication and coordination among staff, as well as the reassignment of the RA to CNA duties, contributed to the deficiency in care. This oversight had the potential to negatively impact the residents' range of motion and overall well-being.
Failure to Monitor and Address Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain acceptable nutritional parameters for a resident, identified as R123, by not adequately monitoring weights, implementing necessary interventions, and tracking meal intake. R123, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including heart failure, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, major depression, and anemia, experienced significant weight loss over a three-month period. Despite having a Nutrition Care Plan in place to prevent malnutrition, the facility did not consistently monitor or report significant weight changes to the physician, nor did they implement weekly weight checks as required by their policy. R123's weight records showed a drastic decrease from 118.2 pounds to 92.5 pounds over a few months, indicating a 21.3% weight loss. The facility's policy required weekly weight monitoring for residents with weight loss, but this was not done. Additionally, there was a lack of documentation regarding R123's meal and snack intake on several occasions, and the Registered Dietician's evaluation was delayed and contained conflicting information about the resident's weight loss. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding R123's weight loss. The Director of Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurse were not informed of the significant weight loss, and the Registered Dietician did not notify the team or take timely action. The facility's failure to investigate the weight loss, notify the physician, and implement appropriate interventions contributed to the deficiency in maintaining R123's nutritional health.
Oxygen Administration Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper oxygen administration for two residents, R400 and R87, as per physician orders. R400, who was in a persistent vegetative state with chronic respiratory failure and hypoxia, was observed using a tracheostomy collar with an oxygen concentrator set at 6 liters per minute (LPM) instead of the prescribed 8 LPM. Despite multiple observations, the oxygen concentrator could not be adjusted to the correct setting, as confirmed by an LPN and the Director of Nurses (DON). Similarly, R87, diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, was observed using a nasal cannula with the oxygen concentrator set at 2.5 and 3 LPM, contrary to the physician's order of 2 LPM. The oxygen equipment was not dated, and the concentrator was found to be crusted with white stains. An LPN acknowledged the discrepancy in the oxygen setting and the DON confirmed the expectation for staff to adhere to physician orders. Additionally, R71, who had a history of stroke and other conditions, was using oxygen without a physician's order. Despite the resident's report of long-term oxygen use, there was no documentation of oxygen orders, care plan, or monitoring in the clinical record. Observations revealed the oxygen unit was dirty, and the filter was full of lint. An LPN confirmed the absence of a physician order and the need for cleaning the oxygen unit. The DON reiterated the requirement for physician orders and proper documentation for oxygen use.
Incomplete Documentation of Physician's Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the medical record accurately and completely reflected the physician's orders for a resident who was reviewed for medical records. The resident, who had been admitted to the hospital for altered mental status, was readmitted to the facility with the same physician's orders as before the hospital admission. However, upon review, it was found that the nurse did not enter the resident's previous orders into the electronic medical record (EMR). These orders included a specific diet, a foley catheter, acute charting for a hemodialysis catheter site, and a fluid restriction, among others. As a result, these orders were absent from the January orders and the medication administration record. During interviews, the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident still required the same care and that the orders had not been entered into the January physician's orders, leading to incomplete and inaccurate records. The Regional Director of Clinical Services noted that there was no specific policy for entering physician's orders into medical records, and the nurses followed a General Nursing Admission Checklist during admissions or readmissions. This oversight had the potential to impact the resident's care, as the necessary orders were not documented in the medical records.
Failure to Conduct and Document Thorough Abuse Investigation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a thorough investigation and proper documentation of an alleged staff-to-resident abuse incident involving a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of dementia, altered mental status, and cognitive communication deficit. The incident involved a certified nurse aide (CNA) allegedly being physically aggressive with the resident, including grabbing the resident's wrist tightly and handling the resident roughly. Witness statements were collected from involved staff, but there was no documentation indicating that any residents, including the affected resident, were interviewed as part of the investigation. Additionally, the facility's records did not include evidence of how the decision was made to allow the accused CNA to return to work following suspension, nor was there documentation to support the thoroughness of the investigation. The administrator confirmed that there was no additional documentation available to substantiate the investigation or its conclusions, and acknowledged that the abuse allegation should have been substantiated based on the available information.
Latest citations in South Carolina
A resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment, wandering behavior, and documented elopement risk eloped after staff failed to adequately respond to an exit-door alarm and did not promptly recognize the resident was missing. The resident, who required close supervision and was on 30-minute checks for wandering, was last seen ambulating in the facility before a dining room/fire exit alarm sounded; dietary staff briefly checked, saw no one, silenced the alarm, and returned to work without initiating a facility-wide missing-resident response. Later, when the resident did not appear for dinner, staff began searching and learned from a staff member driving home that someone resembling the resident was seen near a nearby store. Police, responding to a report of a suspicious person with a hospital bracelet, found the resident disoriented at a nearby intersection and arranged EMS transport to a hospital. Interviews showed that some CNAs lacked elopement training, one CNA was newly assigned to 1:1 care, and leadership acknowledged uncertainty about how long the alarm had been sounding and how the resident exited, supporting the finding of inadequate supervision and failure to prevent elopement.
A resident with traumatic brain injury, moderate cognitive impairment, wheelchair dependence, and documented wandering behaviors eloped from the facility after being able to exit through a door without an active alarm. Despite physician orders and a care plan requiring wander guard checks every shift, MAR/TAR review showed these checks were largely undocumented prior to the incident. Staff notes described frequent redirection needs, room-to-room wandering, and impulsive behavior, yet the resident was still able to leave the building and was later found in the parking lot. The State Agency determined this failure to supervise and to implement ordered wander guard monitoring constituted Immediate Jeopardy under F689 (Quality of Care).
A cognitively impaired resident with dementia and depression, who was usually independent with toileting, became involved in an altercation with a CNA while the CNA was assisting with cleaning a soiled bathroom. The resident became agitated, spit on the CNA, and struck the CNA in the face with a BM-soiled washcloth. In retaliation, the CNA held the resident’s hands and struck the resident in the face with an open hand, later describing the action as a slap or “smudging” the resident’s face. The CNA admitted to multiple staff and law enforcement that she had put her hands on and slapped the resident. Staff assessments noted the resident was visibly upset but without visible injuries, and the resident could not recall the incident due to severe cognitive impairment. Surveyors determined this constituted non-compliance with abuse regulations and cited the facility for failure to ensure freedom from physical abuse.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of falls, and documented need for a gait belt and walker during transfers was ambulated from the bathroom by a CNA without a gait belt in place. The CNA reported holding the resident’s pants while walking, during which the resident’s feet became twisted and she fell in her room. Facility documentation showed the resident had been assessed as requiring a gait belt, but gait belt use was not included in physician orders or the care plan and was instead communicated via door name tags. The resident sustained a left hip fracture requiring surgical repair and was later readmitted for rehab and strengthening.
A resident with Alzheimer’s disease and hypertension, treated with Benazepril and enrolled in PACE, had multiple significantly elevated BP readings over two consecutive days. Facility policy required prompt physician notification for significant changes in condition, and the care plan directed staff to contact PACE for medical needs. However, there was no documentation in nursing notes that the physician or PACE was notified, and the patient liaison and weekend supervisor reported not being informed. A CNA stated she reported the elevated BP to an RN, but the RN later indicated that if no progress note existed, the notification was not documented, resulting in a failure to notify the physician of the resident’s elevated blood pressures.
A resident with epilepsy, paranoid schizophrenia, and dementia did not receive 11 ordered doses of Lacosamide 100 mg, prescribed as 1.5 tablets PO BID for seizures, because the facility failed to obtain and administer the medication and did not develop a care plan addressing epilepsy, seizure risk, or seizure medications. Review of the MAR showed repeated omissions, and interviews revealed that although there was a protocol for handling missing medications—requiring nurses to call the pharmacy, notify the MD for alternatives, and check Omnicell—this process was not effectively followed or documented. The DON reported being unaware that there was no prescription for the medication, and the PCP stated she was never notified of the missed doses and that any missing medication should have been communicated to the NP and then to her by direct, immediate means.
Surveyors found that washer filters were heavily soiled with lint and debris on all observed machines, despite manufacturer instructions and a label on the equipment requiring daily cleaning. The Laundry Supervisor stated that laundry staff did not maintain the filters and that maintenance was responsible, while the Maintenance Supervisor reported the filters were typically cleaned three times per week and that no documentation was kept to verify cleaning in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and decreased ability to perform ADLs was found with two white tablets in a medication cup on the bedside table, which the resident identified as Imodium saved from a prior medication pass. Facility policy requires staff to remain with residents until oral medications are swallowed and prohibits leaving medications in a room without a self-administration order. Record review confirmed there was no such order for this resident. An LPN verified that medications had been left at the bedside contrary to policy, and the DON stated that nurses are not to leave medications at the bedside and must observe residents swallowing medications.
An LPN pre-poured medications for more than one resident and failed to follow required resident-identification and "five rights" checks, resulting in a resident with dementia and multiple comorbidities receiving another resident’s ordered regimen, including oxycodone 30 mg, multiple antihypertensives, an antiarrhythmic, and gabapentin, none of which were prescribed for her. After receiving the wrong medications mixed in pudding, the resident developed hypotension, bradycardia, somnolence, and hypoxia, with documented very low BP and HR, and was transferred to the hospital where she required IV fluids, naloxone, atropine, and vasopressor support and was diagnosed with drug-induced hypotension, accidental drug overdose, bradycardia, respiratory insufficiency, sepsis with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and pneumonia. Surveyors found that this failure to adhere to the facility’s medication administration policy and to ensure residents were free from significant medication errors constituted non-compliance at F760, rising to Immediate Jeopardy.
The facility failed to report a serious medication error that led to a resident’s hospitalization to the Administrator and State Agency within the required two-hour timeframe. An LPN pre-pulled medications for more than one resident, became distracted, and administered another resident’s medications, including multiple cardiac and pain medications, to a resident with dementia, atrial fibrillation, dysphagia, and depression. The resident subsequently developed hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased respirations and was transferred to the hospital. Although the LPN notified supervisory nursing staff and the NP, the incident was not entered on the reportable incident log, the Administrator was not promptly informed, and the State Agency was not notified, in part because the ADON was unaware of the reporting requirement and the DON was on leave.
Failure to Supervise High-Risk Wanderer Resulting in Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision and prevent an elopement for a resident with known cognitive impairment and wandering behaviors. The resident had dementia with severe cognitive impairment, a BIMS score of 7/15, generalized muscle weakness, unsteadiness on feet, and abnormal gait and mobility. The admission MDS and care plan identified the resident as at risk for falls and elopement, with documented wandering throughout the facility and a recent elopement. An elopement risk observation completed shortly before the incident documented that the resident did not have safe decision-making capabilities. Nursing staff reported that the resident remained ambulatory with good strength and endurance, had impaired judgment and poor safety awareness, and required close supervision due to ongoing exit-seeking behaviors. On the day of the incident, staff last observed the resident in a safe environment ambulating in the facility between approximately 5:30 PM and 5:40 PM, which was described as baseline behavior. Around this same time frame, the alarm on a dining room/fire exit door near the dietary department sounded. Dietary staff responded, visually checked the area, reported not seeing anyone, re-engaged or disarmed the alarm, and returned to the kitchen. Multiple staff later acknowledged that it was difficult to hear the alarm in the kitchen and that they were unable to determine how long the alarm had been sounding before it was noticed. The facility’s elopement policy required immediate notification of all employees and a prompt, thorough search process when a resident was considered missing, but there is no indication that a facility-wide code or missing resident procedure was initiated at the time the door alarm sounded. Subsequently, between approximately 5:50 PM and 6:05 PM, the resident’s CNA noticed the resident was not in the room to receive a dinner tray and began looking for the resident, prompting a census head count. Staff were unable to locate the resident in the building, and a search was initiated. Around 6:08 PM to 6:39 PM, an employee leaving work by car believed they saw the resident near a nearby Dollar General store and called the facility. A nurse drove to the store but did not find the resident. During this period, the local police were notified by Dollar General about a suspicious person with a hospital bracelet. Police located the resident at a nearby intersection; the police report described the resident as delirious, disoriented, and unable to provide coherent responses. EMS was requested, and the resident was transported to a hospital emergency department. The facility later confirmed that the resident had eloped from the building and was found with a wander guard still in place, and staff, including the administrator and DON, were unable to state exactly how the resident exited the building, though they believed it may have been through the dining room door whose alarm had sounded earlier. Interviews with staff revealed additional gaps related to supervision and elopement procedures. One CNA assigned to 1:1 care for the resident stated it was her first day in that role and could not confirm how long the resident had been on 1:1 care. Another CNA, who had recently completed orientation, reported not receiving any in-service training related to elopements and stated that the survey interview was the first time she heard about the resident’s exit from the building. The LPN on duty reported that the resident had been on 30-minute checks due to wandering, last saw the resident around 5:25 PM–5:30 PM, and assumed the resident was doing usual laps in the facility. The DON and administrator both acknowledged that staff could not determine how long the door alarm had been sounding before it was heard and that staff responded by looking outside, not seeing anything, and shutting off the alarm. These actions and inactions, in the context of a known high-risk, cognitively impaired, exit-seeking resident, led to a successful elopement and formed the basis of the cited deficiency under 42 CFR 483.25 for failure to keep the environment free of accident hazards and provide adequate supervision.
Removal Plan
- Evaluate resident at emergency room; confirm no injuries.
- Initiate and continue 1:1 supervision for the resident.
- Assess each exit door to validate doors are working properly.
- Update the resident’s elopement risk assessment to reflect current status.
- Update the resident’s care plan and resident profile.
- Complete an elopement drill.
- Administrator will notify the charge nurse, Director of Nursing, and Social Service designee that a resident is missing as part of drill procedure.
- Director of Nursing/designee will announce Code [NAME] to signal the elopement drill procedure.
- Director of Nursing/designee will organize an immediate and thorough search of the center and surrounding grounds; complete the entire search process within 30 minutes.
- If search fails to locate resident within allotted time, Administrator/designee will place a mock telephone call to appropriate community agencies, resident's legal representative, and attending physician; staff will provide mock police with physical identifying information.
- Continue the search if resident not located, including having staff search surrounding streets by car for a 2 mile radius.
- When the volunteer resident is located, the charge nurse will complete a head-to-toe assessment.
- Social Services designee will assess the resident for emotional distress.
- Director of Nursing will notify appropriate community agencies, attending physician, and resident's legal representative.
- Facility Quality Assurance Committee will investigate the incident and implement interventions to prevent reoccurrences.
- When missing resident is found, make an announcement: Code [NAME] all clear.
- Update elopement risk assessments for all residents.
- Place residents identified as elopement risk in the elopement binder and update their care plans and profiles.
- Reeducate facility staff on the elopement policy and Abuse, Neglect & Misappropriation policy.
- Provide education to any staff not receiving this education prior to their next scheduled shift.
- Review new admission elopement risk assessments in Clinical Morning Meeting to validate accuracy and interventions if indicated.
- Review quarterly elopement risk assessments to validate accuracy and interventions if indicated.
- Maintenance Director/designee will inspect facility exit doors to validate doors are functioning properly.
- Administrator will round with the Maintenance Director validating doors are functioning properly.
- Hold an Ad Hoc QACPI.
- Notify the Medical Director of the incident and plan.
- Present results of audits in the QAPI Committee meeting for review and recommendations.
Failure to Monitor Wander Guard and Supervise Resident Resulting in Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and prevent a successful elopement for one resident identified as at risk for wandering and elopement. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including traumatic subdural hemorrhage, muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, and need for assistance with personal care. An admission MDS showed a BIMS score of 9/15, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and documented that the resident used a wheelchair and required substantial assistance for most ADLs. The facility’s own policy defined wandering and elopement, required staff training on elopement prevention, and called for interventions and care plan documentation for residents at risk of elopement. Physician orders were in place directing staff to check the resident’s wander guard for effectiveness and function every shift beginning shortly after admission. However, review of the MAR/TAR for the period from admission through the date of elopement showed that this order was not consistently documented as completed. For the period 01/30/26–02/19/26, there was an order to check the wander guard every shift, but it was only signed once on the date of the elopement for the first shift. There was no documentation on the MAR/TAR for January related to checking the wander guard, despite the order being in effect. The resident’s care plan, initiated on admission and revised on 02/19/26, identified behavioral symptoms of wandering and elopement related to impaired cognition and impulsivity, and included an intervention to equip the resident with a wander guard upon admission for 48 hours and to check the device’s proper functioning every shift, but the documented implementation of these checks was lacking. In the days leading up to the elopement, progress notes documented that the resident needed frequent redirection due to wandering in and out of other residents’ rooms, and that staff discussed with the resident’s representative the possibility of obtaining a sitter because of these behaviors. Another note described the resident being found seated on a fall mat after getting out of bed to remove pictures from the wall and pack his bag, indicating ongoing impulsive and wandering behavior. On the night of the elopement, a CNA reported that the resident had been described as hard to redirect and constantly pacing the unit in his wheelchair. Later that night, the resident was found wandering in the parking lot and brought back inside by a CNA; the nurse documented that the door alarm was not going off at the time the resident was found outside. The resident’s representative later stated that he had been informed that the front door was not working properly and that the resident had a wander guard device that should have locked the door when he left, but the door did not function correctly, allowing the resident to exit the building. Based on these findings, surveyors determined that the facility failed to provide adequate supervision and accident prevention, resulting in a successful elopement and an Immediate Jeopardy determination at F689. The State Agency determined that the facility’s non-compliance with federal health and safety regulations caused or was likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death, and identified the Immediate Jeopardy as related to 42 CFR 483.25, Quality of Care. The Immediate Jeopardy was determined to have existed as of the date of the elopement. The survey findings emphasized the lack of documented adherence to physician orders and care plan interventions for checking the wander guard device, the presence of documented wandering and impulsive behaviors, and the fact that the resident was able to leave the building without triggering a door alarm. These combined actions and inactions led to the conclusion that the facility did not ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision to prevent the resident’s elopement.
Removal Plan
- Resident was immediately located and safely returned to the facility.
- Full nursing assessment completed by licensed nurse; no injuries noted.
- Physician/Medical Director and responsible party notified by administrator.
- Resident placed on increased monitoring immediately.
- Wandering/elopement risk reassessed.
- Care plan updated to include enhanced interventions.
- Wander guard applied and verified functioning.
- Staff education initiated by administrator.
- Incident reported per facility policy and state requirements.
- Facility conducted a 100% audit of all residents for elopement risk.
- Verified wander guard placement and function for all residents.
- Verified accuracy of assessments and care plans for all residents.
- Updated care plans to include individualized interventions such as secured unit placement/discharge plan and structured activities to reduce wandering.
- Conducted environmental safety checks.
- All exit doors secured and alarmed and verified by maintenance department weekly.
- Wander guard system tested by maintenance department weekly with a log.
- All staff education completed by DON/Administrator on policy/protocol for wandering and elopement and immediate response procedures if a resident is missing.
- Results reviewed in QWAPI meetings monthly for 3 months, with corrective actions implemented as needed.
Failure to Protect Cognitively Impaired Resident From Physical Abuse by CNA
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a failure to protect a resident from physical abuse by a CNA. The facility’s abuse policy defines physical abuse as including hitting, slapping, and controlling behavior through corporal punishment. The resident involved was admitted with major depressive disorder and dementia with agitation, and a recent MDS showed a BIMS score of 7/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The resident was generally independent with toileting and transfers. On the day of the incident, the resident was on a locked dementia unit and had experienced bowel incontinence, leaving the bathroom soiled. A CNA entered the resident’s room to assist with cleaning the bathroom. During this interaction, the resident became agitated and combative, reportedly spitting on the CNA and striking the CNA in the face with a wet washcloth containing bowel movement. The CNA later reported that she responded by holding the resident’s hands above her head and then making contact with the resident’s face with an open hand, described as a slap or “smudging” the resident’s face. The CNA admitted to multiple staff, including the charge nurse, DON, Administrator, and Social Services, that she had put her hands on the resident and struck the resident in the face with an open hand in retaliation for the resident’s actions. A police report documented that the CNA admitted to assaulting the resident with an open-hand slap during a physical altercation. Staff who assessed the resident after the incident noted that the resident appeared visibly upset but had no visible injuries, and the resident was unable to recall the specific events due to severe cognitive impairment. The State Agency determined that the facility’s non-compliance with abuse regulations caused or was likely to cause serious harm and cited the facility under 42 CFR 483.12 for failure to ensure the resident was free from physical abuse.
Removal Plan
- Removed CNA3 from the resident care area after the incident.
- Interviewed CNA3 regarding the incident.
- Terminated CNA3 by the Administrator and DON.
- Notified law enforcement of the incident.
- Submitted a report to the Regional Ombudsman.
- Completed a nursing assessment and body audit of R1; no injuries found.
- Notified R1's family/responsible party of the incident.
- Monitored residents for psychosocial distress or changes by nursing staff and Social Services.
- Provided 1:1 re-education for staff working in skilled nursing on abuse and appropriate response/intervention and workplace fatigue.
- Conducted an investigation and determined there was no physical evidence of abuse.
- Social worker interviewed all residents on Unit 3 regarding abuse, whether any abuse had been witnessed/experienced, and whether residents felt safe.
- Social worker interviewed residents on other skilled units regarding abuse and whether residents felt safe.
- Arranged for MD and PA to evaluate R1; MD issued new medication orders and PA checked on the resident.
- Obtained family consent for a psychiatric evaluation.
- Social worker contacted the family and obtained updates; family visited and reported no changes in mood/behavior/psychosocial status.
- Social worker checked in on R1 and monitored for changes.
- Initiated in-house education for all staff working in Skilled Nursing on types/definitions of abuse, dementia with abuse prevention, de-escalation of behaviors, and how to appropriately avoid these situations.
- Re-educated staff on who the Abuse Coordinator is and how to notify the Abuse Coordinator of concerns.
- Reviewed the abuse policy with staff.
- Obtained statements from all staff who work in Skilled Nursing.
- Continued education ongoing.
- Nursing management (DON, ADON, Unit Managers) to conduct rounding and audits for signs of abuse.
- Held QAPI and updated it regarding this issue.
Failure to Use Required Gait Belt During Ambulation Resulting in Hip Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident was free from accident hazards and received adequate supervision during ambulation, resulting in a fall and left hip fracture. The facility’s Fall Management Program policy included staff education and interventions to prevent unsafe transfers and ambulation. The resident had severe cognitive impairment, as evidenced by a BIMS score of 3/15, and used a walker and wheelchair. A Safe Resident Handling Data Collection form documented that a gait belt and walker were required for transfers with staff and that the resident continued to require use of a gait belt. The resident’s care plan included assistance with transfers and ambulation and provision of adaptive equipment, but there was no physician order for a gait belt, and gait belt use was not listed on the care plan. Instead, the Administrator stated that transfer methods, including gait belt use, were communicated via name tags on residents’ doors and that the resident had a history of tripping over her own feet and falling. On the day of the incident, the resident was being assisted by a CNA from the bathroom when the resident’s feet became twisted and she fell to the floor. The CNA reported she was holding the resident’s pants while walking her from the bathroom and acknowledged that the fall was her fault. Documentation indicated the resident fell in her room while being transferred/ambulated from the bathroom with the CNA present, wearing shoes at the time. The Administrator confirmed that the resident had been assessed for gait belt use and that the resident did not have a gait belt on when she fell. The Administrator stated that, in situations where a resident is already in motion without proper equipment, staff should hold the resident and call for help rather than continue ambulation. The resident sustained a subcapital femoral neck fracture of the left hip, required surgical repair at a hospital, and was later readmitted to the facility for rehabilitation and strengthening, with documentation noting she had been confined to a wheelchair prior to the fall and was unlikely to progress beyond her previous level of activity.
Failure to Notify Physician of Resident’s Elevated Blood Pressures
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a resident’s physician of significantly elevated blood pressures as required by facility policy. The facility’s policy on Change in a Resident’s Condition or Status, revised February 2021, states that the nurse will promptly notify the attending or on-call physician when there is a significant change in the resident’s physical condition, defined as a major decline or improvement that will not normally resolve without intervention. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including Alzheimer’s disease, essential hypertension, and hypothyroidism, and had an active order for Benazepril 5 mg daily for hypertension with instructions to hold the medication if systolic blood pressure (SBP) was less than 110. The admission MDS showed the resident was unable to complete the BIMS interview and had an active diagnosis of hypertension. Blood pressure records showed multiple elevated readings, including 172/102 and 172/101 on one day and 171/119 on the following day. Review of the nurse’s notes revealed no documentation that the physician or PACE program was notified of these elevated blood pressures. The care plan indicated the resident was a PACE participant and directed staff to contact PACE for any medical needs. During interviews, the UM stated all medication orders came from PACE, and the DON acknowledged that 171/119 was an elevated blood pressure and that a call should have been made to the on-call PACE medical director, with family also to be notified of the change in condition. The patient liaison and weekend supervisor both reported not being informed of the elevated blood pressures, and CNA staff reported notifying an RN of the elevated readings but was unsure what occurred afterward. The RN stated she did not recall the patient but indicated that if there was no progress note, the notification would not have been documented anywhere else.
Failure to Obtain and Administer Ordered Seizure Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain and administer Lacosamide, an ordered seizure medication, for one resident, resulting in 11 missed doses over the period from 1/7 to 1/13. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including epilepsy, paranoid schizophrenia, and dementia. Review of the care plan showed no care plan addressing epilepsy, seizure risk, or seizure medications. Review of the MAR for 1/7/26 through 1/14/26 showed that the resident did not receive Lacosamide 100 mg, ordered as 1.5 tablets by mouth twice daily for seizures, for a total of 11 missed doses. The facility’s policy on Adverse Consequences and Medication Errors defined a medication error to include omissions when a drug is ordered but not administered. During interviews, an LPN stated that if a progress note about Lacosamide not being given was scratched out, it meant the medication was administered, and that when waiting for a medication, the nurse keeps a running list and calls the pharmacy for status updates. The Staff Development Coordinator reported that the protocol for missing medications requires nurses to call the pharmacy and document the call, notify the MD for alternatives, and check the Omnicell if the medication is not a narcotic. The DON stated that on admission, floor nurses should send all prescriptions to the pharmacy and, if a prescription is missing, contact onsite/on-call providers to obtain one so the pharmacy can send the medication stat, and reported being unaware that there was no prescription for Lacosamide. The resident’s PCP stated she had no memory of being notified about any missed Lacosamide doses and explained that the NP should be notified first and work with the pharmacy, and if issues persist, the PCP should be contacted; she also stated that missing medication should be communicated immediately by direct means, not by a note left in a book.
Failure to Maintain Washer Filters per Manufacturer Instructions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program related to the maintenance of laundry equipment. Review of the Alliance Laundry Systems washer manufacturer guidelines showed that, as part of end-of-day maintenance, the AC invert drive filter was to be cleaned by removing the external plastic cover, taking out the foam filter, and washing it with warm water and allowing it to air dry, or by vacuuming the filter. During an observation of the laundry area, the filter located on the front of the washing machine was found to be heavily soiled with lint and debris, despite a metal manufacturer label directly beneath the filter stating, "Clean Daily." Three of three washing machines observed had this issue. In an interview conducted at the time of the observation, the Laundry Supervisor acknowledged the condition of the filter and stated that laundry personnel did not maintain the filter, indicating that maintenance staff were responsible for cleaning it. In a subsequent interview, the Maintenance Supervisor reported that maintenance staff usually cleaned the filter about three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, rather than daily as directed by the manufacturer. The Maintenance Supervisor also stated there was no log or record maintained to verify that the filter was cleaned as required.
Medications Left at Bedside Without Self-Administration Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the resident environment remained free of accident hazards when medications were left at the bedside for one resident. The facility’s “Oral Medication Administration Procedure” policy states that staff must administer oral medications in an organized and safe manner, remain with the resident while the medication is swallowed, and never leave medication in a resident’s room without an order for self-administration. Review of the resident’s orders showed there was no order for self-administration of medication. The resident involved had diagnoses including post hemorrhagic anemia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, irritable bowel syndrome, and osteoarthritis, and had a BIMS score of 15/15, indicating no cognitive impairment. The baseline care plan documented decreased ability to perform ADLs/self-care related to debility/generalized weakness. During observation, two white tablets were found in a medication cup on the resident’s bedside table. An LPN confirmed the medications should not have been left in the room and that the resident did not have an order to self-administer. The resident stated that a nurse had brought the medications the previous night and that she was saving them to use when needed, identifying them as Imodium. The DON stated that nurses are not to leave medications at the bedside and should remain with the resident to ensure medications are swallowed safely, and that anyone could take medications left at the bedside.
Significant Medication Error When Wrong Resident Received Another Resident’s Medications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a failure to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors when an LPN administered another resident's medications. Facility policy required that medications be administered safely and as prescribed, including verifying the resident's identity before administration using methods such as checking an identification band, reviewing a photograph on the medical record, and, if necessary, confirming identity with other staff. The policy also required the person administering medications to check the label three times to verify the right resident, medication, dosage, time, and route, and prohibited administering medications ordered for one resident to another. Despite these requirements, the LPN pre-poured medications for more than one resident at a time and did not correctly verify the resident's identity before administration. The resident who received the wrong medications, identified as R2, had been admitted with diagnoses including cognitive communication deficit, dementia with mild anxiety, atrial fibrillation, dysphagia, and major depressive disorder. Another resident, identified as R3, had diagnoses including heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic pain syndrome, and lumbar spondylosis, and had active orders for multiple medications: oxycodone 30 mg three times daily, amlodipine 5 mg (two tablets once daily), losartan 50 mg twice daily, dofetilide 250 mcg twice daily, gabapentin 600 mg four times daily, and metoprolol 50 mg once daily. R2 did not have physician orders for these medications. On the morning of the incident, the LPN labeled a medication cup with a resident's name, poured medications into the cup, mixed whole pills in pudding, and administered them to R2 in her room. The LPN later discovered that R2's medication cup was still on the cart and realized that the medications given to R2 were actually those prescribed for R3. Following the administration error, staff documented that R2 had received oxycodone 30 mg, amlodipine 5 mg, losartan 50 mg, dofetilide 250 mcg (also documented once as 520 mcg), gabapentin 600 mg, and metoprolol 50 mg, none of which were ordered for her. Progress notes and vital sign records showed that R2 subsequently experienced low blood pressure and slow heart rate, with multiple blood pressure readings in the 70s and 80s systolic and 40s diastolic, and heart rates in the 40s and 50s. A nurse practitioner assessed R2 shortly after the error and initially noted no acute distress, but within an hour R2 became symptomatic. Later documentation indicated that R2 was transferred to the hospital, where she was evaluated for somnolence, hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxia after receiving the incorrect medications. Hospital records described that she required interventions including IV fluids, naloxone, atropine, and vasoactive medications due to persistent hypotension over several days, and she was diagnosed with hypotension due to drugs, drug overdose (accidental or unintentional), confusion caused by a drug, bradycardia, respiratory insufficiency, sepsis with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and pneumonia. The state survey agency determined that the facility's non-compliance with pharmacy services requirements caused or was likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death, and cited the facility at F760.
Removal Plan
- The Administrator notified the Medical Director of the Immediate Jeopardy.
- R2 was assessed by the Nurse Practitioner, and new orders were written for vital signs every 30 minutes and Midodrine stat.
- R2 was sent to the emergency department for a higher level of care.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing began the investigation into the medication error.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing counseled LPN1 related to the medication error and failure to follow the five rights of medication pass, including prepulling medication that resulted in the medication error; the licensed nurse was placed on a process improvement plan.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing provided 1:1 education with LPN1 related to types of medication errors, causes, and prevention.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing began a medication pass in-service related to the 5 rights of medication administration.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing or designee began education with the licensed nurses on the 5 rights of medication pass and medication administration.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing or designee began education on the medication administration policy to include how to verify the medications are correct for all licensed nurses on or before their next scheduled shift.
- The Assistant Director of Nursing or designee began competency checks on medication pass on all licensed nurses.
- The Administrator, the Director of Nursing, and the Assistant Director were re-educated on Medication Pass, including medication errors, by the Regional Assistant Director of Clinical Services.
- The Director of Nursing completed a review of hospitalizations to determine if any were related to medication error.
- The Director of Nursing completed a medication error review to ensure proper documentation, appropriate corrective action, and reporting compliance.
- Nurse management will randomly select each nurse daily to observe medication passes for 7 days, then weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly for 2 months.
- The nurse involved in the deficiency will complete medication pass competency daily for 7 days, weekly for 4 weeks, monthly for 2 months, and quarterly for 2.
Failure to Report Serious Medication Error Resulting in Resident Hospitalization
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report a significant medication error that resulted in serious bodily injury to the Administrator and the State Agency within two hours, as required by its own abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation reporting policy. The policy, last revised in September 2022, states that suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation, or injury of unknown source must be reported immediately to the Administrator and appropriate authorities, defining "immediately" as within two hours for allegations involving abuse or resulting in serious bodily injury. Despite this, the medication error involving Resident 2, which led to hospitalization, was not entered on the facility’s reportable incident log and was not reported to the State Agency or Administrator as required. Resident 2 was admitted with diagnoses including cognitive communication deficit, dementia with mild anxiety, atrial fibrillation, dysphagia, and major depressive disorder. On the morning of 12/04/25, LPN1 pre-pulled medications for more than one resident at a time and prepared medications for Resident 2 and Resident 3. When Resident 3 requested pain medication, LPN1 retrieved oxycodone for Resident 3 but then became distracted and administered Resident 3’s medications to Resident 2 instead. Witness statements from the Unit Manager and ADON documented that Resident 2 received multiple medications not prescribed for them, including oxycodone 30 mg, amlodipine 5 mg, losartan 50 mg, dofetilide, gabapentin 600 mg, and metoprolol 50 mg. Progress notes show that Resident 2’s blood pressure remained low despite ordered midodrine and fluids, with documented hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased respirations, and the resident was ultimately transferred to the hospital for further evaluation. Following the error, LPN1 reported the incident to her supervisor, and the ADON and NP were notified; however, the Administrator and State Agency were not notified as required by policy. The DON, who was on maternity leave at the time, later stated that the incident should have been reported to the State Agency but confirmed that no report was submitted and that the ADON was unaware the incident needed to be reported. The ADON stated she was unsure if the Administrator had been notified and acknowledged she did not know she was required to report the incident to the State Agency. The Facility Administrator reported that he only became aware of the medication error recently, after speaking with another resident, and confirmed that no report had been sent to the State Agency and that he had not been informed of the incident when it occurred.
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