Oak Hollow Of Sumter Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Sumter, South Carolina.
- Location
- 1761 Pinewood Road, Sumter, South Carolina 29154
- CMS Provider Number
- 425310
- Inspections on file
- 21
- Latest survey
- April 18, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Oak Hollow Of Sumter Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Staff failed to use the correct test strips to monitor sanitation concentrations in the kitchen, resulting in inaccurate records of chlorine levels for both the dishwashing machine and the three-compartment sink. Observations also revealed a trash bin without a lid and dust and debris on top of the dishwashing machine, with the Certified Dietary Manager confirming these sanitation lapses.
The facility did not maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by staff failing to perform hand hygiene, missing signage for Enhanced Barrier Precautions, empty hand sanitizer dispensers, and improper use of PPE. A resident with a suprapubic catheter did not have required precaution signage, and staff were not consistently educated on infection control protocols. Plumbing issues led to shared bathrooms, further impacting infection control efforts.
A resident with a physician's order for TED hose was not provided with the prescribed compression stockings, resulting in red, swollen legs, while another resident with incontinence and mobility issues experienced significant delays in receiving incontinent care. Staff were unaware of care orders due to reliance on verbal handoff and did not follow care plans or the facility's No Pass Zone policy, leading to unmet care needs.
The facility did not have a full-time certified dietary manager or food service manager overseeing the food and nutrition service, as required. Staff reported working without supervision, and the CDM confirmed he was responsible for multiple buildings and had not been present to train or manage the dietary staff. The administrator was unable to confirm the CDM's schedule, and the job description indicated the need for full-time, on-site management, which was not being met.
The facility did not develop or implement a QAPI action plan to address environmental hazards, including damaged fall mats, nail holes in walls, and non-functioning toilets. A resident reported ongoing bathroom access issues, and leadership confirmed awareness of these problems without initiating a Performance Improvement Plan.
A resident using an alternating pressure mattress experienced discomfort and had to relocate to the lobby due to a malfunctioning mattress. The facility lacked a policy for maintaining patient care electrical equipment and did not have documentation of inspection or maintenance for the mattress. The Maintenance Director was unaware of the requirement for electrical testing, leading to the deficiency.
Surveyors identified multiple environmental deficiencies, including cracked drywall, peeling paint, damaged furniture, and black residue in resident rooms and bathrooms. Staff and residents reported ongoing plumbing issues that required shared bathroom use, and a resident described long-standing poor wall conditions with incomplete painting. A corporate executive confirmed that unresolved maintenance concerns persisted after the facility owner left the property.
A resident with a history of aggression physically abused two other residents in the facility. Despite having a care plan in place, the facility failed to prevent the assaults, resulting in one resident sustaining a black eye and experiencing pain. The incidents highlight the facility's inability to manage the aggressive behavior of the resident effectively.
A resident with a history of traumatic brain injury and hemiplegia experienced two falls from a mechanical lift due to broken straps. The first fall resulted in a concussion, and although some staff received re-education, not all involved were retrained. The second fall led to a bruise and skin tear, with no documented investigation conducted. The facility failed to adhere to its policies requiring thorough investigations and proper staff training.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses developed several pressure ulcers due to the facility's failure to follow wound care and repositioning protocols. Despite physician orders and family wishes for comprehensive care, treatments were inconsistently administered, and the resident was not regularly turned, leading to multiple untreated wounds.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment successfully eloped from the facility despite having a care plan indicating a risk for elopement. The resident was found outside the facility, and staff interviews revealed that the resident frequently exhibited exit-seeking behavior. The facility's failure to provide adequate supervision and timely response to the alarm resulted in Immediate Jeopardy and substandard quality of care.
The facility failed to ensure that four CNAs received the minimum 12 hours of annual training as required. The new Administrator was unable to provide documentation supporting the completion of the required training for the CNAs.
The facility failed to complete weekly body audits on all residents and did not ensure weekly treatment audits were completed as per the plan of correction. No documentation was found to confirm that these audits were reviewed by the QAPI Committee. Interviews with the Administrator, Administrator in Training, and DON confirmed these deficiencies.
Failure to Maintain Proper Kitchen Sanitation and Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow proper sanitation protocols in the kitchen, as evidenced by the use of incorrect test strips to check the sanitation concentrations for both the dishwashing machine and the three-compartment sink. During observations, the test strips used by dietary staff consistently read zero, indicating that the sanitation levels were not being properly monitored. Additionally, a trash bin without a lid was found in front of the refrigerator doors, and dust and debris were observed on top of the dishwashing machine, further indicating lapses in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. The Certified Dietary Manager confirmed that the wrong test strips were used, which resulted in inaccurate readings for chlorine concentration. The daily dish machine log showed that staff had been recording appropriate chlorine levels, but these readings were not accurate due to the use of incorrect test strips. The CDM also acknowledged the need for cleaning in the kitchen, specifically noting the unclean area on top of the dishwashing machine and the uncovered trash bin.
Failure to Maintain Effective Infection Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program across all three units, the kitchen, and the main dining room. Observations revealed multiple lapses in hand hygiene practices, including staff not performing hand sanitization before and after resident contact, and residents not being provided hand hygiene before meals. Several wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers were found empty for extended periods, and staff did not consistently ensure their availability. Additionally, staff entered dietary areas without proper hair coverings or hand hygiene, and some staff admitted to forgetting these protocols due to being busy. Signage for Enhanced Barrier Precautions was missing outside rooms where it was required, and staff were observed providing care to residents on such precautions without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). One resident with a suprapubic catheter, a condition requiring strict infection control, did not have the necessary signage posted, and the agency CNA providing care was not instructed on Enhanced Barrier Precautions. The Infection Control Nurse acknowledged gaps in the implementation of precaution signage and hand hygiene for residents receiving meals in their rooms. Interviews with staff, including the DON and Infection Control Nurse, revealed inconsistent understanding and application of infection control policies, particularly regarding when to use PPE and Enhanced Barrier Precautions. Plumbing issues led to shared bathrooms among residents and staff, further complicating infection control efforts. The Infection Control Nurse also stated that there were no infection control systems in place when assuming the role three months prior, and surveillance did not always catch missing signage or empty sanitizer dispensers.
Failure to Follow Physician's Orders and Provide Timely Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow physician's orders and provide appropriate care for two residents. One resident, who had a physician's order for daily use of TED hose due to vascular insufficiency and hematoma, was observed with red, swollen legs and was not wearing the prescribed compression stockings. The resident reported not having worn TED hose for two weeks because their pair was destroyed in the washing machine. Agency staff assigned to the resident were unaware of the order, having relied on verbal handoff rather than reviewing the resident's care plan or Kardex. The Director of Nursing confirmed there was no policy in place regarding adherence to physician's orders. Another resident, with diagnoses including anxiety disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and hemiparesis, and who was consistently incontinent of bowel and bladder, did not receive timely incontinent care. The resident and their family reported extended waits for assistance, including an incident where the resident waited up to three hours for care after returning from church. Staff interviews revealed that delays were due to the need for two staff members to assist with mechanical lifts and a practice of waiting for the assigned CNA rather than seeking help from available staff. The LPN involved acknowledged instructing the resident to wait for care due to being busy and the assigned CNA being unavailable. The facility's care plans for both residents included interventions to anticipate and meet care needs, maintain cleanliness, and ensure comfort. However, staff failed to follow these plans, resulting in unmet care needs and non-compliance with physician's orders. The facility's No Pass Zone policy, which required all staff to respond to call lights, was not effectively implemented, contributing to the deficiencies observed.
Lack of Full-Time Certified Dietary Manager in Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a full-time certified dietary manager (CDM) or certified food service manager (CFSM) to oversee the food and nutrition service, as required. During an initial kitchen tour, it was observed that only two staff members were present, and both confirmed that there was no dietary manager or supervisor on site. Staff reported working independently without direct supervision or guidance from a qualified manager. Interviews with the CDM and facility administration revealed inconsistencies regarding the CDM's presence and role. The CDM stated he was responsible for three buildings and had not been present at the facility for the previous week, as he was assisting at other locations. He acknowledged that he had not had time to train or work closely with the dietary staff at this facility. The administrator initially claimed the CDM was full-time and present for 40 hours the previous week but later admitted uncertainty about the CDM's actual schedule after being informed of conflicting information from the CDM. Review of the job description for the dietary manager confirmed that the position was intended to be full-time and responsible for managing the dining services program, including staff supervision, training, and compliance with federal and state requirements. However, the CDM's own account and staff interviews indicated that these responsibilities were not being fulfilled due to the CDM's absence and divided attention across multiple facilities. This lack of consistent, qualified oversight had the potential to affect all residents receiving food and nutrition services.
Failure to Implement QAPI Action Plan for Environmental Repairs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement an action plan to address and repair environmental deficiencies, impacting the safety and quality of life for all residents. Observations included fall mats with edges sticking up and significant rips, as well as nail holes in the wall next to a window. These environmental hazards were not addressed through the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) process, despite being identified. Additionally, a resident reported having to use a bathroom down the hall for several months due to non-functioning toilets. Interviews with facility leadership confirmed that the QAPI Committee was aware of the issue with the toilets but had not developed a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) to address it. The Corporate Executive acknowledged that repairs had been attempted but had not been discussed with the QAPI Committee, indicating a lack of coordinated action through the established quality assurance processes.
Failure to Maintain and Document Safe Operation of Patient Care Electrical Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain patient care electrical equipment in safe operating condition for a resident using an alternating pressure mattress. The facility did not have a policy regarding the maintenance of patient care electrical equipment, and there was no documentation available for the inspection or maintenance of the mattress. On observation, the resident was found lying in bed with the mattress, and reported having to sit in the lobby the previous day due to the mattress malfunctioning and feeling uncomfortable. The Corporate Executive confirmed that the Maintenance Director was unaware of the electrical testing requirement for the mattress, resulting in the absence of maintenance records.
Environmental Deficiencies and Poor Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable homelike environment for residents and staff, as evidenced by multiple environmental deficiencies observed during the survey period. Specific findings included cracked and exposed drywall, extensive paint chipping, unpainted patched holes, peeling paint in various colors, and black residue on ceilings and around air vents in several resident rooms and bathrooms. Furniture was also found to be in poor condition, such as a chest of drawers with extensive paint chipping, a deteriorated blue chair with worn fabric, and a bed footboard with a longitudinal crack. Additionally, a resident's manual wheelchair was observed with torn and damaged foam on the armrest. Bathrooms were noted to have thick black substances in the corners, peeling walls, and cracked door jams. Interviews with staff and residents confirmed ongoing issues, including unresolved plumbing problems that required staff and residents to share bathroom facilities. One resident reported that the poor wall conditions had persisted for a long time, with incomplete painting in their room. A corporate executive disclosed that the facility's owner had left the property, resulting in numerous unresolved concerns, including the ongoing plumbing issues. These observations and interviews collectively demonstrate the facility's failure to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for its residents and staff.
Failure to Protect Residents from Physical Abuse by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from physical abuse by another resident, specifically involving two residents, R5 and R6, who were physically abused by R4. R4, who had a history of physical aggression and severe cognitive impairment, was admitted to the facility with diagnoses including paranoid schizophrenia and violent behavior. Despite having a care plan that identified R4's potential for physical aggression, the facility did not effectively prevent R4 from physically assaulting R5 and R6. R5, who had moderate cognitive impairment and a history of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, was struck in the face by R4 over a misunderstanding regarding a wheelchair. This incident resulted in R5 sustaining a black eye and experiencing pain, which required medical attention. The facility's staff, including CNAs and an LPN, were present during the incident but were unable to prevent the assault. R5 expressed fear and discomfort following the incident, indicating a failure in the facility's ability to ensure a safe environment. R6, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of hemiplegia and vascular dementia, was also physically assaulted by R4. This incident occurred after R6 allegedly called R4 a derogatory name, prompting R4 to punch R6 in the face. Although R6 did not sustain visible injuries, the incident highlights the facility's inability to manage R4's aggressive behavior effectively. The facility's failure to adequately monitor and address R4's known behavioral issues contributed to these incidents of resident-to-resident abuse.
Failure to Investigate Mechanical Lift Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a complete and thorough investigation for a resident who experienced two falls from a mechanical lift. The first incident occurred when the sling strap broke during a transfer from the bed to a wheelchair, resulting in the resident hitting their head on the wheelchair arm. This incident led to a concussion and cervical strain, as confirmed by an emergency department visit. Although staff involved in this incident received re-education on mechanical lift safety, there was no evidence that all relevant staff, including those involved in the second incident, received similar training. The second incident involved the same resident falling when the shower harness strap broke during a transfer from a shower chair to the bed. The CNA involved attempted to brace the resident with their leg to prevent injury. Despite this effort, the resident sustained a bruise and a skin tear. There was no documented investigation for this incident, and the CNA involved had not received re-education on mechanical lift safety following the first incident. The resident involved had a medical history of traumatic brain injury, hemiplegia, and muscle weakness, which increased their risk of falls. The facility's policies required that all injuries be investigated and that only trained personnel operate mechanical lifts. However, the facility did not adhere to these policies, as evidenced by the lack of a documented investigation for the second incident and incomplete staff re-education following the first incident.
Failure to Prevent and Treat Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide treatment and services to prevent and/or heal a resident's pressure ulcers, resulting in the resident acquiring multiple pressure ulcers. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was receiving hospice care, was admitted with diagnoses including vascular dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hyperlipidemia. Despite being at high risk for skin breakdown due to immobility and incontinence, the facility did not adhere to its own policies for skin and wound management and repositioning, leading to the development of multiple pressure ulcers on the resident's body. The facility's records revealed that the resident had several deep tissue injuries and unstageable wounds that were not properly treated as per physician orders. The Medication Administration Record and Treatment Administration Record indicated that wound care treatments were not consistently administered. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and other staff members revealed a lack of proper documentation and execution of turning and repositioning protocols. Additionally, there was a discrepancy between the facility's claim that the family had refused wound care and the family's statement that they wanted all comfort measures, including wound care, to be provided. The hospice staff also reported that the resident was not being turned regularly and that they were not in the facility daily to change dressings as ordered. This neglect was reported to various authorities, leading to the discovery of the resident's untreated wounds. The facility's failure to follow its own policies and physician orders for wound care and repositioning directly contributed to the resident's deteriorating condition and the development of multiple pressure ulcers.
Removal Plan
- The CEO/Nurse met with the Agape Nurse to ensure treatments for residents under their care were being documented in the hospice notes and the staff of the facility will complete on days they are not in the facility.
- All residents had a head-to-toe assessment completed by licensed nurses. All identified areas were provided treatment if warranted. The attending physician and resident's representative were notified.
- All residents will have a head-to-toe skin assessment upon admission and weekly skin assessment thereafter. All current residents will have a weekly skin assessment completed to ensure the skin remains intact.
- All licensed and certified staff will be educated on ensuring residents preventative measures are in place for wound care to include: 1. Weekly Skin Assessment and prevention. 2. Shower Skin Audit (completed by C.N.A.). 3. New Admission Skin Assessment and prevention. 4. Turning and repositioning. 5. Abuse and Neglect.
- Licensed nurses were educated on the protocol for identifying risk and wounded residents and ongoing to include notifying the MD and RR.
- The Director of Nursing or designee will audit the treatments weekly to ensure the residents have been provided proper wound care treatment per the MD order.
- The Director of Nursing will review the audit with the administrator to ensure the protocol is being followed.
- The Administrator and DON will review the completed weekly skin audits with the monthly QAPI Committee for further follow-up and recommendations.
Failure to Prevent Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent the elopement of a resident with severe cognitive impairment. The resident, who had a history of exit-seeking behavior and was at risk for elopement, successfully left the facility. The incident occurred when door exit alarms were triggered, and the resident was found outside the facility, approximately 200 feet away, ambulating with a rollator walker. The resident was appropriately dressed for the weather and was returned to the facility without injuries. However, the resident continued to exhibit exit-seeking behavior and required constant redirection and 15-minute checks to ensure safety. The resident's care plan indicated a risk for elopement due to cognitive impairment, but the interventions in place were insufficient to prevent the elopement. The care plan had been updated multiple times, but the resident's exit-seeking behavior persisted. The facility's policy on wandering and unsafe residents aimed to prevent elopement while maintaining a least restrictive environment, but the staff failed to adequately supervise the resident and prevent the elopement. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident frequently exhibited exit-seeking behavior and required constant reminders and redirection. On the day of the elopement, staff initially thought the alarm was from a different door, leading to a delay in locating the resident. The Director of Nursing was informed, and the resident was placed on 15-minute checks. The facility's failure to provide adequate supervision and timely response to the alarm resulted in the resident's successful elopement, constituting Immediate Jeopardy and substandard quality of care.
Removal Plan
- Resident 1 was escorted back into the facility and assessed without injury, placed on 15-minute checks, MD and RP notified. The elopement assessment was revised with a score of 4 indicating at risk for elopement and the care plan was updated with the new assessment information.
- All egress doors were checked by the Maintenance Director after the elopement and all doors were working properly.
- The DON and Unit Coordinator are completing the wandering and elopement assessment on all residents. Any change in elopement status will be care planned, and the MD and RR notified.
- The Director of Nursing and Administrator were educated on the Elopement Resource manual and Elopement Policy and Procedure by the CEO who is a licensed nurse, Social Worker and LNHA.
- All departments will be educated on the Elopement Resource manual and Elopement Policy and Procedure by the Administrator and Director of Nursing.
- The Elopement Resource Manual and Elopement Policy and Procedure Education will be included in the new hire orientation.
- The maintenance or designee will audit the door daily and Manager on Duty on the weekend to ensure the egress doors are in good repair and enunciate correctly. The Administrator will review the completed audits for further follow-up if warranted.
- The Plan of Correction for F689 was reviewed with the QAPI Committee to include the Medical Director without changes.
- The completed audits and identified listing of residents that are at risk of elopement will be reviewed monthly in the QAPI committee for further follow-up and recommendations.
Failure to Ensure Annual CNA Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) received the minimum 12 hours of annual training as required. The facility's policy mandates that nurse aides must undergo a state-approved training program and participate in a state-approved training and competency evaluation program. During an interview, the Administrator, who was new to the facility, was unable to provide documentation supporting that the four CNAs had completed the required training. Despite efforts to contact the agency for supporting training documents, the necessary documentation was not available at the time of the survey.
Failure to Complete and Review Weekly Body and Treatment Audits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure weekly body audits were completed on all residents and further failed to ensure the weekly treatment audits were completed as stated in the plan of correction. No documentation was found to confirm that the weekly skin and treatment audits were reviewed by the QAPI Committee. During interviews with the Administrator, Administrator in Training, and the Director of Nursing, it was confirmed that the weekly body audits were not being completed, and there was no documentation to ensure the treatments were audited and completed as required.
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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