The Oaks Post Acute
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
- Location
- 151 Lovely Drive, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115
- CMS Provider Number
- 425131
- Inspections on file
- 23
- Latest survey
- January 13, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Oaks Post Acute during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to maintain a clean, safe, and homelike environment when common-area equipment, including a snack cart and a Hoyer lift, was observed with dried debris and dust despite policies requiring regular cleaning. One resident’s room had a persistent strong urine and feces odor, with used briefs, a soiled gown, and trash left on the closet floor for several days, and the same resident’s wheelchair had a wheel held on for months with zip ties, string, and cloth without a maintenance report. Another resident’s overhead light cover had fallen and remained off for weeks, leaning against the wall, while a different resident’s bathroom repeatedly had an offensive odor and a wash basin filled with dirty towels and water on the shower floor, even as staff entered the room. Interviews showed that housekeeping lacked clear schedules for cleaning equipment, maintenance had no set cleaning schedule and was unaware of specific room issues, and staff misunderstood or inconsistently used the QR code work-order system, despite leadership expectations that all staff help maintain cleanliness and report problems.
A resident, who was cognitively intact and had multiple medical conditions, allowed a CNA to borrow her cellphone, after which unauthorized financial transactions and online purchases were made using her accounts. The CNA had access to the phone for an extended period and was linked to the fraudulent activity through bank records and text alerts. The incident was reported and substantiated as misappropriation of resident property.
A resident with multiple diagnoses and a history of falls had inconsistent and incomplete fall risk assessments, with missing documentation of health conditions and prescribed medications. Despite facility policy requiring thorough assessment and documentation, several assessments failed to accurately reflect the resident's risk factors, and the DON was unable to explain the omissions.
Surveyors found multiple medications and nutritional supplements, including creams, patches, solutions, and drinks, stored directly on the floor rather than in designated secure storage. The DON and CSM confirmed that supplies should not be stored on the floor and that a recent delivery was left unattended due to the CSM's absence over the weekend.
A resident with a Full Code Advanced Directive was found unresponsive, but CPR was not initiated as required by facility policy. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses, was mistakenly identified as DNR by staff, leading to a failure to provide necessary life-saving measures. Interviews revealed miscommunication among staff regarding the resident's code status, resulting in a deficiency identified by surveyors.
The facility failed to store biologicals appropriately in three medication treatment carts, with expired and opened items found during observations. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistent checking of expiration dates and proper storage, despite facility policy requiring locked compartments and proper conditions. The DON acknowledged that both wound and floor nurses should check for expirations.
The facility failed to keep the kitchen's ice machine clean and sanitized, as a black mold-like substance was observed around the ice dispenser. The Kitchen Manager confirmed the issue and stated that the machine should be cleaned daily, but no cleaning logs were available. Additionally, the facility lacked a policy for ice machine maintenance.
A facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident, omitting Advance Directives despite the resident's severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses. Interviews with staff confirmed the absence of necessary interventions in the resident's electronic medical record, highlighting a deviation from the facility's policy.
A facility failed to include Advanced Directives in a resident's care plan, despite the resident's severe cognitive impairment. The facility's policy mandates a comprehensive, person-centered care plan developed by the interdisciplinary team, but interviews with staff confirmed the absence of such interventions in the resident's EMR.
A resident dependent on staff for ADLs did not receive necessary hygiene services, as no showers were documented from June to November 2024. Observations showed the resident unshaven and with crusty eyes, and interviews confirmed the resident was not offered showers despite being scheduled for them. Staff assumed bed baths were provided by the previous shift, leading to a failure in maintaining personal hygiene.
A resident with mobility issues and a history of falls did not have a bed pad alarm in place as required by their care plan. Despite the care plan's inclusion of a bed pad alarm for fall prevention, observations showed it was missing, and staff interviews revealed confusion about its status. The resident fell while reaching for the call light, highlighting a deficiency in the facility's fall prevention measures.
A resident with multiple health conditions, including seizures and paraplegia, was not provided adequate hydration as per facility policy. Observations and interviews revealed the resident was not offered fluids between meals, and documentation showed insufficient fluid intake on certain dates. The facility's policy requires regular hydration assessments and documentation, which were not adhered to in this case.
A resident's responsible party was not timely informed of an unstageable wound on the resident's left hip, despite facility policy requiring notification of significant changes. The wound was documented as new, but the responsible party only learned of it during a visit, confirmed by interviews with facility staff.
A facility failed to document a resident's grievance regarding care concerns, despite the facility's policy allowing residents and their representatives to voice grievances without fear of reprisal. The resident's personal representative reported issues such as odors, a fall, a hip wound, and the state of the resident's room to the head of nursing, social worker, and wound nurse, who assured that the issues would be addressed. However, the concerns were not formally documented in the grievance log, indicating a deficiency in the facility's grievance handling process.
Failure to Maintain Clean, Safe, and Homelike Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, safe, and homelike environment on multiple units and in several resident rooms. Facility policies required regular cleaning and disinfecting of housekeeping and environmental surfaces, yet surveyors observed a white PVC snack cart near the nursing station on the Riverside unit with dried brown liquid, crumbs, and dust on the bottom shelf, and a Hoyer lift in a hallway alcove with dried debris and dust on its base and in crevices. The Lead Housekeeper acknowledged the cart was an old snack cart that should not be there and should be cleaned, and stated there was no clear knowledge of how often equipment was power washed. The Maintenance Director reported there was no set schedule for cleaning equipment such as Hoyer lifts and that they only tried to do it quarterly. In one resident room, surveyors repeatedly noted a strong odor of urine and feces and found four used briefs, a dirty hospital gown, and an empty ginger ale can on the floor of the resident’s closet over multiple days without change. The resident reported that these items had been on the closet floor for four days. The same resident also reported that the left wheel of her wheelchair had been held in place with zip ties, string, and cloth for months, and observations confirmed the wheel remained secured in this makeshift manner on several occasions. The Maintenance Director stated he was not aware of any maintenance issues in that room and had not been informed of the loose wheel. In another resident room, the overhead light cover had fallen off and was observed leaning against the wall on multiple days, with the resident stating that the cover had come off a couple of weeks earlier and expressing relief that it had not fallen over her bed. The Maintenance Director confirmed there was no work order in the QR code system for that room and that he was unaware of the issue. Additionally, a different resident’s bathroom was repeatedly observed to have an offensive odor and a plastic wash basin filled with dirty towels and water sitting on the shower stall floor over several days, despite various housekeeping staff, CNAs, and nurses entering the room. An LPN confirmed the condition of the bathroom and stated that the resident sometimes threw items there and that housekeeping would be notified. Interviews with the DON and Administrator indicated an expectation that all staff help keep rooms clean and that anyone with a phone could submit maintenance work orders via QR codes, but staff appeared to misunderstand or not consistently use this process.
CNA Misappropriation of Resident Property via Cellphone Access
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) was found to have misappropriated a resident's property after being allowed to borrow the resident's cellphone. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a history of diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition, and muscle spasm, reported that the CNA borrowed her phone for approximately 30 minutes under the pretense of locating her own misplaced phone. Shortly after, the resident received notifications from her bank regarding unauthorized attempts to transfer funds via Cash App and to make online purchases. The resident's bank confirmed that two transactions were attempted for $600 and $100, both of which were declined, while a $10 transaction and a $21.05 online purchase were completed but later credited back due to fraud. The resident denied authorizing any of these transactions. Facility records and interviews confirmed that the CNA had access to the resident's phone during the time the fraudulent activities occurred. The CNA initially denied any wrongdoing but later stated that a $10 transfer may have been an accident. The resident's representative expressed disappointment and frustration, and it was unclear if the facility had notified him about the incident. The facility's policies require immediate reporting and investigation of suspected misappropriation, and the incident was reported to law enforcement, though the resident declined to press charges. The investigation revealed that the CNA took the resident's phone outside the room and used it for purposes beyond what was permitted. Text messages and bank statements reviewed by staff and law enforcement corroborated the resident's account of unauthorized transactions. The CNA was suspended during the investigation, and the incident was substantiated as misappropriation of resident property.
Inaccurate Fall Risk Assessment Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately document fall risk assessments for one resident, resulting in incomplete or inconsistent recording of risk factors and medications. According to facility policy, nurses are required to assess and document all current medications and active diagnoses, and staff must review and document each resident's risk factors for falling. However, review of the resident's records showed discrepancies in the fall risk assessments, including missing or inaccurate documentation of health conditions, risk factors, and medications, despite the resident having multiple diagnoses such as Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, hypertension, and major depressive disorder, and being prescribed medications including aspirin, gabapentin, melatonin, and amlodipine. The resident's Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments indicated varying levels of cognitive impairment and assistance needs, as well as a history of falls. Despite this, several fall risk assessments failed to accurately reflect the resident's medication use and health conditions, with some assessments indicating no risk factors or medications when they were present. The care plan did note the resident's risk for falls and use of antiplatelet medication, but the fall risk assessments did not consistently align with this information. The DON confirmed that floor nurses are responsible for completing these assessments but was unsure why the required information was omitted.
Improper Storage of Biologicals and Supplements
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that biologicals and supplements were stored in accordance with its own policy and accepted professional standards. During a tour of Riverside Hall, surveyors observed multiple packages and boxes of medications and nutritional supplements, including hydrocortisone cream, lidocaine patches, povidone iodine solution, gauze rolls, and various nutritional drinks, stored directly on the floor. The facility's policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner, specifically in locked compartments and under proper environmental controls, with access limited to authorized personnel. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Central Supply Manager (CSM) confirmed that the observed supplies were not stored according to policy. The CSM acknowledged that supplies are supposed to be stored in designated areas, not on the floor, and explained that she is responsible for putting away supplies when delivered. She further stated that a recent delivery occurred on a Friday, but she does not work weekends, resulting in the supplies being left on the floor until she returned.
Failure to Initiate CPR for Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to a resident, identified as R163, who had an Advanced Directive indicating Full Code status. The resident was found unresponsive, and despite the directive, CPR was not initiated. The incident was reported to have occurred at approximately 4:10 PM, which was also the time of death as recorded by the County Coroner's Office. The facility's policy mandates that CPR should be initiated immediately for residents with Full Code status, but this protocol was not followed. R163 was admitted to the facility with multiple diagnoses, including dementia with psychotic disturbance and muscle weakness. The resident had a severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 4 out of 15. Despite these conditions, the resident's Advanced Directive clearly stated a desire for CPR in the event of cardiac arrest. However, the facility's records showed a lack of documentation regarding the initiation of CPR or any vital signs taken at the time of the resident's death. Interviews with facility staff, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the Nurse Practitioner (NP), and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed confusion and miscommunication regarding the resident's code status. The NP was informed by nursing staff that the resident was a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), which contradicted the resident's documented Full Code status. The Medical Doctor confirmed that the resident was never switched to a DNR and emphasized that the family wanted all possible measures taken. This miscommunication and failure to adhere to the resident's Advanced Directive led to the deficiency identified by the surveyors.
Removal Plan
- Audit completed by the Social Services Director on all residents to ensure that all advanced directive paperwork is present and correct Physician's Order is in the Electronic Medical Record and Care Plan is correct.
- Education initiated for all licensed staff by the DON and designees to include what to do if you find someone unresponsive and initiate CPR.
- All newly hired nurses, agency nurses, or facility staff not reached by phone will receive the education prior to their next scheduled shift at the facility.
- Mock Code Blue drills to be conducted by the DON/designee and alternate shifts to ensure all shifts receive training.
- Audit/review of all deaths in the facility will be reviewed by the Nursing Administration team to ensure that CPR is initiated when needed for full code status and documentation is complete.
- SSD will do a random audit of five residents to ensure that code status paperwork is correct and order matches and correlating Care Plan is in place.
- Audits will be for four weeks then for two months then random thereafter.
- Results will be reported to the Quality Assurance committee to determine the need for further monitoring.
Improper Storage of Biologicals in Medication Treatment Carts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that biologicals were stored appropriately in three of their medication treatment carts. During observations, it was found that several items, including Gentell rolled gauze bandage and Silvercel Non-adherent antimicrobial Alginate Dressing, were either expired or opened. The facility's policy requires that all medications and biologicals be stored in locked compartments under proper conditions, and that expired or deteriorated items be returned or destroyed as per the dispensing pharmacy's instructions. However, these protocols were not followed, as evidenced by the presence of expired and opened items in the treatment carts. Interviews with staff, including LPNs and the Director of Nursing, revealed that there was a lack of consistent checking of expiration dates and proper storage of biologicals. The wound nurse and unit managers were responsible for checking expiration dates, but it was noted that all nurses were responsible for changing dressings. Despite this, expired and opened items were found in the treatment carts, indicating a lapse in adherence to the facility's medication labeling and storage policy. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that both the wound nurse and floor nurse should be checking the treatment carts for expirations, highlighting a gap in the implementation of the facility's procedures.
Ice Machine Sanitation Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the ice machine in the kitchen. During an initial tour, a black mold-like substance was observed around the ice dispenser of the ice machine. The Kitchen Manager confirmed the presence of the mold-like substance and stated that the ice machine is expected to be cleaned daily at the end of the day. However, there were no cleaning logs available for the ice machine, indicating a lack of documentation for its maintenance. Additionally, the facility did not have a policy regarding the cleaning and sanitization of the ice machine, as confirmed by the Administrator.
Failure to Develop Care Plan for Advance Directives
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident, specifically regarding Advance Directives. The facility's policy requires that a comprehensive, person-centered care plan be developed and implemented for each resident, including measurable objectives and timetables to meet the resident's needs. However, upon review, it was found that the care plan for a resident admitted with multiple diagnoses, including dementia with psychotic disturbance and severe cognitive impairment, did not include any planning for Advance Directives. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN and the Administrator and DON, confirmed the absence of interventions related to Advance Directives in the resident's electronic medical record. The resident's care plan, last revised on a specific date, lacked documentation for Advance Directives, indicating a failure to adhere to the facility's policy and to address the resident's rights and needs comprehensively.
Failure to Include Advanced Directives in Resident Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a comprehensive care plan for Advanced Directives was developed and implemented for a resident, identified as R163. The facility's policy requires that a comprehensive, person-centered care plan be developed by the interdisciplinary team in conjunction with the resident and their family or legal representative. This care plan should include measurable objectives and timetables to meet the resident's needs. However, upon review, it was found that R163's care plan did not include interventions for Advanced Directives, despite the resident's severe cognitive impairment as indicated by a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 4 out of 15. Interviews with facility staff, including an LPN and the Administrator and Director of Nursing, confirmed the absence of Advanced Directives in R163's care plan. The LPN was unable to locate any related interventions in the resident's Electronic Medical Record (EMR), and the Administrator and DON acknowledged that R163 was not care-planned for Advanced Directives during their stay at the facility. This oversight represents a failure to adhere to the facility's policy and to ensure that the resident's rights and needs were fully addressed in their care plan.
Failure to Provide Necessary Hygiene Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary services to maintain personal hygiene for a resident, identified as R52, who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADLs). The facility's policy stated that residents unable to perform ADLs independently should receive appropriate care, including hygiene support. However, a review of R52's task documentation revealed no showers were documented from June through November 2024, indicating a lack of showering during this period. Observations on multiple occasions showed R52 in bed without a shirt, unshaven, and with crusty discharge in the eyes, suggesting inadequate personal hygiene care. Interviews with R52 and staff members confirmed the deficiency. R52 reported not having received a shower since admission in June 2024 and stated he did not refuse showers. A CNA familiar with R52 admitted never offering him a shower, assuming he received bed baths from the previous shift. The unit manager confirmed R52's scheduled shower days and the expectation for staff to offer showers, with refusals documented. Despite this, R52 was not offered showers, highlighting a failure in adhering to the facility's policy and care plan.
Failure to Implement Bed Pad Alarm for Fall Prevention
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a bed pad alarm for a resident, as outlined in the care plan, following a fall incident. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a history of orthopedic aftercare, muscle weakness, and mobility issues, was found on the floor by a CNA. The CNA reported the incident to an LPN, who assessed the resident and found no immediate injuries. The care plan for the resident included the use of a bed pad alarm, but observations on two consecutive days revealed that the alarm was not in place. Interviews with staff indicated that the bed pad alarm was not consistently used, and there was confusion about its status, with one LPN admitting the alarm was not in place and another stating it was malfunctioning. The resident's care plan also included other fall prevention measures, such as keeping the bed in the lowest position and ensuring the call light was within reach. However, the resident reported reaching for the call light before the fall. The absence of the bed pad alarm, which was supposed to assist in fall prevention, was a significant oversight. Staff interviews revealed a lack of communication and follow-through regarding the alarm's status, contributing to the deficiency in care. The facility's policy on fall risk management emphasized that alarms should not be the sole intervention, yet the failure to implement the alarm as part of a comprehensive fall prevention strategy was evident.
Failure to Provide Adequate Hydration to Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate hydration to a resident, identified as R68, who was admitted with diagnoses including seizures, overactive bladder, hypertension, chronic pain, and paraplegia. The facility's policy on hydration, last revised in October 2017, mandates that residents should be assessed for hydration needs quarterly and more frequently if necessary, with nursing aides responsible for providing and encouraging fluid intake. However, observations and interviews revealed that R68 was not offered fluids between meals, and documentation showed that on certain dates, there was no record of hydration being provided. On 11/03/24, R68 was observed in bed with two empty cups and reported not receiving fluids between mealtimes. Further review of R68's fluid intake documentation indicated that on 11/03/24, the resident only received 840 milliliters of fluid, which is below the facility's threshold of 1200 ml/day. Additionally, there were multiple dates between 10/07/24 and 11/04/24 with no documentation of hydration. The care plan for R68, last revised on 10/17/24, included monitoring for complications related to a history of stroke, but did not specifically address hydration needs. Interviews with the Administrator and DON confirmed that staff are expected to provide and document hydration throughout the day, as per facility policy.
Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Resident's Wound
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's responsible party of a significant change in the resident's condition, specifically the development of an unstageable wound on the resident's left hip. The facility's policy requires that a nurse notify the resident's representative of any significant change in the resident's physical status. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including parkinsonism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes, had a treatment order for the wound starting on May 17, 2024. However, the responsible party was not informed of the wound until a meeting on May 20, 2024, despite the wound being documented as new and unstageable on May 15, 2024. Interviews with the resident's responsible party and facility staff confirmed the delay in notification. The responsible party stated that she was not informed of the wound until she visited from out of state and met with the Director of Nursing, the Social Worker, and the Wound Nurse. The Wound Nurse acknowledged that the notification occurred during the meeting and not prior to the visit. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the family member should have been notified before their visit, indicating a lapse in following the facility's notification policy.
Failure to Document Resident Grievance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a written grievance was filed for a resident regarding care concerns, as required by their grievance policy. The policy, revised in April 2017, states that residents, family, and resident representatives have the right to voice or file grievances without discrimination or reprisal. However, a review of the facility's Resident Grievance Log for May 2024 showed no recorded concerns for the resident in question. The resident's personal representative reported having care concerns during a visit, including issues with odors, a fall, a hip wound, and the state of the resident's room. These concerns were communicated to the head of nursing, the social worker, and the wound nurse, who assured the representative that they would address the issues. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of proper documentation and follow-up on the reported concerns. The social worker stated that if a concern had been brought to her attention as a grievance, she would have documented it and logged it in the grievance system. The Director of Nursing, who was not in the position at the time of the grievance, confirmed that any care issues should have been documented as a grievance. The wound nurse also acknowledged being present during the meeting with the resident's personal representative, where multiple concerns were raised. Despite the facility's policy and the availability of grievance forms, the concerns were not formally documented, leading to a deficiency in the facility's grievance handling process.
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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