Good Samaritan Society Miller
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Miller, South Dakota.
- Location
- 421 East 4th St, Miller, South Dakota 57362
- CMS Provider Number
- 435124
- Inspections on file
- 19
- Latest survey
- February 20, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 11
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Good Samaritan Society Miller during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to ensure proper sanitation levels in the kitchen, as staff were unable to verify the chemical sanitation level required for dishwashing due to expired test strips. The dishwasher's chemical sanitation was not functioning, and staff were unaware of procedures to follow in such cases. This deficiency increased the risk of foodborne illnesses for residents.
A blind resident experienced neglect in a LTC facility, including delayed incontinence care, flies on his food, and unmet personal hygiene needs before a funeral. The resident's daughter confirmed these issues, highlighting a failure to uphold the facility's abuse and neglect policy.
A resident with dementia and mobility issues was left on a bedpan overnight, resulting in pressure injuries. Despite being dependent on staff for care, the resident was not on a repositioning program. Staff interviews revealed a lack of comprehensive training on bedpan use, contributing to the deficiency.
The facility lacked an infection prevention and control program. The interim DON had not updated policies, conducted infection surveillance, or established antibiotic stewardship. The administrator confirmed the absence of an active program, and the quality assurance specialist noted the resignation of the former infection preventionist, leaving the facility without a qualified individual.
The facility failed to appoint a qualified infection preventionist (IP) for its infection control program. The interim DON was informed she would be the IP, but her certification had expired, and she was not planning to renew it. The administrator confirmed the absence of a qualified IP, and the previous DON, who was the IP, had resigned, leaving the facility without a qualified infection preventionist.
The facility's QAPI program was found lacking in effectiveness and comprehensiveness, with no current performance improvement plan in place. Issues such as incomplete resident baths, abuse concerns, and outdated dietary test strips were not addressed through the QAPI committee. Additionally, the grievance process was poorly monitored, and customer satisfaction feedback was not reviewed. The QAPI coordinator was unaware of facility-reported incidents, and communication issues were noted within the facility.
The facility failed to maintain effective pest control, with surveyors observing live and dead insects, including flies and crickets, in various areas. Residents experienced flies on personal items and in food, highlighting inadequate pest management. Staff interviews revealed monthly pest control visits and some control measures, but the dining room lacked fly control, and staff were unaware of the issue there.
The facility failed to follow the bathing preferences of three residents, leading to missed baths and unmet care plan requirements. Staffing changes and scheduling issues contributed to the deficiency, with residents not receiving baths on their preferred days or frequency. Interviews and record reviews revealed discrepancies between documented preferences and actual care provided.
The facility failed to update and follow care plans for several residents, leading to unmet care needs. A resident's care plan did not address his use of a neuropathy device, suicidal ideations, or unsafe driving. Another resident's bathing preferences were not met, and her bed was improperly positioned. A third resident did not receive necessary incontinence care. The facility's policy required comprehensive care plans, but these were not accurately maintained.
A resident exhibited suicidal ideation and unsafe driving practices, yet the facility failed to notify the physician. The resident, who had a car at the facility, was observed driving unsafely and made a threat of self-harm, which he later dismissed as a joke. Additionally, the resident engaged in inappropriate behavior with a female. Despite these incidents, the facility did not inform the physician, violating their Notification of Change policy.
A facility failed to notify the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman of a resident's hospital transfers. The resident was transferred twice, with the POA notified but no documentation of bed hold information provided. The ombudsman did not receive notifications, and the facility's policy required such notices to be sent.
A resident was transferred to the hospital twice without receiving bed-hold notices, as required by the facility's policy. Despite notifying the resident's POA of the transfers, there was no documentation of bed-hold information being provided. Interviews with staff confirmed the absence of these notices, highlighting a failure to adhere to the facility's bed-hold policy.
A resident used an infra-red device for neuropathy pain without a current physician order or safety assessment. The device, observed in the resident's room, was not included in the care plan, and there was no documentation of its use. Interviews revealed a lack of awareness and proper storage of the device, and the facility did not provide a policy on electronic medical equipment.
Failure to Ensure Proper Sanitation Levels in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that staff were able to verify the chemical sanitation level required to sanitize the dishes used for preparation and serving residents' food. This deficiency was identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews. The survey revealed that the dishwasher's chemical sanitation was not functioning, and staff were not aware of any process to follow when this occurred. Additionally, staff could not accurately verify the chemical sanitation level of the dishwasher due to the use of expired test strips. During the survey, it was observed that the sanitizing testing strips located by the three-compartment sink had expired. Interviews with dietary staff confirmed that these expired strips were being used to test the sanitizing solution, which was not at the correct parts per million (PPM) for effective sanitization. The Nutrition and Food Services Supervisor confirmed that the test strips were outdated and that there were no other test strips available for use. Furthermore, the dishwasher sanitizer was tested and found to be insufficient, with a reading of 10 ppm instead of the required 50 ppm. The deficiency was further compounded by the lack of awareness among staff regarding the expiration of test strips and the proper procedures to follow when the dishwasher was not functioning correctly. The provider's policies and procedures for sanitizing food contact surfaces and warewashing were not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the expired test strips and the inadequate sanitizing solution levels. This failure increased the potential risk of foodborne illnesses for the entire resident population who received meals prepared in the kitchen and served to the residents.
Removal Plan
- Provide dishwasher manufacturer manual and disinfectant information to support instructions are being followed and appropriate sanitation is occurring.
- Use disposable paper plates, cups, and silverware until dishwasher is running appropriately.
- Place new non-expired strips in for the 3 comp sink.
- Remove all expired strips in kitchen.
- Wash all dishes in the 3-comp sink until dishwasher is fixed to verify levels.
- Implement the use of a Monitoring Use of Ecolab disinfectant Test Strips form for staff to sign off on expiration date of a cartridge when replaced and label in the cartridge holder on the wall.
- Complete education with all dietary staff on proper procedure for non-working dishwasher and education on non-expired test strips with return demonstration.
- Educate all staff via PCC Communications that kitchen staff must ensure all chemical test strips are not expired for the dishwasher and the 3 comp sink.
- Add to the TELS Service Provider a task for Director of Environmental Services to monitor weekly if a cartridge is near expiration and needs replacement.
- Contact EcoLab to fix dishwasher. In the meantime, try a new bucket of Ultra San Ecolab 5 gallon liquid sanitizer in the dishwasher and retest.
Neglect of Resident's Basic Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure the well-being of a blind resident, identified as resident 15, by not protecting him from neglect and ensuring his basic care needs were met. The resident reported having to wait up to three hours for staff to respond to his care requests, including incontinence care, which was supposed to be provided every two hours. He also experienced issues with flies on his food and in his drink during a meal with visitors, who reportedly killed 12 flies at the table. The interim director of nursing acknowledged the problem with flies and the lack of timely incontinence care but was unsure if these issues were addressed in the resident's care plan. The resident also faced neglect in personal hygiene care. He was scheduled to have a bath once a week, but on the day before attending a funeral, he requested a bath twice and was not accommodated due to a lack of hot water in the tub room. He was not offered alternative bathing options or assistance with shaving, resulting in him attending the funeral unbathed and unshaven. The resident expressed dissatisfaction with the care provided, stating it was the worst place he had been in his life. The resident's daughter confirmed her father's reports of neglect, stating that he had called her for help when his call light was not answered for over an hour, leading to a bowel incontinence episode. She observed that he had not been bathed or cleaned, and his bedding was dirty. The business office manager confirmed receiving a call from the resident's daughter but did not report the incident or verify if the resident had been assisted. The facility's abuse and neglect policy emphasized the right of residents to be free from neglect, but the incidents reported indicate a failure to uphold this standard.
Resident Left on Bedpan Overnight, Leading to Pressure Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a resident who developed facility-acquired pressure injuries after being left on a bedpan for an extended period. The resident, who is bedridden and dependent on staff for care due to a back injury and dementia, was left on a bedpan from the evening of one day until the morning of the next day. This incident was confirmed by multiple staff interviews, including a registered nurse and a certified medication aide, who noted that the resident had been on the bedpan throughout the night, resulting in red marks on his buttocks. The resident's care routine involved the use of a mesh sling for repositioning and a mechanical lift due to his size and mobility issues. Despite these measures, the resident was not on a turning or repositioning program, which is critical for preventing pressure ulcers. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident had existing wounds that were improving, but the prolonged time on the bedpan led to additional skin issues, including redness and potential bruising from the bedpan. Interviews with staff, including the interim director of nursing, revealed a lack of comprehensive education and training regarding bedpan use and repositioning. Although some staff were informed about the incident, there was no documented education or attendance records to ensure all staff were aware of the proper procedures. The resident's medical history, including stage 4 pressure ulcers and other conditions, highlights the critical need for diligent care and monitoring to prevent further deterioration of his skin condition.
Inadequate Infection Prevention and Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program. During an interview, the interim director of nursing admitted that she had not taken any significant actions regarding the infection control program in the month she had been in her position, aside from creating two binders. She acknowledged the absence of updated policies and procedures, a lack of infection surveillance, and no process for antibiotic stewardship, with no one monitoring antibiotic use or orders. The administrator confirmed the absence of an active infection prevention and control program. Additionally, the quality assurance specialist revealed that the former director of nursing, who had been the infection preventionist, resigned at the beginning of August 2024, leaving the facility without a qualified infection preventionist.
Lack of Qualified Infection Preventionist in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The nursing home failed to designate a qualified infection preventionist (IP) to oversee its infection prevention and control program. During an interview, the interim Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that she was informed she would assume the role of IP, but her certification had expired, and she was not planning to renew it due to her interim status. The facility administrator confirmed the absence of a qualified IP. Additionally, a quality assurance specialist noted that the previous DON, who had been the IP, resigned at the beginning of the month, leaving the facility without a qualified infection preventionist.
Deficiencies in QAPI Program and Incident Management
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to maintain an effective, ongoing, and comprehensive Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. The QAPI coordinator, who had been in the role for three years, acknowledged that the committee met monthly and had previously completed a performance improvement plan (PIP) for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. However, there was no current PIP in place. The coordinator was aware of issues such as resident baths not being completed as scheduled and abuse concerns involving specific male residents, but these issues had not been addressed through the QAPI committee. Additionally, the dietary department's outdated chemical sanitation test strips were not identified through the QAPI process, and communication issues within the facility were noted, with the last all-staff meeting held several months prior. The QAPI coordinator was not aware of any facility-reported incidents through the state department of health's online reporting system and only tracked adverse events through the provider's electronic medical record system. There was an adverse event involving a resident left on a bedpan for an extended period, which was communicated to the nursing staff but not addressed through the QAPI committee. Furthermore, the grievance process was not effectively monitored, with some concern forms going missing or not being addressed, and customer satisfaction survey feedback was not reviewed through the QAPI committee. The provider's policies outlined the importance of addressing grievances promptly and ensuring a comprehensive QAPI program. However, the QAPI committee failed to track and trend performance, systematically analyze and prioritize quality deficiencies, and develop action plans to correct identified issues. The administrator's job description emphasized the responsibility for ensuring a QAPI program is in place, but the deficiencies in the program's implementation and oversight were evident in the findings.
Ineffective Pest Control Measures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure effective pest control measures, as evidenced by multiple observations of live and dead insects within the premises. On several occasions, surveyors observed live beetles, flies, and dead crickets in various areas, including the conference room, dining room, hallways, and resident rooms. Notably, a resident was found with live flies on his blanket, and another resident, who is blind, was informed by friends about flies in his food and drink during a meal. These observations indicate a significant issue with pest control, particularly concerning flies, which were found in areas where residents eat and reside. Interviews with facility staff revealed that a professional pest control company visits monthly, and certain areas have automatic spray systems and devices to catch flies. However, the dining room lacked any fly control measures, and staff were unaware of the fly issue in that area. The facility's proximity to a bird seed plant and city sewer lagoon was mentioned as a potential contributing factor to the pest problem. Despite efforts such as distributing fly swatters and frequent exterminator visits, the interim director of nursing acknowledged the persistent issue with flies, especially during times when doors are open throughout the day.
Failure to Follow Resident Bathing Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to adhere to the bathing preferences of three residents, as identified through a resident council meeting, observations, interviews, and record reviews. Residents expressed concerns about not receiving baths on their scheduled days, which had been discussed during care plan meetings. One resident, who preferred three baths a week, only received one bath per week after admission and missed scheduled baths for two consecutive weeks. Another resident, who was satisfied with one bath a week, did not receive a requested bath before attending a funeral, despite asking staff twice. The third resident, who required assistance with bathing, missed a scheduled bath due to equipment issues and was uncertain about her bathing frequency. The facility's records revealed discrepancies between the residents' documented bathing preferences and the actual bathing schedule. The first resident's care plan was not updated to reflect her preference for three baths a week, and there was no documentation of a bath for 12 days. The second resident's records indicated a preference for two or more baths per week, but he did not receive a bath as requested before the funeral. The third resident's care plan noted a preference for one or two baths a week, but she went 15 days without a documented bath. Interviews with staff highlighted issues with the bathing schedule due to staffing changes. The regular bath aide had reduced hours, and the administrative assistant was responsible for scheduling available staff to cover baths. The interim director of nursing acknowledged the bathing issues and had begun tracking residents' bathing to ensure compliance with their preferences. The administrative assistant confirmed that bathing was not being completed according to resident preferences, as the full-time bath aide had recently left, and scheduling was challenging.
Care Plan Deficiencies in Resident Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care plans for four out of five sampled residents were followed, updated, and revised promptly to reflect their current status and care needs. Resident 27's care plan did not include his use of an electronic neuropathy machine, his suicidal ideations, inappropriate sexual behavior towards staff, or his possession and use of a car, which he was deemed unsafe to drive. Despite being aware of these issues, the facility did not complete an assessment of his cognitive abilities related to driving, and his care plan was not updated to address these concerns. Resident 1 expressed dissatisfaction with her bathing schedule, as she was receiving only one bath per week, contrary to her preference for three baths a week, which she had received in assisted living. Her care plan was revised to include two weekly whirlpool baths, but this did not align with her stated preference. Similarly, Resident 18's care plan indicated a preference for one or two whirlpool baths a week, but she reported missing a bath due to equipment issues and was unsure of her bathing frequency. Additionally, her care plan did not specify the appropriate height for her bed, which was observed to be in the highest position, contrary to safety protocols. Resident 15 reported not receiving incontinence care as needed, despite his care plan indicating he should be checked and changed every two to three hours. The facility's interim director of nursing was unsure if his incontinence care needs were included in his care plan. The facility's policy required comprehensive, person-centered care plans to be developed and updated to meet residents' needs, but the interdisciplinary team failed to ensure these plans were accurate and reflective of the residents' current care requirements.
Failure to Notify Physician of Resident's Suicidal Ideation and Unsafe Driving
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to notify the physician of a resident's suicidal ideation and unsafe driving practices. The resident, identified as Resident 27, had a car parked at the facility and was observed driving it despite concerns about his safety. The interim director of nursing and a registered nurse acknowledged that they did not believe the resident was safe to drive and had notified the police, who informed them they could not revoke his driver's license. However, no assessment of the resident's cognitive abilities related to driving was conducted, and the physician was not informed of these concerns. Additionally, the resident's medical records indicated several incidents that warranted physician notification. On one occasion, the resident threatened self-harm with a sharp object, which he later claimed was a joke. There were also reports of the resident nearly being involved in a car accident and driving recklessly. Furthermore, the resident engaged in inappropriate behavior by squeezing a female's buttock. Despite these significant changes in the resident's mental and psychosocial status, there was no documentation to show that the physician had been informed, which is a requirement according to the facility's Notification of Change policy.
Failure to Notify Ombudsman of Hospital Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a copy of the transfer notice to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for a resident who was transferred to the hospital. The resident, identified as resident 21, was transferred to the hospital on two occasions, once on May 15, 2024, and again on June 18, 2024. In both instances, the resident's power of attorney (POA) was notified of the transfers, but there was no documentation indicating that bed hold information was provided to either the resident or her POA. Interviews with the facility's local ombudsman and the facility administrator revealed that the facility typically filled out a report online about hospitalizations and had one month to notify the ombudsman of such transfers. However, the ombudsman confirmed that they had not received notifications for either of the resident's hospital transfers. The facility's social services coordinator was responsible for submitting these reports, but the administrator was unaware that every hospital transfer needed to be reported to the ombudsman. The facility's policy indicated that copies of notices for emergency transfers must be sent to the ombudsman, but this was not done in the case of resident 21.
Failure to Provide Bed-Hold Notices During Hospital Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to provide bed-hold notices to a resident and their representative during two hospital transfers. The resident, identified as resident 21, was transferred to the hospital on two occasions, once on 5/15/24 and again on 6/18/24. In both instances, while the resident's power of attorney (POA) was notified of the transfers, there was no documentation indicating that bed-hold information was provided to either the resident or the POA. Interviews with the resident, a registered nurse, the business office manager, and the administrator confirmed the absence of bed-hold notices for these hospital stays. The facility's bed-hold policy, dated 12/7/23, requires that written information regarding the bed-hold and reserve bed payment policy be provided to the resident or their representative at the time of admission, transfer, or therapeutic leave. The policy also outlines the responsibilities of the charge nurse and social worker in ensuring notification procedures are completed. However, in the case of resident 21, these procedures were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and confirmation from staff interviews.
Failure to Ensure Safety and Proper Documentation for Infra-red Device Use
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that a resident using an infra-red device for neuropathy pain had a current physician order and had been assessed for the safety of its use. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, chronic atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, did not have a diagnosis for neuropathy. Despite this, he used an electronic neuropathy machine daily for pain in his feet. The device was observed in his room, placed on a folding chair, and had uncleanable surfaces with carpet and electrical tape attached to it. There was no current physician order for the device's use, and it was not included in the resident's care plan. Interviews with the interim director of nursing and a registered nurse revealed that the resident did not have a diagnosis of neuropathy and that the nurse was unaware of the device until the morning of the interview. There was no safety assessment conducted for the device's use, and it was confirmed that the device should have been stored in the medication room and documented in the treatment administration record. Despite these findings, the device was still observed in the resident's room later that day. The facility did not provide a policy regarding electronic medical equipment when requested.
Latest citations in South Dakota
Two residents experienced failures in timely implementation of physician orders and provider notification. One resident with cognitive impairment, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and a urinary catheter had a UA/UC ordered after increased confusion, but catheter change and urine collection were delayed and inconsistent, and an antibiotic order faxed for a UTI was left on a reception fax machine and never started before a later order changed therapy based on culture results. Lab reports showing Enterobacter cloacae and susceptibility to a different antibiotic were not consistently documented as reviewed, and the resident continued to exhibit confusion and flank pain until transfer to the ER. Another resident with ESRD on dialysis, hypotension, hypertension, and heart failure had orders for Midodrine with BP parameters and daily Metoprolol, but Midodrine was not given on dialysis mornings and Metoprolol was rarely given on dialysis days, without notifying the physician. Very low BPs were recorded without documented provider notification or repeat checks, despite a TAR requiring monitoring for post-dialysis complications. Interviews and policy review showed expectations to follow orders and notify physicians of abnormal labs, omitted medications, and changes in condition, which were not met in these cases.
Two residents at high risk for pressure ulcers did not receive consistent, individualized prevention and treatment measures, resulting in the development and worsening of multiple pressure injuries. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and high Braden risk, fully dependent on staff for mobility and hygiene, was repeatedly observed in bed with the head of bed elevated and sliding down, without documented q2h repositioning, individualized pressure-relief interventions, or consistent use of barrier cream, and CNAs and restorative staff were unaware of specific pressure-prevention measures for her. Another resident with multiple comorbidities, prior healed pressure ulcers, and a high Braden score developed recurrent stage II and III pressure ulcers to the coccyx and gluteal fold, a left heel DTI, and a left lateral leg stage II ulcer; ordered wound treatments were not documented as completed on at least one ordered date, he was not on a defined turning schedule despite being largely bedfast, and heel offloading and use of heel boots were inconsistently implemented and documented. In both cases, staff interviews and record review showed that facility practices did not consistently align with the facility’s own skin and pressure injury prevention policy requiring q2h repositioning, appropriate support surfaces, and systematic offloading for bedfast residents.
The deficiency centers on unsafe resident transfers and unsecured chemicals. A resident with hemiplegia and severe cognitive impairment, care planned for a one-person sit-to-stand (STS) lift transfer, was instead manually transferred by a CNA without the lift, during which the resident’s legs gave out, he was lowered to the floor, hit his head, and later was found to have a subdural hematoma. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment and documented inability to meet STS criteria was nonetheless assessed and care planned for STS transfers, while staff and family intermittently pivot transferred her without a gait belt and with inconsistent use of mechanical lifts, amid reports that pocket care plans and Kardex information were not kept up to date. Additionally, surveyors repeatedly observed an open tub room with unlabeled and labeled chemical spray bottles accessible on the tub, and an unattended housekeeping cart in the dining room with toilet bowl cleaner and other disinfectants unlocked and reachable by residents, contrary to staff statements that such rooms and chemicals were to be secured.
The facility failed to consistently honor resident preferences and care‑planned frequency for bathing, resulting in multiple residents going six to ten days or longer between baths despite being scheduled for twice‑weekly showers or baths. Several residents, including those with impaired and intact cognition, reported missed or inconsistent baths, needing to repeatedly remind CNAs, and being told they were skipped due to other residents waiting longer, staffing shortages, or equipment issues. Observations included a resident with long, jagged fingernails and urine odor who reported missed scheduled showers. Review of EMRs and the bath schedule showed numerous missed baths without documented refusals or valid reasons, while the grievance log and resident council minutes documented ongoing complaints from multiple residents about not receiving baths as scheduled. Nursing staff acknowledged receiving complaints and that residents sometimes went more than a week without bathing, despite a facility policy stating residents have the right to choose timing and frequency of bathing and requiring documentation of bathing activity or refusals.
Two cognitively intact residents with significant ROM and mobility limitations did not receive their care-planned restorative nursing programs as ordered. One resident with DM, neuropathy, above-knee amputation, and CKD reported increasing stiffness and weakness and stated that staff no longer brought her for exercises; records showed only sporadic lower extremity and kinetic bike sessions over several months despite physician orders and a care plan for regular AROM and restorative activities. Another resident with RA, polyneuropathy, and prior fractures, who used a power wheelchair, reported not receiving her prescribed exercise program and feeling she was losing strength; her MDS and restorative documentation showed no completed restorative exercises or standing with a walker despite a detailed restorative care plan. Therapy staff and RAs confirmed written restorative recommendations and expectations for 3–6 sessions per week, but reported that two RAs were responsible for about 44 residents, could not see all residents daily, prioritized those more willing or independent, and were unsure when these two residents last received restorative exercises, while the DON acknowledged awareness of staffing difficulties and confirmed the minimal restorative services actually provided.
Staff failed to maintain dignity, hygiene, and privacy for multiple dependent residents. A resident with severe cognitive impairment and depression was left in bed in nightclothes with dried food and juice on her body and linens, and was observed with a dried substance on her nose that was not cleaned over time, despite her reliance on staff for all personal care. Another cognitively impaired resident, dependent on staff for hygiene and dressing, was repeatedly observed wearing a heavily soiled shirt, with food in his beard and thick residue on his fingers, and continued to spill coffee on himself in the dining room without staff assistance or interventions; there was no documentation that he refused care. A third cognitively impaired resident with severe mental illness and risk for abuse and neglect was provided incontinence care while standing at the sink in a shared room without adequate use of the privacy curtain or window blinds, allowing his roommate and potentially others to see him during intimate care, contrary to facility policy and staff expectations.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, metabolic encephalopathy, a history of stage II pressure ulcers, and a urinary catheter was left in a dining room for about ten hours without receiving care as outlined in the care plan. The resident’s plan required repositioning every two hours, substantial assistance with toileting hygiene every two to three hours, monitoring of urine output each shift, and extensive assistance with transfers and wheelchair mobility. On the day of the incident, the resident was brought to the dining room in the morning and not returned to his room until evening, and the assigned CNA and LPN did not provide the scheduled care during this time. The facility’s investigation determined that this failure to follow the care plan and provide necessary care for an extended period constituted neglect.
A resident with a history of making allegations of rough care and a care plan requiring all care to be provided by two caregivers was assisted by a single CNA, contrary to the documented "cares in pairs" intervention. The care plan identified manipulative behavior and alleged mistreatment, and specified that two caregivers should be present to address the resident’s needs and observe the entire care session. On one occasion, the CNA entered the room alone and began providing care, after which the resident reported to an LPN that the CNA had been rough, leading to a deficiency citation for failure to follow the resident’s care plan under F684.
Two residents who required two-person assistance with mechanical lifts were subjected to unsafe transfers when CNAs used improperly sized, mispositioned, or incompatible full-body slings and did not follow manufacturer instructions. In one case, a resident newly admitted with a hospital-provided sling was lowered to the floor during a lift transfer after sliding forward in the sling, resulting in reported rib pain but no fractures on X-ray. In another case, a resident’s wheelchair pad and handle became entangled in a large sling during a lift, causing the wheelchair and resident to be lifted off the floor; the sling remained incorrectly positioned at mid-back when the resident was lifted again and moved to bed. Multiple CNAs and nurses reported no recent facility-specific training or competencies on mechanical or sit-to-stand lifts, selected sling sizes by guessing based on body type or using whatever sling was in the room, and lacked clear, updated care plan or Kardex documentation specifying lift type and sling size for residents who required mechanical lifts.
A resident with moderately impaired cognition, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, high fall risk, and moderate pressure-ulcer risk, who required a sit-to-stand lift and maximal assistance for toileting and hygiene, was taken to a beauty shop bathroom by a CMA and left unattended with the lift attached, the door closed, and no call light activated. The resident was later found by a nurse after an extended, unknown period and had transient redness on the buttocks consistent with prolonged sitting. Documentation lacked a post-incident pain and skin assessment. Staff interviews showed there was no clear, consistent process for how often CNAs should check on residents left on toilets, and an observation revealed a staff member failed to change the beauty shop door sign to indicate occupancy, all occurring under a facility neglect policy that defines neglect as failure to provide necessary goods and services to avoid harm.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders and Notify Providers for Infection Management and Dialysis-Related Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failures to follow physician orders in a timely manner and to notify providers of significant clinical information for two residents. For one resident with moderate cognitive impairment, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and an indwelling urinary catheter, the physician ordered a UA/UC after the resident’s son reported increased confusion and requested urine testing. The order for catheter change and urine collection was received and noted, but the catheter change documented on the treatment record as due on one date was not completed until early the next morning. Lab reports show urine samples collected on two different dates and times, with one sample having been collected and then recollected. The resident’s son reported being told that a urine sample had sat in the refrigerator too long and had to be recollected, and that the facility did not start the initially ordered antibiotic while the culture was pending. The lab ultimately reported Enterobacter cloacae complex in high colony counts, and the physician ordered cefuroxime, then later discontinued it and ordered nitrofurantoin based on susceptibility results. The cefuroxime order, faxed on a Friday, was not implemented because it remained on a fax machine in the front reception area over the weekend and was not found until the following Tuesday, at the same time the later order to stop cefuroxime and start nitrofurantoin was found. The cefuroxime order was not noted as reviewed by staff, and the preliminary and final culture reports, including susceptibility results showing the organism was not susceptible to cefuroxime but was susceptible to nitrofurantoin, were not consistently documented as reviewed with clear dates and staff identifiers. Progress notes document ongoing confusion, flank pain, and the resident’s belief that there was urine in her oxygen tubing, as well as the son’s concerns and request for transfer to the emergency room. The DON later documented that her investigation found the 7/11 cefuroxime order had not been started because it was discovered only when the 7/15 order to stop it and start nitrofurantoin was located, and interviews revealed uncertainty about why the UA was recollected and that the incident investigation did not address the delayed UA collection or lack of on-call physician notification for preliminary lab results. For a second resident with intact cognition and diagnoses including ESRD on dialysis, hypotension, hypertension, and heart failure, physician orders directed dialysis three times weekly, Midodrine three times daily for hypotension with a parameter to hold if SBP was 120 or greater, and daily Metoprolol Succinate ER for hypertension without hold parameters. The March MAR shows the resident did not receive Midodrine on the mornings of dialysis days and received Metoprolol only once on a dialysis day during a specified period, with no documentation that the physician was notified of these omissions. Dialysis records show pre-dialysis BPs in the low-normal range, and the MAR documents very low BPs on one evening and the following morning, with no documentation that the provider was notified of these low readings. The TAR required monitoring for post-dialysis complications, including hypotension symptoms, twice daily on dialysis days, but only one day in the month reflected documented symptoms. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON confirmed expectations that physician orders be processed within the shift, that abnormal labs and out-of-parameter vitals be reported, and that Midodrine be given before dialysis when within parameters, but also revealed uncertainty about processing timelines, lack of a facility policy on vital sign parameters, and that the physician was not notified about the inconsistent administration of Midodrine and low blood pressures. Facility policies required following all physician orders and notifying the physician when orders were not followed or when there was a significant change in status, but these were not adhered to in these cases.
Failure to Implement Individualized Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment for High-Risk Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement and individualize pressure ulcer prevention and care for two residents at high risk for skin breakdown, resulting in the development and worsening of multiple pressure injuries. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, diabetes, depression, and high Braden risk was dependent on staff for hygiene, repositioning, and transfers. On admission, she had no skin breakdown but was identified as at risk. Her care plan initially addressed potential skin impairment but did not include individualized repositioning or pressure-relief interventions beyond standard admission practices. Staff and leadership later acknowledged that the pressure ulcer prevention measures in place before her ulcer developed were standard for all admissions and not tailored to her specific risk factors. For this resident, documentation showed blanchable redness to the buttocks on a skin assessment, followed by identification of a facility-acquired abrasion to the left buttock and coccyx and additional undescribed areas on the backs of both thighs. The next day, the abrasion on the left buttock was documented as a stage II pressure ulcer, which later increased in size. Observations on multiple days showed the resident lying in bed on her back with the head of the bed elevated and her body bent at the chest, with staff acknowledging that this positioning increased the risk of shearing when she slid down in bed. Interviews revealed that she could not turn herself in bed and required staff assistance for repositioning, yet there was no documentation that she was turned every two hours, and the DON could not find evidence that she refused repositioning or barrier cream. CNAs and a restorative aide reported not knowing what pressure prevention interventions were in place for her, and one CNA left her in bed all day because the resident did not respond when asked if she needed anything, despite the resident’s inability to use the call light or reposition herself. The second resident had multiple serious medical conditions, including spinal stenosis, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, dysphagia, and protein-calorie malnutrition, and was assessed as high risk for pressure ulcers on the Braden scale. He had a history of multiple pressure ulcers and other wounds that had previously healed, but subsequent skin evaluations documented recurrent redness and pressure areas, including a right gluteal fold pressure ulcer and coccyx involvement. Progress notes identified a bleeding open area under the right buttock, reclassification of a right gluteal fold lesion from MASD to a pressure ulcer, and later documentation of a large coccyx pressure area, a left lateral heel DTI, and a left lateral lower leg stage II pressure blister. His care plan listed multiple active pressure injuries and interventions such as an air mattress, pressure-redistributing cushions, wound treatments, and weekly wound monitoring. Despite these identified wounds and orders, the record showed that ordered wound care treatments were not documented as completed on at least one ordered date, and the DON agreed that if treatments were not signed as completed, they were not done, and that wounds would worsen if treatments were missed. Interviews with nursing leadership and the wound nurse indicated that the resident was not on a formal repositioning schedule, even though standard practice was to reposition residents every two hours, and that his heels were offloaded and repositioned only “as needed.” Staff reported that he often refused to get up in his wheelchair and refused heel lift boots, but refusals and effective approaches were not consistently documented. A PA-C stated she would expect preventative measures such as an air mattress to prevent recurrence of pressure ulcers, and the DON and RN unit manager confirmed that an air mattress was ordered only after multiple pressure injuries were documented. The facility’s own Skin and Pressure Injury Prevention Program policy required offering repositioning at least every two hours for bedfast residents, considering off-loading when the head of bed was elevated, and using special mattresses as indicated, but the documented care and staff interviews showed gaps between these policy requirements and the actual implementation of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment for this resident. Overall, for both residents, surveyors identified failures to consistently implement and document individualized pressure ulcer prevention measures such as scheduled repositioning, appropriate use of pressure-relieving surfaces, barrier creams, and heel offloading, as well as failures to ensure staff understood and followed care plan interventions. These failures occurred despite both residents being clearly identified as high risk for pressure injury and, in the second case, having a documented history of prior pressure ulcers and multiple active wounds.
Unsafe Transfers and Unsecured Chemicals Leading to Resident Injury and Exposure Risk
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failures to ensure safe transfers in accordance with resident care plans and to secure hazardous chemicals from resident access. One resident with hemiplegia following a stroke and severe cognitive impairment, who was care planned to transfer with one staff using a sit-to-stand lift, was transferred by a CNA without the lift from the toilet to a wheelchair. During this transfer, the resident’s legs gave out, he was lowered to the floor, and his head struck the wall, resulting in a skin tear on his left forearm, a bump on the back of his head, and elevated blood pressure and pulse. A CT scan later revealed a subdural hematoma. The DON reported that the CNA had been educated that same morning on the importance of following resident care plans, and the CNA stated she did not use the stand lift because she believed she could complete the transfer faster without it. A second resident with senile degeneration of the brain and severely impaired cognition was also not consistently transferred according to her assessed needs and care plan. Her care plan initially indicated use of a sit-to-stand lift, but a lift assessment documented that she could not bear at least 50% of her weight on one leg, could not sit upright without physical assistance, and could not follow simple instructions, which meant she did not meet the criteria for a sit-to-stand lift. Despite this, the assessment summary still indicated she was to use a sit-to-stand lift for bed-to-chair transfers, and she was care planned to use a sit-to-stand lift until later revised to a full-body mechanical lift. The resident’s family member reported concerns about transfers, including that staff did not use a gait belt, that she had assisted staff with pivot transfers, and that staff sometimes used a sit-to-stand lift and sometimes pivot transferred the resident with two staff. A CNA/CMA described pivot transferring this resident with the assistance of the family member by placing their arms under the resident’s arms and moving her from bed to a bath chair, during which the resident did not follow directions or move her feet, and the CNA/CMA held the resident up while quickly pulling the bath chair under her. Documentation and communication tools used by staff to determine transfer methods were not consistently accurate or up to date. Staff reported relying on the Kardex and pocket care plans to determine how residents should be transferred, and multiple staff acknowledged that pocket care plans were not always kept current. For the second resident, the pocket care plan at one point indicated she was a pivot transfer with one staff, while her family stated she required at least two staff for a pivot transfer and had previously used a mechanical lift in another facility. Later, the undated pocket care plan for her hallway indicated she was to be transferred with a full-body mechanical lift and sling. The DON and administrator confirmed that the initial lift assessment for this resident showed she was not a candidate for a sit-to-stand lift, yet she was care planned to use one. The deficiency also includes unsecured hazardous chemicals accessible to residents in a bathtub room and in the main dining area. On multiple observations, the blue hallway bathtub room door was open with no staff present, and a pink crate on top of the bathtub contained two spray bottles, one labeled Multi-Surface Peroxide cleaner with warnings that it causes skin irritation and serious eye damage, and another unlabeled bottle two-thirds full of an unknown liquid. Staff, including a CNA and RN, stated the bathtub room doors were supposed to be closed and locked to prevent resident access and exposure to unsecured chemicals, and the DON and regional nurse consultant confirmed the presence of the labeled and unlabeled chemicals and that the unlabeled bottle did not contain water. In the main dining room, an unattended housekeeping cart was observed with residents present and no staff nearby. The cart contained an open bottle of toilet bowl cleaner on an unlocked portion of the cart, and additional chemicals, including Multi-Surface Peroxide cleanser and Micro Kill foaming disinfectant cleaner, were stored in a lockable compartment that was left unlocked, with the keys on top of the cart. The administrator verified that the chemicals were not secured from resident access and that the bathtub room was supposed to be closed, locked, and accessible only by staff, and that chemicals were expected to be stored in their original labeled containers in a secure location.
Failure to Honor Resident Bathing Preferences and Scheduled Bathing Frequency
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to honor residents’ rights to choose and receive bathing at the frequency specified in their care plans and preferences. Multiple residents who preferred bathing at least twice weekly did not consistently receive baths or showers as scheduled, and staff did not consistently document refusals or reasons for missed baths. For one resident with severely impaired cognition, the care plan dated 3/25/26 indicated a preference for two baths per week, yet electronic records from 1/28/26 through 3/25/26 showed she received a bath on 3/9/26 and 3/16/26, refused on 3/13/26, was marked as “not available” on 3/20/26 without any supporting documentation that she was out of the facility, and had no documentation of being offered or receiving a bath on 3/23/26. A family member reported concerns that this resident had only received one shower since admission and raised these concerns to the administrator. Another resident with moderately impaired cognition had a care plan dated 3/25/26 indicating a preference for two baths per week. The bath schedule showed he was to receive baths or showers twice weekly on specific days, and there was no documentation of refusals. However, bathing records from 1/28/26 through 3/25/26 showed gaps of six and seven days between some baths, including a seven‑day interval before a bath on 2/21/26 and a six‑day interval before a bath on 3/13/26. This resident reported that there were times he did not receive a bath for a week, that he had to repeatedly remind staff to get a bath, and that the days he was bathed were inconsistent, sometimes occurring every other day and other times with a week between baths. A cognitively intact resident with a care plan preference for two baths per week was scheduled for baths on two specific days each week, but bathing documentation showed missed baths on multiple dates with no refusals recorded. As a result, there were intervals of seven and ten days between baths. This resident stated he did not receive the showers he was supposed to and was unsure if he would receive a scheduled shower on the day of interview. Another resident with moderately impaired cognition, whose care plan indicated a preference for two to three showers per week and who was scheduled for showers on Sundays and Thursdays, had multiple missed showers without documented refusals and repeated six‑day gaps between bathing. During observation and interview, this resident had long, jagged fingernails, smelled of urine, and reported that showers were sometimes not provided on scheduled days or were changed, and that staff had told him he would not get a shower because the shower was being repaired. The facility’s own bath schedule listed specific days for each of these residents to receive baths or showers, but documentation and resident interviews showed that these schedules were not consistently followed. The grievance log from November 2025 through March 2026 recorded multiple resident complaints and resident council concerns about not receiving baths or showers as expected, including reports from several residents that they had gone extended periods without bathing and that staff told them they were being skipped because other residents had waited longer or due to staffing issues. During a resident council interview, several residents reiterated that baths were not completed as scheduled and described waiting from eight days up to three weeks between baths, as well as equipment issues such as a broken chair that prevented bathing. Nursing staff, including an RN and a restorative aide, acknowledged receiving complaints that residents were not getting baths as scheduled and stated that residents sometimes went more than a week without a bath, and that missed baths could contribute to odors, dignity concerns, and skin conditions. The DON stated she expected residents to be bathed according to their care plan preferences and that refusals should be documented, but she was aware of prior grievances about missed baths. The facility’s bathing policy stated that residents have the right to choose the timing and frequency of bathing and required documentation of bathing activity or refusals and reapproach after refusals, but the documented patterns and interviews showed that these requirements were not consistently met.
Failure to Provide Planned Restorative Nursing Programs for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to provide ongoing restorative nursing programs as care planned and ordered for two cognitively intact residents with limited ROM and mobility. One resident, with Type 2 DM with diabetic neuropathy, an above-knee amputation, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and stage 4 CKD requiring dialysis three times weekly, reported frustration that the fingers on her right hand were stiff and that she could no longer make a fist. She stated she felt weaker and believed she was not receiving the exercises she needed, explaining that she previously had exercises but no longer was brought for them. She reported that when she complained to therapy about not getting her exercises, she was told that restorative nursing aides were now responsible for providing them. Record review for this resident showed a physician note directing staff to encourage participation in restorative activities and a physician’s order for staff to encourage restorative activity three times weekly with a progress note to be completed on day shift when done. Her care plan included participation in restorative therapy with a goal to maintain current functional ability and interventions of AROM per therapy and nursing recommendations. Her MDS documented functional limitations in ROM in one upper and one lower extremity and indicated she received only two days of AROM restorative nursing programs in the seven-day look-back period. Restorative documentation from mid-December through late March showed that for lower extremity exercises she was documented as not available on multiple days, refused on several days, and not applicable on others, with only two days of restorative lower extremity exercises provided. For kinetic bike exercises over a three‑month period, she was documented as not available or refusing on multiple days, with several days marked not applicable, and only four days of kinetic bike restorative exercises completed. A second resident, who used a power wheelchair, had limited use of upper and lower extremities, and diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis, polyneuropathy, and fractures of the right lower leg and foot, reported via an iPad translation device that she had participated in PT on admission and was discharged to a restorative program. She stated she was upset that she had not been receiving her exercise program, had complained to the DOR, and felt she was losing strength and her ability to stand and transfer. Her BIMS score indicated she was cognitively intact. Her MDS showed functional limitation in ROM in one lower extremity and no restorative nursing exercise programs received. Her care plan called for participation in a restorative therapy program to maintain functional abilities, with interventions including AROM, sitting exercises with a 3‑lb green TheraBand, trunk exercises x15 reps, and transfers involving standing with a walker up to 10 minutes. Restorative documentation from late January through late March showed multiple refusals and days marked not applicable, with no documentation that she received lower extremity exercises or stood with her walker for ten minutes during that period. Interviews with therapy staff and restorative aides revealed that therapy had provided written restorative recommendations on transfer forms, and the DON was responsible for setting up the programs. The therapy team expected two restorative aides to complete the recommended exercise programs, including upper and lower extremity exercises three to six times per week for the first resident (arm bike, recumbent kinetic bike, 5‑lb weights, green bands) and a lower extremity program three to six times per week for the second resident (standing with walker for ten minutes, 3‑lb weights, green bands). One restorative aide reported that she and the other aide were responsible for restorative exercises for about 44 residents, each scheduled for 15 minutes daily, and that it was impossible to see all residents when only one aide was working. She stated some residents were prioritized because they were ready, independent in getting to the exercise room, and enjoyed exercising, while others known to refuse were deprioritized when staff were busy. She acknowledged not having completed restorative exercises with the first resident recently and not having done restorative exercises with the second resident in over a month. The other restorative aide confirmed workload challenges, restrictions on being alone with the first resident, difficulty coordinating use of the main therapy room and equipment, and uncertainty about when either resident last received restorative exercises. The DON and regional nurse consultant confirmed that the facility’s policy defined restorative nursing as interventions to promote optimal functioning, that residents with written programs were expected to receive at least 15 minutes per day, and that the first resident had received only seven days of restorative exercises since mid‑December while the second resident appeared to have received none since late January, and they were unaware of the residents’ concerns.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity, Hygiene, and Privacy During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failures to maintain resident dignity, hygiene, and privacy for multiple residents who were dependent on staff for personal care. One resident with severely impaired cognition, depression, and senile degeneration of the brain was dependent on staff for dressing, personal hygiene, and transfers with a full body lift. Her care plan required staff to use yes/no questions and clear explanations due to her communication difficulties. Her family reported concerns that she was not being changed regularly, was left in bed in her nightgown until mid-afternoon, and was not assisted out of bed to the dining room for meals. The family also reported finding dried juice on the resident’s stomach and bed sheets on consecutive days, indicating the linens had not been changed, and later finding the resident in bed around mid-afternoon in pajamas with food on her face and clothing. During the survey, the resident was observed in the afternoon with a dried green substance on her nose that remained there over an extended period, despite her dependence on staff for hygiene. Another resident with severely impaired cognition, unclear speech at times, and dependence on staff for personal and oral hygiene and dressing was repeatedly observed with soiled clothing and unclean hands and face. He was first seen lying in bed wearing a white shirt with multiple brown discolorations on the chest and arms. Later the same day, he was observed in the dining room wearing the same soiled shirt and spilling coffee repeatedly onto his clothing protector and shirt without staff offering assistance or interventions to prevent further spillage. That afternoon, he was again observed in bed wearing the same dirty shirt with food in his beard and stated he would have liked staff to change his shirt and that he had trouble with spilling food and drinks and wanted more assistance with eating and drinking. On another day, he was observed twice in the hallway with food in his beard and a thick orange substance on his fingers around his fingernails, as well as food on his shirt, with no indication in the record that he had refused clothing changes or hand and face washing. A third resident with severely impaired cognition, depression, anxiety, and a care plan noting severe mental illness with risk for abuse and neglect did not receive adequate privacy during incontinence care. Two CNAs assisted this resident in his shared room by placing a gait belt, helping him stand at the sink, lowering his pants, removing his incontinence brief, cleaning his private areas, and applying a new brief while his roommate was in bed. The privacy curtain was not pulled far enough to prevent the roommate from seeing the resident, and the window blinds were open, leaving him exposed during personal care. Staff interviews confirmed that residents’ clothing should be changed when soiled, faces and hands washed after meals or when soiled, refusals documented, and privacy ensured by closing doors, blinds, and curtains during personal care. The observations and interviews showed that these expectations and the facility’s dignity and privacy policy were not followed for these residents.
Resident Left in Dining Room for Extended Period Without Required Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a resident with severe cognitive impairment who was left in the dining room for approximately ten hours without receiving care as outlined in his care plan. According to the SD DOH Facility Reported Incident, the resident was brought to the dining room at around 8:30 a.m. and was not taken back to his room until 6:31 p.m. that day. During this period, the resident did not receive identified interventions to meet his care needs from the CNA and LPN assigned to him. The facility’s investigation determined that the resident was neglected because his care plan was not followed and necessary care was not provided for an extended period. The resident’s medical record showed he had a BIMS score of 1, indicating severely impaired cognition, and diagnoses of metabolic encephalopathy and dementia. His care plan documented that he was at risk for skin impairment due to a history of stage II pressure ulcers, required repositioning every two hours and as needed, had a urinary catheter with urine output to be documented each shift, and required substantial assistance with toileting hygiene every two to three hours, transferring, and wheelchair mobility. He was also identified as being at risk for falls and was to be treated with respect and dignity and to reside free of mistreatment. Despite these documented needs, the resident remained in the dining room for about ten hours without the planned care being provided. The FRI report noted that the resident had a urinary catheter, could move and readjust himself in his wheelchair, was forgetful, and needed staff assistance with using the bathroom. Although his skin assessment after the incident did not show skin breakdown related to the event and he was not incontinent of bowels, the facility’s investigation concluded that the failure of the assigned CNA to follow the care plan and provide care during the prolonged period in the dining room constituted neglect. Interviews with the DON confirmed that the facility’s investigation found the resident had been neglected by staff on that day because his care needs, as specified in his care plan, were not met for approximately ten hours.
Failure to Follow Care Plan Requiring Two Caregivers During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
Non-compliance at F684 occurred when a resident who was care planned to receive all care from two caregivers at all times was assisted by a single CNA. The resident had a documented history of making allegations of staff being rough and was identified in the care plan as requiring "cares in pairs" with two caregivers present to address her needs and observe the entire care session. Despite this, the CNA entered the resident’s room alone and began providing care without a second staff member present, contrary to the resident’s care plan and the facility’s expectations. The resident’s care plan, initiated on 10/28/22, identified manipulative behavior and alleged mistreatment as focus areas, noting that the resident might voice allegations of mistreatment or exploitation by caregivers, related to feelings of loss of independence, and might use abusive language. Interventions included assuring the resident she was safe and secure, providing two caregivers to address her needs and observe the entire session, having supervisory personnel observe care delivery as much as possible, and offering staff of certain racial backgrounds when able, based on the resident’s stated preferences and history of accusations. On the date of the incident, the resident reported to an LPN that the CNA had been rough with her during care that was provided without a second caregiver present. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was known to make accusations, tell inconsistent stories, and sometimes scream even before being touched, and that she was to always receive care with two staff present because of these behaviors and prior allegations. On the day of the incident, staff on duty reported hearing the resident screaming after the CNA entered the room and began helping her, then left to get a second person to assist. The CNA acknowledged going into the room alone and assisting the resident with care, thereby not following the resident’s care plan requirement for two caregivers to be present during care, which led to the cited deficiency under F684.
Improper Mechanical Lift Use and Inadequate Sling Selection for Dependent Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure safe use of total body mechanical lifts and appropriate slings for residents requiring two-person assistance for transfers. Contracted travel CNAs and facility CNAs used incompatible or improperly sized and positioned slings, and staff lacked clear, accessible information on which sling size and type to use for specific residents. Surveyors identified that staff often selected sling sizes based on visual estimation of body size or by using whatever sling was present in the room, rather than following resident-specific guidance. Care plans and Kardexes for multiple residents who required mechanical lifts did not specify the type of lift (full body or sit-to-stand) or the correct sling size, leaving staff without written direction. One incident involved a resident who had been admitted earlier that day with a full body lift sling brought from the hospital. During a transfer from wheelchair to bed using a full body lift, two CNAs attached the sling provided by the family and began the transfer. As one CNA attached the lower body sling straps to the lift hooks, the resident moved and slid forward in the sling. The CNAs readjusted the resident and completed attaching the sling, but the resident continued to move and slid toward the edge of the wheelchair seat, causing the sling to tilt downward. Unable to safely complete the transfer, the CNAs lowered the resident to the floor using the upper portion of the sling while the lower portion remained attached to the lift. The resident’s buttocks contacted the floor first, she was then assisted to a lying position, and she reported rib pain; a subsequent chest X-ray showed no breaks or fractures. This event was identified as the start of Immediate Jeopardy at F689. Another observed incident involved a different resident being transferred from a wheelchair to a bed using a full body lift and a burgundy (large) sling. Two contracted travel CNAs placed the sling behind the resident, pulled the lower straps under her thighs, and interlaced the straps. As they began lifting, the resident’s wheelchair pad and the left handle of the wheelchair became caught in the sling, causing the wheelchair to lift off the floor with the resident still seated. While the resident and wheelchair were suspended, one CNA pulled on the wheelchair pad to free it, and the CNAs switched tasks while the resident remained in the air. After lowering the resident and wheelchair back to the floor and freeing the wheelchair handle, they did not reposition the sling, which was noted to be placed too high, with the bottom of the sling at the resident’s mid-back instead of under her buttocks. They then lifted the resident again and transferred her to the bed, with one CNA stating during the lift that the setup was “all wrong.” Interviews with multiple CNAs and nursing staff revealed that many had not received recent or any facility-specific training or competencies on safe use of mechanical lifts and sit-to-stand lifts. Several CNAs reported choosing sling sizes based on the resident’s body type or guessing, and one CNA stated she relied on training from previous employers. Staff were generally unaware of which sling to use for specific residents and could not readily locate up-to-date written resources; binders that were supposed to contain lift and sling information were missing or outdated. A paper list of sling sizes found in a communication binder was acknowledged by an RN as not updated. Another RN stated she did not know residents’ sling sizes and would ask a CNA for guidance. Record review confirmed that not all direct care staff, including CNAs involved in the incidents, had completed required competencies on total body lifts or sit-to-stand lifts after the reported incident, despite having worked shifts since that time. Further review of resident records showed that for several residents who used mechanical lifts, care plans and Kardexes lacked documentation of sling size and, in some cases, did not even specify the type of lift to be used. For example, one resident’s care plan and Kardex indicated a need for two-person assistance with transfers but did not identify any transfer equipment. Surveyors also compared an updated list of transfer equipment to slings stored in residents’ rooms and found discrepancies between listed sling sizes and those actually present or documented in the Kardex for certain residents. The facility’s own sling sizing chart and manufacturer’s instructions for the EZ Way Smart Lift outlined proper sling positioning and sizing parameters, including that the base of the sling should be positioned two inches below the tailbone and the top parallel with the shoulder line, but observed practice and staff statements demonstrated that these guidelines were not consistently followed.
Resident Left Unattended on Toilet Resulting in Potential Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a resident being left unattended on a toilet in the beauty shop bathroom for an extended period, despite requiring staff assistance and supervision. The resident was later found by the charge nurse sitting on the toilet with the sit-to-stand lift still attached, the bathroom door closed, and the call light not activated. Prior to this, a CNA had noticed the resident’s room call light on, but the resident was not in his room; the CNA turned off the call light and proceeded to answer other call lights without locating the resident. The facility’s investigation identified that a certified medication aide (CMA) had taken the resident to the beauty shop bathroom earlier in the afternoon but did not inform other staff or acknowledge doing so, even though witnesses reported seeing the CMA escort the resident to that bathroom. The resident’s medical record showed moderately impaired cognition with a BIMS score of 8, diagnoses including Parkinson’s disease, unspecified dementia, hallucinations, and sensorineural hearing loss, and a high fall risk with a Morse fall scale score of 75. The care plan documented the need for a sit-to-stand lift for transfers, maximal/substantial assistance for toileting, and dependence on staff for toileting hygiene, as well as a focus on risk for pressure ulcer development related to immobility and incontinence. A Braden scale score of 13 indicated moderate risk for pressure ulcers. After being left on the toilet for an unknown but extended time, the resident was assessed by the charge nurse and found to have slight redness on the buttocks consistent with prolonged sitting on the toilet seat; the redness resolved before the end of the shift. There was no documented pain assessment or skin assessment in the medical record following this incident. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent practices and lack of clear guidance regarding monitoring residents left on toilets. One CNA reported checking assigned residents every two hours and returning to the bathroom within five to ten minutes if a resident did not use the call light, noting that longer periods on the toilet could cause redness from pressure. Another CNA stated that some resident bathrooms were too small for lift equipment, so residents were taken to the beauty shop bathroom, but there was no specific process or policy on when staff should return to assist residents off the toilet; she relied on remembering to go back. During observation, a staff member transferred a resident into the beauty shop and closed the door without changing the door sign from “Vacant” to “Occupied.” The facility’s neglect policy defined neglect as failure to provide necessary goods and services to avoid physical harm, pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress, and outlined procedures for investigation and protection of residents, but there was no documentation that audits were conducted to ensure staff understood and implemented resident safety interventions related to this incident.
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