Sanford Chamberlain Care Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
- Location
- 300 S Byron Blvd, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325
- CMS Provider Number
- 43A073
- Inspections on file
- 23
- Latest survey
- August 14, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Sanford Chamberlain Care Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility did not obtain food from approved or satisfactory sources and failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food according to professional standards.
Two residents with severe cognitive impairment and a history of falls experienced repeated falls, including one resulting in a hip fracture, due to the facility's failure to update care plans and implement new fall prevention interventions after each incident. Staff did not consistently document or apply new strategies, and there was confusion about where to find or how to update fall interventions in the EMR, despite management expectations and facility policy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment experienced multiple falls and was handled roughly and restrained by a CNA, who failed to notify a nurse or request assistance. Several staff members, including an LPN and other support staff, witnessed the incidents but did not intervene or report the abuse. The resident was not assessed after the falls, and staff failed to follow required protocols. Training records showed that many staff had not received abuse and neglect education, and facility policy on reporting abuse was not followed.
Two residents with severe cognitive impairment experienced multiple changes in condition, including repeated falls and changes in transfer and hospice status, but their care plans were not updated to reflect new interventions or current needs. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding of care plan responsibilities, and documentation showed that required updates and interventions were often missing or incomplete.
A facility failed to implement an action plan after a resident with cognitive impairment became aggressive, striking another resident. Staff lacked adequate training to manage dementia-related behaviors, relying on online courses without hands-on training. Additionally, there was insufficient communication of care plan updates, leaving staff unprepared to handle the resident's unpredictable behavior.
A resident fell and suffered head trauma while attempting to sit on a whirlpool chair due to the brakes not being locked by a CNA. The resident, who had a history of falls and required supervision for bathing, sustained injuries and required emergency room treatment. The CNA had been trained on safety measures, but there was no signage in the tub room about locking the chair wheels, and the manufacturer's instructions were not readily available.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of dehydration was found to have inadequate fluid intake, leading to dehydration and a urinary tract infection. Despite water being available, fluid intake was not consistently documented, and the resident's intake was significantly below recommended levels. The resident also experienced significant weight fluctuations, with no follow-up on documented weight loss, highlighting a deficiency in care.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of frequent falls did not receive the required neurological checks after a fall, as per the facility's policy. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including Tourette's and prostate cancer, was later diagnosed with rib fractures, a UTI, and dehydration. The facility's policy mandated specific neurological checks following unwitnessed falls, which were not documented as completed.
A resident with a history of trauma expressed fear and suicidal thoughts after an unwanted entry into her room by another resident with cognitive impairment. The facility failed to implement adequate interventions to prevent further incidents. Additionally, two residents engaged in repeated verbal and physical altercations, with insufficient interventions to prevent these incidents. The facility's abuse prevention policies were not effectively implemented, contributing to the deficiency.
A facility failed to conduct required trauma screenings for residents, including one with a history of PTSD and recent psychiatric hospitalization. The licensed social worker confirmed the screenings were not completed as required by the facility's trauma-informed care policy. Additionally, the DON did not review hospital notes for a resident returning from psychiatric care.
The facility failed to update care plans for several residents, leading to deficiencies in care. A resident fell during a transfer due to outdated care plan instructions, while another resident's care plan did not address his wandering and aggressive behavior. Additionally, a resident with PTSD and recent psychiatric hospitalization had an incomplete care plan, lacking details on her mental health needs and safety plan.
A resident with dementia and Alzheimer's disease eloped from the facility and fell, requiring emergency evaluation. Despite wearing a Wander Guard, the resident exited through the front doors without staff knowledge. The facility's interventions, including monitoring and the Wander Guard, were insufficient to prevent the incident. Staff were alerted by a passerby, but the resident had already sustained injuries. The care plan lacked specific boundaries for safe wandering, and the facility's policy required an incident report and care plan revision after elopement.
The facility failed to maintain food safety and cleanliness in two kitchenettes, with observations of unclean refrigerators, unlabeled food items, and dirty kitchen surfaces. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and responsibility for cleaning and maintenance, with inconsistencies in following cleaning checklists and policies. The dietary department, responsible for these tasks, did not ensure proper labeling and dating of food items, contributing to the deficiency.
A resident with dementia and Alzheimer's disease eloped from the facility on three occasions, but two incidents were not reported to the South Dakota Department of Health as required. The Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing Trainer initially misinterpreted these incidents as non-elopements. Upon review, it was confirmed that these incidents should have been reported, as per the facility's policy.
A resident at risk for skin injuries developed a wound on the left buttock, which was not promptly assessed or reported to the physician. The facility failed to conduct weekly skin assessments and document the wound's status, leading to inconsistencies in care. Nursing staff interviews revealed confusion in the skin assessment process, and the facility's policy on skin breakdown prevention was not effectively implemented.
Failure to Follow Food Procurement and Safety Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to procure food from sources that are approved or considered satisfactory and did not store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards. This deficiency was identified during the survey process, indicating that the facility did not meet regulatory requirements for food safety and handling. No additional details about specific residents, staff, or events are provided in the report.
Failure to Revise and Implement Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement, review, and revise fall prevention interventions for two residents with a history of falls, resulting in repeated falls and injury. One resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and had recently been evaluated by physical therapy, experienced a change in transfer status but this was not updated in the care plan. After a fall that resulted in a hip fracture, there was no evidence that new or revised interventions were implemented or documented, and the care plan was not updated to reflect changes in transfer needs or fall prevention strategies. Additionally, the resident's admission to hospice and the need for an air mattress overlay were not reflected in the care plan, and recommended interventions such as increased toileting were not added after previous falls. Another resident, also severely cognitively impaired with multiple neuropsychiatric diagnoses, experienced at least 15 falls over a two-month period, including four falls in a single day. Video footage showed that after each fall, the resident was returned to the same position without new interventions to prevent further incidents. Staff did not consistently document or implement new fall prevention measures after each event, and the care plan was not updated with additional interventions despite repeated falls. Some incident reports lacked any documented interventions, and post-fall investigation tools were often incomplete. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of training and uncertainty about where to find or how to update fall interventions in the electronic medical record. While there was an expectation from management that care plans be updated in real time after a fall, staff reported not receiving education on this process and not routinely referencing the care plan for fall interventions. The facility's policy required interdisciplinary review of falls and implementation of new interventions, but this was not consistently followed in practice.
Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse and Staff Inaction
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) responded to multiple falls of a resident with severe cognitive impairment by using physical force and restraint, without notifying a nurse or requesting assistance. The CNA lifted the resident from the floor alone, despite the resident resisting, and placed him roughly into his wheelchair. The CNA also locked the wheelchair brakes, preventing the resident from moving, and did not seek a nurse's assessment after the falls. Video footage confirmed these actions, and the resident was observed to have bruises on his arms corresponding to where the CNA had grabbed him. The resident displayed increased anxiety during interactions with the CNA. Eight additional staff members, including other CNAs, a licensed practical nurse (LPN), certified medication assistants (CMAs), and food service staff, were present during these incidents but did not intervene or report the abuse to a supervisor at the time. The LPN did not assess the resident after the falls, and staff did not assist the resident or stop the CNA from using rough handling. The resident was left on the floor for an extended period after one fall, and staff failed to follow protocols for post-fall assessment and safe transfer. Review of training records revealed that several staff members, including contracted travel staff and long-term employees, had not received required abuse and neglect training. Documentation of abuse and neglect training was missing for multiple staff, and recent staff meetings and training sessions did not include education on abuse or neglect. The facility's policy required all staff to report suspected abuse or neglect, but this was not followed during the incidents described.
Failure to Update and Revise Care Plans After Changes in Resident Status and Falls
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care plans were reviewed and revised to reflect the current care needs for two residents. For the first resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, there were repeated falls over a two-month period. Despite multiple falls and high fall risk assessments, the care plan was not updated with new interventions after several incidents. Documentation showed that interventions were either not implemented or not recorded after many of the falls, and post-fall investigation tools were often left incomplete. The care plan was only updated after a significant delay, and did not reflect the ongoing changes in the resident's condition or the interventions that were (or should have been) put in place following each fall. For the second resident, who was also severely cognitively impaired and had a history of falls, the care plan was not updated to reflect changes in transfer status, fall prevention interventions, or hospice status. After a change in transfer method and two falls—one resulting in a hip fracture—there was no evidence that the care plan was revised to include new interventions or to address the resident's current needs. Additionally, the care plan still referenced equipment (an air mattress overlay) that was no longer in use, and did not reflect the resident's re-admission to hospice services. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and inconsistency regarding who was responsible for updating care plans and how interventions were communicated. While some staff referenced the care plan in the electronic medical record to guide care, others were unsure where to find updated interventions. The facility's policy required care plans to be revised as residents' needs changed, but this was not consistently followed, resulting in care plans that did not accurately reflect the residents' current care requirements.
Failure to Implement Action Plan and Training for Aggressive Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement a plan of action following an incident where a resident with cognitive impairment became physically aggressive, striking another resident in the face. The aggressive resident's behaviors were described as impulsive and unpredictable, posing a potential risk to both residents and staff. Despite the severity of the incident, there was no immediate plan or education provided to staff on how to manage such behaviors effectively. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that staff were adequately trained to handle residents with dementia and psychosocial behaviors. Interviews with staff revealed that their training on dementia and abuse was primarily conducted online, with no additional hands-on training provided. This lack of comprehensive training left staff unprepared to manage the aggressive behaviors of the resident, leading to a situation where staff and other residents were at risk. Furthermore, the facility failed to ensure that all direct caregivers were informed of updated care plan changes for residents. Staff interviews indicated a reliance on verbal communication for care plan updates, with no formal documentation or process in place to ensure all staff were aware of changes. This lack of communication and documentation contributed to the inadequate handling of the resident's aggressive behavior, as staff were not fully informed of the appropriate interventions to use.
Resident Falls Due to Unlocked Whirlpool Chair Brakes
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure the safety of a resident who fell and suffered head trauma while attempting to sit on a whirlpool chair. The incident occurred because the brakes on the whirlpool tub chair were not locked by a certified nursing assistant (CNA), leading to the chair sliding and the resident falling forward onto her face. The resident sustained supraorbital bruises, a skin tear on her right wrist, and required emergency room treatment. The resident, who had a history of falls and was at risk due to a stroke affecting her left side, was taking multiple medications that could contribute to falls. She was independent with a front-wheeled walker but required supervision for bathing. The CNA involved had recently completed orientation and had been trained on safe resident handling, including the importance of locking brakes on equipment. However, there was no signage in the tub room indicating the need to lock the tub chair wheels, and the CNA was unaware of the location of the manufacturer's instructions. The facility's policies required the use of appropriate safety measures and adherence to manufacturer's directions for equipment operation. Despite this, the communication to staff about locking brakes on shower and bath chairs was informal, with no documentation to confirm that nursing staff had read the instructions. The incident highlights a lapse in ensuring that all staff were adequately informed and reminded of safety protocols, particularly concerning the operation of bathing equipment.
Inadequate Fluid Intake Leads to Dehydration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate fluid intake for a resident, leading to dehydration. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and had a history of prostate cancer, urinary tract infections, and dehydration, was found on the floor multiple times, including an incident on December 8th. Following this fall, the resident exhibited confusion, lethargy, and back pain, and was later diagnosed with rib fractures, a urinary tract infection, and dehydration at a clinic visit. Observations and interviews revealed that while water was available in the resident's room, there was no consistent documentation of fluid intake outside of meals unless the resident was on a fluid restriction. The resident's fluid intake was significantly below the recommended 1,500 ml per day, with averages ranging from 480 ml to 980 ml over different weeks in December. Additionally, there was a lack of documentation for several meals, and the nursing staff did not chart fluid intake unless specifically required. The resident experienced significant weight fluctuations, with a notable weight loss from 156 pounds to 138 pounds within a week. Despite the facility's policy to reweigh residents with significant weight changes, no daily weights were completed after the documented weight loss. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of communication and follow-up regarding the resident's nutritional and hydration needs, contributing to the deficiency in care.
Failure to Complete Neurological Checks After Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that neurological checks were completed for a resident after a fall, as required by their policy. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired with a Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score of 3, was found on the floor beside his bed on 12/8/24. Despite the resident's history of frequent falls and his diagnoses, including Tourette's, urinary retention, weakness, urinary tract infection, dehydration, and prostate cancer, the necessary neurological checks were not documented as completed on the day shift on 12/9/24 and 12/10/24 or the night shift on 12/9/24. The facility's policy required neurological checks to be conducted every 15 minutes for four times, every hour for two times, every two hours for two times, and every four hours for two times following an unwitnessed fall. However, these checks were not performed as per the policy. The resident was later diagnosed with three rib fractures, a urinary tract infection, and dehydration after being sent to the clinic due to the inability to collect a urine sample. The resident reported falling at least once a week and sometimes every other day, indicating a pattern of falls that required careful monitoring and adherence to the facility's fall prevention and follow-up policy.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse and Aggression
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure the safety and well-being of a resident with a history of trauma, who expressed feelings of fear, feeling unsafe, and suicidal thoughts after an unwanted entry into her room by another resident with cognitive impairment. This resident had previously experienced an incident where the cognitively impaired resident attempted to strangle her, causing her significant distress and fear for her safety. Despite these incidents, the facility did not implement adequate interventions to prevent further unwanted encounters, leading to the resident feeling unsafe and expressing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the provider failed to prevent acts of verbal and physical aggression between two residents. One resident, who was cognitively impaired, had multiple altercations with another resident, including incidents where they yelled, swore, and physically attacked each other. The facility's interventions were insufficient to prevent these altercations, as evidenced by repeated incidents of aggression between the two residents. The facility's policies and procedures for abuse prevention were not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the lack of adequate interventions to protect residents from aggression and unwanted encounters. The facility's failure to review psychiatric hospital notes and update care plans further contributed to the deficiency, as staff were not adequately informed of the residents' needs and behaviors that might lead to conflict or neglect.
Failure to Conduct Required Trauma Screenings
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that trauma-informed care was provided to residents by not conducting necessary trauma screenings. One resident, who had a history of severe depression, PTSD, and anxiety, was not screened for PTSD upon admission, quarterly, annually, or after returning from an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for suicidal ideations. This resident had been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and had a history of PTSD related to abuse from her first husband. Despite receiving counseling from a mental health therapist, the required trauma screenings were not completed. Two other residents also did not receive the necessary trauma screenings. One resident, with severe cognitive impairment, was not screened for trauma upon admission, quarterly, or annually, and there was no documentation indicating an inability to complete the screening. Another resident, with moderate cognitive impairment, did not receive a trauma screen upon admission or on a quarterly basis, and the annual trauma screen for 2024 was not completed, although one was done in 2023. The licensed social worker responsible for conducting trauma screenings confirmed that the screenings were not completed for these residents as required. Additionally, the director of nursing did not review the hospital notes upon the return of the resident who had been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons. The facility's trauma-informed care policy mandates trauma assessments within five days of admission and as needed, but these were not adhered to, leading to the deficiencies noted in the report.
Care Plan Deficiencies in Resident Transfers and Behavioral Management
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure that care plans were reviewed and revised for four sampled residents, leading to deficiencies in care. Resident 4 experienced a fall during a transfer when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) used a stand aid lift without the required assistance of a second staff member, as per the facility's policy. Despite the resident not being injured, the care plan was outdated and did not reflect the current requirement for a full body mechanical lift due to the resident's recent surgery and weight limitations. Resident 2 exhibited wandering behavior and had a history of physical aggression towards other residents and staff. The care plan did not include interventions to prevent him from entering other residents' rooms or address his aggressive behavior. Additionally, the care plan contained outdated information, such as the names of staff members who were no longer employed, and did not reflect the interventions staff were utilizing for his wandering and behaviors. Resident 1, who had a history of PTSD and recent psychiatric hospitalization, did not have a care plan that included her suicidal ideations, PTSD, or her safety plan. The resident expressed feeling unsafe due to an incident where Resident 2 attempted to strangle her. The facility's policies on dementia care and trauma-informed care were not adequately reflected in the care plans, leading to a lack of individualized, person-centered care for the residents involved.
Resident Elopement and Injury Due to Inadequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure the safety of a resident who eloped from the facility without staff knowledge and subsequently fell, requiring evaluation at the emergency department. The incident occurred when the resident, who had a history of elopement and wore a Wander Guard device, exited the building through the front double doors. The Wander Guard was the primary intervention in place to prevent elopement, but it was not effective in this instance. Staff were supposed to monitor the resident closely, but there were no set times or frequencies for rounds or documentation of these checks. The resident, who had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, was ambulatory and did not use assistive devices. On the day of the incident, the resident was found outside the building with lacerations on his nose and lips after tripping and falling. The facility's staff responded to the situation after being alerted by a passerby, but the resident had already sustained injuries by the time they reached him. The resident's care plan included the use of a Wander Guard and maintaining a calm environment, but it lacked specific boundaries for safe wandering. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident had previously eloped on multiple occasions, and the facility's interventions were limited to monitoring during normal rounding and the use of a Wander Guard. The facility's policy required an incident report and a revised care plan following an elopement, but the report does not detail any additional interventions or changes made to prevent future incidents. The deficiency highlights a lack of adequate supervision and effective interventions to prevent elopement and ensure resident safety.
Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Cleanliness in Kitchenettes
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to adhere to necessary food safety guidelines in two kitchenettes located in the 100 and 200 hallways. Observations revealed that the exterior and interior of the refrigerators were unclean, with dried substances and unlabeled, undated food items such as vanilla frosting, bagels, sliced cheeses, salad dressings, and various sauces. The freezers contained unlabeled and undated pre-cooked pancakes and microwave bacon. Additionally, the water dispenser and ice machine were found with lime scale and slime buildup, and the kitchen surfaces and appliances, including the toaster, microwave, and stove, were unclean with dried food particles and grease. Interviews with staff, including the environmental services supervisor, director of nursing, and infection control nurse, highlighted a lack of awareness and responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchenettes. The dietary department, employed by the adjacent hospital, was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the kitchenettes, but failed to ensure food items were labeled and dated. The infection control nurse admitted to not auditing the kitchenettes for infection control standards, and the director of nursing was unaware of the cleaning chemicals accessible to residents. Further interviews with the cook and nutrition and food services supervisor revealed inconsistencies in cleaning practices and checklist completion. The cook admitted to cleaning the kitchen daily but only checking the fridge weekly, while the supervisor checked the kitchenettes twice a week but noted incomplete cleaning checklists. The provider's policies on equipment cleaning and leftover foods were not followed, as evidenced by the unclean kitchenettes and unlabeled food items. The lack of adherence to these policies contributed to the deficiency in maintaining a clean and safe food environment.
Failure to Report Elopement Incidents to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to notify the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) of two elopement incidents involving a resident diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The resident, who had a Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score indicating an unsuccessful interview, eloped from the facility on three occasions. On the first occasion, the resident was found outside the facility after another resident alerted staff. On the second occasion, the resident was found walking outside but had not yet reached the parking lot. These incidents were not reported to the SD DOH as required. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Director of Nursing Trainer (DONT) revealed a lack of awareness and misinterpretation of the incidents as non-elopements. The DONT initially did not consider the incidents as elopements because they were witnessed by another resident or because the resident had not reached the parking lot. However, upon reviewing the nurse's progress notes, the DONT confirmed that these incidents should have been classified as elopements and reported accordingly. The facility's policy required incident reporting and care plan revisions following elopements, which were not adhered to in these cases.
Failure in Timely Skin Assessment and Physician Notification
Penalty
Summary
The provider failed to ensure timely skin assessments and notification to the physician for a resident identified at risk for developing skin injuries. The resident, who had a history of boils in the affected area, developed a wound on the left buttock. The wound was initially observed by a nursing supervisor and wound care nurse, who noted it was healing but had not been promptly assessed or reported to the physician when first identified. The resident's medical record indicated a care plan for impaired skin, but the interventions were not consistently followed. The CNA Skin Inspection Report showed discrepancies in documentation, with a sore identified on different dates and locations, but not consistently followed up by licensed nursing staff. The wound was not assessed by a nurse on a weekly basis as required, and there was a lack of documentation in the nurse's progress notes regarding the wound's status. Interviews with nursing staff revealed confusion and inconsistency in the skin assessment process. The wound care nurse admitted that the resident was not on a weekly assessment schedule, and the CNA's role in identifying skin concerns was misunderstood. The facility's policy on skin breakdown prevention was not effectively implemented, as deviations in skin assessment were not documented in the resident's clinical record, and a formal policy for assessing a resident's skin was not provided during the survey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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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