Advanced Rehabilitation & Healthcare Of Burleson
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Burleson, Texas.
- Location
- 275 Se John Jones Drive, Burleson, Texas 76028
- CMS Provider Number
- 676496
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- January 30, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 13 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Advanced Rehabilitation & Healthcare Of Burleson during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with COVID-19, heart failure, Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, and difficulty swallowing experienced unplanned weight loss while on a pureed diet with thin liquids and required assistance with eating and oral hygiene. Speech therapy documented oral and pharyngeal swallowing impairments and the resident’s refusal of solid trials, while nutrition notes indicated the resident disliked pureed foods, had ill-fitting dentures due to weight loss, and was receiving oral supplements. Weight records showed significant weight loss, but required weekly weights for a new admission with weight loss were not consistently obtained. A hospital RN later found impacted food and denture adhesive in the resident’s mouth and throat, and the family reported ongoing eating and mouth-care problems despite staff being expected to assist. Staff interviews revealed that oral and denture care needs and feeding assistance were communicated verbally rather than clearly documented, and that nursing staff were unsure why weekly weights were missed, despite facility policy requiring regular weight monitoring.
A resident with dysphagia, weight loss, and a mechanically altered diet required assistance with eating and oral hygiene, yet the comprehensive care plan did not address oral care or denture care despite documented issues with food loss from the mouth and food retention after meals. The resident was later found at the hospital with impacted food in the gums and denture adhesive lodged in the throat, and family and a speech therapist reported ongoing problems with dentures and eating. Staff interviews revealed there was no written documentation or care plan guidance on the resident’s denture status or oral care needs, with CNAs relying on verbal reports. Nursing leadership acknowledged that oral and denture care should have been included in the care plan per facility policy requiring comprehensive, measurable care plans to meet identified needs.
A resident's MDS assessment failed to accurately reflect her oral/dental status, as it did not indicate the absence of natural teeth or the use of dentures, despite evidence from dental records, staff interviews, and direct observation confirming the presence and use of dentures. Staff awareness and documentation of the resident's denture use were inconsistent, and the MDS Coordinator acknowledged the assessment should have been completed differently.
A resident's care plan did not accurately reflect her oral care needs related to denture use, despite dental records showing she had full dentures and a broken tooth. Staff were often unaware of her denture status, and documentation of her preferences and refusals was inconsistent. The care plan failed to address her need for assistance with denture care or her refusal to wear dentures, contrary to facility policy.
The facility failed to clean the griddle in the kitchen according to professional standards, leading to a significant build-up of grease and food crumbs. The griddle had not been cleaned since its last use, and staff cited a shortage of cleaning supplies as the reason. This oversight poses a risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses, especially for residents with weakened immune systems.
The facility failed to maintain the dignity of two residents by not ensuring they were clean-shaven, despite their expressed embarrassment and the facility's policy requiring grooming during bathing. Both residents, with conditions requiring assistance in personal hygiene, were observed with significant facial hair growth, indicating a lapse in care.
A facility failed to update a resident's care plan to include catheter management, which was necessary for wound healing. The resident, with a history of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and a stage 3 pressure injury, had a Foley catheter inserted, but this was not reflected in her care plan. The MDS Nurse and DON acknowledged the oversight, which could risk inadequate care.
Two residents with dementia and other health issues were not kept clean-shaven, leading to embarrassment. Observations showed facial hair growth, and a CNA was unaware of when they were last shaved, despite the facility's policy requiring grooming during bathing.
A resident with multiple health conditions fell during a transfer when a nursing assistant attempted to use a Hoyer lift alone, against facility policy requiring two staff members. The assistant struggled to position the lift, causing it to tilt and the resident to fall. The incident was recorded on video, and the resident confirmed the fall, though no injuries occurred.
A facility failed to maintain an oxygen humidifier for a resident requiring respiratory care, as the humidifier bottle was found empty on multiple occasions. Despite the resident's denial of discomfort, staff interviews confirmed the oversight and the potential risk of nasal passages drying out. The facility's policy required pre-filled humidifier bottles to be changed when empty, which was not adhered to, indicating a lapse in following the care plan and physician orders.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment had Dulcolax Docusate Sodium stored at their bedside, contrary to facility policy requiring medications to be locked away. Staff were unaware of the medication's presence, and interviews revealed a lack of familiarity with the policy and recent in-servicing on self-administered medications. This oversight posed a risk of unauthorized access to medications.
A nurse failed to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) by not wearing a gown while providing care to a resident with a gastrostomy tube, despite facility policy requiring gown and gloves. The resident was on EBP due to the presence of a medical device, and the oversight was noted during a survey. Interviews with staff confirmed the expectation to use PPE, highlighting a lapse in infection control practices.
A facility failed to implement an antibiotic stewardship program, leading to a resident being prescribed Cefdinir for UTI prevention without sufficient justification. The resident, with severe cognitive impairment and a history of recurrent UTIs, was on a daily regimen of Cefdinir indefinitely. Interviews revealed confusion among staff and hospice providers about the prescription's origin, with the primary care physician denying long-term use. The facility's policy aimed to promote appropriate antibiotic use, but was not followed, risking unnecessary exposure and potential resistance.
A resident in an LTC facility did not receive prescribed anti-convulsant medications for eight days due to communication and procedural failures among staff. The resident experienced seizures and required emergency care. The facility did not notice the pharmacy's request for a triplicate prescription, and staff failed to notify the pharmacy, doctor, or DON about the medication unavailability.
A facility failed to ensure a resident's call light was within reach, as required by their care plan and facility policy. The resident, with limited mobility and cognitive impairments, was unable to access the call light, which was often found on the floor. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of adherence to the facility's policy that mandates ensuring call light accessibility during rounds.
A resident's room in a LTC facility was found with trash that had not been removed for two days, despite the resident's requests. Interviews with the ADM, DON, and HD revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding trash removal responsibilities. The facility's policy emphasized maintaining a clean environment, but the failure to adhere to these standards resulted in the deficiency.
A resident with cognitive and physical impairments was found to have a non-functioning call light, which was often on the floor and not accessible. Despite the resident informing staff, the issue was not addressed, leaving the resident without a reliable means to call for assistance. Interviews revealed that the facility's administration and nursing staff were unaware of the problem, contrary to the facility's policy requiring immediate reporting and resolution of call light issues.
Failure to Maintain Nutritional Status and Monitor Weight for Resident With Dysphagia and Denture Issues
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain acceptable nutritional status and accurately monitor weight for a cognitively intact male resident with multiple diagnoses, including COVID-19, acute kidney failure, heart failure, Barrett’s esophagus with dysphagia, and difficulty swallowing. On admission, he was placed on a mechanically altered/pureed diet with thin liquids and required set-up assistance for eating and partial to moderate assistance with oral hygiene. The admission MDS documented loss of liquids/solids from the mouth and food holding in the cheeks, but oral/dental status was marked as having no denture issues. The care plan identified unplanned weight loss related to poor PO intake and included interventions such as supplements, an appetite stimulant (mirtazapine), monitoring and evaluating weight loss, and providing the ordered diet. Speech therapy’s bedside swallowing evaluation documented oral and pharyngeal phase impairments, including anterior spillage, oral residue, and reflexive throat clearing, and noted that the resident declined solid trials and remained on a pureed diet. Subsequent speech therapy notes described ongoing concerns about food feeling stuck with mechanical soft trials and the need for further instrumental assessment. A nutritional assessment recorded that the resident did not like pureed foods, reported drinking 1–2 Ensure drinks daily, and that his dentures were too big due to weight loss. The dietitian recommended continuing the current diet, adding Ensure twice daily, and Med Plus twice daily. A weight change communication form showed a significant weight loss of 16 pounds (9%), with a recent weight of 162 pounds, and noted his pertinent history and current use of diuretics. The facility’s weight records showed an admission weight of 170 pounds, followed by 162 pounds and then 155 pounds at discharge, but weekly weights for the first four weeks after admission were not consistently obtained as required for residents with weight loss, new admissions, and readmissions. Staff interviews revealed gaps in communication and documentation regarding the resident’s oral and denture care needs and assistance with eating. A hospital RN reported that the resident was admitted to the hospital without dentures, with impacted food in his gum line and a large glob of pink denture adhesive lodged in the back of his throat that required suctioning, raising concerns about oral care at the facility. A family member stated the resident had difficulty with dentures due to weight loss, was having problems eating, and that staff were supposed to assist with feeding and mouth cleaning. A CNA stated there was no written place to see that a resident required oral or denture care and that such information was passed only verbally, while an LVN acknowledged the resident’s weight loss, swallowing difficulty, food pocketing, and occasional need for feeding assistance, and was unsure why weekly weights were not obtained. The DON stated that the restorative aide was responsible for weekly weights on triggered residents and that the ADON was responsible for monitoring completion, and that not weighing residents weekly could delay interventions.
Failure to Care Plan and Implement Oral and Denture Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and update a comprehensive, person-centered care plan addressing a resident’s oral care and denture needs. The resident, an adult male admitted with COVID-19, acute kidney failure, low back pain, hypertension, Barrett’s esophagus, and dysphagia, had a BIMS score of 14 indicating intact cognition and required setup assistance with eating and partial to moderate assistance with oral hygiene. The admission MDS documented that the resident had loss of liquids/solids from the mouth while eating or drinking and retained food in the mouth after meals, and he was on a mechanically altered diet. Despite these identified needs, the care plan dated 12/20/2025 only addressed an ADL self-care performance deficit and risk of unmet needs in general, with interventions such as therapy to screen, evaluate, and treat as needed, but did not include specific interventions for oral care or denture care. Interviews and observations further demonstrated that the resident’s oral and denture needs were not incorporated into the care planning process or communicated in a consistent, written manner. A hospital RN reported that the resident was admitted to the hospital without dentures in place, with impacted food in the gum line and a large glob of pink denture adhesive lodged in the back of his throat that required suctioning, and expressed concern about lack of oral care at the facility. The resident’s family member stated the resident previously wore dentures all the time but had difficulty with them after weight loss, was having problems eating, and that staff were supposed to assist with feeding and mouth cleaning. The speech therapist confirmed the resident had dentures that were poorly fitting and that he was on a puree diet, keeping food at the front of his mouth due to decreased tongue strength. A CNA stated he did not recall whether the resident had dentures or teeth and that there was no written place to see if a resident required oral or denture care, relying instead on verbal report. An LVN and the DON both acknowledged that oral and denture care should have been included in the care plan and that nurse managers were responsible for ensuring the care plan accurately reflected such needs, which would then be assigned to CNAs via the task system. The facility’s written policy required comprehensive care plans with measurable objectives and timeframes to meet identified needs, including services to attain or maintain the resident’s highest practicable well-being, but this was not implemented for the resident’s oral and denture care needs.
Inaccurate MDS Assessment of Oral/Dental Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment accurately reflected her oral and dental status. Specifically, the MDS indicated that the resident had no natural teeth, dentures, oral abnormalities, pain, or inability to examine the oral cavity, when in fact, the resident had no natural teeth and used full top and bottom dentures. This discrepancy was identified through record review, interviews, and direct observation, which revealed the presence of denture care items in the resident's bathroom and the resident's own statements about her dentures. Further investigation showed that the resident had a history of living without natural teeth for years and was admitted to the facility with dentures. Dental records confirmed ongoing denture care, including inspection and cleaning, and noted a broken tooth on the top denture. Interviews with staff indicated that while some were aware of the resident's use of dentures, others were unsure, and documentation practices varied. The resident herself reported not wearing her dentures due to the broken tooth and awaiting dental repair, but she continued to take pride in her appearance and managed the storage of her dentures independently. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that the assessment should have indicated the absence of natural teeth and the presence of dentures. Facility policy required that MDS assessments be completed accurately by qualified staff familiar with the resident's status, using direct observation and communication with both the resident and care staff. The failure to accurately document the resident's dental status on the MDS was contrary to both facility policy and federal regulatory requirements.
Failure to Accurately Care Plan for Denture Use and Oral Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the care plan for a resident accurately reflected her oral care needs, specifically regarding her use of dentures. Despite documentation in the dental record that the resident had full top and bottom dentures, including a broken tooth on the upper denture and a recent dental cleaning, the comprehensive care plan and MDS assessment did not indicate that the resident had dentures or required related care. The care plan also did not address the resident's refusal to wear her dentures or her preferences regarding their use. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident kept her dentures in her backpack and was often seen without them, including during meals. The resident expressed concern about her appearance without dentures and stated she was advised not to use them until the broken tooth was repaired. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness about the resident's denture status, with some staff unsure if she wore dentures and others unaware of the broken denture. Documentation of denture care and refusals was inconsistent, and staff did not consistently communicate or document the resident's preferences or refusals regarding denture use. The facility's policy required that care plans describe all services provided to maintain the resident's well-being, including documenting refusals and informing the resident of risks and alternatives. However, the care plan did not reflect the resident's denture use, her refusal to wear them, or the need for assistance with denture care, despite clear evidence from dental records, staff, and family interviews that these needs existed.
Failure to Maintain Griddle Cleanliness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain food safety standards in its kitchen, specifically regarding the cleanliness of the griddle. During an observation, it was noted that the griddle had a significant build-up of grease and food crumbs, approximately 0.25 inches thick towards the back half. This observation was made on 08/20/24, and it was confirmed through interviews that the griddle had not been cleaned since it was last used on 08/19/24 during the breakfast shift. The facility's policy requires the griddle to be cleaned and scrubbed with degreaser after each use, but this was not adhered to. Interviews with the staff, including the cook and the Dietary Manager, revealed that the griddle was not cleaned due to a shortage of degreaser packets, with only one packet available when ideally two were needed. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that other cleaning products could have been used but were not. The failure to clean the griddle as per the facility's policy poses a risk of cross-contamination and potential foodborne illnesses, especially given the residents' weakened immune systems. The facility's Dietary Policy and Procedure Manual, as well as the FDA Food Code, emphasize the importance of keeping food-contact surfaces clean to prevent such risks.
Failure to Maintain Resident Grooming and Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to treat two residents with respect and dignity by not maintaining their personal grooming, specifically keeping them clean-shaven. Resident #42, a female with intact cognition and a history of dementia, diabetes, and communication deficit, expressed embarrassment due to facial hair growth on her upper lip and chin, which was approximately an inch long. Despite being bathed twice a week, she reported not being shaved for about two weeks, and observations confirmed she remained unshaven even after a recent bath. Similarly, Resident #32, who also required assistance with personal hygiene due to conditions including heart failure and dementia, was observed with facial hair on her upper lip and chin, approximately half an inch long. She expressed embarrassment about her facial hair and believed she was shaved the previous week. A CNA interviewed stated that residents were typically shaved during their shower or bath process but was unaware of the specific grooming status of Residents #32 and #42. The facility's ADL Care policy mandates grooming activities such as shaving during bathing, which was not adhered to in these cases.
Failure to Update Resident Care Plan for Catheter Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident, which included measurable objectives and timeframes to address the resident's medical needs. Specifically, the care plan did not include the management of the resident's catheter, which was necessary for wound healing. The resident, a female with a history of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and a stage 3 pressure injury, had a Foley catheter inserted for wound healing, but this was not reflected in her care plan. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the MDS Nurse was responsible for updating care plans and acknowledged that the catheter care plan was missed. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that nursing staff should have ensured the care plans were updated. The facility's policy mandates the development of comprehensive care plans that include measurable objectives and timeframes, but this was not adhered to in this case, potentially placing residents at risk of inadequate care.
Failure to Maintain Resident Grooming
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents who are unable to carry out activities of daily living received the necessary services to maintain good grooming. Specifically, two residents, a [AGE] year-old female with dementia, diabetes, communication deficit, and a history of falling, and another [AGE] year-old female with heart failure, dementia, sleep apnea, and diabetes, were not kept clean-shaven. Both residents expressed embarrassment due to facial hair, with one resident noting that the last time she was shaved was about two weeks prior, and the other resident believing she was shaved the previous week. Observations revealed that both residents had noticeable facial hair growth, which was not addressed during their regular bathing routines. Interviews with a CNA indicated that shaving was part of the shower or bath process, but the CNA was unaware of when the two residents were last shaved due to working throughout the facility. The facility's ADL Care policy stated that residents would receive essential services for activities of daily living, including grooming activities such as shaving, but this was not consistently implemented for the residents in question.
Inadequate Supervision During Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents for a resident who required maximum assistance with transfers. The resident, who had diagnoses including emphysema, diabetes, morbid obesity, and heart failure, was being transferred by a nursing assistant (NA) using a Hoyer lift device. The NA attempted to perform the transfer alone, contrary to the facility's policy requiring two staff members for mechanical lift transfers. During the transfer, the NA encountered difficulties positioning the lift's support legs under the bed, causing the lift to tilt sideways and the resident to fall onto the bed and then roll off onto the floor. The incident was captured on video by the resident's camera, and the resident confirmed the fall during an interview, stating that the NA attempted the transfer without assistance. The NA admitted to starting the transfer alone after being unable to find the nurse who was supposed to assist. The facility's policy for using the Hoyer lift was not followed, as it was intended to enable one individual to lift and move a resident safely with minimal effort, but required two staff members for safety. The failure to adhere to this policy resulted in the resident's fall, although no injuries were reported.
Failure to Maintain Oxygen Humidifier for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for a resident who required oxygen therapy, as evidenced by the failure to replace the resident's oxygen humidifier bottle when it was empty. The resident, a female with a history of dementia, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes, was observed on multiple occasions with an empty humidifier bottle while receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. Despite the resident's denial of discomfort, the empty humidifier bottle was noted during observations on consecutive days, indicating a lapse in the facility's adherence to the care plan and physician orders. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN, ADON, and DON, revealed that the humidifier bottle should have been filled with water to prevent the resident's nasal passages from drying out. The staff acknowledged the oversight and the potential risk associated with the empty humidifier bottle. The facility's policy on oxygen administration required the use of pre-filled humidifier bottles, which should be changed when empty and labeled with the date and initials. The deficiency highlights a failure in the facility's processes to ensure compliance with professional standards of practice and the resident's care plan.
Medication Storage Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments under proper temperature controls, as required by State and Federal laws. This deficiency was identified during an observation, interview, and record review, which revealed that a resident had Dulcolax Docusate Sodium 100 mg/Stool Softener Laxative stored at their bedside table. The resident, who had moderate cognitive impairment, had received the medication from a family member and had been using it without informing the staff. The medication was observed at the bedside over several days, and staff were unaware of its presence until notified by a surveyor. Interviews with facility staff, including CNAs, LVNs, the ADON, and the DON, revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the facility's policy regarding medication storage. Staff members admitted they had not observed the medication at the bedside and were not familiar with the policy that prohibited medications from being accessible to residents without an order. The staff also acknowledged that they had not been recently in-serviced on the topic of self-administered medications, which contributed to the oversight. The facility's Medication Storage Policy, dated January 2021, clearly stated that all drugs and biologicals should be stored in locked compartments. However, the policy was not followed, as evidenced by the medication being left at the resident's bedside. The failure to adhere to this policy posed a risk to residents, as it allowed for the possibility of unauthorized access to medications, which could lead to overdosing or other adverse effects.
Failure to Adhere to Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of RN H, who did not adhere to Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) while providing care to a resident. The resident, a female with a history of Parkinsonism, aphasia, and feeding difficulties, was on EBP due to having a gastrostomy tube. Despite the presence of a sign indicating EBP and a bin of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the resident's door, RN H only donned gloves and neglected to wear a gown while preparing to administer a bolus feeding. This oversight occurred even though the facility's policy required the use of both gown and gloves during high-contact care activities for residents on EBP. Interviews with RN H, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed a lack of compliance with the facility's infection control policy. RN H, despite acknowledging the requirement for PPE, believed her extensive experience negated the need for a gown during bolus feedings. The ADON and DON both confirmed that residents with medical devices such as feeding tubes should be on EBP, and staff are expected to follow the policy by donning appropriate PPE. The failure to adhere to these precautions posed a risk of infection transmission, as highlighted by the facility's infection prevention and control program policy.
Failure to Implement Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish an antibiotic stewardship program that included antibiotic use protocols and a system to monitor antibiotic use. This deficiency was highlighted by the case of a resident who was prescribed the antibiotic Cefdinir for UTI prevention without sufficient justification. The resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and a history of recurrent UTIs, was placed on a daily regimen of Cefdinir starting on 11/11/23, based on family concerns about increased confusion and strong urine odor. However, the order for the antibiotic was indefinite, and there was no clear documentation or communication regarding the prescribing physician, leading to confusion among the staff and hospice care providers. Interviews with facility staff, including the Hospice Nurse, ADON, and DON, revealed a lack of communication and understanding about the origin and necessity of the antibiotic order. The Hospice Nurse indicated that the hospice company did not prescribe antibiotics for daily use as a preventative measure, and the resident's primary care physician denied prescribing the medication for long-term use. The facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program policy, revised in June 2020, aimed to promote appropriate antibiotic use and limit resistance, but the lack of adherence to this policy in the resident's case placed her at risk for unnecessary antibiotic exposure and potential development of multi-drug resistant organism infections.
Failure to Administer Anti-Seizure Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident, resulting in the resident not receiving prescribed anti-convulsant medications for eight days. This lapse occurred from the time the resident was admitted to the facility, during which the medications Lacosamide and Phenobarbital were not administered due to them being unavailable. The resident experienced seizures on two separate occasions, leading to emergency department visits. The deficiency was primarily due to a breakdown in communication and procedure adherence among the facility's staff. The Director of Nursing (DON) was unaware of the missing medications until after the resident's second hospital visit. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), who was working as a medication aide at the time, did not follow up on the missing medications despite being authorized to do so. Additionally, the charge nurse and other nursing staff failed to notify the pharmacy, doctor, or DON about the unavailability of the medications, and did not document the issue properly. The facility's failure to ensure the resident received his medications was compounded by the lack of awareness and action from multiple staff members. The pharmacy had sent an electronic message indicating the need for a triplicate prescription, which went unnoticed by the facility. This oversight, along with the staff's failure to follow established procedures for handling unavailable medications, directly contributed to the resident's adverse health events.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's call light was placed within reach, which is a necessary accommodation for residents with limited mobility and cognitive impairments. The resident in question, a male with a history of edema, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and cognitive communication deficit, was observed to have his call light on the floor, out of reach. This resident required substantial assistance for daily activities such as toileting and dressing, as indicated by his care plan and MDS assessment. During an interview, the resident expressed difficulty in picking up the call light when it was on the floor and mentioned that it often did not work. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA, HA, ADM, and DON, revealed that it was the responsibility of all staff members to ensure that call lights were within reach of residents during their rounds. The CNA admitted to not noticing the call light on the floor during her rounds. The facility's Call Light Response policy mandates that staff ensure call lights are accessible to residents and report any issues immediately. However, this policy was not adhered to, resulting in the resident's inability to call for assistance, potentially leading to unmet needs and increased risk of injury.
Failure to Maintain a Clean and Sanitary Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for a resident, as observed during a survey. The resident's room was found to have two clear trash bags containing food and other items, one tied to a bedside table and the other in a trash can, which had not been removed for two days. Despite the resident's requests for the trash to be taken out, the staff did not address the issue, leading to potential risks of infection, odors, and unsanitary conditions. Interviews with the facility's administration, including the Administrator (ADM), Director of Nursing (DON), and Housekeeping Director (HD), revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the trash removal responsibilities. The ADM and DON stated that the trash should be taken out once per shift or as needed, while the HD expected housekeepers to remove trash twice daily. The facility's policy on housekeeping standards emphasized maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, but the failure to adhere to these standards resulted in the deficiency observed during the survey.
Non-Functioning Call Light Puts Resident at Risk
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a working call system was available for a resident, which could place residents at risk of not being able to get assistance when needed. The deficiency was identified for a male resident who was admitted with diagnoses including edema, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and cognitive communication deficit. The resident's Quarterly MDS Assessment indicated a BIMS score of 12, reflecting moderately impaired cognition, and he required substantial assistance for various activities of daily living. During an observation, the resident's call light was found on the floor and not functioning, and the resident reported that the call light had not been working for some time, requiring him to seek assistance by other means. Interviews with the facility's administration and nursing staff revealed that they were unaware of the non-functioning call light, although the resident had informed the nurses. The facility's policy mandates that call lights should be functioning and accessible to residents, and any issues should be reported immediately to maintenance for resolution. However, in this case, the call light issue was not addressed promptly, leaving the resident without a reliable means to call for assistance.
Latest citations in Texas
A resident with severe dementia, mobility deficits, and dependence for transfers was provided bed rails without a documented entrapment risk assessment, physician order, or inclusion of bed rail use in the care plan, despite a facility policy requiring alternatives, IDT review, informed consent, and proper installation. Maintenance installed 1/3 bed rails on verbal request from nursing, believing the clinical steps had been completed, and the resident later was found partially out of bed with her head pinned between the rail and a low air loss mattress, unresponsive, and subsequently pronounced deceased. The medical examiner noted neck abrasions, bruising, and muscle hemorrhage consistent with entrapment between the mattress and bed rail and indicated the likely cause of death as strangulation on the rails or asphyxiation on the mattress, and the deficiency was cited as past Immediate Jeopardy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple pressure injuries received twice-daily wound care without a corresponding pain care plan or documented pain assessments, despite having a PRN acetaminophen order. During an observed wound care attempt, the resident winced, cried out, and showed facial expressions consistent with pain when repositioned, while staff were unsure of her primary language, whether she had been assessed or medicated for pain, or even what pain medications were ordered. CNAs and the treatment nurse noted foul odor and colored drainage from the wounds and that the resident felt warm, but the LVN initially reported no indication of pain or need for vital signs and only checked a temperature after surveyor prompting, without performing a clear pain assessment. The wound care NP later reported the resident had increased necrotic tissue, odor, and frequent combative behavior during prior treatments that had not been considered as possible pain responses, and the resident’s representative stated they were unaware of wound odor, infection concerns, or antibiotic orders and believed the resident was receiving pain medication while video showed wound care being attempted without it.
Surveyors found three mechanical lifts repeatedly parked unlocked and unsecured in a hallway adjacent to the 300 Hall, where they were stored and charged when not in use. An RN and a CNA assigned to the hall both stated they were unaware the lifts were unsecured, despite prior in‑service training on lift safety and storage, and each could not recall when that training last occurred. The DON confirmed that all lifts were expected to be locked when not in use, acknowledged unawareness of the unsecured lifts over several days, and stated that while staff had been educated on lift safety, there was no facility policy addressing accidents and hazards related to mechanical lift safety and storage, and the existing mechanical lift policy lacked such content.
Surveyors found multiple food safety and storage deficiencies in the kitchen, including an unsealed bag of meat, sauce containers with dried drippings on the handle and rim, a container of overripe bananas with black peels, and uncovered whole eggs in an unlabeled, undated bowl. Temperature logs for reach-in refrigerators and a freezer were missing required PM shift temperature checks and staff signatures. In interviews, dietary staff, the Dietary Manager, and the Administrator confirmed that these conditions did not follow facility policies requiring open food to be securely covered, labeled, dated, properly cleaned, and monitored with completed temperature logs.
A resident with lymphedema and multiple comorbidities had physician orders for bilateral lower extremity ace wraps each morning with removal in the evening, along with edema checks every shift. On the survey day, the resident was observed in a wheelchair without leg wraps, while the MAR showed the morning treatment as completed. The resident reported his legs were supposed to be wrapped daily and that they had not been wrapped for about a week, and he described inconsistent staff response to his call light. The charge nurse admitted it was not normal practice to document treatment before completion and stated the resident usually received wraps after a shower, which had not yet occurred. CNAs gave conflicting accounts about how consistently the wraps were applied, and leadership confirmed expectations that treatments be performed per orders and documented only after completion, in line with the facility’s documentation policy prohibiting false entries.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to provide pressure ulcer care consistent with professional standards for three residents. One resident with hemiplegia and vascular dementia had a sacral wound that was omitted from the care plan and repeatedly left off weekly skin assessments, while heel wounds were documented without consistent measurements or staging and ordered treatments were not always recorded as given. A second resident with multiple comorbidities developed a sacral wound that progressed from MASD to an unstageable and then Stage 4 pressure injury with surgical debridement, yet the care plan was not updated to reflect the active pressure ulcer and specific interventions, and weekly skin assessments often lacked complete staging and measurements. A third resident with dementia and incontinence had an unstageable sacral ulcer and MASD, but weekly skin assessments were inconsistent, some ordered wound treatments and topical medications were not documented on the TAR, and nursing notes did not show that care was provided on those dates. Staff interviews revealed that the treatment nurse handled nearly all weekly skin assessments and wound care documentation, relied on the DON or wound physician for staging and measurements, and that facility policies requiring complete wound assessment and documentation were not consistently followed.
The facility failed to ensure call lights were accessible for four residents who were identified as fall risks and required assistance with ADLs or had significant mobility or cognitive impairments. Observations found residents lying in bed with call lights placed at the head of the bed, on the floor, on a roommate’s bed, or on a nightstand, all out of reach, despite care plan interventions requiring call lights to be kept within reach. A CNA, an LVN, and the DON each confirmed that all staff are responsible for keeping call bells within residents’ reach and acknowledged that inaccessible call bells could lead to accidents, falls, avoidable injuries, delayed care, and unmet needs, contrary to the facility’s written call light policy.
Surveyors found that multiple resident rooms and two halls were not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Bathrooms in several rooms had brown or gray stains in corners and around toilets, and some showers and room floors had dark or built-up dirt along edges, near closets, and by beds and walls. Air conditioning vents and filters in several rooms were observed with black grime or thick dust. Handrails on two halls had debris, including tissue with a red-brown substance, candy wrappers, gum, plastic, and paper wedged between the rails. Sharps containers in several rooms had used gloves and trash placed on top. The Administrator and housekeeping staff confirmed that housekeeping was responsible for cleaning rooms, bathrooms, floors, handrails, and air conditioning units, and staff acknowledged that the observed conditions were a health hazard and could cause infection.
The facility failed to follow its own infection control practices and physician orders for three residents requiring respiratory care. A resident with COPD had a nasal cannula and nebulizer mask connected to equipment that were not bagged or dated when not in use, despite orders for weekly changes. Another resident with asthma had an unbagged, undated nasal cannula and an oxygen humidifier bottle that was partially full, cracked, and dated from a prior week. A third resident with COPD had both nasal cannula and nebulizer mask unbagged and undated, despite orders for weekly equipment changes and monitoring of pulse, O2 sat, treatment time, and lung sounds. Staff, including a CNA, an LVN, and the DON, acknowledged that equipment should always be bagged, dated, and changed per schedule to prevent infection, consistent with the facility’s infection prevention and control policy.
Surveyors found that staff failed to administer multiple residents’ scheduled medications within the facility’s one-hour administration window, despite active orders for numerous drugs treating conditions such as DM, HTN, CHF, dementia, seizures, and hypothyroidism. During a morning med pass, a med tech had not completed 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. medications by late morning, and staff interviews confirmed that medications were required to be given within a defined time range. In addition, staff did not consistently check BP before dispensing medications with BP parameters, did not keep a milk-based Med Pass nutritional supplement refrigerated or on ice as required by manufacturer directions and facility protocol, and failed to date most insulin vials when opened, contrary to facility policy. These actions and inactions showed that pharmaceutical services, including accurate dispensing, administration, and storage of medications and biologicals, were not provided as required for the residents reviewed.
Failure to Assess, Order, and Care Plan Bed Rail Use Resulting in Fatal Entrapment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its own policy and regulatory requirements for the assessment, ordering, care planning, and safe use of bed rails for a cognitively impaired resident. The resident was an elderly female with severe dementia, repeated falls, a fractured neck of the left femur, cognitive communication deficit, and a need for assistance with personal care. Her admission MDS showed a BIMS score of 03, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and documented that she required substantial staff assistance with bed mobility and was completely dependent on staff for transfers from bed to chair. Despite these needs, her care plan addressed ADL self-care performance deficits related to dementia and included interventions for bed mobility requiring one staff member to assist with repositioning, but it did not mention bed rails or any risk of entrapment. The facility obtained a bed rail consent form signed by the resident’s family member, which listed multiple potential dangers of bed rail use, including suffocation and various forms of entrapment that could cause injury or death. However, from the time of admission through the date of the incident, there was no documented bed rail safety or entrapment risk assessment for this resident, no physician order for bed rails, and no inclusion of bed rail use in the resident’s care plan. Maintenance staff reported that a charge nurse verbally requested installation of bed rails on the resident’s bed, and he believed the usual clinical steps—assessment, IDT review, consent, and physician order—had already been completed, but he had no documentation of when the rails were installed. The DON later confirmed that, for this resident, the required risk of entrapment assessment, physician order, and care plan focus for bed rails were not completed, and alternatives to bed rails were not attempted prior to installation, contrary to facility policy. On the night of the incident, a CNA observed the resident resting calmly around 2:00 a.m. During a subsequent round close to 5:00 a.m., the CNA found the resident partially out of bed with her head pinned between the assist bar/bed rail and the mattress, and notified the LVN. The LVN’s written statement described finding the resident seated on the floor on the right side of the bed, off the mattress, with her head resting between the side rail and the mattress, unresponsive. CPR was initiated and EMS was called, but the resident was later pronounced deceased. The county medical examiner reported that the resident had bruising and abrasions around the neck and jawline and hemorrhaging in the neck muscles, injuries consistent with being trapped between the mattress and bed rails, and indicated that the likely cause of death would be strangulation on the bed rails or asphyxiation on the mattress. Subsequent observation of the bed showed 1/3 bed rails of the same make and model as the bed frame and a low air loss mattress; while the rails were not loose and there was little space when the mattress was fully inflated, the air mattress could be compressed enough to create significant space between the mattress and rails. The facility’s failure to conduct a bed rail entrapment risk assessment, obtain a physician order, and incorporate bed rail use into the care plan prior to installation led to the resident’s entrapment and death, and constituted noncompliance identified as past Immediate Jeopardy. The facility’s written bed rail policy required that appropriate alternatives be attempted before installing bed rails, that the IDT assess each resident for entrapment risk, that risks and benefits be reviewed with the resident or representative, that informed consent be obtained prior to installation, and that manufacturer instructions and compatibility of bed, mattress, and rails be verified. It also required updating the care plan to reflect the need or choice for bed rails. In this case, staff interviews and record review showed that these steps were not followed for the resident involved. The DON acknowledged that the process did not occur as required, that the IDT did not meet to assess the resident for entrapment risk, and that the bed rails were installed based on the responsible party’s request without the mandated clinical review and documentation. This sequence of omissions and deviations from policy directly preceded the resident’s fatal entrapment between the bed rail and mattress.
Removal Plan
- Notify Medical Director
- Notify Ombudsman
- Conduct ad hoc QAPI
- DON to provide education to trainers regarding abuse and neglect
- Review admissions processes regarding bed rails and complete in-service with DON, ED, and IDT
- Provide in-service to all nurses involved with admissions process regarding bed rails
- Audit bed rails currently in use
- Inspect bed rails currently in use
- Verify consent on file for all bed rails in use
- Verify order and care plan for all bed rails
- Complete bed rail safety evaluation for all residents with bed rails
- Audit low air loss mattresses currently in use
- Verify order and care plan for all low air loss mattresses in use
- Complete fall risk assessment for all residents with low air loss mattress
- Provide staff education regarding use of enabler/bed rail
- Provide staff education regarding false safety
- Provide staff education regarding low air loss mattress
- Audit admissions for completion
- Audit low air loss mattresses and bedside rails
- Conduct ongoing monitoring for improvement to be reviewed at QAPI
Failure to Assess and Manage Pain During Wound Care for a Nonverbal Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide safe, appropriate pain management consistent with professional standards of practice and the resident’s needs during wound care. A female resident with severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 00) was admitted with multiple pressure-related skin conditions, including a left heel deep tissue injury (DTI), right heel DTI, an unstageable sacral pressure injury, a left heel ulcer, a right bunion DTI, and other bruising/discoloration. Her MDS Care Area Assessment did not trigger for pain and no care planning decision for pain was documented. The resident’s care plan contained detailed entries for her multiple wounds but did not include any care plan for pain, despite the presence of significant pressure injuries and ongoing wound care orders. Record review showed the resident had an active PRN order for acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain and an order for Doxycycline for the sacral wound, as well as twice-daily wound care orders for the unstageable sacral pressure injury. The MAR for the month showed that no acetaminophen had been administered since early in the month, even though wound care was being performed twice daily. During an observed attempt to perform wound care, the resident was dependent for mobility and required staff to roll and reposition her. When staff attempted to roll her for treatment, she winced, cried out "Oh my God" in Spanish, and displayed furrowed eyebrows and facial expressions consistent with pain. CNAs assisting with care noted that she appeared to be lying on the wound, that her wounds often drained, and that there was a foul odor and visible brownish-green drainage on her brief and positioning towels. Despite these signs, the treatment nurse could not confirm whether the resident had been assessed for pain or medicated prior to the procedure and was unsure of the resident’s primary language. During this same encounter, the resident was noted by the surveyor and CNAs to feel warm to the touch, and her wounds and dressings showed green, brown, or red drainage. The treatment nurse and CNAs acknowledged the resident felt warm, but the charge nurse (LVN) initially stated there was no indication the resident was in pain or needed vital signs assessed and only checked the resident’s temperature after being prompted by the surveyor. The LVN reported a normal temperature using a contactless thermometer, was unsure if the resident had any pain medication orders, and did not initially perform a direct pain assessment. Subsequent interviews revealed that the wound care NP had observed increased necrotic tissue and odor in the sacral wound the prior week and that the resident had been frequently combative, refusing wound care by kicking and biting, but this behavior had not been considered as a possible reaction to pain. CNAs later described the resident’s facial expressions and reactions during repositioning as indicating pain, while the LVN reported feeling pressured and nervous during the surveyor’s questioning and could not clearly describe having assessed the resident for pain during her shift. The resident’s responsible party stated they had not been informed of wound odor, infection concerns, or antibiotic orders and believed the resident was receiving pain and fever medications, later expressing shock upon reviewing video that showed wound care being attempted without medication. The facility’s own pain assessment and management policy stated that residents should be assessed for pain at admission and ongoing, monitored for pain with changes in condition, and that procedures such as moving or wound care can cause pain. It also directed that pain management interventions be consistent with the resident’s goals and documented in the care plan, and that underlying causes of pain, including skin/wound conditions like pressure ulcers, be addressed. In this case, the resident with multiple pressure injuries and ongoing wound care had no pain care plan, no documented pain assessment using appropriate tools for severe dementia, and no administration of ordered PRN pain medication in the weeks preceding the observed event, despite clear non-verbal signs of pain during wound care attempts. These actions and omissions led surveyors to determine that the facility failed to ensure pain was assessed and treated prior to wound care, resulting in the resident crying out and exhibiting pain behaviors when touched or moved.
Removal Plan
- Amend treatment orders to require pain evaluation prior to treatments and medication if indicated upon re-admission.
- Provide additional 1:1 education to CNA A, CNA B, LVN A, and the facility treatment nurse specific to issues identified in the preliminary fact analysis.
- Nursing leadership (DON/designees) to conduct facility rounds on all residents to ensure no unreported or undocumented changes in pain levels; audit all wound care orders to ensure pain management orders are present as indicated.
- Complete house-wide pain assessments; communicate any reported pain to the charge nurse for medication administration if indicated and complete follow-up assessment to ensure effectiveness.
- Re-educate licensed nurses on change in condition, pain assessment and management, administering pain medications, and the pain-clinical protocol (including identifying situations where increased pain may be anticipated such as wound care, ambulation, repositioning, and reviewing the critical element pathway for pain recognition and management).
- Re-educate all non-licensed nursing staff on recognizing change in condition/status including changes in pain levels and proper reporting using STOP AND WATCH Alert in PCC/point-of-care documentation and/or direct communication to the charge nurse; re-educate staff not working prior to their next scheduled shift.
- Educate the Facility Administrator and DON by the Divisional President of Operations on standards of care, pain management, and quality oversight.
- Validate staff education via completion of a quiz and acknowledgement covering recognition of changes in condition, proper notification procedures, and pain assessment and management.
- Review and validate the pain assessment and management policy to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements (no changes required).
- Implement monitoring: change in condition/pain assessment audits (review 24-hour summary report and nurse progress notes; ensure changes are reported to the provider and documented; ensure pain assessments are completed prior to treatments); review audit results in IDT/QAPI meetings and address issues immediately, including provider communication.
Unsecured Mechanical Lifts Left Unlocked in Resident Hallway
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to keep the environment as free of accident hazards as possible in the hallway adjacent to the 300 Hall, specifically related to unsecured mechanical lifts. Surveyors repeatedly observed three mechanical lifts parked in this hallway that were unlocked and unsecured on multiple occasions over three consecutive days at various times. These observations showed that the lifts remained in an unsecured state while not in use, in an area used for storing and charging them. During interviews, an RN assigned to the 300 Hall stated she was unaware that the three mechanical lifts parked in the adjacent hallway were unlocked and unsecured, despite being stationed at the nearby nurses’ station. She reported having received in‑service training on mechanical lift safety and storage but could not recall when the training occurred. The RN acknowledged that mechanical lifts were supposed to be locked when not in use and confirmed that the three lifts observed were the only ones she used for residents and that they were stored in that hallway to be charged when not in use. She also stated that she typically did not check the parked lifts to verify they were locked and secured. A CNA assigned to the same hall similarly reported being unaware that the three mechanical lifts were unlocked and unsecured, despite also having received in‑service training on mechanical lift safety and storage and being unable to recall when that training last occurred. The DON stated she was unaware that the three lifts had been left unlocked and unsecured over the three days of observation and confirmed her expectation that all mechanical lifts be locked when not in use. The DON stated that all staff had been educated on proper mechanical lift usage and safety but could not recall when the last in‑service training occurred. The DON and Administrator both reported that the facility did not have a policy addressing accidents and hazards related to mechanical lift safety and storage, and the existing “Total Mechanical Lift” policy did not contain information on accidents and hazards related to lift safety and storage.
Food Storage, Labeling, and Temperature Monitoring Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s food storage and handling practices in the main kitchen. During an observation of the walk-in refrigerator, they found a zip-top bag containing meat slices that was not fully sealed and exposed to air. They also observed one gallon container of sauce with black drippings on the handle and one jar of sauce with yellow, dried drippings around the rim. A container held approximately ten overripe whole bananas with black peels, and three whole eggs were left uncovered and exposed to air in an unlabeled and undated bowl. Additionally, temperature logs for two reach-in refrigerators and one reach-in freezer were missing the PM shift temperature checks and signatures for a specific date. In interviews, dietary staff, the Dietary Manager, and the Administrator confirmed that these conditions were inconsistent with facility policies and expected practices. Dietary staff stated that temperature logs were to be completed at the start and end of each shift by cooks and dietary aides, and that the Dietary Manager was responsible for ensuring completion. They explained that eggs should be returned to their original container or stored sealed, labeled, and dated; overripe bananas should be discarded; zip-top bags should be fully sealed; and jars and gallon containers should be wiped down after each use. The Dietary Manager and Administrator reiterated that all open food must be securely covered, labeled, and dated, and that fruits and vegetables showing visible damage or rot should be discarded, consistent with written facility policies on food storage and dietary food service personnel responsibilities.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for Lymphedema Leg Wraps and Accurate Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and care in accordance with physician orders and professional standards of practice for one resident with lymphedema. The resident was an adult male with multiple diagnoses including cardiac arrhythmia, musculoskeletal symptoms, osteitis deformans of multiple sites, eye and adnexa disorder, lymphedema, major depressive disorder, prostate disorder, chronic pain, hypokalemia, COPD, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, epilepsy with complex partial seizures, unsteadiness on feet, and other gait and mobility abnormalities. His Quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 15, indicating intact cognition, and he was dependent for toileting hygiene, showering/bathing, and personal hygiene. Physician orders on the March MAR included ace wraps to both lower extremities every morning and removal every evening, along with edema checks every shift. On the survey date, record review of the March MAR showed that the charge nurse had documented completion of the resident’s morning leg wrap treatment, but when the surveyor reviewed the resident at 11:21 a.m., he was observed sitting in his wheelchair with his legs not wrapped. At 11:50 a.m., the MAR still reflected that the treatment was completed, despite the wraps not being in place. The resident reported he had severe leg swelling due to lymphedema and stated his legs were supposed to be wrapped daily, but the last time they had been wrapped was about a week prior. He stated that whether his call light requests for treatment were answered depended on who responded, and that staff sometimes did not return to complete his care, which made him feel bad. In interviews, Charge Nurse A acknowledged that it was not normal nursing practice to document treatment before completion and stated that the resident normally received leg wraps after his shower, but that morning the resident had not yet had a shower. CNAs provided differing accounts: one CNA stated the wraps were always on during bed baths but did not bathe the resident that day; another CNA stated that sometimes the resident’s legs were wrapped and sometimes not, that his legs were not wrapped that day, and that she had given him a bed bath that morning; a third CNA stated she had never seen his legs unwrapped. The NP explained that the purpose of the wraps was to enhance circulation due to lymphedema. The DON confirmed the resident had bilateral leg wrap orders in the morning and removal in the evening, and that she was informed around midday that his legs were not wrapped. The Administrator stated she knew the resident’s legs were wrapped but did not know why, and both the DON and Administrator stated that documentation of treatment should occur after the treatment is performed, consistent with the facility’s documentation policy, which prohibits false information in the medical record.
Failure to Accurately Assess, Care Plan, and Treat Pressure Ulcers for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide pressure ulcer care consistent with professional standards, including accurate assessment, staging, measurement, care planning, and implementation of ordered treatments for multiple residents with pressure injuries. For one resident with hemiplegia, vascular dementia, incontinence, low body weight, and an admission Braden score indicating risk, the facility did not consistently identify and document all existing wounds. Her care plan listed only a left heel pressure wound and omitted a sacral wound. Weekly skin assessments from late January through March repeatedly failed to document the sacral wound after its initial identification, and heel wounds were inconsistently documented without required measurements or staging. On several dates, the weekly skin assessment was left blank or lacked measurements, despite physician documentation that the left heel wound progressed from Stage 3 to Stage 4 with increasing size. The treatment administration record (TAR) also showed missing documentation of ordered wound treatments to the sacrum and left heel on multiple dates, with no corresponding nursing notes indicating that care was provided. A second resident with hemiplegia, vascular dementia, diabetes, malnutrition, peripheral vascular disease, incontinence, and significant weight loss was identified as at risk for pressure ulcers but initially had no documented pressure wounds. Her care plan, last updated the previous year, addressed only potential for pressure ulcer development and other skin integrity risks, and did not reflect a current sacral pressure wound. However, physician orders and TAR entries showed daily treatment to a sacral wound, and weekly skin assessments documented a sacral wound beginning in mid-February. These assessments frequently lacked staging and, at times, lacked complete measurements. Over several weeks, documentation showed the sacral wound increasing in size and evolving from MASD to an unstageable wound and then to a Stage 4 pressure injury requiring surgical debridement of devitalized tissue, including subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, and tendon. Despite this progression and ongoing wound physician involvement, the resident’s care plan was not updated to reflect the current pressure injury and specific wound care interventions. A third resident with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, muscle weakness, incontinence, and an initially non-risk Braden score that later declined to moderate risk had an unstageable sacral pressure ulcer present on admission and MASD. Her care plan included potential for pressure ulcer development, an unstageable sacral pressure ulcer related to immobility, and a wound infection requiring oral antibiotics. Physician orders directed weekly skin assessments and specific daily and evening wound treatments to the sacral area. However, the March TAR showed multiple dates where ordered sacral wound treatments and topical medication for left upper buttock redness were not documented as given, and nursing progress notes did not show that wound care was provided on those dates. Weekly skin assessments for this resident were inconsistent, with several assessments in early January documented as refused or limited, alternating between noting arm discoloration and no skin issues, and later assessments intermittently omitting the sacral wound or lacking measurements and staging. Wound physician notes documented an unstageable sacral pressure injury with rapid clinical decline and later a Stage 3 pressure injury that had increased in size, but these changes were not consistently mirrored in the facility’s weekly skin assessment documentation. Interviews with nursing staff and leadership further described systemic issues contributing to the deficiency. The treatment nurse stated she could not stage wounds and relied on the DON or wound physician for staging, and that she was responsible for updating care plans when new pressure injuries were identified, though she was unsure of the required timeframe. She also reported that she performed nearly all weekly skin assessments for approximately 96 residents Monday through Thursday, with no assessments scheduled on Fridays unless there was a new admission, and that wound measurements were typically taken only when the wound physician visited, after which she transferred his measurements into the weekly skin assessments. The DON and ADON indicated that the treatment nurse was responsible for all wound care planning, weekly skin assessments, and ensuring documentation, and acknowledged that missing or inconsistent wound measurements and documentation on weekly skin assessments would prevent the facility from determining whether wounds were improving or worsening. Facility policies required full assessment and documentation of pressure ulcers, including location, stage, length, width, depth, exudate, and necrotic tissue, as well as complete wound care documentation, but the records for these three residents showed repeated omissions and inconsistencies in assessment, staging, measurement, care planning, and documentation of ordered treatments.
Failure to Ensure Accessible Call Lights for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to reasonably accommodate resident needs and preferences by not ensuring that call lights were accessible to four residents reviewed. For one male resident with a skull fracture, a baseline MDS showing he was a fall risk and unable to complete the BIMS interview, and a care plan indicating he required assistance with ADLs, observation showed he was lying in bed with his call light positioned at the head of the bed, out of his reach. A second male resident, with diagnoses including need for assistance with personal care, stroke, and dysphagia, and a quarterly MDS indicating he was unable to complete the BIMS interview, had a care plan intervention specifying that his call light should be within reach; however, observation found him lying in bed with his call light on the floor, out of reach. A third resident, a female with lack of coordination, unsteadiness on her feet, repeated falls, and severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 1), had a care plan intervention to ensure her call light was within reach, yet she was observed lying in bed with her call light placed on her roommate’s bed. A fourth male resident with right-sided paralysis, intact cognition (BIMS 14), and a care plan identifying him as a fall risk with an intervention to keep his call light within reach, was observed lying in bed with his call light on the nightstand, out of reach. During interviews, a CNA, an LVN, and the DON each stated that call bells should always be within residents’ reach and that all staff are responsible for ensuring this, and acknowledged that lack of accessible call bells could result in accidents, falls, avoidable injuries, delayed care, and unmet needs. The facility’s written policy on call lights required staff to place the call device within the resident’s reach before leaving the room.
Failure to Maintain Clean Resident Rooms and Hallway Handrails
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, as required by the facility’s Resident Rights policy. During observations on the 300 and 400 halls, surveyors noted that handrails contained debris, including a piece of tissue with a red and brownish substance on the 300 hall and candy wrappers, gum, clear plastic materials, and large pieces of paper wedged between the rails on the 400 hall. Multiple resident rooms on these halls were found with unclean and unsanitary conditions. Several bathrooms had brownish or grayish stains in the corners of the floors and around toilets, as well as dark stains along floor edges, in corners, and in showers. Room floors showed built-up dirt near closet doors, door frames, and along floor edges, with brownish or dark stains near beds and walls. Additional observations revealed that air conditioning unit vents and filters in several rooms had black grime or thick dust accumulation. In multiple rooms, sharps containers used for needle disposal had used, dirty or disposable gloves and pieces of trash placed on top of them. During interviews, the Administrator stated that housekeeping services were provided seven days a week, with cleaning in the morning and evening, and that housekeeping was expected to thoroughly clean resident rooms and facility areas. A housekeeper assigned to the 300 and 400 halls confirmed responsibility for cleaning entire rooms, bathrooms, floors, and wiping down handrails, stating that handrails were wiped at least once a week and acknowledging that the observed conditions were a health hazard. The Housekeeping Supervisor confirmed that housekeeping and floor technicians were responsible for cleaning hallways, floors, handrails, entire rooms, bathrooms, and air conditioning units, and acknowledged that not thoroughly cleaning rooms and handrails could cause an infection.
Improper Storage and Maintenance of Oxygen and Nebulizer Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide respiratory care consistent with professional standards, physician orders, and the infection prevention and control program for three residents receiving oxygen and nebulizer treatments. For a male resident with COPD, record review showed physician orders to change tubing, clean filters, and change the O2 water bottle and nebulizer kit weekly on night shift every Saturday. However, observation revealed that his nasal cannula connected to the oxygen concentrator and his nebulizer mask connected to the nebulizer machine were not bagged or labeled with a date when not in use. For a female resident with asthma, physician orders directed weekly changes of tubing, filter cleaning, and O2 water bottle changes, but observation showed her nasal cannula connected to the oxygen concentrator was not bagged or labeled, and an oxygen humidifier bottle left on the nightstand was only one-quarter full, cracked, and dated from an earlier date. A female resident with COPD had physician orders to change tubing, clean filters, and change the O2 water bottle and nebulizer kit weekly, as well as orders to obtain and record pulse, O2 saturation, treatment minutes, and lung sounds in relation to nebulizer treatments. Observation found that her nasal cannula connected to the oxygen concentrator and nebulizer mask connected to the nebulizer machine were not bagged or labeled with a date when not in use. Staff interviews with a CNA, an LVN, and the DON confirmed that facility practice and expectations were for oxygen tubing and nebulizer masks to be bagged and dated when not in use, with bags changed weekly or as needed, and for humidifier bottles to be changed regularly. The DON stated that failure to follow these practices could be an infection control issue leading to serious health consequences. The facility’s written Infection Prevention and Control Program policy emphasized decreasing infection risk, recognizing infection control practices during care, and ensuring compliance with infection control regulations, which was not followed in these observed instances.
Medication Administration, Monitoring, and Storage Failures During Med Pass
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide pharmaceutical services that ensured accurate acquiring, receiving, dispensing, and administering of medications and biologicals for all 10 residents reviewed for pharmacy services. Record reviews showed that multiple residents had active physician orders for medications to treat conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, dementia, end-stage renal disease, hypertension, heart failure, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, hypothyroidism, seizures, neuropathy, and pain. These medications included antihypertensives (such as amlodipine, hydralazine, metoprolol, benazepril, nifedipine), anticoagulants (Eliquis), antidiabetics (metformin, insulin), antipsychotics (olanzapine, quetiapine), anticonvulsants (levetiracetam), thyroid replacement (levothyroxine), heart failure medications (furosemide, carvedilol, isosorbide dinitrate), and others such as gabapentin, baclofen, galantamine, and lidocaine patches. During observation of a morning medication pass, surveyors noted that Med Tech F had not finished passing morning medications on two hallways between 10:15 a.m. and 11:14 a.m., even though those medications were scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. This meant that residents’ medications were administered more than one hour after their scheduled administration times, contrary to the facility’s stated one-hour before or after administration window. Interviews with Med Tech F, LVN A, and the DON confirmed that facility practice and policy required medications to be given at the ordered times within that window to maintain effectiveness and comply with physician orders. The facility also failed to follow required procedures related to medication parameters and storage. Med Tech F and LVN A stated that medications with blood pressure check parameters required a blood pressure reading before dispensing the medication into a cup, but the report states the facility failed to check one resident’s blood pressure before dispensing medication. Additionally, observations and interviews revealed that the Med Pass liquid nutritional supplement, described as milk-based, was not kept refrigerated or on ice during medication administration, despite manufacturer directions and facility protocol requiring it to be refrigerated or kept on ice. Further, review of insulin storage on three halls showed that 12 of 14 insulin vials were not dated with the date of first use, even though LVN A, LVN B, and the DON stated that facility policy required insulin vials to be dated when opened and discarded after a specified period (generally 28–30 days). These failures placed residents at risk for receiving medications outside ordered time frames and using insulin vials without a known open date. Facility policy and procedure for medication administration (Policy Number 7C) required that medications be administered as prescribed by the resident’s physician, in accordance with written orders and the resident’s service plan, and that routine medications be administered per facility time ranges unless otherwise specified. The policy also required that medications be recorded on the MAR, that resident identification be verified prior to administration, and that medications be administered according to the dosage schedule on the MAR. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of these requirements, including the need to date insulin vials upon opening and to maintain proper storage conditions for nutritional supplements. Despite this, the observed late medication administration, failure to check blood pressure before dispensing certain medications, failure to keep Med Pass on ice or refrigerated, and failure to date insulin vials demonstrated noncompliance with the facility’s own medication administration and pharmaceutical services procedures for the residents reviewed.
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