Collinwood Nursing And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Plano, Texas.
- Location
- 3100 S Rigsbee Rd, Plano, Texas 75074
- CMS Provider Number
- 675453
- Inspections on file
- 35
- Latest survey
- February 27, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 7
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Collinwood Nursing And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Staff failed to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for two residents on EBP who had active wound care orders and posted signage requiring gown and glove use for high-contact care activities. During observed peri care, transfers, linen changes, and wound care, CNAs, the ADON, and a PRN-TN wore gloves and performed hand hygiene but did not don gowns, and no gowns were available in or outside the rooms despite EBP instructions. In interviews, staff indicated they did not believe gowns were necessary without a known contagious infection, or reported that gowns were not present and that they usually wore them, while one resident confirmed that staff typically used gowns for wound and peri care.
A resident with dementia, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and anxiety repeatedly expressed suicidal ideation and engaged in self-harm behaviors, but staff failed to update the care plan or provide immediate psychiatric or behavioral assessments after these incidents. The resident's anxiety was further exacerbated by a problematic roommate assignment, yet no interventions were implemented to address her concerns. Staff interviews revealed confusion about responsibilities for care planning and intervention, and the facility did not follow its own policy for managing suicidal ideation.
Two residents experienced verbal and physical abuse from another resident with a history of mental health issues, including threats and a physical assault that resulted in hospitalization. Despite staff awareness of escalating conflicts and behavioral problems, there was a lack of timely investigation, documentation, and protective interventions following reports of threats and aggression.
Two residents with significant behavioral and mental health needs did not have their care plans updated to address incidents of aggression and suicidal ideation, despite documented episodes of verbal abuse, threats, and self-harm. Staff interviews revealed confusion about responsibility for care plan updates, and the facility's policy requirements for comprehensive, measurable care planning were not followed.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses reported to staff that her roommate threatened to stab her. Staff spoke with the accused roommate, who denied the allegation, and removed a back scratcher from the room, but did not conduct a thorough investigation or complete safety assessments. The resident moved herself out of the room for safety, and the Administrator later acknowledged that the required investigation and reporting procedures were not followed.
Treatment Cart #1 was found unlocked and unattended near the nurses' station, containing prescription creams, bandages, and medical supplies, with residents present in the area and no staff in sight. Facility policy requires carts to be locked when not in use, but the responsible nurse could not be identified.
A facility failed to report and investigate an incident where a resident with a history of mental health issues expressed suicidal ideation by attempting to harm herself with a call light cord. Despite the resident's serious condition, the event was not reported to the State Agency as required, nor was an investigation initiated promptly, breaching the facility's policy.
A resident with a history of mental health issues expressed suicidal ideation by wrapping a call light cord around her neck. The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation or report the incident to the State Survey Agency. Despite monitoring the resident until her transfer to a behavioral unit, the lack of documentation and formal investigation was a significant oversight.
The facility's kitchen failed to meet professional standards for food service safety, with deficiencies in food storage, labeling, and dating. Observations revealed expired and unlabeled food items, dented cans, and a broken egg among others. The Dietary Manager and Administrator were informed of these issues, which were not in compliance with the facility's food storage policy.
The facility failed to ensure call lights were accessible to four residents, risking their ability to obtain assistance. A resident with moderate cognitive impairment couldn't find her call light, which was on the floor. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment and hemiplegia also couldn't locate her call light. A male resident with anoxic brain damage struggled to reach his misplaced call light, and a female resident with muscle wasting found her call light out of reach. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of accessible call lights for resident safety.
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness in six resident rooms, with observations of dirt and grime on air conditioning units, dust on filters, and calcium buildup on faucets. Interviews with the Director of Environmental Services and the Administrator revealed lapses in housekeeping and maintenance procedures, potentially risking residents' respiratory health.
The facility failed to ensure accurate assessments for three residents, leading to discrepancies in their MDS assessments. A resident with hand contractures was inaccurately documented as having no impairments, despite requiring assistance with daily activities. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment and hand contractures was also inaccurately assessed, with her MDS not reflecting her need for splints. A third resident with hemiplegia was documented as having no impairments, despite being unable to use his right arm. Staff interviews confirmed these discrepancies, highlighting a failure in the facility's assessment process.
A resident with Parkinson's disease did not have this condition included in their care plan, despite it being an active diagnosis. The facility's staff, including the DON, ADON, and MDS Nurse, confirmed the oversight, acknowledging that the care plan should have addressed the resident's Parkinson's disease to ensure all necessary care was provided.
A facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program, as evidenced by a CNA's inadequate hand hygiene and glove-changing practices during incontinence care for two residents. The CNA did not perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves or between glove changes, and handled soiled items without proper sanitation. Interviews with staff confirmed the importance of these practices to prevent cross-contamination and infection, yet the observed actions did not align with the facility's infection control procedures.
Failure to Use Required PPE for Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its infection prevention and control program, specifically Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), for two residents on EBP. Both residents had active wound care orders and posted EBP signage on their doors instructing staff to don gown and gloves for high-contact resident care activities such as dressing, changing linens, toileting/brief changes, and wound care. For Resident #1, a male with vascular dementia, scabies history, dermatitis, and a non-pressure wound on the right upper back requiring Xeroform and calcium dressing three times weekly, staff did not follow these requirements during observed care. On the survey date, the surveyor observed an EBP sign on Resident #1’s door and entered the room while CNA A was providing peri care without a gown. The ADON and a PRN-TN then entered and provided wound care to Resident #1’s back while CNA A assisted with positioning and transferring the resident to bed and reported changing the resident’s linens, all without wearing gowns. Only gloves and hand hygiene were used. No gowns were available in or outside Resident #1’s room despite the posted EBP instructions requiring gown and gloves for peri care, transfers, changing linens, and wound care. In interviews, CNA A stated he did not wear a gown because he believed the resident did not have a contagious infection or virus and did not think a gown was needed, although he acknowledged infection control training. For Resident #2, a female with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, an acute upper respiratory infection, and a sacral pressure wound requiring daily dressing changes, the care plan and orders specified EBP related to urinary catheter and wound care, with interventions stating staff must don gown and gloves for high-contact activities including dressing, bathing, transfers, hygiene, changing linens, toileting/brief changes, device care, and wound care. An EBP sign with these instructions was posted on her door. During observation, the surveyor noted there were no gowns in or outside the room. CNA B provided peri care without a gown, and later the ADON and PRN-TN performed sacral wound care wearing only gloves and performing hand hygiene, but without gowns. CNA B acknowledged changing the resident without a gown, stating the gown was not in the room and that she usually wore one. The PRN-TN stated she associated gown use primarily with residents having COVID-19 or respiratory conditions, despite having infection control training, and recognized that staff could transmit germs on their clothes. Resident #2 reported that staff usually wore gowns for wound and peri care and believed CNA B was rushed and forgot.
Failure to Provide Timely Behavioral Health Interventions for Resident with Suicidal Ideation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and services to a resident diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions, including dementia, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorder. The resident had a documented history of suicidal ideation and self-harm attempts, including a prior incident at another facility where she attempted to cut her neck. Despite these known risks, the facility did not address suicidal ideations in the resident's care plan, nor were interventions implemented following multiple episodes where the resident expressed suicidal thoughts or attempted self-harm. On several occasions, staff documented the resident expressing a desire to die, crying, and making statements about wanting to harm herself. These episodes included the resident attempting to exit the building, grabbing potentially dangerous objects such as scissors and a lamp, and threatening self-harm. In each instance, while staff responded to the immediate situation by removing objects and contacting the physician or family, there was no evidence that a psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral assessment was conducted immediately following these incidents. The care plan was not updated to reflect the resident's suicidal ideations, and no new interventions were put in place to address her ongoing mental health needs. Additionally, the facility failed to consider the impact of roommate assignments on the resident's mental health. The resident expressed increased anxiety after being assigned a new roommate with whom she did not get along, yet no interventions or changes were made in response to her concerns. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding responsibilities for updating care plans and implementing interventions for residents with behavioral health needs. The facility's own policy required immediate reporting and intervention for suicidal ideation, but these procedures were not followed in practice.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse and Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from abuse and neglect, resulting in two residents experiencing verbal and physical abuse from another resident. One resident, who had a history of mental health diagnoses including Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and paranoia, threatened to stab her roommate. This threat was reported to staff, but no immediate investigation or protective measures were initiated at that time. The care plan for the resident making threats noted paranoia, but there was no documentation of interventions or follow-up after the threat was reported. A few days later, the same resident entered another resident's room and physically assaulted her with a pole-like object, causing injuries that required hospitalization. The assaulted resident suffered an eye injury, bruises, and abrasions. Staff responded to the incident by intervening and calling emergency services, but prior to the assault, there were documented behavioral issues and escalating conflicts between the involved residents that were not adequately addressed. The care plan for the assaulted resident did not address the incident or provide interventions for her safety. Interviews with staff and the administrator revealed that the facility was aware of ongoing behavioral issues and conflicts among the residents, including previous threats and arguments. However, there was a lack of timely investigation, documentation, and implementation of protective measures following reports of threats and escalating behaviors. The administrator acknowledged that no safe surveys or investigations were conducted after the initial threat, and that staff had become conditioned to the aggressive resident's behavior, failing to take appropriate action to prevent further harm.
Failure to Update Care Plans for Aggression and Suicidal Ideation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered care plans for two residents, as required by regulation and facility policy. For one resident with diagnoses including Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Cognitive Communication Deficit, the care plan did not address incidents of verbal abuse or threats toward another resident. Documentation showed that this resident was involved in a physical altercation, where she was observed hitting another resident with an object, resulting in injuries. Despite these behaviors and prior reports of paranoia, the care plan lacked interventions or measurable objectives to address the resident's aggressive and threatening behaviors. Another resident, with a history of Dementia, Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and Anxiety Disorder, exhibited multiple episodes of suicidal ideation and self-harm attempts. Progress notes documented several incidents where the resident expressed a desire to die, attempted to harm herself with objects such as scissors and a stapler, and required intervention from staff, police, and emergency medical services. However, the care plan for this resident did not include any interventions or objectives related to suicidal ideation or self-harm, despite these repeated and documented behaviors. Interviews with facility staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding responsibility for updating care plans following significant changes in resident condition or behavior. The MDS Nurse, ADON, and Administrator each described different understandings of who was responsible for ensuring care plans were updated to reflect acute issues such as suicidal ideation or resident-to-resident aggression. The facility's own policy required timely and comprehensive care planning, including measurable objectives and timeframes, but these requirements were not met for the residents involved.
Failure to Investigate and Report Alleged Threat of Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation and report findings to the State Survey Agency within 5 working days after a resident alleged that her roommate threatened to stab her. The incident involved a female resident with severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 03, and multiple diagnoses including Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis. Documentation showed that when the allegation was reported, staff spoke with the accused roommate, who denied the threat, and removed a back scratcher from the room, but no further investigation or safety assessments were completed. Interviews revealed that the resident who made the allegation moved herself out of the shared room to feel safe and reported her fear to staff. The Administrator acknowledged that no safe surveys were conducted and admitted that a more thorough investigation should have been completed, even though the allegation was not immediately substantiated. The facility's policy requires all allegations of abuse to be investigated and reported, but this process was not followed in this case.
Unattended and Unlocked Treatment Cart
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that Treatment Cart #1 was left unlocked and unattended near the nurses' station, positioned between two wings of the facility. The cart contained bandages, prescription creams, scissors, gauze, iodine, honey patches, and saline. There were residents present in the immediate area, and no staff were at the nurses' station at the time. The cart remained unlocked and unattended for at least five minutes, during which time all drawers were accessible. The facility's policy requires that medication carts be kept closed and locked when out of sight of the medication nurse, and that no medications be kept on top of the cart. Interviews with the Administrator and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) confirmed that the treatment cart should have been locked at all times and that all nurses are responsible for ensuring this. The ADON was unable to determine which nurse left the cart unlocked and stated that all nurses had been in-serviced on the importance of keeping treatment carts locked. The facility's policy and in-service documentation both emphasized the requirement to keep medication carts locked and secured when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
Failure to Report and Investigate Suicidal Ideation Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its written policies and procedures to prevent neglect, specifically in the case of a resident who expressed suicidal ideation. The resident, a female with a history of chronic respiratory failure, anxiety disorder, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and Asperger syndrome, informed staff that she had attempted to harm herself by pulling a call light cord around her neck. Despite this serious incident, the facility did not report the event to the State Agency as required by their policy. The resident was receiving treatment for depression, including medication and therapy services, but a BIMS assessment was not conducted to evaluate her cognitive status. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the incident was not reported to the State Agency within the required timeframe, nor was an investigation initiated promptly. The Social Worker and VP of Clinical Services acknowledged the failure to report and investigate the incident, which was a breach of the facility's policy. The resident was placed on one-on-one monitoring and eventually transferred to a behavioral unit, but the lack of immediate reporting and investigation could have placed residents at risk of continued neglect.
Failure to Investigate and Report Suicidal Ideation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate and report an incident involving a resident who expressed suicidal ideation. The resident, a female with a history of chronic respiratory failure, anxiety disorder, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and Asperger syndrome, informed staff that she had wrapped her call light cord around her neck in an attempt to harm herself. Despite this serious allegation, the facility did not conduct a comprehensive investigation or report the incident to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe. The resident's care plan included monitoring for signs of depression and suicidal ideation, yet a BIMS assessment was not conducted, and the facility's response to the resident's statements was inadequate. The social worker and VP of Clinical Services acknowledged that the incident was not documented in an incident report, and there was confusion about whether such documentation was necessary. The resident was monitored by facility staff and psych services until she was transferred to a behavioral unit, but the lack of a formal investigation and reporting process was a significant oversight. The facility's policy on investigating alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation and investigation, which was not adhered to in this case. The failure to investigate and report the incident could potentially place residents at risk by not ensuring that allegations of abuse or neglect are properly addressed and communicated to the appropriate authorities.
Deficiencies in Food Storage and Labeling in Facility Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety in its only kitchen, as observed through various deficiencies in food storage, labeling, dating, and kitchen sanitation. Specifically, the facility did not ensure that food items in the refrigerator and freezer were labeled and dated according to guidelines. Expired foods were not discarded, and dented cans were not removed as required. Additionally, a broken egg was found among other eggs in the refrigerator, and several food items, including sliced meat and raw pork chops, were found unlabeled and undated. These deficiencies were identified during observations and interviews with the Dietary Manager, Dietician, and Administrator. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that all kitchen staff were responsible for storing food and removing expired items, but these tasks were not completed as expected. The Administrator was also informed of the findings and expressed an expectation for the kitchen to meet all required standards. The facility's policy on food storage, which mandates that all foods be covered, labeled, and dated, was not followed, leading to potential risks of food contamination.
Inaccessible Call Lights for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the call light system was accessible to four residents, which could prevent them from obtaining assistance when needed. Resident #2, a female with moderate cognitive impairment and at risk for falls, was observed unable to find her call light, which was on the floor between her bed and side table. Similarly, Resident #21, with severe cognitive impairment and hemiplegia, could not locate her call light, which was on the floor behind her bed. She expressed that the call light should be clipped to her pillow to prevent it from falling. Resident #51, a male with anoxic brain damage and gait/balance problems, reported that his call light was often misplaced by staff when making his bed, making it difficult for him to reach due to his unstable hands. He was observed struggling to pull the call light from behind the bed. Resident #54, a female with moderate cognitive impairment and muscle wasting, was found with her call light wrapped around a drawer handle, out of her reach. She stated that she used the call light for assistance but could not reach it in its current position. Interviews with staff, including CNAs, LVN, ADON, DON, and the Administrator, revealed a consensus that the call light should always be within reach of residents. Staff acknowledged the importance of the call light for residents' safety and the potential risks if it is not accessible. The facility's policy on answering call lights emphasized ensuring the call light is within easy reach when residents are in bed or confined to a chair.
Deficient Cleanliness in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents in six rooms, as observed during a survey. Specific deficiencies included dirt particles and black grime on air conditioning units, dust on air filters, and calcium buildup on faucet handles. Additionally, handrails in some bathrooms had black specks of dirt and reddish dots. These observations were made in rooms #505, #507, #509, #511, #510, and #610, indicating a lack of proper cleaning and sanitization. Interviews with the Director of Environmental Services and the Administrator revealed that the facility's housekeeping and maintenance procedures were not adequately followed. The Director of Environmental Services acknowledged the issues and mentioned that maintenance was responsible for cleaning air filters, but the maintenance director was on leave. The Administrator expressed surprise at the findings and recognized the potential risk of respiratory problems for residents due to the unclean conditions. The facility's policy on maintaining a safe and comfortable environment was not effectively implemented, leading to these deficiencies.
Inaccurate Resident Assessments in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate assessments for three residents, leading to discrepancies in their Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. Resident #35, a male with contractures in both hands, was inaccurately documented as having no upper extremity impairments in his Quarterly MDS Assessment. Observations and interviews confirmed the resident's condition, which required assistance with daily activities due to his inability to use his hands. Despite having a physician's order for hand splints, the MDS did not reflect his actual impairments. Similarly, Resident #40, a female with a severe cognitive impairment and contractures in her left hand, was also inaccurately assessed. Her MDS indicated no upper extremity impairments, contradicting her care plan and physician orders that required the use of an elbow extensor splint and a hand carrot splint. Observations confirmed her left hand was contracted, and interviews with staff highlighted her dependency on assistance for all activities of daily living due to her impairments. Resident #46, a male with hemiplegia affecting his right side, was documented in his MDS as having no upper extremity impairments, despite observations showing his right arm was limp and non-functional. Interviews with staff confirmed his dependency on assistance for mobility and personal hygiene. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged the discrepancies and the importance of accurate assessments to ensure appropriate care, highlighting a failure in the facility's assessment process.
Failure to Include Parkinson's Disease in Resident Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This deficiency was identified during a review of the resident's records, which revealed that the care plan did not address the resident's Parkinson's disease, despite it being an active diagnosis. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, was admitted to the facility with Parkinson's disease, yet the care plan dated 06/18/24 lacked any mention of this condition. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and the MDS Nurse confirmed the oversight. They acknowledged that the resident's Parkinson's disease should have been included in the care plan to ensure the resident received all necessary care. The facility's policy mandates that the interdisciplinary team develop a comprehensive care plan for each resident, which includes all relevant diagnoses and treatments. The omission of Parkinson's disease from the care plan could potentially result in unmet needs for the resident.
Inadequate Infection Control Practices During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program, as evidenced by the actions of CNA D during incontinence care for two residents. For Resident #21, CNA D did not perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves and failed to change gloves throughout the incontinence care process. This included not washing hands after cleaning the resident's bottom, which could lead to cross-contamination. The resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and hemiplegia, required assistance for bed mobility and toilet use, making proper infection control practices crucial. Similarly, during incontinence care for Resident #46, CNA D initially washed his hands and put on gloves but did not sanitize his hands between glove changes. After cleaning the resident's bottom, CNA D changed gloves without performing hand hygiene, and later handled the resident's brief without gloves. Resident #46, a male with hemiplegia and bowel and bladder incontinence, was cognitively intact, highlighting the importance of adhering to infection control protocols to prevent potential infections. Interviews with staff, including CNA D, LVN B, the ADON, and the DON, revealed acknowledgment of the importance of hand hygiene and glove changes to prevent cross-contamination and infection. The facility's hand hygiene policy emphasized the necessity of washing hands before and after resident contact and after removing gloves. Despite this, the observed practices during incontinence care did not align with the facility's infection control procedures, posing a risk of infection transmission.
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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