Denton Village By Purehealth
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Denton, Texas.
- Location
- 2500 Hinkle Dr, Denton, Texas 76201
- CMS Provider Number
- 455627
- Inspections on file
- 29
- Latest survey
- November 18, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 15 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Denton Village By Purehealth during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple comorbidities, including diabetes, experienced critically high blood sugar levels on several occasions without documented notification to a physician or hospice provider. The resident also missed multiple doses of prescribed diabetic and potassium medications due to unavailability, with no evidence of timely follow-up to obtain the medications or monitor blood sugar. After a fall resulting in a head injury, the resident's blood sugar was not checked, and the resident later deteriorated, was hospitalized with severe hyperglycemia and a brain bleed, and subsequently died. Facility staff interviews revealed failures in communication, documentation, and medication management.
A resident's admission MDS assessment did not include a diabetes diagnosis, despite the individual receiving insulin and metformin for diabetes as documented in their medical records, care plan, and physician's orders. Facility staff, including the MDS Coordinator and DON, were unaware of the omission and could not explain how the diagnosis was missed from the assessment.
A resident receiving insulin and metformin for diabetes did not have a diabetes diagnosis documented in the EMR, face sheet, or care plan, despite physician orders and MAR entries indicating treatment for diabetes. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and accountability for ensuring accurate and complete records, and the facility was unable to provide a medical record policy when requested.
An LPN left a laptop open and unattended on a nurse's cart, displaying the names and room numbers of 15 residents, while administering treatment in a resident's room. Interviews with the LPN, DON, and QAPI Nurse Manager confirmed the screen should have been locked to protect resident information, as per facility policy and HIPAA regulations.
The facility failed to implement comprehensive care plans for three residents, neglecting to include essential medical treatments such as an indwelling Foley catheter and oxygen therapy. A resident with benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic kidney disease had no care plan for his catheter, while two residents with respiratory issues lacked care plans for their oxygen therapy. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of care plans, yet these were missing for the residents' specific needs.
The facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program, with staff not adhering to hand hygiene protocols during care for multiple residents. A CNA did not sanitize hands before changing gloves during incontinence care, and another CNA placed a catheter bag on the floor during a transfer. An LPN also failed to perform hand hygiene after touching a waste basket before wound care. These actions were contrary to the facility's policies, risking cross-contamination and infection.
The facility failed to maintain a clean and safe environment in six resident rooms and high traffic areas, with observations of dirt, dust, rust, and stains. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in cleaning practices, with concerns about infection control and resident dignity.
The facility's kitchen failed to meet food safety standards, with issues including unclean ice machines, expired and improperly sealed foods, and improper use of personal protective equipment by the Dietary Manager. An uncovered tea dispenser further exposed food to contamination risks. The Dietary Manager acknowledged these issues, while the Administrator was unaware of some concerns.
A resident with a neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder was found with an exposed catheter bag lacking a privacy cover, leading to a deficiency in maintaining dignity. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to the facility's policy on resident dignity, as the catheter bag was visible from the hallway, potentially causing embarrassment. The facility's policy emphasizes the importance of using privacy bags to prevent such issues.
The facility failed to ensure that call lights were accessible to two residents, compromising their ability to call for assistance. One resident with muscle weakness and another with severe cognitive impairment had their call lights on the floor, making them unreachable. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of accessible call lights, but observations showed this was not consistently practiced.
A facility failed to accurately document a resident's use of oxygen therapy in the MDS Assessment, despite the resident having COPD and a physician's order for continuous oxygen therapy. Observations confirmed the resident was using oxygen, but the MDS did not reflect this, highlighting a lapse in accurate assessment and documentation.
Two residents in the facility were found with improperly stored respiratory equipment, leading to deficiencies in care. A resident with COPD had a nebulizer mask left exposed on a table without a protective bag, while another resident with pneumonia had a nasal cannula coiled on bed railings without proper storage. Staff interviews confirmed these practices, which contradicted the facility's policy requiring respiratory equipment to be bagged when not in use, posing a risk of cross-contamination and infection.
The facility failed to re-order medications in a timely manner for two residents, leading to a deficiency in pharmaceutical services. A resident with acute kidney failure did not have Torsemide available, and another with renal failure used the last Solifenacin pill without a replacement. Staff interviews revealed that the medication aide was responsible for re-ordering but failed to do so, leading to inappropriate use of the emergency kit. The facility's policy required re-ordering when medications were low, which was not followed, potentially impacting resident care.
A resident requiring total assistance for ADLs did not receive scheduled or unscheduled showers since admission, and his toenails were excessively long, indicating a lack of personal hygiene care. Facility staff noted the resident's refusal of showers, but inconsistencies in documentation and communication led to the oversight. The DON was unaware of these issues, highlighting a failure to adhere to the facility's bathing policy.
Failure to Notify Providers and Administer Diabetic Medications Resulting in Critical Hyperglycemia and Resident Death
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities including diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and who was under hospice care, was admitted for respite care. The resident was prescribed Metformin twice daily, long-acting insulin at bedtime, and potassium chloride. The care plan did not include diabetes management, despite active orders for diabetic medications. Over several days, the resident's blood sugar (BS) levels were found to be critically high (576 and over 600 on multiple occasions), but there was no documented evidence that the physician or hospice provider was notified of these elevated readings. Additionally, the resident missed two dayshift doses of Metformin and one dose of potassium chloride due to medication unavailability, with no evidence that the pharmacy, physician, or hospice was contacted to obtain the medications or that the resident's BS levels were checked during these times. On the morning of a fall, the resident was found on the floor with a head injury. The nurse assessed the resident, provided basic first aid, and noted that the resident was able to eat breakfast afterward. However, there was no documentation of a blood sugar check following the fall, despite the resident's diabetic status and the incident involving a head injury. Later, the resident exhibited a change in condition, including seizure-like activity and unresponsiveness. Attempts to contact the family member and hospice provider were initially unsuccessful. When the hospice nurse arrived, the resident was found to have a large hematoma, unresponsive pupils, and low blood pressure, and was subsequently sent to the hospital. Hospital records indicated the resident was admitted in critical condition with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypotension, and a blood sugar level of 812. The resident was diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and ultimately passed away. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's missed medications and high blood sugar levels, as well as failures in communication and documentation. Staff acknowledged that elevated BS levels should have prompted immediate notification of the physician or hospice provider and that missed doses of diabetic medication could have serious consequences. There was also confusion regarding the process for obtaining unavailable medications and the responsibilities for diabetic management in hospice patients.
Failure to Accurately Reflect Resident Diagnoses in MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident's assessment accurately reflected their status and that all individuals completing portions of the assessment signed and certified the accuracy of their contributions. Specifically, for one resident, the admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment did not include a diagnosis of diabetes, despite the resident being prescribed and administered diabetic medications such as insulin and metformin. The resident's medical records, care plan, physician's orders, and medication administration records all indicated active treatment for diabetes, but this diagnosis was omitted from the MDS assessment. Additionally, there was no care plan addressing diabetes for this resident. Interviews with facility staff, including the Regional MDS Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Director of Nursing (DON), and the Administrator, revealed a lack of awareness regarding the omission and uncertainty about how the error occurred. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged responsibility for ensuring assessment accuracy, while the DON and Administrator indicated that the interdisciplinary team (IDT) and clinical leadership were responsible for maintaining accurate records. The omission was not identified until the survey, and staff could not explain how the resident's diabetes diagnosis was missed from the assessment.
Incomplete and Inaccurate Medical Records for Diabetic Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for one resident, specifically omitting a diabetes diagnosis from the resident's face sheet, care plan, and other key documentation, despite the resident receiving diabetic medications and insulin. Record reviews showed that the resident's face sheet, care plan, and Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment did not list diabetes as a diagnosis, even though physician orders and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) documented the administration of insulin and metformin for diabetes. The care plan also lacked any interventions or goals related to diabetes management. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and accountability regarding the accuracy of resident records. The Admissions Director was responsible for completing face sheets, while the Regional MDS Coordinator was responsible for care plans. The MDS Coordinator stated he was unaware of the inaccuracies and believed the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) was responsible for ensuring records were accurate and complete. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that missing diagnoses could result in improper or inadequate care but was unsure how the omission occurred. The Administrator indicated that the clinical leadership team and hospice provider were responsible for ensuring accurate information in the records but was unable to explain why the diabetes diagnosis was missing. Additionally, when asked for the facility's medical record policy, the Administrator stated that no such policy was available. The lack of accurate documentation for the resident's diabetes diagnosis was identified through record review and staff interviews.
Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the privacy of residents' personal and medical records for 15 residents. This deficiency was observed when an LPN left a laptop open and unattended on a nurse's cart in the hallway, displaying the full names and room numbers of these residents. The LPN was inside a resident's room administering treatment at the time, leaving the computer screen visible to anyone passing by, although no visitors or other residents were near the laptop during the observation. Interviews with the LPN, the Director of Nursing (DON), and the QAPI Nurse Manager confirmed that the screen should have been locked or the computer closed when not in use to protect resident information. The facility's policy on resident dignity, revised in November 2023, emphasizes maintaining an environment where confidential clinical or personal information is not visible to visitors or other residents. The failure to lock the computer screen was acknowledged as a violation of HIPAA regulations by the LPN and recognized as a privacy issue by the DON and QAPI Nurse Manager.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for three residents, which were necessary to address their specific medical needs. Resident #9, a cognitively intact male with benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic kidney disease, was admitted with an indwelling Foley catheter. Despite this, his comprehensive care plan did not include any mention of the catheter, which was observed hanging on his wheelchair during a survey. Resident #15, a cognitively intact male diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure and hypoxia, was receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. However, his care plan did not reflect this critical aspect of his treatment, even though he had been using oxygen continuously for almost two years. This oversight was confirmed during an interview with the resident, who stated his reliance on oxygen day and night. Similarly, Resident #106, a cognitively intact female with pneumonia and anxiety disorder, was prescribed oxygen therapy at night. Her care plan also lacked documentation of this therapy, despite observations confirming her use of oxygen at bedtime. Interviews with facility staff, including the ADON, DON, and MDS Nurse, highlighted the importance of care plans in ensuring residents receive appropriate care, yet these plans were missing for the residents' specific needs.
Infection Control Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program, as evidenced by multiple instances of improper hand hygiene and handling of medical equipment. Specifically, CNA C did not perform hand hygiene before putting on new gloves during incontinence care for Resident #7 and Resident #39. This lapse in protocol occurred despite the CNA's acknowledgment of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of germs. Additionally, CNA C failed to change gloves after handling potentially contaminated items, such as waste cans and soiled briefs, before touching clean items. In another instance, CNA B improperly handled Resident #29's catheter bag by placing it on the floor during a transfer. This action was contrary to the facility's policy, which states that catheter bags should never touch the floor to prevent contamination. CNA B acknowledged the mistake and understood that the catheter bag should have been kept off the floor to avoid the risk of infection. Furthermore, LPN D did not perform hand hygiene after touching a waste basket and before putting on new gloves during wound care for Resident #40. This oversight occurred despite the LPN's awareness that the waste basket was considered dirty and that hand hygiene was necessary to prevent infection. The facility's policies clearly outline the importance of hand hygiene and proper glove use to prevent cross-contamination and infection, yet these protocols were not followed in these instances.
Facility Fails to Maintain Clean and Safe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents in six of the twelve rooms reviewed, as well as in high traffic areas. Observations revealed that resident rooms had dirt particles and built-up dust in the corners of the bathrooms and behind toilets. Additional issues included rust on sink drain holes, stains on bedside tables, and unsanitary conditions of trashcans. These deficiencies were noted during observations conducted on specific dates and times. Interviews with staff highlighted inconsistencies in cleaning practices. A housekeeper expressed concerns about her peers not consistently cleaning rooms, leading to dirt accumulation. The Environmental Services Supervisor acknowledged that not all areas could be cleaned daily and recognized the observed issues as infection control concerns. The facility's administrator was unaware of the specific concerns until shown pictures and acknowledged the risk of infection and impact on resident dignity due to inadequate cleaning.
Food Safety and Sanitation Deficiencies 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. The ice machine and ice scoop holder were not thoroughly cleaned, with dust, dirt, and rust-like substances present, potentially contaminating the ice. Expired foods were found in the refrigerator and freezer, including a large piece of cooked ham and a bag of bread rolls, which were not discarded according to guidelines. Additionally, foods such as seedless red grapes and another unspecified item were not properly sealed, exposing them to air-borne contamination. The Dietary Manager did not wear a beard covering properly while preparing and serving breakfast, leaving his beard exposed. Furthermore, a tea dispenser in the dining area was left uncovered, exposing the tea to potential contaminants. The Dietary Manager acknowledged these issues, stating that it was his responsibility to ensure compliance with food safety standards, although he cited difficulty breathing as a reason for not wearing the beard covering correctly. The Administrator was unaware of some of these concerns but recognized the risk of infection control issues if they were not addressed.
Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity Due to Exposed Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dignity of Resident #19, who was observed with an exposed catheter bag lacking a privacy cover. This deficiency was identified during observations and interviews conducted by surveyors. Resident #19, a cognitively intact female with a neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, was found with her catheter bag visibly hanging from the bed railings, exposing its contents to the hallway and room entrance. The resident was unaware of the exposure, which was confirmed by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who acknowledged the absence of a privacy bag and the potential for embarrassment. Further interviews with staff, including a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), revealed a lack of adherence to the facility's policy on maintaining resident dignity. The LPN admitted to not noticing the exposed catheter bag and emphasized the importance of using privacy bags to prevent embarrassment. The ADON reiterated the expectation for staff to ensure residents' dignity by using privacy bags for catheter bags, highlighting the need for staff mindfulness regarding residents' feelings. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator also acknowledged the deficiency, emphasizing the importance of providing a dignified existence for all residents. They confirmed that the absence of a privacy bag for the catheter was a dignity issue, as it could lead to embarrassment if visible from the hallway. The facility's policy on resident dignity explicitly states the need to refrain from practices that demean residents, such as leaving urinary catheter bags uncovered.
Inaccessible Call Lights for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the call light system in the rooms of two residents was accessible, which is a deficiency in accommodating the needs and preferences of residents. Resident #4, a female with generalized muscle weakness and chronic pain, was observed in her wheelchair with her call light on the floor between the bed and the wall, making it inaccessible. Despite requiring limited assistance for transfer and toileting, the call light was not within her reach, which she confirmed during an interview, expressing her need for the call light to call for staff assistance. Similarly, Resident #23, who had a history of falling and severe cognitive impairment, was observed with her call light on the floor at the end of the bed, also making it inaccessible. During an observation, the resident was unable to respond verbally about the call light's location, indicating a lack of access to this essential communication tool. The resident required moderate assistance for transfers, and the care plan included ensuring a safe environment, which was compromised by the inaccessible call light. Interviews with staff, including an LPN, the ADON, the DON, and the Administrator, confirmed that call lights should be within reach of residents at all times to ensure their needs are met and to prevent potential falls. The facility's policy also stated that call lights should be placed within easy reach when leaving the room. However, the observations and interviews revealed that this policy was not consistently followed, leading to the deficiency in accommodating the residents' needs.
Inaccurate Assessment of Resident's Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the assessments accurately reflected the status of a resident, specifically regarding the use of oxygen therapy. The resident, a female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pleural effusion, was observed using oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, which was not documented in her Quarterly MDS Assessment. Despite having a physician's order for oxygen therapy and a care plan indicating continuous oxygen therapy, the MDS Assessment did not reflect this critical aspect of her care. Interviews with facility staff, including the ADON, DON, and MDS Nurse, revealed a consensus that accurate assessments are crucial for providing appropriate care. The MDS Nurse confirmed that the resident's MDS was not triggered for oxygen use, which could lead to missed care. The facility's policy on resident assessment emphasizes the importance of identifying care needs, yet the discrepancy in documentation suggests a lapse in following this policy, potentially impacting the resident's care and services.
Improper Storage of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide proper respiratory care for two residents, leading to deficiencies in the storage of respiratory equipment. Resident #27, diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pleural effusion, was observed with a nebulizer mask improperly stored on a table without a protective bag. This mask, which should have been bagged to prevent contamination, was left exposed, potentially compromising the resident's respiratory care. The resident confirmed the use of the nebulizer twice daily but was unaware of any bagging procedure for the mask. Similarly, Resident #106, who had pneumonia and an anxiety disorder, was found with a nasal cannula coiled on the bed railings without a bag. The resident used the nasal cannula occasionally, but it was not stored properly when not in use. The improper storage of the nasal cannula could lead to cross-contamination and infection, as the bed railings were not clean. The resident also reported never seeing a bag for the nasal cannula. Interviews with staff, including an LPN, RN, ADON, DON, and the Administrator, confirmed the improper storage practices and acknowledged the risk of cross-contamination and infection. The staff admitted to not following the facility's policy, which required respiratory equipment to be bagged when not in use. The facility's policy aimed to maintain the cleanliness and condition of oxygen equipment, but this was not adhered to, resulting in the deficiencies observed.
Medication Re-ordering Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications were re-ordered in a timely manner for two residents, leading to a deficiency in pharmaceutical services. Resident #19, a cognitively intact female with acute kidney failure, was prescribed Torsemide 20 mg for edema. During an observation, it was noted that the medication was not available in the blister pack, and the medication aide (MA) had to request it from the emergency kit. Similarly, Resident #48, a male with severe cognitive impairment and renal failure, was prescribed Solifenacin 5 mg. The MA used the last pill from the blister pack and did not have a replacement available. Interviews with staff revealed that the MA was responsible for re-ordering medications but failed to do so despite noticing that the medications were running low. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) confirmed that the emergency kit was used inappropriately for Resident #19's medication, which should have been re-ordered earlier. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) both emphasized the importance of timely re-ordering to prevent medication shortages, noting that the facility's policy required re-ordering when medications reached the last line of the blister pack. The facility's policy on medication ordering was reviewed, indicating that emergency kits should be used for new admissions or emergencies, not for routine re-ordering failures. The Administrator acknowledged the issue and planned to coordinate with the DON to address it. The deficiency highlights a lapse in the facility's medication management process, as staff did not adhere to the established procedures for re-ordering medications, potentially impacting resident care.
Failure to Provide Necessary ADL Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary services for a resident who required assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically in maintaining personal hygiene. The resident, a cognitively intact male with kidney failure, required total assistance for transfers, toileting, and bathing. Despite being scheduled for showers on specific days, the resident did not receive any scheduled or unscheduled showers since admission. Observations revealed the resident's clothing was dingy and stained, and his toenails were excessively long, indicating a lack of personal hygiene care. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and an RN, revealed that the resident was noted to have refused showers on multiple occasions, as documented in the facility's records. However, the CNA and RN both indicated that the resident was not known for refusing showers, suggesting possible issues with specific staff members. The CNA mentioned that the resident's toenails were in poor condition, but she had not informed a nurse due to her recent reassignment to the resident. The RN confirmed the resident's toenails were long and stated that the resident was on a podiatrist list, but no action had been taken since his admission. The Director of Nursing (DON) was unaware of the resident's refusal of showers and the condition of his toenails. The facility's policy on bathing aimed to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, but the lack of adherence to this policy resulted in the resident not receiving necessary care. The DON acknowledged that the resident's refusal of showers should have been documented and care planned, and the failure to address the resident's feet could lead to potential health issues.
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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