Heritage House At Paris Rehab & Nursing
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Paris, Texas.
- Location
- 150 S.e. 47th Street, Paris, Texas 75462
- CMS Provider Number
- 676294
- Inspections on file
- 28
- Latest survey
- February 4, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 13
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Heritage House At Paris Rehab & Nursing during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A facility failed to provide a resident with an ongoing program of activities tailored to her interests and well-being. The resident, diagnosed with vascular dementia, expressed a desire to be read to due to poor vision, but this preference was not fulfilled. The Activities Director acknowledged not reading to the resident and incorrectly completing the Activity Evaluation. The Administrator confirmed the importance of fulfilling the resident's preferences to maximize quality of life.
The facility failed to provide palatable, attractive, and properly cooked meals at a safe temperature for several residents during a lunch meal. Residents reported issues such as bad taste, improper cooking, and cold food. The dietary manager did not taste the meal on the day of the survey, and despite previous in-services on recipe adherence, complaints persisted. The administrator acknowledged receiving complaints but could not recall the last in-service on menu adherence.
The facility failed to maintain effective infection control practices, as observed in the care of three residents. A resident received improper incontinent care, with staff using the same wipe multiple times and neglecting hand hygiene. Another resident's bathroom contained bagged, dirty briefs, creating an unsanitary environment. Additionally, a third resident did not receive proper catheter care, and staff failed to follow enhanced barrier precautions. These deficiencies highlight significant lapses in infection control measures.
A resident with impaired vision did not receive proper meal setup assistance during lunch, as the Treatment Nurse failed to remove the meal from the tray or uncover the plate. The resident's care plan required supervision and setup for eating, but the nurse was unaware of the resident's vision issues and uncertain about meal service protocols. The DON and Administrator confirmed that staff should assist with meal setup to meet residents' nutritional needs.
A resident reported missing pink pants to a laundry aide, but no grievance was filed, and the resident was not informed of any progress. The Environmental Services Manager was unaware of the issue, and the Administrator confirmed a grievance should have been filed. The facility's grievance policy was not followed, leading to a deficiency in addressing resident concerns.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions did not receive adequate nail care, as black material was observed under her fingernails over three consecutive days. Despite the care plan requiring regular nail maintenance, staff interviews confirmed that CNAs were responsible for this task, yet it was not performed, posing a risk of infection.
A resident with an indwelling urinary catheter did not receive proper catheter care, as observed when a CNA failed to clean the right peri area and catheter tubing. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required full assistance, was seen holding her catheter tubing, which was not promptly addressed. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the expectation for thorough cleaning to prevent infections, but the observed care did not meet these standards.
A facility failed to document an oxygen order for a resident with vascular dementia and shortness of breath, despite the resident being placed on oxygen by a hospice nurse due to low saturation levels. The lack of documentation and communication between hospice and facility staff led to the absence of a formal order, risking the resident's respiratory care.
The facility failed to provide trauma-informed care for two residents with histories of trauma. One resident's trauma history was not documented or addressed in her care plan, while another resident's PTSD triggers were not identified. The facility's policy on trauma-informed care was not followed, potentially leading to severe psychological distress for the residents.
Two residents in the facility were administered blood pressure medications outside of the ordered parameters, leading to significant medication errors. One resident received Metoprolol and Hydralazine despite a diastolic blood pressure below the threshold, while another was given Hydralazine with a systolic blood pressure below the specified limit. The staff involved acknowledged the errors, and the facility's policy required adherence to physician orders to prevent adverse effects.
A medication cart in the 100 Hall was left unlocked and unattended by an LVN while she went to the restroom, posing risks of unauthorized access to medications. The cart was later locked by ADON N, who acknowledged the associated risks. Interviews with staff, including the DON and Administrator, confirmed the responsibility of charge nurses to ensure carts are locked when unattended, as per facility policy.
The facility failed to comply with food safety standards, as dietary staff did not label and date all food items and failed to dispose of expired items in the kitchen's refrigerator and freezer. Observations revealed expired catfish and celery, and unlabeled tomato juice. The Dietary Manager and Administrator were unaware of these issues, despite policies requiring proper labeling and disposal of expired food.
A facility failed to ensure proper antibiotic stewardship for a resident prescribed Doxycycline for cellulitis without documented signs or symptoms of infection. Despite awareness from the ADON and DON, the facility relied on doctor's orders without meeting criteria for antibiotic use. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of an antibiotic stewardship program, but implementation was lacking.
A resident with dementia and other conditions was roughly handled by a CNA during incontinent care, causing fear and a sense of unsafety. The incident was reported by the resident and his family, with video evidence provided. Despite this, the facility's administration failed to view the videos and did not adequately investigate the abuse allegations.
A facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident to the appropriate authorities within the required timeframe. The incident involved a CNA providing rough care to a resident with dementia and other conditions, causing fear and discomfort. Despite a family member's report and video evidence, the facility did not report the incident to the HHSC. Interviews revealed that the care was aggressive, but the facility did not follow its policy on reporting and investigating abuse.
A CNA failed to follow proper infection control procedures during incontinent care for a resident, including not changing gloves or performing hand hygiene after removing a soiled brief. The resident, with multiple health conditions, was at risk due to these actions. The DON and Administrator acknowledged the failure to adhere to infection control policies.
Failure to Provide Resident-Specific Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an ongoing program of activities tailored to meet the interests and well-being of a resident diagnosed with vascular dementia and shortness of breath. The resident, who had cognitive impairments and was at risk for isolation, was supposed to participate in activities of choice 1-3 times weekly. However, the facility did not ensure that the resident's Activities Evaluation was accurately completed, and no in-room activities were documented for August, September, and October 2024. The resident expressed a desire to be read to, as she could no longer see the books, but this preference was not fulfilled. The Activities Director, who started in August 2024, acknowledged that she had not read to the resident and had incorrectly filled out the Activity Evaluation, assuming the resident read on her own. The Administrator confirmed that if the resident liked to be read to, it should have been done, and the Activities Director was responsible for ensuring activities and assessments were completed. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of recreational services in enhancing residents' quality of life, but the lack of adherence to this policy led to the deficiency.
Deficiency in Food Quality and Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food that was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature for eight residents during a lunch meal. Residents reported that the food tasted bad, was not cooked properly, and was served cold. Specific complaints included food being consistently bad, meals being improperly prepared, and a lack of variety. One resident mentioned receiving food items they could not eat, such as rice and corn, and another noted that the dinner roll was raw inside. These issues were observed during a lunch meal where the dietary manager and surveyors noted deficiencies in the taste and appearance of the food. The dietary manager, who has been employed at the facility for several years, admitted to not tasting the lunch meal on the day of the survey due to being occupied with other kitchen duties. The dietary staff had completed in-services on following recipes earlier in the year, but the exact timing was unclear. The dietary manager handled food complaints by communicating with residents and allowing families to make food choices for residents who frequently complained. Despite these efforts, the issues persisted, as evidenced by the residents' complaints and the surveyors' observations. The administrator, who has been in the role for 14 months, stated that he oversees the dietary manager and occasionally orders test trays from the kitchen. He acknowledged receiving food complaints and mentioned that the dietary manager would address these by speaking with residents. However, the administrator could not recall when the last in-service on following the menu was conducted. The facility's policy on menus and nutritional adequacy, revised in 2012, indicates that menus are planned to meet average resident nutritional needs, yet the observed deficiencies suggest a failure to adhere to this policy.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by several deficiencies observed during the survey. For Resident #2, the facility did not ensure proper incontinent care was provided. During an observation, LVN E and CNA F were seen using the same wipe multiple times to clean the resident's peri area, which is against infection control practices. Additionally, they failed to perform hand hygiene between glove changes, which is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Both LVN E and CNA F acknowledged their lapses in following proper procedures during interviews. Resident #53's care was also compromised due to the presence of bagged, dirty briefs left in her bathroom, which emitted a strong urine odor. This oversight was attributed to the CNAs being too busy to remove the waste, as stated by CNA F. The resident expressed discomfort and dissatisfaction with the situation, indicating that her complaints to the nursing staff were not addressed. This neglect in maintaining a sanitary environment poses a risk of infection and affects the resident's quality of life. For Resident #72, the facility failed to provide adequate catheter care and adhere to enhanced barrier precautions. CNA H did not clean the resident's right peri area or the catheter tubing, and she touched the resident's sheets without gloves, which is against the enhanced barrier precautions protocol. The ADON and DON confirmed the importance of proper catheter care and the need to follow infection control practices to prevent urinary tract infections and other complications. These deficiencies highlight significant lapses in the facility's infection control measures, potentially endangering residents' health.
Failure to Accommodate Resident's Meal Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of a resident, identified as Resident #76, during a lunch meal service. The Treatment Nurse served the resident her lunch but did not remove the meal from the tray or uncover the plate, leaving it on the warmer with a lid. This oversight occurred despite the resident's impaired vision and her care plan indicating a need for supervision and setup for eating. The resident expressed difficulty seeing her meal due to blindness in one eye, and another resident had to assist by removing the lid and positioning the plate for her. Interviews revealed that the Treatment Nurse was unfamiliar with the resident's vision issues and was uncertain about the protocol for uncovering meals. The nurse admitted to being new and under the impression that plates should not be uncovered, although she acknowledged the importance of assisting residents with meal setup. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator both stated that staff are expected to set up meal trays and provide necessary assistance to ensure residents' nutritional needs are met. The facility's policy on resident rights emphasizes the right to reasonable accommodation of needs and preferences, which was not upheld in this instance.
Failure to Address Resident Grievance Regarding Missing Clothing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure prompt efforts were made to resolve grievances for a resident who was missing a pair of pink pants from the laundry. The resident, who had intact cognition and was dependent on staff for dressing and personal hygiene, reported the missing pants to a laundry aide. The laundry aide acknowledged the report but did not file a grievance or inform the resident of any progress toward resolution. The aide mentioned notifying the Environmental Services Manager, who was responsible for filing grievances, but the manager was unaware of the issue and had not taken any action. Interviews with the Environmental Services Manager and the Administrator revealed a lack of communication and follow-through in the grievance process. The Environmental Services Manager stated that grievances should be filed to ensure lost items are recovered, but was not informed of the missing pants. The Administrator confirmed that a grievance should have been filed and that any staff member could initiate the process. The facility's grievance policy emphasized the importance of addressing resident concerns promptly, but this was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Provide Adequate Nail Care for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate nail care for a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living independently. The resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions including lung cancer and chronic respiratory failure, required assistance from two persons for dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene. Despite the care plan indicating the need for regular nail care, observations on three consecutive days revealed black material under the resident's fingernails, indicating a lack of proper hygiene maintenance. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and the DON, confirmed that it was the responsibility of CNAs to ensure residents' fingernails were clean, particularly during showers. The CNA acknowledged the importance of keeping fingernails clean to prevent bacterial infections, especially since the resident had a habit of putting her hands in her mouth. The DON and the Administrator both recognized the risk of infection and the need for maintaining the resident's dignity through proper hygiene, yet the deficiency persisted over the observed period.
Inadequate Catheter Care for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate catheter care for a resident who was incontinent of the bladder and had an indwelling urinary catheter. During an observation, CNA H did not clean the resident's right peri area or the foley catheter tubing while providing incontinent care. The resident, who had a severely impaired cognition and was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, was observed holding her catheter tubing, which was not addressed promptly by the CNAs. This oversight in care could lead to potential risks such as urinary tract infections and injury. The resident's care plan indicated the need for catheter care every shift and highlighted the risk of urinary tract infections and injury. The care plan also required enhanced barrier precautions during high-contact resident care activities. Despite these guidelines, the CNAs did not adhere to the proper catheter care procedures, as evidenced by the incomplete cleaning of the peri area and catheter tubing. Interviews with the ADON and DON revealed that the CNAs were expected to clean both sides of the peri area and the catheter tubing to prevent infections and skin breakdown. The facility's policy on urinary catheter management emphasized the importance of proper catheter care to prevent complications. However, the CNAs did not follow these protocols during the observed care, leading to the identified deficiency.
Failure to Document Oxygen Order for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that respiratory care was provided consistent with professional standards of practice for a resident requiring oxygen therapy. The resident, an elderly female with vascular dementia and shortness of breath, was observed without an active order for oxygen despite having been placed on oxygen by a hospice nurse due to low oxygen saturation levels. The resident's care plan and MDS assessment did not reflect the use of oxygen, and there was a lack of documentation in the facility's records to support the administration of oxygen. Interviews with facility staff and hospice personnel revealed a breakdown in communication and documentation regarding the resident's need for oxygen. The hospice nurse had given a verbal order for oxygen, but it was not properly documented or communicated to the facility staff, leading to the absence of a formal order in the resident's records. This oversight was acknowledged by the facility's nursing staff and the Director of Nursing, who emphasized the importance of having a documented order to ensure the resident received the necessary care and to prevent potential respiratory complications.
Failure to Provide Trauma-Informed Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent care for two residents, both of whom had histories of trauma. Resident #46, a female with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and mild cognitive impairment, did not have an accurate trauma screen identifying possible triggers despite having a history of trauma. Her care plan did not reflect her trauma history, and the current social worker was unaware of her past trauma. Interviews revealed that Resident #46 had communicated her traumatic experiences to staff, but this information was not documented or addressed in her care plan. Resident #15, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder, also did not have her PTSD triggers identified in her care plan. The social worker was unsure who was responsible for updating PTSD triggers and had not conducted a trauma assessment for Resident #15. Despite being seen by psychiatric services, the lack of identified triggers in her care plan meant that appropriate care could not be provided to mitigate potential re-traumatization. The facility's policy on trauma-informed care, which mandates the identification of triggers and the inclusion of trigger-specific interventions in care plans, was not followed. This oversight in both residents' cases could lead to severe psychological distress due to re-traumatization, as the facility did not adequately account for their trauma histories and preferences in their care plans.
Failure to Adhere to Blood Pressure Medication Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents were free from significant medication errors. Resident #15, a female with a history of hypertension and other mental health conditions, was administered Metoprolol and Hydralazine despite her diastolic blood pressure being below the ordered parameters. On a specific date, her blood pressure was recorded as 143/55, yet she received both medications, which were supposed to be held if the diastolic blood pressure was less than 60. The medication aide responsible for administering the medication acknowledged the error and mentioned that she was not allowed to contact the doctor when the blood pressure was out of parameter, although she was supposed to notify the charge nurse. Resident #68, a male with chronic heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, was also administered Hydralazine when his blood pressure was outside the ordered parameters. His blood pressure was recorded as 99/60, and the medication was given despite instructions to hold it if the systolic blood pressure was less than 100. The LVN involved stated that she did not administer the medication on that day, but acknowledged the importance of adhering to the parameters to prevent adverse effects. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator revealed that it was the responsibility of the nurse or medication aide to contact the doctor if a resident's blood pressure was out of the specified parameters. The facility's policy required medications to be administered according to physician orders, and the failure to adhere to these orders could result in significant risks to the residents. The DON and Administrator emphasized the importance of following the physician's orders and the potential consequences of administering medication outside of the prescribed parameters.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments under proper temperature controls, as required by their policy. This deficiency was observed when a medication cart in the 100 Hall was left unlocked and unattended by LVN M while she went to the restroom. The cart was parked beside the centralized nursing station, and this oversight was noticed during an observation. ADON N later locked the cart and acknowledged the risks associated with leaving it unlocked, including potential theft of medications, poisoning, and overdose. Interviews with staff revealed that LVN P accidentally left the cart unattended after being stopped by someone with a question. Both the DON and the Administrator confirmed that it was the responsibility of the charge nurses to ensure the carts were locked when unattended. They acknowledged the risks posed by this failure, such as unauthorized access to medications by residents, staff, or visitors, which could lead to poisoning, needle sticks, or misuse of medications. The facility's policy on medication storage emphasized the importance of locking all drugs and biologicals and restricting access to authorized personnel only.
Failure to Adhere to Food Safety Standards in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as observed during a survey of the kitchen's dietary services. The survey revealed that the dietary staff did not label and date all food items, and they also failed to dispose of expired food items in the refrigerator and freezer. These lapses were identified during observations in the kitchen's walk-in freezer and refrigerator, where expired items such as a zip lock bag of frozen catfish and a container of celery were found, along with a container of tomato juice that was not labeled or dated. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and the Administrator highlighted a lack of awareness and oversight regarding the expired and unlabeled food items. The Dietary Manager, who had been employed at the facility for several years, admitted to conducting daily walk-throughs but failed to notice the issues identified by the surveyor. The Administrator, who had been in the role for 14 months, stated that he conducted weekly walk-throughs but had not done so in the week of the survey. Both acknowledged the importance of labeling, dating, and discarding expired food to prevent potential foodborne illnesses among residents. The facility's policy on food storage and the FDA Food Code were reviewed, indicating requirements for labeling, dating, and discarding expired food items. The policy emphasized the need for proper sealing, labeling, and rotation of food items, while the FDA Food Code outlined specific labeling requirements for food packaged in a food establishment. Despite these guidelines, the facility's failure to comply with these standards was evident in the survey findings, posing a risk of food contamination and illness to residents.
Failure in Antibiotic Stewardship and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promote antibiotic stewardship by ensuring the appropriate use of antibiotic therapy for a resident reviewed for antibiotic use. The resident, an elderly female with dementia and anxiety, was prescribed Doxycycline Monohydrate for cellulitis in the left lower extremity. However, there was no documented evidence of signs or symptoms of infection to support the use of the antibiotic. The facility's records, including the Revised McGeer Criteria for Infection Surveillance Checklist, indicated that the resident did not meet the criteria for antibiotic use for cellulitis, soft tissue, or wound infection. Interviews with facility staff, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed awareness of the issue but a reliance on following doctor's orders despite the lack of documented criteria. The ADON, who was responsible for infection control, acknowledged the absence of proper documentation and education regarding antibiotic use. The facility's policy on infection prevention and control emphasized the importance of an antibiotic stewardship program, yet the implementation and adherence to this policy were lacking, as evidenced by the failure to document necessary signs and symptoms for antibiotic administration.
Rough Handling of Resident During Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from abuse when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) roughly provided incontinent care. The incident involved a male resident with a history of dementia, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions that required assistance with daily activities. During the care, the CNA used excessive force to roll the resident onto his side, causing his legs to come off the bed swiftly. This rough handling was observed in a video and reported by the resident and his family member. The resident expressed feeling scared and unsafe due to the rough care provided by the CNA. The family member of the resident reported the incident to the facility's Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and Director of Nursing (DON), providing video evidence of the rough handling. However, the facility's administration, including the DON and ADON, claimed they were unable to view the videos due to technical issues. Despite the family member's attempts to show the videos in person, the facility's leadership declined the offer. Interviews with other staff members, including another CNA present during the incident, confirmed the rough handling of the resident. The facility's staffing coordinator and ADON, upon viewing the video with the state surveyor, identified the actions as aggressive and uncalled for. The facility's policy on abuse and neglect emphasizes the importance of protecting residents from harm and conducting timely investigations, which was not adequately followed in this case.
Failure to Report Alleged Abuse in a Timely Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident to the appropriate authorities within the required timeframe. The incident involved a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who was observed providing rough and aggressive care to a resident during incontinent care. The resident, who had a history of dementia, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions, was handled in a manner that caused fear and discomfort. Despite the family member's report and video evidence of the incident, the facility did not report the allegation to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as required. The resident's family member reported the incident to the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON), providing video evidence of the rough handling. However, the facility's administration, including the Administrator, DON, and ADON, failed to view the videos or take appropriate action to report the incident. The family member's attempts to show the videos in person were declined, and the facility did not conduct a proper investigation or report the incident to the state agency. Interviews with staff members revealed that the CNA involved in the incident had been identified and that the care provided was considered aggressive and rough. Despite this, the facility did not follow its policy on reporting and investigating allegations of abuse. The Administrator, who was responsible for reporting such incidents, acknowledged the failure to report and investigate the allegation, which could have prevented further harm to the resident.
Inadequate Infection Control During Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of CNA A during the provision of incontinent care to a resident. CNA A did not change her gloves or perform hand hygiene after removing the resident's soiled brief, and she improperly disposed of the soiled brief by throwing it across the room. These actions were observed in a video dated 06/07/2024, which showed CNA A continuing to touch the resident and other surfaces with contaminated gloves, thereby increasing the risk of cross-contamination and infection. The resident involved was an elderly male with multiple diagnoses, including dementia, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and hypertension. His comprehensive care plan indicated a need for assistance with activities of daily living and emphasized maintaining his dignity by ensuring he was clean and well-groomed. Despite this, the care provided by CNA A did not adhere to the facility's infection control policies, as she failed to perform proper hand hygiene and glove changes during the care process. Interviews with CNA A, the DON, and the Administrator confirmed that the infection control procedures were not followed. CNA A acknowledged the incorrect practices and identified the risk of infection due to improper cleaning and handling of soiled materials. The DON, who is responsible for infection control, and the Administrator both recognized the failure to adhere to the facility's policies, which are designed to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and infections.
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.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.



