Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center -
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Gladewater, Texas.
- Location
- 1201 Fm 2685, Gladewater, Texas 75647
- CMS Provider Number
- 676048
- Inspections on file
- 29
- Latest survey
- January 29, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center - during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with post-stroke hemiplegia, bowel incontinence, and full dependence for toileting reported that a CNA failed to return to provide incontinence care after responding to a call light, leaving the resident sitting in fecal matter for an extended period and allegedly refusing to assist, with disrespectful behavior. The resident’s family member corroborated key aspects of the timeline and reported the allegation to the Administrator. The CNA stated she had provided care twice within a shorter timeframe and denied disrespectful conduct. The Administrator, after being informed of the allegation and speaking with the resident, concluded the incident was a customer service issue rather than neglect and did not report the allegation to the state agency within the required 24-hour period, contrary to facility policy and regulatory reporting requirements for alleged abuse/neglect.
A resident with dementia, lack of coordination, a history of multiple recent falls, and moderate cognitive impairment was care planned as a high fall risk and used a wheelchair for mobility, independently propelling with her feet while needing substantial assistance for transfers and footwear. On observation, she was in the dining room twice wearing non-slip-resistant socks, with one sock slipped below the heel, while self-propelling her wheelchair. Nursing and CNA staff, as well as the ADON and Administrator, acknowledged she was a major fall risk with recent injury and that fall interventions included anti-slip socks or shoes, and that she should have been wearing appropriate footwear. This was inconsistent with the facility’s fall management policy requiring an environment as free of accident hazards as possible and appropriate interventions to prevent falls.
The facility failed to ensure that three residents had their call lights within reach, compromising their ability to communicate needs and increasing the risk of unmet needs. A resident with severe cognitive impairment and physical limitations, another with moderate cognitive impairment and physical deficits, and a third with mild cognitive impairment and a history of falls were all found with call lights out of reach. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of this practice, yet it was not consistently followed.
A LTC facility failed to securely store medications for three residents, leading to potential health risks. One resident had barrier cream and a medication cup on the bedside table, another had Miconazole Nitrate cream without a corresponding order, and a third had Silvadene and stoma powder without documented orders. Staff interviews revealed confusion about proper storage, contrary to the facility's policy requiring secure storage accessible only to authorized personnel.
A long-term care facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices, leading to deficiencies in care. A resident received improper incontinent care, increasing the risk of UTIs. Another resident's isolation room was cleaned with a disinfectant not effective against Clostridium difficile, risking infection spread. Additionally, a nurse did not change gloves or sanitize hands after catheter care, risking cross-contamination.
A facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for a resident requiring oxygen therapy, as the resident's oxygen concentrator was observed with a dirty filter containing gray debris. The resident, with a history of cerebrovascular disease and pneumonia, was dependent on staff for many activities of daily living. Facility staff acknowledged the oversight, noting that the concentrator filters should be cleaned weekly, as per facility policy.
The facility failed to ensure that a dietary aide had a current Food Handler's Certificate, which is necessary for safe food handling. The Dietary Manager admitted to not verifying the certification status, leaving it to the aide to renew. The deficiency was identified when the aide's certification was found expired, and it was only renewed after the surveyor's inquiry.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dysphagia was served ice water instead of nectar-thickened liquids, as required by her care plan. Despite signage and documented dietary restrictions, a CNA was unaware of the resident's needs, leading to a potential risk of aspiration. Interviews with staff highlighted a lack of communication and awareness regarding the resident's dietary requirements.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was recorded undressed by an RN, who shared the video with staff, leading to a deficiency in protecting the resident from abuse. The incident was not reported promptly, and the RN was later terminated.
A resident with dementia was filmed without consent by an RN, who shared the video with other staff, violating facility policies. The incident was not reported to the state agency promptly, and the RN continued working for nearly a month after the incident. The facility's delay in action left the resident vulnerable to further abuse, highlighting a significant lapse in protecting residents from abuse and neglect.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was videoed without consent by an RN while naked, and the video was shared among staff without being reported to the abuse coordinator or state agency in a timely manner. The facility's administrator was informed but did not investigate or report the incident promptly, allowing the video to circulate and compromising the resident's dignity. The incident was eventually reported to the police, leading to the RN's termination.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was videoed naked by a nurse, RN A, who shared the video with other staff. The facility's administration, led by Administrator G, failed to promptly investigate or report the incident, allowing RN A to continue working for nearly a month. The resident was unaware of the incident due to dementia, and the facility's inaction resulted in a period of Immediate Jeopardy, indicating a serious threat to resident safety.
A facility failed to maintain effective pest control, resulting in a fly outbreak and maggots in a resident's wound. The resident, with a chronic ulcer and other medical conditions, had maggots discovered during a dressing change. Despite monthly pest control visits, the measures were insufficient, leading to the infestation. Interviews and observations indicated the fly problem had improved, but the initial failure highlighted a significant deficiency in pest control efforts.
Two residents did not receive proper wound care as per physician orders, with Hydrofera Blue not moistened before application, contrary to instructions. One resident's boot was improperly fitted, causing discomfort. Staff interviews revealed a lack of knowledge about the correct use of Hydrofera Blue, leading to inadequate care.
Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Neglect to State Agency
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to timely report an allegation of neglect to the state agency within the required 24-hour timeframe. A cognitively intact female resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, who was totally dependent on staff for toileting and frequently bowel incontinent, reported that on a specific evening she requested assistance for incontinence care after receiving a laxative and experiencing diarrhea. She stated that a CNA responded to her call light, said she needed to gather supplies, and then did not return. The resident reported that when she activated the call light again, the CNA told her she only had to change the resident every two hours, refused to change her brief or provide her name, and stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes before leaving the room. The resident stated she remained sitting in fecal matter for over an hour, felt she was not being treated like a human being, and became afraid to press her call light because she did not trust anyone to help her. Her family member, who had been present earlier that evening, corroborated that the resident had requested to be changed and that the CNA initially responded but did not return before the family member left the building. The family member later received a distressed call from the resident reporting she still had not been changed and that the CNA had refused to assist her and had behaved disrespectfully. The family member then returned to the facility, confronted the CNA, and reported the allegations to the Administrator. The CNA later stated she was new to the facility, acknowledged being informed that the resident needed to be changed, and reported that she changed the resident once shortly after being notified and again 35–40 minutes later, denying any disrespectful behavior. The Administrator stated he was notified by the family member that evening that the resident had several large bowel movements and had not been changed for two hours, and the resident reported to him that the CNA had turned off the call light, said she would return, and then stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes. The Administrator determined the situation was more related to customer service than neglect, believed neglect required harm or injury, and therefore did not report the allegation to the state agency within 24 hours, despite facility policy defining neglect as failure to provide necessary goods and services that are necessary to avoid physical harm, pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress and requiring that all allegations of abuse and neglect be reported to outside agencies within applicable timeframes.
Failure to Ensure Appropriate Footwear for High Fall-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s environment remained as free of accident hazards as possible and to provide adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents. A female resident with diagnoses including heart failure, chronic respiratory failure, muscle wasting and atrophy, dementia, lack of coordination, and a history of falling was readmitted to the facility and assessed as having moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS 12). The MDS documented that she used a wheelchair for mobility, could independently propel herself in the wheelchair, and required substantial/maximal assistance with transfers, lower body dressing, and putting on/taking off footwear. Her care plan, revised earlier in the month, identified her as at risk for falls with actual falls on four prior dates, including one fall that resulted in facial bruising and a hematoma requiring hospital evaluation. Incident reports for these falls did not identify improper footwear as a pre-disposing factor. On the survey date, observations showed the resident self-propelled her wheelchair into the dining room using her feet while wearing red and green socks without an anti-slip surface, and later sitting in the dining room playing bingo with the same non-slip-resistant socks, with one sock slipped down beneath her heel. Multiple staff interviews, including with an RN, CNAs, an LVN, the ADON, and the Administrator, confirmed that the resident was considered a major/significant fall risk with recent fall injury and lack of safety awareness, and that fall interventions for at-risk residents included wearing anti-slip socks or shoes. Staff also stated that this resident should have had anti-slip footwear on to prevent falls and that not having appropriate footwear in the dining room could result in additional falls and injury. The facility’s fall management policy stated it was the facility’s policy to provide an environment as free of accident hazards as possible and to provide each resident with appropriate assessment and interventions to prevent falls and minimize complications if a fall occurs.
Failure to Ensure Call Lights Within Reach for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three residents had their call lights within reach, which is a critical aspect of accommodating their needs and preferences. Resident #2, a female with severe cognitive impairment and physical limitations due to a stroke, was observed with her call light hanging off her bedside table, out of reach. Despite being able to communicate, she expressed difficulty in locating her call light, which is essential for her to request assistance given her condition. Resident #27, a male with moderate cognitive impairment and physical deficits following a subarachnoid hemorrhage, also had his call light placed out of reach on his bedside table. His inability to lift his left arm further complicated his ability to access the call light, which is crucial for his safety and ability to communicate needs, especially considering his medical history. Resident #52, a female with mild cognitive impairment and a history of falls, was found with her call light lying on her bed, out of reach while she was seated in a chair. She reported a recent fall while trying to reach for an item, highlighting the importance of having the call light accessible. Interviews with staff, including CNAs, LVNs, and the DON, confirmed that ensuring call lights are within reach is a shared responsibility, yet this was not consistently practiced, leading to unmet needs and potential risks for the residents.
Medication Storage Deficiency in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to securely store medications and biologicals for three residents, leading to potential health risks. Resident #2 had three packets of Thera calazinc barrier cream and a medication cup with a white substance on the bedside table. This resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired, had a history of hemiplegia and was at risk for skin breakdown due to incontinence. The presence of these items at the bedside was not in compliance with the facility's medication storage policy. Resident #27 had Miconazole Nitrate 2% cream on the bedside table without a corresponding order in the resident's medical records. This resident, also moderately impaired, had a history of seizures and hemiplegia. The cream was reportedly used for jock itch, but its presence at the bedside was not authorized, and staff interviews revealed a lack of clarity on whether such items could be stored in resident rooms. Resident #163 had Silvadene and Adapt stoma powder on the bedside table, with no documented orders for these medications. This resident had a history of cellulitis and a urostomy, requiring careful management of skin and wound care. Staff interviews indicated confusion about the proper storage of these items, with some staff members unaware of the facility's policy on medication storage. The facility's policy clearly stated that medications should be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel, which was not adhered to in these cases.
Infection Control Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by several deficiencies observed during the survey. One incident involved improper incontinent care provided to a resident with a history of dementia and incontinence. During the care, a CNA wiped from the top of the resident's buttocks down towards the perineal area, which is contrary to the proper technique of wiping from front to back. This improper technique was acknowledged by the CNA and other staff members, who recognized the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to such practices. Another deficiency was noted in the cleaning practices for a resident's isolation room. The resident was diagnosed with Clostridium difficile, a highly infectious bacterium. The housekeeping staff used a disinfectant cleaner that was not effective against Clostridium difficile spores, as confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration details. The housekeeping supervisor and other staff members acknowledged the risk of spreading the infection to other residents due to the use of an inappropriate cleaning agent. Additionally, a nurse failed to change gloves or sanitize hands after performing catheter care for a resident with a suprapubic catheter. The nurse touched clean items with contaminated gloves, which could lead to cross-contamination and infection. This lapse in proper infection control practices was recognized by the nurse and other staff members, who understood the importance of changing gloves and sanitizing hands between dirty and clean procedures to prevent infections.
Failure to Maintain Clean Oxygen Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for a resident who required oxygen therapy, as evidenced by the unclean condition of the resident's oxygen concentrator. The resident, a male with a history of cerebrovascular disease, enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, and pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, was observed on multiple occasions with an oxygen concentrator that had a dirty filter containing gray debris. The resident's care plan indicated a focus on oxygen therapy related to ineffective gas exchange, with interventions including continuous oxygen via nasal prongs as ordered by the physician. Interviews with facility staff, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Director of Nursing (DON), and Operations Manager, revealed that the oxygen concentrator filters were expected to be cleaned weekly. However, the dirty filter was likely overlooked during the resident's hospital stay. The facility's policy on oxygen equipment, last revised in May 2007, stated that oxygen concentrator filters should be cleaned with water and detergent every week or according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The failure to maintain the oxygen concentrator in a clean condition could place residents at risk for respiratory complications.
Deficiency in Food Handler Certification for Dietary Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and accreditations in the food and nutrition service department, specifically concerning Dietary Aide A. The deficiency was identified when it was discovered that Dietary Aide A did not possess a current and valid Food Handler's Certificate, which is necessary for safe food handling and preventing foodborne illnesses. The Dietary Manager (DM) provided an employee list indicating that Dietary Aide A was hired in January 2021, and his Food Handler's Certificate had expired in November 2024. It was only after the surveyor's inquiry that Dietary Aide A completed the necessary certification on February 10, 2025. Interviews with the DM and other staff revealed a lack of oversight and responsibility in ensuring that all kitchen staff maintained valid certifications. The DM admitted to leaving the responsibility of certification renewal to Dietary Aide A and acknowledged the oversight in not reminding him. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Operations Manager (OM) both emphasized the importance of having current certifications for all kitchen staff to ensure resident safety. The facility's Infection Control Policy outlined the need for education on personal hygiene and food handling, but there was no verification process in place to ensure compliance with these requirements.
Failure to Provide Nectar-Thickened Liquids to Resident with Dysphagia
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide liquids consistent with the needs of a resident, specifically Resident #21, who required nectar-thickened liquids due to dysphagia. On February 11, 2025, CNA C served ice water to Resident #21, despite the resident's care plan and room signage indicating the need for nectar-thickened liquids. This oversight was discovered during an observation where a pitcher of ice water was found on Resident #21's bedside table, contrary to the dietary restrictions outlined in her care plan. Resident #21, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment and a history of dysphagia, was at risk of aspiration due to the facility's failure to adhere to her dietary requirements. Her comprehensive care plan, revised on October 30, 2024, clearly stated the need for nectar-thickened liquids to prevent potential fluid deficits and swallowing problems. Despite these documented needs, CNA C was unaware of the resident's dietary restrictions and placed a pitcher of ice water in her room, which could have led to choking or aspiration. Interviews with various staff members, including CNAs, an OT, an LVN, the ADON, the DON, and the Operations Manager, revealed a lack of communication and awareness regarding Resident #21's dietary needs. Staff members acknowledged the potential negative effects of providing thin liquids to a resident requiring thickened liquids, such as aspiration and pneumonia. The facility's policy on nutrition status management emphasized the importance of assessing and meeting each resident's nutritional needs, yet this policy was not effectively implemented in the case of Resident #21.
Failure to Protect Resident from Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from abuse when a registered nurse (RN A) recorded the resident on her personal cellphone while he was undressed from the waist down. The incident occurred on 07/26/24, and the video was shared with other staff members. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment due to dementia, was not aware of the recording. The video showed the resident's genitals and was accompanied by laughter from RN A, who found the situation humorous. The incident was not immediately reported to the facility administration or the police. It was only after the compliance department became involved that the administration was notified on 08/22/24. RN A was suspended pending investigation and was later terminated. The investigation revealed that multiple staff members were aware of the video, and some had seen it, but none reported it to the appropriate authorities. The delay in reporting and the sharing of the video among staff members contributed to the deficiency. The resident involved had a history of dementia, depression, and anxiety, and required supervision with most activities of daily living. Despite the resident's cognitive impairment, the facility's failure to protect his dignity and privacy resulted in a violation of his rights. The incident was classified as mental abuse, as defined by CMS, due to the demeaning and humiliating nature of the recording and its distribution among staff.
Failure to Prevent and Report Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and enforce its policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents, as evidenced by an incident involving a resident who was filmed without consent by a registered nurse (RN A). The video, which showed the resident naked from the waist down, was shared among staff members, including RN B, LVN C, CNA D, and others, who failed to report the incident immediately to the Abuse Coordinator. The facility's policy clearly prohibits the taking and sharing of photographs or videos that demean or humiliate residents, yet this policy was not adhered to by the staff involved. The incident was not reported to the state agency in a timely manner, as required by the facility's policy. The facility administrator, Administrator G, was informed of the video on July 31, 2024, but failed to initiate an investigation or report the abuse to the state agency. Instead, RN A continued to work until she was suspended on August 22, 2024, nearly a month after the incident occurred. This delay in action left the resident vulnerable to further potential abuse and demonstrated a significant lapse in the facility's responsibility to protect its residents. The resident involved, who had a history of dementia, depression, and anxiety, was not immediately protected from further abuse following the incident. The facility's failure to act promptly and appropriately in response to the abuse allegation placed the resident at risk for continued abuse and neglect. The facility's noncompliance was identified as posing an immediate jeopardy to the resident's safety and well-being, which was not resolved until August 30, 2024, after the survey began.
Failure to Report and Investigate Abuse in a Timely Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, or mistreatment were reported immediately or within the required two-hour timeframe. This deficiency involved a resident with severe cognitive impairment, who was videoed without consent by a registered nurse (RN A) while naked from the waist down. The video was shared among several staff members, including an RN, LVNs, a CNA, a transport aide, and a staffing coordinator, none of whom reported the incident to the abuse coordinator or state agency in a timely manner. The facility's administrator, Administrator G, was informed of the video but did not initiate an investigation or report the incident to the state agency promptly. Despite being aware of the video's existence and its inappropriate nature, Administrator G's response was limited to advising staff about the potential legal implications of such videos. The delay in reporting and investigating the incident allowed the video to circulate among staff, further compromising the resident's dignity and privacy. The incident was eventually reported to the police, and an investigation confirmed that RN A had taken and distributed the video. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) was only made aware of the video's content weeks after it was recorded, leading to the suspension and eventual termination of RN A. The failure to report and address the incident promptly placed residents at risk for ongoing abuse and neglect, highlighting significant lapses in the facility's abuse reporting protocols.
Failure to Investigate Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse involving a resident who was videoed by a nurse while naked from the waist down. The video was taken by RN A and shared with other staff members, which was not reported or addressed promptly by the facility's administration. The incident was initially brought to the attention of the facility's Administrator, Administrator G, who failed to take immediate action to investigate or report the incident, allowing RN A to continue working until she was suspended nearly a month later. The resident involved, an elderly male with severe cognitive impairment due to dementia, was unaware of the incident. Despite the resident's cognitive condition, the facility's staff, including the Administrator, failed to protect the resident from further potential abuse and did not ensure the resident's dignity and privacy were maintained. The video was shared among several staff members, who also failed to report the incident, contributing to the delay in addressing the abuse allegation. The facility's lack of timely response and investigation into the abuse allegation resulted in a period of Immediate Jeopardy, indicating a serious threat to the health and safety of the residents. The incident was eventually reported to the police, and RN A was terminated following the investigation. However, the facility's initial inaction and failure to protect the resident from further abuse highlight significant deficiencies in handling abuse allegations and ensuring resident safety.
Pest Control Deficiency Leads to Maggot Infestation in Resident's Wound
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in an outbreak of flies and maggots found in a resident's wound. The resident, a male with a history of a non-pressure chronic ulcer on his right foot, was admitted with several medical conditions including hemiplegia and mild cognitive impairment. On June 1, 2024, maggots were discovered in the resident's wound during a dressing change, indicating a severe lapse in pest control measures. The facility's pest control log indicated a monthly visit targeting house flies and ants, but it was insufficient to prevent the fly outbreak. Interviews with residents and staff revealed that flies were a problem a few weeks prior, but the situation had improved after the installation of fly light traps. Despite these measures, the presence of maggots in the resident's wound suggests that the pest control efforts were not timely or effective enough to prevent the infestation. Observations and interviews conducted on June 19, 2024, showed that the fly problem had largely been resolved, with only occasional sightings. However, the initial failure to control the fly population led to the maggot infestation in the resident's wound, highlighting a significant deficiency in the facility's pest control program. The facility's staff, including the DON and treatment nurse, were aware of the issue but could not determine how the maggots entered the wound, as it was typically covered with a bandage and sock.
Improper Wound Care and Equipment Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide treatment and care according to physician orders and professional standards for two residents. Resident #2 did not receive the physician-ordered wound care as specified, which included the use of Hydrofera Blue that required moistening before application. Additionally, Resident #2's care plan included the use of a boot to prevent further injury to his right foot, but the boot was not appropriately fitted, causing discomfort and potential harm. During an observation, it was noted that the resident's foot was swollen, and the wound care was not performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, as the Hydrofera Blue was not moistened before application. Resident #1 also did not receive proper wound care as per the physician's orders. The resident had stage 4 pressure ulcers, and the treatment involved the use of Hydrofera Blue, which was not moistened before application by the LVN. This was contrary to the product's instructions, which required moistening with sterile saline or water. The LVN incorrectly believed that the product would soften on the wound, leading to improper wound care. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the correct use of Hydrofera Blue. The DON acknowledged that the LVN was not aware of the proper application method, and an in-service training was planned to address this issue. The facility's care planning policy emphasized the development of a comprehensive care plan by the interdisciplinary team, but the execution of these plans was inadequate, leading to deficiencies in resident care.
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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