Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center -
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Houston, Texas.
- Location
- 8902 West Rd, Houston, Texas 77064
- CMS Provider Number
- 676137
- Inspections on file
- 32
- Latest survey
- December 1, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 6
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center - during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of combative, resistant, and wandering behaviors was inaccurately assessed in the MDS, which failed to document these behaviors despite clear evidence in the care plan and staff observations. Staff interviews confirmed frequent resistance to care and attempts to elope, but the MDS assessments indicated no such behaviors, contrary to facility policy requiring accurate and comprehensive assessments.
A nurse administered IV Vancomycin to a resident at a rate higher than ordered and without a proper pharmacy label, despite knowing the correct infusion rate and lacking an IV pump. The resident, who had multiple medical conditions and impaired cognition, received the medication at 250 ml/hr instead of the prescribed 150 ml/hr. Facility staff confirmed that the medication should have been given at the ordered rate using a pump and with complete labeling, as required by policy.
A nurse administered IV Vancomycin to a resident at a rate faster than ordered, without demonstrating competency in IV medication administration or the use of dial-a-flow tubing. The nurse had not received training or a skills assessment for IV medications, did not follow instructions to wait for a pump, and failed to assess the resident for adverse reactions. The IV bag was also missing a required pharmacy label, and facility policy on nurse competency and medication administration was not followed.
A significant medication error occurred when a nurse intentionally administered IV Vancomycin at a faster rate than ordered, without using a medication pump and without proper training or assessment. The resident, who had multiple health conditions and severe cognitive impairment, received the medication at 250 ml/hr instead of the prescribed 150 ml/hr. The nurse did not follow facility policy for medication administration or error reporting, and the incident was not immediately managed according to established procedures.
A registered nurse failed to ensure an IV Vancomycin medication was properly labeled before administration to a resident with multiple medical conditions and severe cognitive impairment. The IV bag lacked a pharmacy label with required information, contrary to facility policy and professional standards, as confirmed by staff and record review.
The facility did not update and post the required daily direct care staffing information in a timely manner, resulting in outdated staffing numbers being displayed in public areas. The Staffing Coordinator, responsible for this task, was delayed due to assisting residents and had not received training on the posting requirements. Both the Administrator and Staffing Coordinator acknowledged the importance of timely updates to prevent confusion for residents and visitors.
A resident with acute respiratory failure, COPD, and sleep apnea did not have their care plan updated to include required oxygen therapy and BiPAP use, despite having physician orders and receiving these treatments. The care plan only addressed fall risk and pain, omitting critical respiratory interventions. Staff interviews confirmed the omission and acknowledged the care plan should have included these needs.
A resident with respiratory and cardiac conditions was found to have a Fluticasone inhaler left unsecured on the nightstand, despite no physician order or assessment for self-administration. Staff interviews confirmed that medications should not be left in resident rooms without proper authorization, and facility policy requires all drugs to be stored in locked compartments. The incident was inconsistent with both facility policy and regulatory standards.
Surveyors found that kitchen staff failed to properly seal and store bulk foods, including dry noodles and frozen items, leaving them exposed to air and potential contamination. The Dietary Manager confirmed that food should be sealed and labeled according to facility policy, but was unaware of who was responsible for the lapse.
Two residents requiring BiPAP and oxygen therapy did not have their respiratory masks stored in plastic bags when not in use, leaving the equipment exposed on nightstands or draped over ventilators. Staff interviews confirmed knowledge of the proper storage procedure, and facility policies required masks and cannulas to be kept clean and covered. Despite this, infection control practices were not followed, resulting in a deficiency related to the safe and sanitary management of respiratory care equipment.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions was given a multivitamin with minerals instead of the physician-ordered multivitamin. Staff interviews confirmed the error and highlighted the importance of following medication administration protocols, including verifying medication orders and labels, which were not adhered to in this case.
During incontinent care, two CNAs did not follow proper infection control protocols by failing to change gloves and perform hand hygiene after cleaning a resident and before handling clean items. One CNA used a gloved hand exposed to contaminated areas to touch clean briefs and bedding, and both CNAs did not sanitize their hands before leaving the room. The resident required substantial assistance due to multiple health conditions, and staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding of infection control procedures despite documented in-service training.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and hearing impairment did not have her use of hearing aids documented in her care plan, leading to confusion among staff and potential communication difficulties. The facility's policy on care planning was not followed, and the resident's family reported concerns about the facility's assistance with hearing aids, including a period when they were lost.
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for two residents, leading to potential errors in care. A resident's hospital Nurse Report was shredded instead of being included in the medical record, and another resident's weight was recorded without the time, contrary to facility policy. Staff interviews revealed a lack of understanding regarding the importance of these records, highlighting deficiencies in documentation practices.
The facility failed to maintain proper concentration levels of sanitizer solution during the dishwasher's wash cycle, as observed on 05/07/2024. The Dietary Aide did not log the testing results, and the Dietary Manager relied solely on staff logs without performing random strip tests. The Administrator was unaware of the malfunction until informed by the surveyor.
A resident with a history of hip fracture and complex medical conditions fell twice from bed due to the facility's failure to update the care plan. The resident required two-person assistance during bed baths, but this was not documented or communicated to staff, leading to falls during unattended moments. The care plan was not revised after the first fall, resulting in a second fall under similar circumstances.
A resident with complex medical conditions and a history of falls was not provided adequate supervision during bed baths, resulting in two falls from the bed. Despite requiring substantial assistance, the facility failed to update the care plan to reflect the need for a two-person assist, leading to repeated incidents and hospitalizations.
Inaccurate MDS Assessment of Resident Behaviors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that assessments accurately reflected a resident's behavioral status, as evidenced by discrepancies between the resident's care plan, staff interviews, and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) documentation. The resident in question had a history of severe cognitive impairment, fluctuating behaviors, and multiple diagnoses including COPD, muscle weakness, depression, and a history of elopement and resistance to care. Despite these documented behaviors and staff observations of combative and resistant actions, the resident's Quarterly and Discharge MDS assessments indicated that no behavioral symptoms, rejection of care, or wandering were exhibited. Record reviews showed that the resident's care plan included specific notes about wandering, elopement risk, disorientation, frequent refusal of ADL care, yelling at other residents, and removing medical devices. Multiple staff interviews corroborated that the resident was confused, attempted to elope, was resistant to care, and displayed both physical and verbal behavioral symptoms. Staff described the resident as combative, not friendly, and prone to rejecting care several times a week. However, these behaviors were not reflected in the MDS assessments, which were marked as not exhibited for all behavioral symptoms. The MDS nurse, who was new and did not complete the resident's assessments, stated that the MDS is compiled using information from the interdisciplinary team, interviews, and observations. The DON confirmed that the MDS assessments for the resident were inaccurate and did not acknowledge the resident's physical, verbal, and other behavioral symptoms. Facility policy requires comprehensive and accurate assessments to inform care planning, but this was not followed in the resident's case, resulting in inaccurate documentation of the resident's needs and behaviors.
Failure to Administer IV Vancomycin at Ordered Rate and Without Proper Labeling
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse (RN) failed to administer intravenous (IV) Vancomycin to a resident according to the physician's order and pharmacy instructions. The medication was ordered to be infused at a rate of 150 ml/hr, but the RN administered it at 250 ml/hr. The RN was aware of the correct rate but intentionally set the infusion at a higher rate due to the resident's combative behavior and the unavailability of an IV pump. The RN did not notify nursing management of this deviation from the order and was not fully aware of the specific risks associated with rapid Vancomycin infusion. The resident involved had multiple medical conditions, including COPD, muscle weakness, depression, difficulty walking, a right great toe amputation, a lower left leg open wound, and a peritoneal abscess. The resident also had severely impaired cognition, was disoriented, and exhibited behaviors such as wandering and resistance to care. At the time of the incident, the resident was receiving Vancomycin for an infection, and the medication was observed being administered at the incorrect rate. The IV bag in use did not have a proper pharmacy label with the resident's name, dose, and administration instructions, as required by facility policy. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the medication should have been administered using a pump at the prescribed rate, and that all IV medications must have a pharmacy label with complete information. The nurse administering the medication did not follow these protocols, and the deviation from the ordered administration rate was considered a significant medication error by the medical director and pharmacy. The facility's policies require medications to be administered as prescribed, with verification of the label and adherence to the seven rights of medication administration.
Failure to Ensure Nurse Competency in IV Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A nurse (RN) administered intravenous (IV) Vancomycin to a resident without demonstrating competency in IV medication administration or the use of dial-a-flow tubing. The nurse intentionally set the infusion rate at 250 ml/hr, which was faster than the physician-ordered rate of 150 ml/hr, and did so without notifying nursing management, despite being instructed by the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to wait for a medication pump from the pharmacy. The nurse was not aware of specific infusion reactions associated with Vancomycin, such as Red Man Syndrome, and had not received training on significant medication errors, IV medication administration, or the use of dial-a-flow tubing. No skills assessment had been completed for the nurse regarding IV medication administration prior to this incident. The resident involved had multiple complex medical conditions, including COPD, muscle weakness, depression, difficulty walking, a right great toe amputation, a lower left leg open wound, and a peritoneal abscess. The resident also had severely impaired cognition and was described as confused, combative, and not interviewable at the time of the incident. During the administration of Vancomycin, the IV bag lacked a pharmacy label with the resident's name, dose, and instructions for use, and the nurse stated the label must have fallen off. The nurse did not assess the resident for adverse reactions after the medication was administered at the incorrect rate and moved the resident to the dining room without completing any observations. Facility policy required that nurses demonstrate competency in medication administration, including IV medications, and that all medications be administered as prescribed, with proper labeling and verification. However, the facility did not have documentation of the nurse's competency in IV medication administration or the use of dial-a-flow tubing. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that there was no system in place to double-check IV administration and that the facility relied on the competency of the nurse. The nurse's skills checklist did not include IV medication administration or dial-a-flow tubing competencies, and the nurse had not received any specific training on these procedures.
Significant Medication Error: IV Vancomycin Administered at Incorrect Rate
Penalty
Summary
A significant medication error occurred when a registered nurse (RN) intentionally administered an intravenous antibiotic, Vancomycin, to a resident at a rate of 250 ml/hr instead of the ordered 150 ml/hr. The pharmacy label clearly indicated the correct rate, but the RN did not follow the order and did not use a medication pump as required. The nurse was aware of the correct rate but chose to administer the medication more rapidly due to the resident's combative behavior and the unavailability of a pump. The nurse did not notify nursing management of the deviation from the order and did not perform an immediate assessment of the resident after the error. The resident involved had multiple medical conditions, including COPD, muscle weakness, depression, a history of amputation, and an open wound, and was noted to have severely impaired cognition. At the time of the incident, the resident was confused, combative, and not interviewable. The Vancomycin was administered using dial-a-flow tubing, which the nurse had not previously used and for which she had not received training. The IV bag was missing a pharmacy label at the time of administration, and the nurse later retrieved a new label confirming the correct infusion rate. The nurse admitted to not having received training on significant medication errors, IV medication administration, or the use of dial-a-flow tubing prior to this incident. Facility policy required medications to be administered as prescribed, with staff verifying the label and following the seven rights of medication administration. The nurse did not follow these procedures, and the error was not immediately reported or managed according to policy. Interviews with facility leadership and pharmacy staff confirmed that the medication was not administered as ordered and that the nurse had not been properly oriented or assessed for competency in IV medication administration.
Failure to Properly Label and Store IV Medication
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse (RN) failed to ensure that an intravenous (IV) Vancomycin medication administered to a resident was properly labeled in accordance with professional standards and facility policy. During observation, the IV bag in use for the resident did not have a pharmacy label containing the resident's name, medication information, directions for use, administration flow rate, prescriber name, or date of order. The RN acknowledged that the label must have fallen off after hanging the medication and confirmed that all medications are required to have a pharmacy label with the necessary information. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that all IV medications should be labeled with pharmacy and resident information, as well as directions for use. The resident involved had multiple medical conditions, including COPD, muscle weakness, depression, difficulty walking, a right great toe amputation, a lower left leg open wound, and a peritoneal abscess. The resident also had severely impaired cognition and a history of wandering and removing medical devices. The facility's policy required infusion therapy products to be labeled with specific information to ensure safe administration, but this was not followed in this instance, as observed and confirmed by staff interviews and record review.
Failure to Timely Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the daily direct care staffing information was posted and readily accessible for review as required. On the morning of 11/12/25, observations revealed that the Direct Care Daily Staffing Numbers displayed at both the front entrance and by the DON's office were dated for the previous day, 11/11/25, rather than being updated for the current day. The postings included the facility name, census, scheduled hours, and staffing totals for direct care staff, but were not current as required. The facility operated with 12-hour shifts for RNs, LVNs, and some CNAs, and other staff had varying shift times. The outdated posting was later observed being removed by the Staffing Coordinator. Interviews with the Administrator and the Staffing Coordinator confirmed that the Staffing Coordinator was responsible for updating the daily direct care posting within two hours of the start of the first shift, which begins at 6:00 AM. The Staffing Coordinator stated that her shift typically started at 8:15 AM and that she was expected to update the posting within two hours of her arrival. She reported that on the day in question, her update was delayed because she was assisting residents on the floor and had not received training regarding the regulations for the timing of the posting. Both the Administrator and the Staffing Coordinator acknowledged that failure to update the posting in a timely manner could result in confusion for residents and visitors regarding the facility census and available staffing.
Failure to Include Respiratory Interventions in Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for a resident with multiple respiratory diagnoses, including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite the resident having active physician orders for continuous oxygen therapy and nightly use of a BiPAP (non-invasive ventilator), these interventions were not documented in the resident's care plan. The care plan only addressed risks related to falls and pain management, omitting the resident's respiratory needs and the required interventions for oxygen and BiPAP use. Record reviews showed that the resident had a history of respiratory failure, pneumonia, morbid obesity, and COPD, and was receiving both oxygen and non-invasive ventilation as ordered by her physician. The medication administration records confirmed that these treatments were being provided. However, the care plan did not reflect these critical interventions, nor did it include measurable objectives or timeframes related to the resident's respiratory care, as required by facility policy and regulatory standards. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the nurse responsible for care plans was unaware of the need to include the resident's respiratory diagnoses and interventions until reviewing the orders. The nurse acknowledged that the care plan should have been updated upon admission to include these needs. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the resident's respiratory needs should have been documented in the care plan to inform the interdisciplinary team and ensure continuity of care.
Unsecured Medication Found at Bedside Without Self-Administration Order
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility's medication storage practices when a Fluticasone inhaler prescribed for a female resident with a history of acute respiratory failure, COPD, pneumonia, heart failure, and morbid obesity was found unsecured on the resident's nightstand. The resident was alert, oriented, and receiving oxygen therapy at the time of observation. There was no physician's order for self-administration of the inhaler, nor was there a documented assessment for the resident's ability to self-administer medications. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that medications should not be left in resident rooms unless there is a specific physician order for self-administration, which was not present in this case. Staff members, including medication aides and nurses, were unable to explain why the inhaler was left at the bedside and acknowledged that only authorized personnel should administer medications. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that medications should not be left at the bedside without proper orders and assessment. A review of the facility's medication storage policy indicated that all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments and that nursing staff are responsible for maintaining safe and secure medication storage areas. The failure to secure the inhaler and ensure only authorized access to medications was found to be inconsistent with both facility policy and regulatory requirements.
Failure to Properly Store and Seal Food Items in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an initial kitchen observation, it was found that bulk foods were not stored in a manner to prevent contamination. Specifically, a plastic bag of dry spiral noodles in the dry storage area was not sealed and was exposed to air. In the freezer, several cardboard boxes containing frozen hamburger patties, breakfast patties, and biscuits were also not sealed and were exposed to air. An interview with the Dietary Manager confirmed that all food should be closed when stored in the dry food area, refrigerator, or freezer to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that it was the kitchen staff's responsibility to seal and label food items, but was unaware of who failed to do so. A review of the facility's policy on refrigerator and freezer maintenance indicated that all food should be appropriately dated and sealed to ensure proper rotation and prevent contamination.
Failure to Maintain Clean and Sanitary Storage of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for two residents who required the use of non-invasive ventilators (BiPAP) and oxygen therapy. Observations revealed that the BiPAP masks for both residents were not stored in plastic bags when not in use, as required by facility policy and infection control standards. Instead, the masks were left exposed on nightstands or draped over equipment, with the plastic storage bags either underneath the mask or hanging on a wall hook nearby. Multiple staff members, including medication aides and licensed vocational nurses, confirmed during interviews that the masks should have been stored in plastic bags to prevent contamination, but were unable to explain why this was not done. One resident had a history of acute respiratory failure, COPD, pneumonia, heart failure, and obstructive sleep apnea, and was receiving nightly BiPAP therapy with oxygen as ordered by her physician. Her care plan did not address the need for BiPAP or oxygen therapy. The other resident, with diagnoses including hemiplegia following a stroke, diabetes, morbid obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea, also received nightly BiPAP and continuous oxygen therapy. Her care plan included interventions for oxygen therapy and BiPAP use, noting frequent refusals of the BiPAP, but did not address the improper storage of respiratory equipment. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and staff confirmed the expectation that BiPAP masks be stored in plastic bags when not in use for infection control purposes. The facility's policies and in-service training materials also specified that oxygen therapy equipment must be kept clean and sanitary, with masks and cannulas covered when not in use. Despite these policies and training, the required infection control practices were not consistently followed, as evidenced by the improper storage of respiratory equipment for both residents.
Failure to Administer Medications as Ordered by Physician
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services that ensured the accurate acquiring, receiving, dispensing, and administering of medications for a resident. Specifically, a medication aide (MA-Q) administered a multivitamin with minerals to a resident instead of the ordered multivitamin, as documented in the resident's medication administration record. The resident, an elderly female with multiple diagnoses including osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, had a physician's order for a multivitamin without minerals. Observations confirmed that the incorrect medication was prepared and administered, and the medication aide later confirmed giving the multivitamin with minerals rather than the prescribed multivitamin. Interviews with staff, including another medication aide, an LVN, and the DON, revealed awareness of the importance of administering the correct medication and the differences between a multivitamin and a multivitamin with minerals. The facility's policy required verification of medication orders and checking medication labels against the electronic medication administration record, but these procedures were not followed in this instance, resulting in the administration of the wrong medication to the resident.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices during incontinent care for one resident. During observation, two CNAs performed perineal care without adhering to established hand hygiene and glove-changing protocols. Specifically, after cleaning the resident's groin and peri-anal areas, one CNA did not remove soiled gloves or perform hand hygiene before handling clean items such as a new brief and barrier cream. The same CNA only changed one glove and continued to use the other, which had been exposed to contaminated areas, to touch clean items and bedding. Both CNAs failed to perform hand hygiene before leaving the resident's room, instead using hand sanitizer only after exiting or not at all in the immediate area. The resident involved was a female with multiple diagnoses, including acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart failure, cellulitis, and morbid obesity. She was always incontinent of urine and frequently incontinent of bowel, requiring staff assistance for toileting and hygiene. The care plan indicated a need for substantial assistance with personal hygiene and emphasized maintaining the highest level of function in daily activities. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistent understanding and application of infection control protocols. One CNA believed it was acceptable to use a glove that appeared clean to handle clean items, while another CNA acknowledged the risk of cross-contamination and the importance of changing gloves and performing hand hygiene. The DON confirmed that staff were expected to follow proper procedures, including changing gloves and sanitizing hands at appropriate times, and that staff had received in-service training on these protocols. Facility policies reviewed supported the need for strict hand hygiene and glove use during resident care.
Failure to Document Hearing Aid Use in Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and hearing impairment. The resident's care plan did not document the use of hearing aids as an assistive device, which was necessary for her to understand verbal communication. This omission was noted despite the resident's quarterly MDS assessment indicating the use of hearing aids and the resident's ability to usually understand verbal content with the aid of these devices. The lack of documentation in the care plan and Kardex led to confusion among staff members, as they relied on these documents to determine the resident's needs. Interviews with CNAs and other staff revealed that without proper documentation, staff who were not familiar with the resident might not provide the necessary assistance with hearing aids, potentially leading to communication difficulties and emotional harm for the resident. The facility's policy on care planning and hearing aid care was not followed, as the care plan did not reflect the resident's need for hearing aids. The resident's family expressed concerns about the facility's assistance with hearing aids, noting instances where the resident was without them, including a period when they were lost. The facility had to reimburse the family for the lost hearing aids, indicating a lapse in the continuity of care. Interviews with the DON and ADM confirmed that the expectation was for assistive devices to be documented in the care plan, which was not done in this case, increasing the risk of missed care for the resident.
Deficient Record-Keeping Practices in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for two residents, which could lead to errors in care and treatment. For Resident #2, the facility did not retain the hospital Nurse Report, which contained vital information about the resident's condition upon transfer from the hospital. This report was shredded instead of being included in the resident's permanent medical record. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of understanding regarding the importance of the Nurse Report as part of the resident's medical record, with some staff considering it merely a reference point rather than a necessary document to retain. For Resident #3, the facility did not accurately document the time the resident was weighed, which is a requirement according to the facility's policy. The resident's weight was recorded on paper without the time of weighing, which is crucial for monitoring the resident's nutritional status and ensuring accurate clinical outcomes. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that the facility policy required the time of weighing to be documented, but this was not being followed. Interviews with various staff members, including the DON, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and the Medical Records Personnel (MRP), highlighted inconsistencies in the understanding and implementation of record-keeping policies. The Administrator (ADM) admitted that the Nurse Report should be part of the resident's medical record and expressed surprise that it was being shredded. The failure to maintain accurate and complete medical records for these residents reflects a deficiency in the facility's documentation practices, which could potentially impact the quality of care provided to residents.
Failure to Maintain Proper Sanitizer Levels in Dishwasher
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food in accordance with professional standards for food safety by not maintaining the proper concentration level of sanitizer solution during the dishwasher's wash cycle. This was observed on 05/07/2024 at 9:05am when the facility's only low-temp dishwasher did not dispense the correct amount of sanitizer solution. Dietary Aide A performed a strip test after a load of dishes had been washed, and the test did not change color after six attempts, indicating lower than minimum PPM levels of sanitizer solution. The issue was not logged prior to the observation, and the Dietary Manager confirmed that she relied solely on staff logs and did not perform random strip tests herself. The facility's policy required kitchen staff to log concentration levels of sanitizing solution each shift during wash cycles, but this was not done that morning. The Administrator was unaware of the dishwasher's malfunction until informed by the surveyor on 05/07/2024. He confirmed that the facility's policy required logging concentration levels with testing strips each shift. The facility's policy, revised in March 2010, stated that a supervisor would check the dishwasher machine for proper concentrations of sanitizer solution after filling the machine and once a week thereafter. The failure to maintain proper sanitizer levels could affect all residents by placing them at risk for food-borne illness due to cross-contamination and diseases.
Failure to Update Care Plan Leads to Resident Falls
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident, leading to two falls from bed. The resident, who had a history of a hip fracture, diabetes, muscle weakness, and other complex medical conditions, fell out of bed twice while receiving bed baths. The first fall resulted in a hip fracture, and the second fall occurred after the resident returned from the hospital. Despite the resident's complex medical history and risk factors, the care plan was not updated to include necessary interventions to prevent falls. The first fall occurred when a CNA was giving the resident a bed bath, and the resident fell off the bed due to inadequate support and assistance. The CNA involved in the incident was in-serviced individually, but the care plan was not updated to reflect the need for additional assistance during bed baths. The second fall happened under similar circumstances, with another CNA leaving the resident unattended on the side of the bed during a bed bath. This incident highlighted the lack of communication and proper documentation regarding the resident's care needs. Interviews with staff revealed that the care plan and Kardex were not updated to reflect the resident's need for two-person assistance during bed baths and other activities. The facility's policy required care plans to be updated following significant changes in a resident's condition, but this was not done in a timely manner. The failure to update the care plan and communicate the necessary interventions to staff placed the resident at risk for further harm.
Inadequate Supervision During Bed Baths Leads to Resident Falls
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents for a resident during bed baths, resulting in two separate incidents where the resident fell off the bed. The resident, who had a history of a hip fracture, diabetes, muscle weakness, and other complex medical conditions, was cognitively intact but required substantial assistance with bed mobility. Despite these needs, the facility did not implement sufficient fall prevention measures or update the care plan to reflect the resident's need for a two-person assist during bed baths. On two occasions, the resident fell off the bed while receiving a bed bath, leading to hospitalizations. The first incident occurred when a CNA was providing a bed bath and the resident rolled off the bed, resulting in a fractured hip. The second incident happened when another CNA left the resident unattended on her side to change the bath water, during which the resident fell again. Interviews revealed that the CNAs were not adequately informed or trained on the resident's need for a two-person assist, and the care plan was not updated to reflect this requirement after the first fall. The facility's inaction in updating the care plan and ensuring all staff were aware of the resident's needs contributed to the repeated falls. The lack of communication and training among staff regarding the resident's fall risk and necessary precautions were significant factors in the deficiency. The facility's failure to implement comprehensive fall prevention strategies and update care plans in a timely manner placed the resident at risk for further accidents and injuries.
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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