Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation - North
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Austin, Texas.
- Location
- 11020 Dessau Rd, Austin, Texas 78754
- CMS Provider Number
- 676238
- Inspections on file
- 39
- Latest survey
- September 17, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 5 (2 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Legend Oaks Healthcare And Rehabilitation - North during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe dementia and total dependence on staff suffered a fractured thumb during a brief change by two CNAs, who proceeded with care despite the resident's refusal and were heard causing pain. The incident was not immediately reported, and video evidence showed staff drawing a curtain to block the camera during the event. The injury was later confirmed at the hospital, and the facility failed to follow its abuse reporting protocols.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and total dependence on staff sustained a comminuted fracture of the right thumb during care provided by two CNAs, who blocked camera visibility and did not report the injury. The facility failed to implement effective abuse prevention policies, did not document or explain the injury, and did not ensure timely reporting, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health conditions was found with a significant bruise and swelling to her right thumb of unknown origin. The injury was first identified during a skin assessment, and interviews indicated that two CNAs were present at the time the resident cried out in pain. Despite the facility's policy and regulatory requirements for immediate reporting, the incident was not reported to state authorities within the mandated timeframe.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and moderate cognitive impairment missed a scheduled surgical appointment after being mistakenly left behind, while another resident was transported in error. The driver failed to verify the resident's identity using the face sheet or by consulting with nursing staff, instead relying on a CNA's verbal confirmation. The facility lacked a written policy for resident identification prior to outside appointments, resulting in this deficiency.
A resident with multiple medical conditions experienced an ongoing ant infestation in their bedroom, leading to discomfort and suspected insect bites. Despite scheduled pest control visits and staff training on reporting pests, the issue persisted, and the resident required medical attention. Facility policy required prompt reporting and intervention, but the pest control program was not effectively implemented.
A resident's representative was not provided with requested medical records despite submitting the required authorization. The request was delayed due to miscommunication among staff and lack of follow-up after legal approval, and facility policies did not specify procedures or time frames for processing such requests. The resident had severe cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of representative access.
The facility failed to provide dignified meal service for three residents, including one who was left unattended with a meal tray despite needing assistance, and two others who received their meals later than their tablemates. Staff interviews revealed awareness of policies requiring simultaneous meal service and assistance for residents, yet these were not followed, compromising resident dignity and quality of life.
The facility failed to provide adequate ADL care for several residents, resulting in untrimmed nails and poor hygiene. A resident with Parkinson's and another with diabetes had long, unmaintained nails, while another resident was observed with a strong urine odor due to inadequate toileting assistance. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in care provision.
The facility failed to ensure residents had adequate access to a working call light system, as observed in two cases. A resident with multiple health issues and a recent fracture had his call light out of reach, contrary to his care plan. Another resident with limited hand mobility also reported her call light was frequently inaccessible. Staff interviews confirmed the importance of call light accessibility, yet the facility's policy was not consistently followed, risking unmet needs and potential harm.
A facility failed to maintain an effective infection control program, leading to improper incontinent care and lack of PPE use for two residents. One resident received inadequate perineal care, while another did not have necessary PPE during high-contact care activities. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to infection control protocols, and the absence of signage and PPE bins further contributed to the deficiency.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was transferred by a CNA using a mechanical lift without the required assistance of a second staff member, contrary to the care plan. This placed the resident at risk of injury, as the facility's policy required two-person assistance for such transfers.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dysphagia consistently refused or spit out medications, but the facility failed to notify the NP as required by policy. Despite staff awareness of the issue, the NP was not informed, leading to a deficiency in care.
Two CNAs failed to follow infection control protocols during peri care for two residents, leading to contamination of personal care items and surfaces. One resident, a male with cognitive impairment and incontinence, was cared for by a CNA who did not sanitize her hands or the wheelchair surface. The other resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment, was cared for by a CNA who also failed to sanitize her hands and contaminated various items. Both CNAs acknowledged their mistakes, and the DON emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene.
The facility failed to ensure call buttons were within reach for three residents, compromising their ability to request assistance. A resident with severe cognitive impairment found her call button on the floor, another with intact cognition had her call button under the mattress, and a third with moderate cognitive impairment had his call button on the floor out of reach. Staff acknowledged the oversight, and the DON confirmed the importance of accessible call buttons.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was transferred by a CNA using a mechanical lift without the required assistance of a second staff member, contrary to the facility's policy and training. Despite training and performance reviews emphasizing the need for two staff members during transfers, the CNA conducted the transfers alone, placing the resident at risk of injury.
Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse During Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when facility staff failed to protect a resident from physical abuse during personal care. The resident, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment due to dementia and multiple comorbidities, was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living. On the morning in question, two CNAs entered the resident's room to change her brief. The resident expressed a desire to sleep and refused care, but the CNAs proceeded. According to the resident and her roommate, one CNA forcefully grabbed the resident's right hand and pulled her thumb backward, causing the resident to scream in pain. The roommate, separated by a curtain, heard the incident but could not see it. Video and audio evidence captured the resident shouting and screaming during the care episode, with the curtain drawn to block the camera's view. Following the incident, the resident was observed to have swelling and bruising on her right thumb, which was later diagnosed at the hospital as a comminuted, mildly displaced fracture of the base of the right first digital proximal phalanx with extension to the first digit joint. Staff statements indicated that the injury was not immediately reported, and the CNAs involved did not provide a clear account of how the injury occurred. The facility's records showed that the injury was only discovered when the resident was unable to use her hand to hold her phone, and subsequent assessment confirmed the injury. The facility's abuse policy required immediate reporting of suspected abuse or injuries of unknown origin, but this protocol was not followed in this case. Interviews with other staff and residents indicated that the incident was isolated, with no other reports of abuse or injury by staff. However, the failure to protect the resident from physical harm during care, the lack of immediate reporting, and the attempt to obscure the incident from video surveillance by drawing the curtain contributed to the deficiency. The event was determined to be an Immediate Jeopardy situation due to the serious injury and the failure to ensure the resident's right to be free from abuse.
Failure to Prevent and Report Resident Abuse Resulting in Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement written policies and procedures that effectively prohibited and prevented abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents, as well as misappropriation of resident property. This deficiency was identified through the case of a female resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and multiple comorbidities, who was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living. The resident's care plan noted a risk for physical behaviors related to dementia, with interventions to analyze triggers and document de-escalation strategies. Despite these documented needs, the facility did not have effective interventions or services in place to address her care, resulting in the resident sustaining a comminuted and mildly displaced fracture of the right thumb, with extension to the first digit joint. The incident occurred when two CNAs were providing care to the resident. According to interviews and video evidence, the CNAs pulled the privacy curtain around the resident's bed, blocking the view of the camera. Audio from the video captured the resident shouting "stop" and screaming in pain. After the care was completed, the resident was observed with a bruised and swollen right thumb, which was later confirmed by X-ray to be fractured. The resident and her roommate both reported that the injury occurred during morning care, with the roommate hearing the resident cry out in pain. The CNAs involved did not report the injury at the time, and there was no documentation or explanation provided for how the injury occurred. Further review revealed that the facility's abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy emphasized residents' rights to be free from abuse and to have personal privacy respected. However, the policy was not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the lack of timely reporting, inadequate documentation, and failure to protect the resident from harm during care. The incident was only discovered after the resident was unable to use her hand, prompting further assessment and eventual transfer to the hospital. The facility's failure to implement its own policies and procedures directly contributed to the resident's injury and the subsequent identification of an Immediate Jeopardy situation.
Failure to Timely Report Suspected Abuse and Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, including injuries of unknown origin, were reported immediately, but no later than two hours after the allegation was made, as required. Specifically, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple comorbidities, including dementia, hypertensive heart disease, and chronic kidney disease, was found to have a significant bruise and swelling to her right thumb of unknown origin. The injury was first noted during a change of condition skin assessment, and there was no documentation indicating how the injury occurred. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the resident was dependent on staff for all self-care and mobility, requiring a wheelchair and comprehensive assistance. On the morning of the incident, the resident reported that two CNAs entered her room, and one of them pulled her thumb backward, causing her to scream in pain. A roommate corroborated hearing the resident cry out, though the curtain was drawn, preventing visual confirmation. The injury was later observed by another CNA, who reported it to a nurse, and the resident was subsequently transferred to a hospital for further evaluation. Despite the severity and unknown origin of the injury, the facility did not report the incident to the appropriate state authorities within the required timeframe. The incident was reported to Texas Health and Human Services via email more than 24 hours after the injury was first identified. The facility's own policy requires immediate reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, but this protocol was not followed in this case.
Resident Identification Failure Leads to Missed Medical Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure accurate resident identification prior to transporting a resident for an outside medical appointment, resulting in the wrong resident being sent to a scheduled surgical appointment. Specifically, a resident with diagnoses including hemiplegia, hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, heart failure, and moderate recurrent major depressive disorder, who also had moderate cognitive impairment, did not attend his scheduled cataract surgery. Instead, another resident was mistakenly transported in his place. The error occurred when the driver, who had only been in the role for a few weeks, relied on a CNA's verbal confirmation rather than verifying the resident's identity using the face sheet or checking with the floor nurse as required by facility protocol. Interviews revealed that the driver did not follow the established process of bringing the face sheet to the resident's room and confirming the resident's identity through the electronic health record (PCC) and with nursing staff. The driver admitted to not reviewing the face sheet and instead asked a CNA in the hallway to identify the resident, leading to the mix-up. The facility did not have a written policy outlining the steps for verifying resident identity before transport to outside appointments, contributing to the deficiency.
Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program Resulting in Ant Infestation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of ants in one of the resident bedrooms. Observations confirmed the presence of ants in the room of a male resident with Parkinson's Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, and muscle weakness. The resident reported that ants had been present for several weeks, crawling from the door frame, and that he experienced sharp sensations on his body after touching the ants, which he believed were bites. The resident stated that the facility was aware of the ant issue, had pest control services spray the area, but the problem persisted and continued to cause him discomfort and itching. The resident also indicated that his room was the only area affected by the ants. Interviews with facility staff, including the MD, DON, and ADM, revealed that pest control services were scheduled to visit the facility twice a month, with additional visits as needed. Staff were trained to report pest sightings, which were to be logged and communicated to the MD, who was responsible for pest control oversight. Despite these procedures, the ant infestation in the resident's room was not effectively resolved, and the resident required medical attention for suspected insect bites. Review of facility policy confirmed the expectation to report and address pest sightings, but the ongoing presence of ants indicated a failure in the implementation of the pest control program.
Failure to Provide Timely Access to Resident Medical Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's representative was provided access to and copies of the resident's medical records as requested. The representative initially requested the records in February, and after being asked to complete an Authorization for Release of Information, returned the completed form in early March. The Health Information Manager (HIM) forwarded the request to the facility's legal team, which approved the release of the records. However, due to a breakdown in communication, the HIM was not included in the legal team's email response approving the release, and as a result, the records were not sent to the resident's representative. Interviews with facility staff, including the HIM, Social Worker (SW), Director of Nursing (DON), and Administrator (ADM), revealed confusion regarding the status of the request and a lack of follow-up to ensure the records were provided. The facility's policies did not specify procedures or time frames for processing medical record requests, nor did they clearly state the resident's right to receive copies of medical records. The resident involved had severe cognitive impairment and was at risk for impaired cognitive function, making timely access to records by the representative particularly important.
Failure to Ensure Dignified Meal Service for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to uphold the dignity and quality of life for three residents by not ensuring timely and appropriate meal service. Resident #20, who has severe cognitive impairment and is dependent on staff for eating due to conditions such as cerebral palsy and dysphagia, was left with a meal tray placed in front of him without immediate assistance. This occurred despite the resident's care plan indicating the need for staff assistance with feeding, posing a risk of choking or other harm. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that Resident #49 and Resident #51 received their meals simultaneously with their tablemates. Resident #49, who has severe cognitive impairment and requires supervision for eating, and Resident #51, who also has severe cognitive impairment and needs setup assistance, experienced delays in receiving their meal trays compared to their tablemate. This inconsistency in meal service could lead to feelings of neglect or exclusion among residents. Interviews with staff, including a CNA, MA, the ADM, and the DON, revealed that they were aware of the facility's policy requiring all residents at a table to be served simultaneously and that residents needing assistance should not be left unattended with their meal trays. Despite this knowledge, the staff failed to adhere to these policies, resulting in the observed deficiencies. The facility's policies on meal service and resident rights emphasize the importance of treating residents with respect and dignity, which was not upheld in these instances.
Neglect in ADL Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary services for activities of daily living (ADLs) to several residents, specifically in maintaining good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene. This deficiency was observed in four residents who were unable to carry out these activities independently. The facility did not ensure that the fingernails of these residents were trimmed over a period of several days, which could lead to hygiene issues and potential health risks. Resident #64, a male with Parkinson's Disease and chronic kidney disease, had untrimmed fingernails for four months. Despite his cognitive impairment and need for assistance with personal care, his nails were not maintained as per his care plan. Similarly, Resident #42, a female with Type 2 diabetes and dementia, had long and dirty fingernails, with one nail detached from the nailbed. She was completely dependent on caregivers for personal hygiene, yet her nail care needs were neglected. Additionally, Resident #31 and Resident #104 also had untrimmed nails, with no documented nail care in the last 30 days. Resident #28 was observed with a strong urine odor, indicating a lack of proper incontinent care and ADL assistance. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in the provision of nail care and toileting assistance, highlighting a systemic issue in meeting the residents' ADL needs.
Inadequate Access to Call Light System for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident's bedside, toilet, and bathing facilities were adequately equipped with a working call system, which would allow residents to call for staff assistance. This deficiency was observed in the cases of two residents. Resident #102, a male with multiple health issues including congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and a recent right femur fracture, was found to have his call light wrapped around the bedrail on the left side of his bed, making it out of reach. Despite his care plan indicating the need for the call light to be within reach due to his high risk for falls, this was not adhered to, potentially compromising his safety and ability to call for assistance. Another resident, Resident #34, also experienced similar issues with the call light system. This resident, who has contractures of the right hand and limited range of motion in the left hand, reported that her call light was frequently placed out of reach by staff. Observations confirmed that the call light was dangling and looped around the handrail, making it inaccessible to her. This situation could prevent her from receiving timely assistance, especially given her physical limitations. Interviews with various staff members, including the Director of Nursing (DON), Social Worker (SW), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), revealed a consensus that residents should always have access to their call lights. Staff acknowledged that not having access to call lights could negatively affect residents physically, mentally, and psychologically. Despite the facility's policy requiring call lights to be within reach, the observations and interviews indicated a failure to consistently implement this policy, thereby placing residents at risk of unmet needs and potential harm.
Inadequate Infection Control and PPE Use in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by improper incontinent care and lack of adherence to Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for two residents. Resident #1, a female with severe cognitive impairment and total dependence on staff for toileting hygiene, was observed receiving inadequate perineal care from CNAs B and C. Both CNAs used the same wipes multiple times without folding or changing them, and failed to clean the resident's groin and vaginal areas properly, which could lead to infection. Resident #2, also with severe cognitive impairment and requiring total assistance for incontinent care, was not provided with the necessary PPE during high-contact care activities. CNA D did not perform hand hygiene appropriately, failed to wear a gown, and used the same wipes multiple times during perineal care. Additionally, there was no signage or PPE bin at Resident #2's door to indicate the need for EBP, despite the resident having a foley catheter and a sacral wound, which required enhanced precautions. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to infection control protocols. CNA D admitted to not having sanitizer available and not following proper wiping techniques due to the resident's condition. The Central Supply staff and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the absence of necessary signage and PPE, which are critical for preventing infection transmission. The facility's policies on infection prevention, hand hygiene, and peri care were not followed, contributing to the deficiency.
Improper Mechanical Lift Transfer by Single CNA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards for a resident who required assistance with transfers. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was totally dependent on staff for transfers, was transferred by a CNA using a mechanical lift without the required assistance of a second staff member. This action was contrary to the resident's care plan, which specified the need for two staff members during mechanical lift transfers to ensure safety. The incident was captured on a closed-circuit video, showing the CNA performing the transfer alone, without any observed impacts or distress from the resident. However, this action placed the resident at risk of injury, as the facility's policy and staff training emphasized the necessity of two-person assistance for mechanical lift transfers. The deficiency was identified following a report from the resident's family, highlighting the failure to adhere to established safety protocols.
Failure to Notify Physician of Medication Refusal
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately notify a resident's physician when there was a significant change in the resident's physical status. Specifically, the facility did not inform the nurse practitioner (NP) of a resident who began consistently refusing and/or spitting out her medications starting in mid-December 2024. This resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and a history of dysphagia, was admitted with diagnoses including essential hypertension, type II diabetes, and dementia. Despite the resident's medication administration records indicating multiple instances of refusal and spitting out medications, the NP was not informed of these occurrences, which is a requirement according to the facility's policy. Interviews with facility staff revealed that both LVN A and LVN B were aware of the resident's behavior but did not ensure the NP was notified. LVN A believed the NP was aware, while LVN B could not recall if she had informed the NP. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the NP should have been notified of multiple medication refusals to discuss and determine necessary actions. The facility's policies on physician notification and medication administration were not adhered to, leading to a deficiency in resident care.
Infection Control Deficiencies During Peri Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of two CNAs during peri care for two residents. CNA A did not wash or sanitize her hands before donning gloves and handled a wet wipe packet with soiled gloves, contaminating it. She also failed to sanitize the wheelchair surface after placing shoes on it and did not wash or sanitize her hands after completing peri care. These actions were observed during care for a male resident with multiple diagnoses, including cognitive impairment and incontinence. Similarly, CNA B did not sanitize her hands before donning gloves and contaminated a wet wipe packet by handling it with soiled gloves. She also left the room without washing or sanitizing her hands, leading to contamination of various items, including a new brief and bed linens. This occurred during care for a female resident with severe cognitive impairment and a need for extensive assistance with activities of daily living. Both CNAs acknowledged their failure to follow infection control protocols during interviews, citing nervousness and forgetfulness. The Director of Nursing stated that staff are expected to sanitize hands and equipment appropriately to prevent the spread of infections. The facility's hand hygiene policy emphasizes the importance of handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Inaccessible Call Buttons for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call buttons were within reach for three residents, which compromised their ability to request assistance and have their needs met. Resident #2, a female with severe cognitive impairment and hemiplegia, was found in her wheelchair with her call button on the floor, out of her reach. She expressed that she was not feeling well and would have used the call button to call for help if she had known its location. The TXN acknowledged the oversight during her rounds. Resident #3, a female with intact cognition but requiring assistance for ADLs, had her call button cord wrapped around her mattress and under the fitted sheet, making it inaccessible. She was unaware of its location and mentioned that she would go to the nurse's station if she needed help. The TXN discovered the call button under the mattress and noted that CNAs were responsible for making the beds. Resident #4, a male with moderate cognitive impairment and hemiplegia, had his call button cord on the floor on the opposite side of his bed, out of his view and reach. He indicated that he usually looked for the call button next to his bed. CNA C, who made the beds for these residents, stated she always ensured call buttons were in place but was unsure how they became inaccessible. The DON confirmed that call buttons should always be within reach and acknowledged the potential impact of this deficiency.
Failure to Ensure Safe Transfer Procedures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards for a resident who required assistance with transfers. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was totally dependent on staff for transfers, was transferred by a CNA using a mechanical lift without the required assistance of a second staff member on two separate occasions. The care plan for the resident specified that transfers required two staff members using a hoyer lift, yet the CNA conducted the transfers alone, contrary to the facility's policy and training. Interviews with staff, including the CNA involved, the SC, ADON, and DON, confirmed that mechanical lift transfers always required two staff members for safety reasons. The facility had previously conducted training and performance reviews to ensure staff were aware of the proper procedures for mechanical lift transfers, emphasizing the need for two staff members. Despite this, the CNA denied conducting the transfers alone, although video evidence showed otherwise. The facility's policy and staff training were not adhered to, placing the resident at risk of injury.
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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