Oakmont Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center Of Ka
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Katy, Texas.
- Location
- 1525 Tull Dr, Katy, Texas 77449
- CMS Provider Number
- 455703
- Inspections on file
- 22
- Latest survey
- October 6, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Oakmont Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center Of Ka during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with a history of traumatic brain injury and high fall risk did not receive required 1:1 supervision when the assigned CNA fell asleep, resulting in the resident being left unsupervised and experiencing a fall. Staff interviews and documentation confirmed that the resident required constant monitoring due to agitation and unsteady gait, but the CNA failed to remain alert and within arm's reach as required by the care plan.
A resident with multiple complex medical conditions was admitted without an accurate weight being obtained at the facility. The MDS Coordinator used the hospital discharge weight for the admission MDS assessment instead of a current measurement, as the resident was not weighed upon arrival due to agitation and lack of follow-up by staff. The actual weight was documented several days later, revealing a significant discrepancy. Staff interviews confirmed that facility protocols for accurate assessment and interdisciplinary communication were not followed.
The facility failed to ensure proper disposal of garbage by not keeping the dumpster door closed when not in use, as observed during a survey. A commercial-sized dumpster was found open and three-quarters full, posing a risk of pest entry. The Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged the issue, and it was noted that staff from dietary, nursing, and housekeeping were responsible for closing the dumpster doors. The facility also lacked a policy for garbage disposal, as confirmed by the Administrator.
The facility failed to maintain privacy for residents by not placing Foley catheter bags in privacy bags and not providing privacy curtains between shared beds. A resident with chronic kidney disease and another with cancer had their catheter bags exposed, contrary to care plans. Additionally, two residents with cognitive impairments shared a room without a privacy curtain, leading to discomfort. Staff were unaware of these oversights, highlighting a lapse in maintaining resident dignity.
The facility failed to store and label food items in accordance with professional standards, as observed in their kitchen. Several food items in the refrigerator were not properly labeled with use-by dates or were past their expiration dates, including cream cheese, deli meats, cheeses, canned beets, and beef stew. The Dietary Food Service Manager acknowledged the responsibility to ensure proper labeling and discarding of expired items, as per the facility's 2012 food safety policies.
A facility failed to submit a final investigation report to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe following an abuse allegation involving a resident with hemiplegia and cognitive impairment. The initial report was submitted, but the final report was not, due to an oversight by the former DON. The current Administrator confirmed the investigation was completed but not submitted, and the new DON had not been trained in report submission.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, was not provided with a comprehensive care plan addressing foot care needs. Despite a physician's order for podiatry consults, the resident's care plan lacked podiatry services, and observations showed neglected toenail care. Facility staff interviews revealed communication gaps and unclear responsibilities in updating care plans, leading to the oversight.
A resident with diabetes did not receive necessary podiatry services, leading to long and thick toenails. Despite a physician's order for podiatry consults, the resident was not on the list for services due to communication and procedural failures among staff. Observations and interviews revealed systemic issues in the facility's process for ensuring proper foot care.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of cerebral infarction was found to have her oxygen concentrator set at 3.5 liters, contrary to the physician's order of 1-2 liters. The RN responsible did not verify the setting during rounds, and the NP was not informed of the change, violating the facility's policy on oxygen administration.
A medication aide in an LTC facility failed to adhere to prescribed parameters by attempting to administer Carvedilol to a resident with a heart rate below the ordered threshold. The resident, with conditions such as atrial fibrillation and hypertension, was at risk due to this oversight. The error was identified during a surveyor's observation, and interviews confirmed the aide's failure to follow the facility's medication administration policies.
A facility failed to maintain an effective infection control program, as evidenced by the absence of signage for a resident on enhanced barrier precautions and improper labeling of personal care items in a shared room. A resident with multiple indwelling devices lacked appropriate infection control signage, and a hairbrush was found unlabeled at a sink, risking cross-contamination. Staff interviews confirmed the lapses in protocol adherence.
The facility did not post the most recent survey results in a location accessible to residents and families. The survey results were kept in a binder at the front desk, but residents were unaware of their location. The administrator admitted the signage was missing and later found it, placing it on the wall with the inspection binder.
A resident with a history of muscle weakness, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and a history of stroke did not receive weekly skin assessments over several periods, as required by their care plan. Despite the resident's moderate risk for pressure sores and documented need for regular skin checks, the facility failed to document these assessments. Interviews with staff confirmed the oversight, and the facility's policies on skin integrity management were not followed.
A resident in an LTC facility was left without incontinence care for over seven hours, resulting in skin irritation and discomfort. The resident, who required assistance with daily living activities, was found double-briefed with heavily soiled briefs. Despite the care plan requiring care every two hours, the CNA failed to provide the necessary care, citing the resident's therapy session as a reason. Interviews revealed a lack of adherence to care plans and facility policies, contributing to the deficiency.
A resident on hospice care did not receive prescribed morphine 15mg ER for two days due to the facility's failure to transcribe and administer the medication timely. The DON did not process the hospice orders promptly, and LVN A did not verify the medication orders upon receipt. This oversight risked the resident's comfort and pain management.
Failure to Provide Adequate 1:1 Supervision Results in Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a significant history of falls, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive impairment did not receive adequate supervision as required by their care plan. The resident was on 1:1 supervision due to agitation, unsteady gait, and a recent subdural hematoma, with interventions in place such as a low bed, fall mats, and a helmet. Despite these measures, the assigned CNA responsible for 1:1 supervision fell asleep while on duty, leaving the resident unsupervised. During the period of unsupervised care, the resident was able to get up and subsequently fell. The incident was initially reported by the CNA as an assisted transfer where the resident sat on the floor, but later investigation and interviews revealed that the CNA had dozed off and was not truthful in the initial account. The resident was found on the floor, and the event was later classified as an unwitnessed fall due to the lack of supervision. The resident was assessed and sent to the hospital for evaluation, given his prior history of head injury and the unwitnessed nature of the fall. Interviews with staff confirmed that 1:1 supervision required the staff member to always have the resident in eyesight and remain within arm's reach, and that sleeping while on duty was not permitted. The CNA admitted to falling asleep, and staff interviews corroborated that the resident was at high risk for falls and required constant monitoring. The facility's failure to ensure the CNA remained awake and provided the necessary supervision directly led to the resident's fall while under 1:1 supervision.
Inaccurate MDS Weight Documentation on Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment accurately reflected a resident's weight status at admission. Specifically, the admission MDS for a male resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, malnutrition, and dysphagia, documented his weight as 154 pounds, which was taken from hospital records rather than an actual weight measurement at the facility. The resident's weight was not obtained upon admission due to his agitation, and the admitting nurse deferred the task to another staff member, who did not complete it. As a result, the MDS Coordinator used the hospital discharge weight to complete the assessment for billing purposes, without verifying the resident's current weight at the facility. Record reviews showed that the resident's actual weight was not documented until several days after admission, at which point it was recorded as 138 pounds. The nurse's notes at admission indicated that no weight was documented, and the MDS Coordinator later acknowledged that she should have ensured the resident was weighed at the facility before completing the MDS. The facility's policy requires comprehensive and accurate assessments using the RAI process, with all disciplines following the guidelines for coding each assessment, but this protocol was not followed in this instance. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of communication and follow-through regarding the resident's weight assessment. The admitting nurse was unaware that the weight had not been obtained, and the MDS Coordinator admitted to relying on hospital records instead of current facility data. The Director of Nursing stated that nurses are expected to conduct proper assessments, including reviewing CNA documentation and nurse progress notes, but this was not done for this resident's admission weight.
Improper Disposal of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly dispose of garbage and refuse, specifically by not ensuring that the dumpster door was closed when not in use. This was observed during a survey, where a commercial-sized dumpster located behind the dietary department was found to be three-quarters full with its door open. The Director of Food and Nutrition confirmed that the dumpster door should remain closed to prevent pests from entering the dumpster and potentially the facility. It was noted that staff from dietary, nursing, and housekeeping were responsible for ensuring the dumpster doors were kept closed. Additionally, the facility lacked a policy and procedure for the disposal of garbage and refuse, as confirmed by the Administrator.
Privacy Violations in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure personal privacy for several residents, specifically in the handling of Foley catheter bags and the provision of privacy curtains. For Resident #45, a male with chronic kidney disease and other severe health conditions, the CNA responsible did not place the Foley catheter bag inside a privacy bag as required by the resident's care plan and physician's orders. This oversight was observed on multiple occasions, and the CNA admitted to not being aware of the requirement until informed by the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). Similarly, Resident #175, a female with cancer and other health issues, also had her Foley catheter bag left outside of a privacy bag. The resident expressed a preference for the bag to be concealed, especially during family visits. The CNA responsible for her care was unaware of the oversight, and both the ADON and the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the importance of using privacy bags to maintain resident dignity. Additionally, the facility failed to provide a privacy curtain between the beds of Resident #9 and Resident #5, both of whom have cognitive impairments and other health issues. This lack of privacy was noted during an observation, and Resident #9 expressed discomfort with the situation. The facility's administration initially believed the room was private, which led to the absence of a curtain. However, it was later confirmed that the room was shared, and the residents were subsequently moved to different rooms.
Food Safety Deficiency in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as observed in their kitchen. During an inspection, it was found that several food items in the refrigerator were not properly labeled with use-by dates or were past their expiration dates. Specifically, an open box of cream cheese was dated 10/30/24 without a use date, sliced deli meat and Swiss cheese were dated 11/01/24, shredded mozzarella cheese was found with dates of 10/15 and 11/06/24, and sliced deli ham had no label or date. Additionally, canned beets and beef stew were stored in plastic containers with dates indicating they were past their use-by dates. In an interview, the Dietary Food Service Manager acknowledged her responsibility to ensure that dietary staff label and date food items and discard them before expiration. The facility's policies and procedures for food safety, dated 2012, require that perishable opened food be used within seven days or less to comply with the Texas Food Establishment rules. The failure to follow these procedures could place residents at risk of foodborne illness and disease.
Failure to Submit Final Investigation Report for Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report the results of an investigation into an allegation of abuse involving a resident to the State Survey Agency within the required five working days. The incident involved a resident who alleged that a CNA was rough during a transfer. Although the initial incident report was submitted, the final investigation report was not submitted as required. The resident involved was an elderly male with a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, requiring substantial assistance with activities of daily living due to moderate cognitive impairment. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the former Director of Nursing (DON) believed the final report had been submitted, but it was not. The current Administrator confirmed the oversight and acknowledged that the investigation was completed but not submitted. The newly hired DON had not yet been trained to submit reports into the Tulip system. The facility's policy and state guidelines require that such incidents be reported and investigated, with a final report submitted within the specified timeframe.
Failure to Include Podiatry Services in Resident Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a person-centered comprehensive care plan for a resident, specifically neglecting to address the resident's need for foot care. The resident, a male with diagnoses including Alzheimer's Disease, cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, was admitted to the nursing facility in October 2023. Despite having a physician's order for podiatry consults as needed, the resident's care plan did not include podiatry services, and he was not listed for podiatry services scheduled for October 2024. Observations revealed the resident's toenails were thick, long, and beginning to curve, indicating a lack of necessary foot care. Interviews with facility staff, including the MDS Coordinator, ADON, DON, and Social Worker, revealed a lack of communication and responsibility in updating the resident's care plan to include podiatry services. The MDS Coordinator was responsible for initial and quarterly care plans, while unit nurses, ADON, or DON were expected to make revisions. However, the Social Worker was not informed of the resident's need for podiatry services, resulting in the omission from the care plan. The facility's policy on comprehensive centered care plans emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to meet residents' needs, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Provide Adequate Foot Care for Diabetic Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate foot care for a resident with diabetes mellitus, which placed the resident at risk for injuries and infections. The resident, a male with Alzheimer's Disease, cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, was not included in the list for podiatry services despite having a physician's order for a podiatry consult as needed. Observations revealed that the resident's toenails were thick, long, and beginning to curve, indicating a lack of proper foot care. Interviews with staff members, including CNAs, the ADON, and the Social Worker, revealed a breakdown in communication and procedure. The CNAs were responsible for reporting the need for toenail clipping to the nurses, who would then contact the Social Worker to add the resident to the podiatry list. However, this process was not followed, as the CNAs either forgot to report or could not recall to whom they reported the need for toenail care. The Social Worker confirmed that the resident was not on the list for podiatry services, and the last visit from podiatry services was over a month prior. Further interviews with the LVN and DON highlighted systemic issues in the facility's process for ensuring residents received necessary podiatry care. The LVN admitted to not performing a head-to-toe assessment on the resident due to a lack of system triggers, and the DON acknowledged the need for staff in-servicing and process improvements. The facility's policy on foot care emphasized the importance of regular assessments and referrals to podiatry services, especially for residents with diabetes, but these procedures were not effectively implemented, leading to the deficiency.
Failure to Administer Oxygen Therapy as Prescribed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for a resident, specifically in the administration of oxygen therapy. The resident, a female with a history of cerebral infarction, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease, was supposed to receive oxygen at 1-2 liters per minute via nasal cannula to maintain oxygen saturation levels above 92%, as per physician's orders. However, during an observation, it was found that the resident's oxygen concentrator was set at 3.5 liters, which was higher than the prescribed amount. The resident, who had severely impaired cognition, was unable to confirm if she had changed the setting herself. Interviews with the nursing staff revealed that the registered nurse (RN) responsible for the resident's care was unaware of the correct oxygen setting and admitted to not checking the concentrator during her initial rounds. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the oxygen setting should be checked every two hours during rounds, and the physician should be notified before any changes to the oxygen setting are made. The nurse practitioner (NP) was not informed of the increased oxygen setting, which was against the facility's policy. The facility's policy on oxygen administration requires adherence to the physician's orders, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Adhere to Medication Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors when a medication aide, MA Y, attempted to administer Carvedilol 3.125 mg to a resident with a heart rate of 59, which was below the ordered parameter of holding the medication if the pulse was less than 60. The resident, an elderly female with diagnoses including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and angina pectoris, was at risk of adverse effects due to this error. The medication order specifically required the medication to be held if the resident's heart rate was below 60, a parameter that was not adhered to during the medication administration process. During the medication observation, the surveyor intervened to prevent the administration of the medication, highlighting the failure of MA Y to follow the prescribed parameters. Interviews with MA Y, the DON, and the ADON revealed that MA Y acknowledged the error and understood the potential consequences of administering the medication under these conditions. The facility's pharmacy policy and procedure manual emphasized adherence to the five rights of medication administration, which MA Y failed to follow, leading to the potential risk of harm to the resident.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the lack of infection control signage on the door of a resident with multiple indwelling devices and wounds. This resident, a male with chronic kidney disease, functional quadriplegia, heart disease, and stage 4 pressure ulcers, was on enhanced barrier precautions due to his medical conditions. Despite the presence of personal protective equipment (PPE) outside the resident's room, there was no signage to alert staff and visitors of the necessary precautions, which was confirmed through observations and staff interviews. Additionally, the facility did not properly label and store personal care items for two residents sharing a semi-private room. A hairbrush belonging to one resident was found at the sink area without any labeling, indicating it as personal property. Interviews with the resident and staff revealed that the brush was mistakenly placed there by a staff member, and there was an expectation that personal items should be stored separately and labeled to prevent cross-contamination. The facility's infection control policy was reviewed, but a specific policy regarding the handling of residents' personal property in rooms was not provided. Interviews with various staff members, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON), highlighted the responsibility of ensuring infection control signage and proper labeling of personal items to prevent the spread of infections. However, these protocols were not consistently followed, leading to the identified deficiencies.
Failure to Post Survey Results in Accessible Location
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post the results of the most recent survey in a location that was readily accessible to residents, family members, and legal representatives. During an observation, it was noted that the last survey results were kept in a binder at the front desk outside the administrator's office. However, residents were unaware of the location of these reports, as revealed during a confidential group meeting. The administrator acknowledged that the signage indicating the location of the inspection reports was missing and stated that it had been taken by a resident earlier that day. The administrator was responsible for ensuring the survey results were available for public review but was unable to locate the signage during the surveyor's visit. The administrator later found the frame and placed it on the wall near the front desk with the inspection binder. The facility's policy mandates the posting of inspection reports and related documents, but the failure to maintain this accessibility placed residents and their families at risk of not being able to review the findings from state surveys and investigations without having to request them.
Failure to Conduct Weekly Skin Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide weekly skin assessments for a resident over several periods, specifically from 2/12/2024 through 3/2/2024, 3/27/2024 through 4/13/2024, and 4/27/2024 through 5/11/2024. This lapse in care was identified through observation, interviews, and record reviews. The resident, an elderly male with a history of muscle weakness, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and a history of stroke, required substantial assistance with daily activities and had a documented need for regular skin assessments due to conditions like incontinence-associated dermatitis and a moderate risk of developing pressure sores. The resident's care plan included interventions for maintaining skin integrity and preventing complications related to diabetes, which necessitated regular skin checks and prompt treatment of any skin issues. Despite these requirements, the facility did not document the necessary weekly skin assessments during the specified periods. Interviews with facility staff, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Compliance Nurse, confirmed the absence of these assessments and highlighted the potential risks of missing such evaluations, including skin breakdown and infection. The facility's policies on skin integrity management and pressure injury prevention emphasized the importance of regular assessments and documentation of any changes in skin condition. However, the lack of adherence to these policies was evident in the missing documentation for the resident's weekly skin assessments. The Compliance Nurse acknowledged the oversight and the potential consequences of not conducting these assessments, which could lead to serious health complications for the resident.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care for a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living, specifically incontinence care. The resident, an elderly male with a history of cerebral infarction, paralytic syndrome, and other medical conditions, was found to have been left without incontinence care for over seven hours. This neglect was observed when the resident was found double-briefed with heavily soiled briefs containing urine and feces, leading to skin irritation and discomfort. The resident's care plan required incontinence care every two hours, which was not adhered to by CNA A, who admitted to not providing the necessary care due to the resident being in therapy and other unspecified reasons. The CNA also acknowledged that double-briefing was not a good hygiene practice and exposed the resident to potential infections. Despite the resident's care plan and physician orders, the facility staff failed to follow through with the required interventions, resulting in the resident experiencing discomfort and skin irritation. Interviews with facility staff, including the LVN and DON, revealed a lack of adherence to the care plan and facility policies. The DON, who was new to the facility, had care planned the resident for double-briefing based on a misunderstanding of the resident's preferences. However, both the resident and their representative denied any request for double-briefing. The facility's failure to provide timely incontinence care and the inappropriate use of double-briefing contributed to the deficiency observed by the surveyors.
Failure to Administer Hospice Medication Timely
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident, resulting in a delay in medication administration. The Director of Nursing (DON) did not transcribe physician orders received from hospice on October 8, 2024, until October 10, 2024. This delay affected the administration of morphine 15mg ER, which was delivered to the facility on October 8, 2024, but not given to the resident until October 10, 2024. The resident, who was on hospice care, was at risk for unwanted pain and discomfort due to this oversight. The resident involved was an elderly male with a history of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, among other conditions. He had been admitted to the facility on hospice services after a fall and subsequent hospital transfer. The hospice orders included discontinuation and initiation of specific medications, including morphine for pain management. However, the failure to transcribe and administer the medication as ordered led to a lapse in the resident's pain management plan. Interviews with the hospice nurse and facility staff revealed communication gaps and procedural failures. The hospice nurse had emailed the orders to the DON, who claimed not to have received them. Additionally, LVN A, who received the medication, did not verify the orders or follow up with hospice services. The facility's policy required nurses to check and transcribe new medication orders, but this was not adhered to, contributing to the deficiency.
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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