Parkview Nursing And Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Big Spring, Texas.
- Location
- 3200 Parkway, Big Spring, Texas 79720
- CMS Provider Number
- 675462
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- June 12, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Parkview Nursing And Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility did not ensure that residents and their representatives were invited to participate in care plan meetings, as required by policy. Several residents with varying levels of cognitive impairment and complex medical needs, as well as their family members, reported not being informed or involved in care planning. Documentation lacked evidence of invitations or attendance, and staff could not provide proof of communication regarding care plan meetings.
Twelve residents reported not having access to grievance forms, not knowing about the option to file grievances anonymously, and not being informed about the grievance process. Grievance forms were only available through the DON or AD, and the locked box intended for anonymous grievances was labeled for payments. The grievance procedure was not discussed in Resident Council meetings, and there was no established process for anonymous submissions.
Two residents with documented mental illness diagnoses did not receive accurate PASRR Level I assessments, resulting in the absence of required PASRR Level II evaluations. Both residents had active diagnoses of depression and PTSD, with one also having dementia, but their PASRR Level I forms were incorrectly marked as negative for mental illness. Facility staff confirmed the inaccuracies and the lack of a PASRR policy.
Staff failed to ensure hot foods, specifically tater tots from an outside source, were held and served at the required temperature, as food was placed on the steam table below 135°F and served without verifying temperatures, despite staff training and facility policy requiring hot food to be held at or above 140°F.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses had PRN orders for Lorazepam without a required 14-day stop date or documented justification for extension. Facility staff, including the DON and QA Nurse, confirmed the oversight and indicated that the orders remained active without proper review or discontinuation, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with gastroparesis did not receive metoclopramide as ordered before meals; instead, the medication was administered after breakfast, outside the facility's required time window. The medication aide reported being unable to give the medication before meals due to her schedule, and the DON confirmed the timing did not meet policy requirements.
A CNA failed to change gloves and perform hand hygiene during incontinence care for a resident with multiple chronic conditions, handling clean linen after cleaning the resident without following infection control protocols as required by facility policy.
A LTC facility failed to implement effective abuse prevention policies, resulting in the mishandling of an alleged abuse incident involving a resident with dementia. The resident reported being hurt by an LVN, but the facility did not document or report the incident to the State Agency. The ADM and DON reviewed video footage and concluded no abuse occurred, but did not follow policy to report all allegations. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in handling the incident, highlighting deficiencies in the facility's abuse prevention procedures.
A resident with dementia and a pacemaker was allegedly bumped by an LVN, leading to chest pain and swelling near the pacemaker. Despite the resident's distress and a CNA's report, the facility administrator did not report the incident to HHSC, believing it was not abuse. The administrator reviewed video footage and concluded there was no intentional harm, failing to notify the resident's family or implement protective measures.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of psychotic disorders was subjected to care by a CNA and a nurse aide despite her resistance and combative behavior. The staff failed to follow protocols for handling combative residents, resulting in the resident sustaining a small skin tear and bruising. The facility's policy required stopping care and notifying the charge nurse, but this was not adhered to, leading to the incident being reported to Health and Human Services.
A resident with dementia and severe cognitive impairment displayed combative behavior during a shower, but staff continued with the care, resulting in physical injuries. The care plan did not address the resident's behavior during showers, and staff failed to follow procedures to stop care and notify a charge nurse. The facility's policies for managing behaviors and care plans were not adequately followed, leading to a deficiency in care.
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, with multiple violations observed during a kitchen tour. Issues included improper food storage, unclean surfaces, expired food items, and staff not wearing hair restraints. Both the Dietary Manager and Administrator acknowledged these issues, which could place residents at risk for foodborne illness.
The facility failed to ensure chemicals were not accessible to residents and were not stored with resident toiletries in two common resident baths and one hall. Surveyors observed chemicals like Fabulosa and Mean Green Cleaner stored alongside resident items, and a housekeeping cart with accessible chemicals was left unattended. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to proper chemical storage protocols and a need for staff education on safe practices.
The facility failed to maintain an infection control program as two CNAs did not follow proper hand hygiene protocols during incontinence care for two residents with severe cognitive impairment, increasing the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
The facility failed to address and resolve grievances for a resident with a history of depression and anxiety. The resident reported multiple issues, including a CNA not offering hydration and changing the resident's preferred shower time. Despite these complaints, the facility did not investigate or document the grievances properly, nor did they provide the resident with written decisions or follow-ups as required by their policy.
The facility failed to implement their abuse prevention policies, resulting in a resident being physically and verbally abused by a CNA. Despite being notified, the Administrator did not reassign the CNA to non-patient care duties, and staff members did not report the abuse, believing no action would be taken.
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment and adequate supervision for residents requiring mechanical lift transfers. Staff frequently transferred residents alone, leading to near-fall incidents due to improper use of the lift and sling. The administration and staff were unaware of the proper procedures and did not have clear policies or training in place.
Failure to Involve Residents and Representatives in Care Plan Development
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care plans were developed in consultation with residents and their representatives for four out of six residents reviewed. Specifically, there was no evidence that residents or their family members were invited to participate in care plan meetings. Documentation for care plan meetings was incomplete, lacking information on the date, time, attendees, and invitations for the meetings. Residents and their family members reported not being aware of or involved in care plan meetings, and some were unfamiliar with the concept of a care plan meeting altogether. For example, one resident with paraplegia and multiple medical conditions, who was cognitively intact, stated he had not been invited to a care plan meeting and was unaware of such meetings. His family member also confirmed not being involved or informed about care planning, despite recent acute health events. Another resident with moderate cognitive impairment and complex medical needs, as well as her family member, reported not being informed or involved in care plan meetings, with the family member expressing a desire to participate. Additional residents with moderate cognitive impairment and significant medical diagnoses, including those requiring oxygen therapy and those with Parkinson's disease, also indicated they had not participated in or been informed about care plan meetings. Staff interviews confirmed that care plan meetings were the responsibility of the MDS Coordinator, who stated that invitations were sent via mail or email but could not provide evidence of such communication. The facility's policy required that residents and their representatives be invited to care plan meetings at least quarterly, but there was no documentation to support that this occurred.
Failure to Provide Access and Information on Grievance Procedures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents and their representatives with information regarding their rights to file grievances, including the process for submitting grievances anonymously. During a Resident Council meeting, 12 out of 22 residents reported they did not have access to grievance forms, were unaware of the option to file grievances anonymously, and did not know where or how to submit an anonymous grievance. These residents, all of whom had resided in the facility for over six months, stated that grievance forms were only available by requesting them from the Activities Director (AD), and that the AD typically completed the forms during council meetings when complaints were voiced. The grievance procedure had not been discussed in Resident Council meetings. A review of the facility's grievance policy confirmed that anonymous grievances could be submitted in a locked box on hall 3. However, surveyor observation revealed that the box was labeled for payments and not for grievances, and grievance forms were not available in the hallways. The Director of Nursing (DON), who served as the Grievance Officer, stated that grievance forms were kept in her office and with the AD, and that staff typically completed the forms for residents. The DON also acknowledged there was no established procedure for residents to submit grievances anonymously and was unaware that the grievance process was not being discussed in Resident Council meetings.
Failure to Complete Accurate PASRR Level I Assessments for Residents with Mental Illness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all residents with mental illness diagnoses received accurate Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Level I assessments, resulting in two residents not being properly identified for further PASRR Level II evaluation. Both residents had documented diagnoses of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with one also having dementia. Despite these diagnoses, their PASRR Level I forms incorrectly indicated that they did not have a mental illness. For one resident, medical records showed active diagnoses of depression and PTSD, moderate cognitive impairment, and ongoing treatment with Sertraline for depression. The care plan included interventions for mood problems related to depression, dementia, and PTSD. However, the PASRR Level I form for this resident was marked as negative for mental illness, and no PASRR Level II evaluation was conducted. The second resident also had active diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD, was cognitively intact, and was prescribed Buspirone for anxiety. The care plan included referrals to mental health authorities and therapy. Despite these documented mental health conditions, the PASRR Level I form was marked negative for mental illness, and no PASRR Level II evaluation was completed. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the inaccuracies in the PASRR Level I assessments and the absence of a PASRR policy at the facility.
Failure to Maintain and Monitor Hot Food Holding Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety during a lunch meal. Staff brought in hamburgers and tater tots from an outside source and placed them on the kitchen steam table. When temperatures were checked, the tater tots measured 129 degrees F, which is below the required holding temperature. The dietary manager acknowledged the low temperature and attempted to reheat the tater tots using the fryer. Despite this, staff proceeded to serve the tater tots from the dining room steam table without verifying the temperature of the food being served. Interviews with the dietary manager and another staff member revealed that food temperatures were not checked on the dining room steam table before serving, contrary to facility policy and staff training. Both staff members stated that food should be served at or above 140 degrees F, and acknowledged that the required temperature checks were not performed. The DON confirmed that maintaining proper food temperatures is necessary to prevent spoilage and ensure palatability, and that staff had been trained on these procedures. Facility policies reviewed also specified the required temperature range for hot food holding.
Failure to Limit PRN Psychotropic Medication Orders to 14 Days
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that PRN orders for psychotropic medications were limited to 14 days unless the attending physician or prescribing practitioner documented the appropriateness of extending the order. A resident with severe cognitive impairment, anxiety disorder, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and major depressive disorder had multiple PRN orders for Lorazepam Oral Concentrate with indefinite end dates. These orders were not discontinued or reviewed for duration, and no documentation was provided to justify extending the PRN orders beyond 14 days. Interviews with the DON and QA Nurse confirmed that the PRN psychotropic medication orders lacked required stop dates and that staff were responsible for monitoring and auditing such orders. The QA Nurse acknowledged the oversight and indicated that the medication had not been discontinued because she was waiting for a response from the physician. The facility's policy required monthly reassessment of psychoactive medications, but this was not followed in the case of the resident.
Failure to Administer Metoclopramide as Ordered Before Meals
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a history of gastroparesis, acute kidney failure, depression, anxiety, and hypertension did not receive her prescribed medication, metoclopramide, as ordered. The physician's order specified that metoclopramide 10 mg should be administered orally before meals. However, on the date in question, the medication was documented as given at 07:30 AM, but direct observation showed that the medication was actually administered at 08:45 AM, after the resident had already finished breakfast. The medication administration record, pharmacy label, and facility policy all indicated the medication should be given before meals and within one hour of the scheduled time. Interviews with the DON and the medication aide confirmed that the medication was not given at the correct time, with the aide stating she was unable to administer it before meals due to her medication pass schedule. The DON acknowledged that the medication was late and that all nursing staff had been trained on medication administration times. The facility's policy required medications to be given within one hour before or after the scheduled time, which was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocol During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to follow proper infection prevention and control procedures during incontinence care for a resident. The CNA did not change contaminated gloves or perform hand hygiene before handling clean linen after cleaning the resident, despite being trained to do so. This lapse was observed during incontinence care, where the CNA transitioned from a dirty to a clean task without changing gloves or washing hands, contrary to facility policy and infection control guidelines. The resident involved was a cognitively intact female with a history of chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, end stage renal disease, and type 2 diabetes, and was frequently incontinent of bowel and bladder. The resident's care plan required peri-care after each incontinent episode. The facility's hand-washing policy specified hand hygiene after contact with body fluids or potentially contaminated items, which was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Implement Abuse Prevention Policies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement effective abuse policies and procedures, which resulted in the mishandling of an alleged abuse incident involving a resident. The resident, who had a history of dementia and was severely cognitively impaired, reported being hurt by a staff member, LVN C. Despite the resident's complaint of chest pain and the presence of lumps near her pacemaker, the facility did not document the incident or report it to the State Agency as required by their policies. The incident was not properly investigated or documented by the facility. The ADM, who was responsible for coordinating the abuse prevention program, did not report the incident to the State Agency, believing there was no allegation of abuse. The ADM and DON reviewed video footage and concluded that there was no evidence of abuse, but they did not follow the facility's policy to report all allegations of abuse. Additionally, the ADM did not respond to text messages from LVN D, who assessed the resident and reported her findings, including the resident's pain and swelling. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in the handling of the incident. CNA A reported the incident to the ADM, but the ADM did not take further action to protect the resident or investigate the allegations thoroughly. The facility's failure to report the incident and protect the resident during the investigation process was a significant deficiency in their abuse prevention policies and procedures.
Failure to Report Alleged Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving a resident and a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) within the required timeframe. The incident involved a resident with dementia and a pacemaker, who was allegedly bumped by an LVN while the LVN was pushing a wheelchair. The resident complained of chest pain and was observed to have two lumps near her pacemaker, which were tender to touch. Despite these observations, the facility administrator did not report the incident to HHSC, as she did not believe it constituted abuse. The administrator, who was responsible for coordinating the facility's abuse prevention program, was informed of the incident by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) but did not take immediate action to report it. The administrator reviewed video footage of the incident and concluded that there was no evidence of abuse, as the LVN did not intentionally bump the resident. The administrator also did not notify the resident's family or implement protective measures, as she believed there was no allegation of abuse. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident was upset and in pain following the incident, and a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) assessed the resident and administered pain medication. However, the administrator did not respond to the LVN's text messages regarding the resident's condition. The facility's policies require that all suspected or alleged incidents of abuse be reported to the appropriate state agencies, but this was not done in this case, leading to a deficiency in the facility's handling of the situation.
Failure to Prevent Abuse During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment free from abuse for a resident who was combative during care. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of psychotic disorders, was subjected to care by a CNA and a nurse aide despite her resistance and combative behavior. The resident was known to exhibit physical and verbal behavioral symptoms, and her care plan indicated she was at high risk for side effects and physical injury due to psychotropic medications. On the day of the incident, the resident was agitated and refused to go to the shower, but the staff continued with the showering process, during which the resident was combative and attempted to hit and bite the staff. The staff involved, CNA A and NA B, did not follow the facility's protocol for handling combative residents, which required stopping care and notifying the charge nurse. Instead, they continued with the shower, restraining the resident's arms to complete the task. This resulted in the resident sustaining a small skin tear and bruising on her hands and forearms. The facility's policy emphasized preventing abuse and required staff to stop care when a resident becomes combative, but this was not adhered to in this case. Interviews with staff and family members revealed that the resident's family had requested to be notified if the resident became combative, but this was not done until after the shower was completed. The facility's failure to follow its own policies and the resident's care plan led to the incident, which was later reported to Health and Human Services. The staff involved were aware of the protocols but did not implement them, resulting in the resident's distress and physical harm.
Deficiency in Dementia Care for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and services to a resident diagnosed with dementia, leading to a deficiency in care. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of psychotic disorders, displayed combative behavior during a shower. Despite the resident's resistance and agitation, staff continued with the shower, resulting in physical injuries such as a skin tear and bruising. The resident's care plan was not updated to address her combative behavior during showers, and staff did not follow procedures to stop care when the resident became combative. The incident involved a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and unspecified psychosis. The resident had a history of aggressive behavior, which was documented in her care plan. However, the care plan lacked specific interventions for managing her behavior during showers. On the day of the incident, the resident was combative, swinging her arms and attempting to hit staff. Despite this, the staff proceeded with the shower, and the resident sustained injuries, including a skin tear and swelling in her fingers. Interviews with staff revealed that they were aware of the resident's combative behavior but did not follow the facility's policy to stop care and notify a charge nurse. The staff involved did not use the call light to request assistance, and the resident's family member, who had requested to be notified in such situations, was not called until after the shower was completed. The facility's policies and procedures for managing behaviors and care plans were not adequately followed, contributing to the deficiency in care.
Food Safety and Sanitation Deficiencies in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During a kitchen tour, surveyors observed multiple violations, including gummy buildup on the fryer, cooked breakfast food stored on top of raw bacon in a stained box, rusted and soiled surfaces, and wet drinking glasses stacked improperly. Additionally, containers of juice and shakes were stored in undrained ice, and dented cans of food were found in the storage area. Expired food items, such as cottage cheese labeled 'Best by 4/29/24,' were also found in the walk-in refrigerator, which had rusted racks and a soiled floor with food debris. The upright dicer had dried food on the blades, and a rear kitchen table had a rusty lower shelf where food equipment was stored. Staff were observed entering the kitchen without hair restraints, handling food items improperly, and storing health shakes in undrained ice. The Dietary Manager admitted to being aware of some of these practices, such as storing cooked food on top of raw food and the use of undrained ice for drinks, but stated that the department was short-staffed and that she tried to do daily rounds. The Administrator was not aware of the issue with containers of cooked foods stored directly on top of containers of raw foods and believed that staff could go by the wall without hair restraints. Both the Dietary Manager and Administrator acknowledged that these issues could place residents at risk for foodborne illness. Record reviews revealed that an in-service training was conducted on 4/11/24, covering topics such as wearing hairnets, cleaning schedules, labeling and dating food items, and cleaning up spills immediately. However, the Dietary Manager admitted that the dietary issues occurred due to staff not knowing or being aware of proper procedures. The facility's current policy on sanitation and food handling outlined the responsibilities of the Food Service Director, but the observed deficiencies indicated a lack of adherence to these procedures, potentially compromising the safety and well-being of the residents.
Improper Chemical Storage in Resident Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that chemicals were not accessible to residents and were not stored with resident toiletries and personal items in two of four common resident baths and one of four halls. On multiple occasions, surveyors observed chemicals such as Fabulosa, Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner and Degreaser, Diversity Crew Clean Toilet Bowl Cleaner, and aerosol cans stored alongside resident use items like toilet tissue, hair conditioner, and body wash. These chemicals were found in unlocked cabinets in the 200 and 400 hall baths, posing a risk of chemical exposure to residents. Additionally, a housekeeping cart with accessible chemicals was left unattended in hall 400, further increasing the risk of resident exposure to hazardous substances. Housekeeper A admitted to leaving the cart unattended and acknowledged the potential harm to residents if they came into contact with the chemicals. CNA B also confirmed that cleaners were typically stored on the bottom shelf of the cabinet, mixed with resident toiletries, which could lead to accidental misuse. Interviews with LVN A, the Housekeeping Supervisor, the DON, and the Administrator revealed a lack of adherence to proper chemical storage protocols and a need for staff education on safe chemical storage practices. The facility's policy on storage areas emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment, but the observed practices did not align with these guidelines. The report highlights the potential for resident harm due to the improper storage of chemicals and the need for improved oversight and staff training to prevent such incidents in the future.
Infection Control Deficiency Due to Improper Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and sanitary environment to help prevent the development and transmission of diseases. Specifically, two CNAs did not follow proper hand hygiene protocols during incontinence care for two residents. CNA C did not wash her hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before donning clean gloves after removing dirty gloves while providing incontinence care for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of urinary and bowel incontinence. Similarly, CNA D did not wash her hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer between glove changes while providing incontinence care for another resident with severe cognitive impairment and an indwelling catheter, increasing the risk of infection and cross-contamination. During the observations, CNA C and CNA D were seen removing dirty briefs, cleaning the residents' peri areas, and changing gloves without performing hand hygiene. CNA D acknowledged that she was trained to wash her hands before and after resident care, after handling soiled items, and between glove changes, but failed to do so during the observed care. The ADM and DON confirmed that staff are trained on hand hygiene upon hire, annually, and as needed, and that improper handwashing could lead to the spread of infection. However, they were not aware of the specific instances of non-compliance observed during the survey. The facility's policies on infection prevention and control, as well as handwashing guidelines, emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, including the use of alcohol-based hand rubs and soap and water. The CDC guidelines also recommend using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after glove removal. Despite these policies and training, the observed failures in hand hygiene practices by CNA C and CNA D indicate a lapse in adherence to infection control protocols, potentially putting residents at risk for infection and cross-contamination.
Failure to Address and Resolve Resident Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to address and resolve grievances in accordance with its policy for one resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a history of major depressive disorder and anxiety, reported multiple grievances from February 2024 to April 2024. These grievances included issues such as a CNA not offering hydration, leaving the hall unattended, using the wrong lifting technique on the resident's roommate, and changing the resident's preferred shower time. Despite these complaints, the facility did not investigate or document the grievances properly, nor did they provide the resident with written decisions or follow-ups as required by their policy. The resident expressed feelings of neglect and frustration, stating that the staff made it difficult to live at the facility and that their concerns were not being addressed. The resident had communicated these issues to the administrator multiple times, both verbally and through text messages, but did not receive any formal acknowledgment or resolution. The administrator admitted to not following the formal grievance process, citing a personal relationship with the resident as the reason for handling the complaints informally. Interviews with the CNA and other staff members revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's grievances. The CNA stated that they were unaware of any issues related to hydration and had not been addressed about the incidents. The administrator and DON also demonstrated a lack of understanding of the facility's grievance policy and failed to ensure that grievances were documented, investigated, and resolved promptly. This failure to follow the grievance policy had the potential to cause residents to feel helpless and diminish their quality of life.
Failure to Implement Abuse Prevention Policies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement their written policies and procedures to prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents and misappropriation of resident property. A confidential staff member knowingly failed to report allegations of abuse regarding a resident to the abuse coordinator after the resident reported that a CNA physically and verbally abused them. The resident stated that the CNA hit them on the head with a closed fist and called them derogatory names. Despite the resident's report, the staff member did not report the incident, believing that the facility administration would not take any action. The Administrator was notified by an HHSC worker about the abuse allegations but failed to reassign the CNA to duties that did not involve patient care. The CNA continued to work their entire shift, and the Administrator only instructed the CNA to avoid the resident who made the allegations. The Administrator admitted to being unaware of the specific requirements of the facility's abuse policy and stated that they would deal with the abuse allegation after the HHSC staff left the facility. Interviews with other staff members revealed that they were aware of the CNA's behavior but did not report it, either because they believed no action would be taken or because they were unsure of the reporting process. The Director of Nursing also stated that they had not received any complaints about the CNA and were unaware of any concerns from the resident. The facility's policies on reporting abuse, protecting residents during investigations, and reassigning staff accused of abuse were not followed, leading to a failure to protect the resident from further harm.
Failure to Ensure Safe Mechanical Lift Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards and adequate supervision for residents requiring mechanical lift transfers. Observations, interviews, and record reviews revealed that staff frequently transferred residents alone using a mechanical lift, which required two people for safety. This practice was confirmed by multiple confidential interviews and by the residents themselves, who reported near-fall incidents due to improper use of the lift and sling. Resident #2, a male with Parkinson's disease and seizure disorder, reported that staff often transferred him alone using the mechanical lift, and he nearly fell out of the lift two months prior due to a loose sling strap. Similarly, Resident #3, a female with Parkinson's disease and anxiety, confirmed that staff sometimes transferred her alone, and she had almost fallen out of the lift because the sling strap was not secured properly. Observations of staff using the lift revealed that they did not examine the sling prior to operation nor did they lock the wheels during the transfer. Interviews with the facility's administration and staff indicated a lack of awareness and inconsistent practices regarding the use of the mechanical lift. The Administrator (ADM) and Director of Nursing (DON) were unaware that staff were using the lift alone and did not have clear policies or training in place to ensure the use of two staff members for safety. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that two staff should be used for safety but admitted that staff were not trained accordingly. The facility's policy and the Hoyer lift manual both emphasized the need for proper assessment and the potential requirement for two staff members during transfers, which was not consistently followed in practice.
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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