Pecan Tree Rehab And Healthcare Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Gainesville, Texas.
- Location
- 1900 E California St, Gainesville, Texas 76240
- CMS Provider Number
- 675550
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- February 18, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 12 (2 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Pecan Tree Rehab And Healthcare Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including recent surgery and high fall risk, did not receive proper wound vac therapy, PICC line management, or post-fall neurological assessments. The wound vac was often dislodged and not consistently assessed, the PICC line became clotted and was not addressed before switching to oral antibiotics, and neurochecks were not completed after a fall. Communication lapses with the responsible party and lack of documentation further contributed to missed care and complications.
A resident with dementia, recent hip surgery, and a history of falls was not provided with the recommended 1:1 supervision after an initial fall. Due to unclear protocols, lack of available sitters, and poor communication among staff, the resident was left unsupervised at the nurses' station, resulting in another fall that caused a head injury and hip fracture.
A resident with complex medical needs experienced multiple significant changes in condition, including removal of a urinary catheter, missed IV antibiotic doses, and a switch from IV to oral antibiotics due to a clogged PICC line. Facility staff did not notify the responsible party or physician of these events as required, and documentation of such notifications was lacking, as confirmed by record review and staff interviews.
A resident's responsible party raised multiple concerns about poor nursing care, PICC line and wound vac issues, antibiotic medication changes, and falls, but the facility failed to document these grievances or provide a written response as required by policy. Despite the resident's complex medical needs and the responsible party's repeated communication with management, the concerns were not formally addressed through the facility's grievance process.
A resident with complex medical needs did not receive prescribed IV antibiotics and Lovenox injections as ordered due to delays in pharmacy delivery, issues with PICC line management, and inconsistent communication among staff. Missed doses were documented, and staff interviews revealed confusion about medication procurement and administration procedures, as well as lapses in notifying the physician and responsible party about changes in treatment.
A resident with a history of sepsis, hip fracture, and dementia did not receive multiple doses of prescribed IV antibiotics and Lovenox due to pharmacy delays, PICC line complications, and refusals, with inconsistent physician notification and lack of timely alternative medication administration. Nursing and administrative staff were not always aware of missed doses, and available emergency resources were not effectively used.
A resident with multiple high-risk conditions experienced a fall, but the facility did not promptly update the care plan to include new fall prevention interventions or 1:1 supervision, despite staff verbally implementing increased monitoring. The lack of timely documentation and formal communication in the care plan led to inconsistencies in care and delayed safety measures.
A resident with an indwelling catheter was at risk of urinary tract infections due to improper handling by staff. During a mechanical lift transfer, the catheter bag was placed above the bladder, and during incontinence care, it was placed on the bed, allowing urine to flow back. Despite training, staff did not maintain the catheter bag below the bladder, as required.
The facility failed to follow food service safety standards, with dented cans mixed with other foods, cleaning chemicals stored near food, and improper hair restraint use during food preparation. These lapses could risk contamination and foodborne illness.
The facility failed to maintain effective infection control practices, with staff not adhering to PPE and hand hygiene protocols. A resident on enhanced barrier precautions due to a venous access device did not receive care with the required gown usage by an LVN. Another resident experienced improper hand hygiene by a CNA during incontinence care. Additionally, staff failed to wear gowns for a resident with a foley catheter during care and transfers, and a CNA did not perform hand hygiene between glove changes for another resident.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was found unable to reach the call light while seated in a wheelchair, as it was placed by the head of the bed. Facility staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed the oversight and acknowledged the importance of ensuring call lights are within reach to allow residents to call for assistance.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and on hospice care was found with soiled bed linens that were not changed for several hours. The hospice aide responsible did not change the linens due to a lack of clean supplies and failed to communicate this to other staff. The facility lacked a policy for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment, posing a risk of infection and skin issues.
A resident with PTSD was not referred for a Level II PASARR evaluation due to a lack of awareness among facility staff about qualifying diagnoses. The MDS coordinator, responsible for PASARR Level 1, did not recognize PTSD as a condition requiring further evaluation, leading to the resident not being referred to the state authority. Interviews revealed unclear roles and responsibilities among staff regarding the PASARR process.
A resident with type 2 diabetes did not receive her prescribed Insulin Glargine dose because an LVN held the medication without notifying the physician, despite no parameters for withholding the routine insulin. The resident was severely cognitively impaired, and the facility's policy required physician notification for held medications without specific parameters.
Failure to Provide Proper Wound, IV, and Fall Management for Resident with Complex Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services to maintain the highest practicable well-being for a resident with complex medical needs. The resident, who had a history of sepsis, right femur fracture, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and recent major surgery, required specialized wound care, IV antibiotics via a PICC line, and was at high risk for falls. Despite these needs, the facility did not ensure that the wound vac was functioning properly, did not have the infected surgical wound assessed by a wound care or attending physician after reports of complications, and failed to document or address issues with the wound vac, even after concerns were raised by the responsible party (RP). The wound vac was frequently dislodged, and there was no evidence of timely follow-up or adjustment to the care plan to address the resident's non-compliance or the device's malfunction. Additionally, the facility did not properly manage the resident's clotted PICC line. When the line became clotted and could not be flushed, IV antibiotics were discontinued and oral antibiotics were started without addressing the compromised central line. There was no documentation of a dressing assessment for the PICC line, and the switch from IV to oral antibiotics was made without clear communication to the RP. The resident missed several doses of prescribed IV antibiotics, and the oral medication provided was not appropriate for her dietary restrictions, as she was on a puree diet and had difficulty swallowing large tablets. The facility also failed to follow fall prevention and post-fall protocols. After an unwitnessed fall, neurochecks were not completed per protocol, and the resident subsequently experienced another fall resulting in a head injury and a left hip fracture. The RP was not notified of major changes in the resident's condition or treatment, including the discontinuation of the wound vac, issues with the PICC line, missed medication doses, and falls. The lack of communication, documentation, and adherence to care protocols contributed to the resident's avoidable decline and multiple complications.
Failure to Implement and Maintain 1:1 Supervision for High-Fall Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents for a resident identified as high risk for falls. The resident, who had a history of falls, dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer's disease, and recent hip surgery, was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and used a wheelchair for mobility. After an initial unwitnessed fall in her room, nursing management recommended 1:1 supervision, but this intervention was not consistently implemented or maintained. Despite the recommendation for 1:1 supervision, staff interviews revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding the protocol for providing such supervision. Several staff members, including CNAs and LVNs, reported that there were no actual sitters available and that the facility was not equipped to provide 1:1 care. The resident was left unsupervised at the nurses' station, where she attempted to stand, fell, and sustained a head injury and a fractured hip. Documentation and communication lapses were evident, as not all staff were aware of the 1:1 supervision requirement, and the care plan was not promptly updated to reflect the new intervention. The failure to implement and maintain the recommended 1:1 supervision placed the resident at risk for significant injury. The resident's responsible party had repeatedly requested closer monitoring, but no effective supervision plan was put in place. The lack of clear protocols, insufficient staffing, and inadequate communication among staff contributed to the resident's subsequent fall and injury.
Failure to Notify Responsible Party and Physician of Significant Changes in Condition and Treatment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's responsible party (RP) and physician of significant changes in the resident's condition and treatment. Specifically, there was no documentation that the RP was notified when the resident's urinary catheter was found removed with the balloon intact, when antibiotic therapy was changed from IV via PICC line to oral administration, and when the PICC line became clogged and unusable. Additionally, the physician was not notified of missed IV antibiotic doses and refused medications. These failures were identified through record review and interviews with staff and the RP. The resident involved was an elderly female with multiple complex medical conditions, including sepsis, a recent femur fracture, dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer's disease, and a surgical wound requiring specialized care. She was dependent on staff for activities of daily living, had impaired mobility, and was at risk for pressure injuries. The resident had a history of pulling out medical devices, including her PICC line and urinary catheter, and required high-risk medications and special treatments such as IV antibiotics and wound therapy. Nursing notes and interviews revealed that staff did not consistently notify the RP or physician of these significant events. For example, when the resident pulled out her PICC line and catheter, there was no documentation of RP notification. When the PICC line became clotted and IV antibiotics were missed or changed to oral, the RP was not informed at the time of the change. Staff interviews confirmed that notification did not occur as required, and the facility's own policy and INTERACT tool indicated that such notifications should have been made and documented.
Failure to Promptly Address and Document Grievances Related to Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to make prompt efforts to resolve grievances regarding a resident's care and treatment, as required by regulation. The responsible party (RP) for a resident voiced multiple concerns to various management staff about poor nursing care, issues with the resident's PICC line, wound vac, antibiotic medication, and falls. Despite these concerns being communicated, the facility did not document the grievance, nor did they respond or follow through according to their grievance policy. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that no grievance was entered into the system for these concerns, and the responsible party was not provided with written grievance decisions as outlined in the facility's policy. The resident involved had significant medical needs, including a history of sepsis, a closed fracture of the right femur, dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer's disease, and a recent major surgery. She required extensive wound care, IV therapy, and was administered high-risk medications such as anticoagulants and antibiotics. The resident was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and was at risk for pressure ulcers and falls. The responsible party reported not being notified about critical changes in the resident's care, such as the inability to flush the PICC line, the switch from IV to oral antibiotics, and the dislodgement of a urinary catheter. These concerns were not formally documented as grievances, and the responsible party was not kept informed as expected. Facility interviews revealed a lack of clarity and consistency in the grievance process. While some staff believed that communication and documentation in the resident's chart were sufficient, others acknowledged that the concerns raised should have been treated as formal grievances. The facility's policy required that all grievances be documented, investigated, and responded to in writing, but this process was not followed for the concerns raised by the responsible party. The failure to document and address these grievances meant that the resident's care concerns, including missed medications and issues with wound and IV care, were not properly investigated or resolved.
Failure to Provide Timely and Ordered Pharmaceutical Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide routine and emergency drugs and biologicals to a resident as ordered by the physician, specifically not administering prescribed IV antibiotics through a PICC line and ordered Lovenox injections following surgery for a right hip fracture. The resident, who had a complex medical history including sepsis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and a recent hip fracture, was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and required special treatments such as IV antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy. Upon admission and re-admission, there were multiple documented instances where the facility did not have the necessary medications available in a timely manner, resulting in missed doses of critical medications such as Cefazolin, Ertapenem, and Lovenox. Nursing notes and interviews revealed that the resident's PICC line was pulled out and later replaced, but there were delays in obtaining and administering IV antibiotics due to pharmacy delivery issues and uncertainty about which infusion company to contact for PICC line replacement. Staff documented that medications were not administered because they were awaiting delivery from the pharmacy, and there was confusion regarding the process for obtaining stat medications or using the facility's emergency kit. Additionally, the resident frequently refused injections, and while staff attempted to notify the physician and obtain alternative orders, there were lapses in communication and documentation, including not notifying the responsible party of changes in treatment. Interviews with nursing staff, the DON, and administrative personnel indicated a lack of formalized tracking for medication delivery timeliness and inconsistent procedures for handling medication refusals, missed doses, and PICC line complications. The facility's own policies required timely administration of medications and physician notification when doses were missed, but these were not consistently followed. The failure to ensure timely availability and administration of prescribed medications, as well as inadequate communication and follow-up, led to the resident not receiving necessary treatments as ordered.
Failure to Administer Prescribed IV Antibiotics and Anticoagulant
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a history of sepsis, right hip fracture, dementia, and recent surgery was not administered prescribed IV antibiotics and anticoagulant (Lovenox) as ordered. Upon admission and re-admission, the resident required IV antibiotics via a PICC line and daily Lovenox injections. The facility failed to administer several doses of Cefazolin due to issues such as awaiting pharmacy delivery and problems with the PICC line, including it being pulled out or becoming clotted. Documentation showed that the resident missed multiple doses of both antibiotics and Lovenox, with refusals and technical issues cited, but there was inconsistent and delayed communication with the physician and responsible party regarding these missed doses and changes in medication route. Nursing staff interviews revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding the process for replacing or unclogging the PICC line, as well as uncertainty about the availability of medications in the facility's emergency kit. Staff reported that the resident was difficult to medicate due to behavioral issues, such as swatting at nurses and pulling at the PICC line, but there was no consistent protocol followed for timely physician notification or for obtaining alternative medication routes. The facility's own policies required prompt administration of medications and immediate physician notification if a dose was missed, but these procedures were not consistently followed. Further, administrative and clinical leadership, including the DON and ADON, were not always aware of the missed doses or the status of the PICC line until after the fact. There was no formal tracking system for medication delivery timeliness, and communication between nursing, pharmacy, and providers was not always immediate or documented. The facility had resources such as an emergency kit and contracts for stat medication delivery, but these were not effectively utilized to prevent missed doses of critical medications for the resident.
Failure to Update Care Plan with Fall Prevention Interventions After Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for a resident following a fall, as required by policy and regulation. After the resident, who had a history of falls and multiple high-risk diagnoses including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and a recent femur fracture, experienced an unwitnessed fall, the care plan was not promptly updated to reflect new fall prevention interventions or the need for 1:1 supervision. Although staff verbally discussed and implemented increased supervision, this intervention was not formally documented in the resident's care plan or communicated consistently across all shifts. The resident was identified as high risk for falls upon admission, with a Fall Risk Assessment score indicating the need for heightened precautions. Despite this, after the initial fall, the care plan interventions remained generic and did not include specific, measurable objectives or timeframes tailored to the resident's updated needs. Staff interviews revealed that while there was an understanding among caregivers and nurses that the resident required constant monitoring, this was not reflected in the written care plan or the Kardex, which serves as a quick reference for CNAs. Facility policy required that care plans be updated immediately following a fall or change in condition, with new interventions documented by the end of the shift. However, both nursing and administrative staff acknowledged that the care plan was not revised in a timely manner to include the 1:1 supervision intervention. This lack of documentation and formal communication led to inconsistencies in care and delayed the implementation of necessary safety measures for the resident.
Improper Catheter Care and Handling in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for a resident with an indwelling catheter, leading to potential risks of urinary tract infections. During a mechanical lift transfer, the nursing assistants did not maintain the foley catheter drainage bag below the resident's bladder, which could cause urine to flow back into the bladder. This improper handling was observed when the catheter bag was placed on the arm of the mechanical lift, above the bladder level, during the transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. Additionally, during incontinence care, a certified nursing assistant placed the urine catheter bag on the bed, which was not below the bladder, allowing urine to flow back toward the resident. This action was observed by the Assistant Director of Nursing, who intervened to correct the placement of the catheter bag. The CNA acknowledged that the catheter bag should not be placed on the bed as it could lead to urine backing up into the bladder. The resident involved was moderately cognitively impaired, required substantial assistance with activities of daily living, and had an indwelling catheter due to obstructive uropathy. The facility's Director of Nursing confirmed that the staff had been trained to keep the catheter bag below the bladder to prevent urinary tract infections and cross-contamination. However, the facility's policy on perineal care did not address foley catheter care, and despite skills competency checks indicating staff were competent, the observed practices did not align with the expected standards.
Food Safety and Storage Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety in its kitchen, as observed during a survey. Two dented cans of apple slices were found mixed with other canned foods in the dry storage room, contrary to the facility's policy of separating and designating a specific area for such items. Additionally, two cans of oven cleaner and two bottles of bleach were improperly stored alongside food items, posing a risk of contamination. The dry storage room floor was cluttered with items, including a box of cup lids, which should have been stored on shelves. During lunch service, several dietary aides were observed not wearing hair restraints properly, with hair exposed while they prepared and served food to residents. This was against the facility's policy, which requires all hair to be covered to prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces. Interviews with the dietary aides confirmed their awareness of the policy, yet they were unaware of their non-compliance at the time of observation. The Dietary Supervisor and Administrator acknowledged the deficiencies, noting that the dented cans should have been stored separately, and cleaning chemicals should have been kept in a locked area away from food. The facility's policies, as well as the U.S. FDA Food Code, emphasize the importance of proper storage and handling of food and chemicals to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. These lapses in adherence to established protocols could potentially place residents at risk for foodborne illness.
Infection Control Lapses in PPE and Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program, as evidenced by multiple instances of staff not adhering to required protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene. For Resident #77, who was on enhanced barrier precautions due to a venous access device, LVN F did not wear a gown while administering intravenous antibiotics, despite being aware of the requirement. This oversight was acknowledged by LVN F, who admitted to forgetting the protocol despite having been trained on it. Resident #15, who required substantial assistance with activities of daily living and was always incontinent, was subject to improper hand hygiene practices by CNA B. During incontinence care, CNA B failed to change gloves and perform hand hygiene before handling clean supplies, and left the resident's room without washing hands. This lapse was noted by ADON A, who had to prompt CNA B to follow proper procedures, highlighting a gap in adherence to infection control practices. For Resident #13, who was on enhanced barrier precautions due to a foley catheter, both CNA C and ADON A failed to wear gowns during catheter and incontinence care. Similarly, during a mechanical lift transfer, CNA D and NA E did not wear gowns, contrary to the facility's policy for residents with catheters. These repeated failures to follow enhanced barrier precautions were acknowledged by the staff involved, who cited forgetfulness as the reason for non-compliance. Additionally, CNA G did not perform hand hygiene between glove changes while providing incontinence care to Resident #68, further indicating lapses in infection control practices.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident had reasonable accommodation for their needs and preferences, specifically regarding the accessibility of the call light system. During an observation, it was noted that the call light was not within reach of a resident who was sitting in a wheelchair by the foot of the bed, while the call light was positioned by the head of the bed. This resident, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment, was totally dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADLs) and was unable to reach the call light to request assistance. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN and the Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed that the call light was not within reach of the resident, which is against the facility's policy. The LVN acknowledged the oversight and repositioned the call light within the resident's reach. Both the LVN and the DON stated that it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that call lights are accessible to residents at all times to prevent residents from being unable to call for help when needed.
Failure to Maintain Clean Linens for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and receiving hospice services. The resident's bed linen was observed to be soiled with feces, and it remained unchanged for several hours. The hospice aide responsible for changing the linen after the resident's shower did not do so, citing an inability to find clean linen and a lack of communication with other staff members about the issue. Interviews with facility staff, including a nursing assistant and a licensed vocational nurse, confirmed that they were unaware of the soiled linen and had not been notified by the hospice aide. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the hospice aide should have communicated the issue to management and that the failure to change the linen posed a risk of infection and skin issues to the resident. The facility administrator admitted that there was no policy in place for maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and no such policy was submitted by the time of the survey exit.
Failure to Refer Resident for Level II PASARR Evaluation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to refer a resident with an active diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for a Level II PASARR evaluation upon a significant change in status assessment. This oversight was identified during a review of the resident's records, which showed that the resident had been diagnosed with PTSD and other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Despite these diagnoses, the PASARR Level 1 screen conducted did not recognize PTSD as a qualifying condition for further evaluation, resulting in the resident not being referred to the appropriate state-designated authority for a Level II PASARR evaluation. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of understanding and communication regarding the PASARR process. The MDS coordinator, responsible for completing the PASARR Level 1, admitted to not knowing that PTSD was a qualifying diagnosis for a Level II evaluation. The Social Worker and the MDS coordinator had unclear roles, with the Social Worker stating she was not responsible for PASARR Level 1, and the MDS coordinator acknowledging that the follow-up for PASARR Level 1 was her responsibility. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that the MDS coordinator handled PASARR reports and expressed concern that the resident might not receive necessary services if the assessment was not completed properly.
Failure in Insulin Administration Procedure
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services that ensured the accurate administration of medications for a resident with type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteomyelitis. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, was prescribed a daily dose of Insulin Glargine Solution to manage her diabetes. On a specific day, an LVN performed a blood sugar test on the resident and decided to hold the insulin dose because he was concerned about the resident's blood sugar level, which was 113, potentially dropping too low. However, the LVN did not notify the physician about holding the insulin, despite there being no parameters for withholding the routine insulin dose. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) and the pharmacy consultant both acknowledged that holding a medication without physician notification could result in the resident not receiving a therapeutic dose, potentially worsening her condition. The facility's policy required that any medication held without specific parameters should be reported to the physician. The LVN had been deemed competent in medication administration, yet failed to follow the procedure, which led to the deficiency in pharmaceutical services for the resident.
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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