Remington Transitional Care Of San Antonio
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in San Antonio, Texas.
- Location
- 5423 Hamilton Wolfe Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- CMS Provider Number
- 676216
- Inspections on file
- 32
- Latest survey
- December 15, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Remington Transitional Care Of San Antonio during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with a history of hypertension and heart failure received Metoprolol Succinate despite a recorded diastolic blood pressure below the physician-ordered threshold. The nurse responsible could not recall the event but stated she would typically re-check blood pressure if values were outside the administration range, though no repeat value was documented. The facility's policy required complete and timely documentation, and this omission resulted in an incomplete medical record.
A resident's MDS re-entry assessment did not document a recent fall that resulted in a fracture and hospitalization, despite the incident being recorded in the care plan, incident report, and confirmed by staff and hospital records. The LVN responsible for the MDS was unaware of the omission, and both the DON and Administrator acknowledged the error, noting that the assessment should have accurately reflected the resident's fall history.
A resident with a history of falls and multiple medical conditions did not have fall mats placed on both sides of the bed as specified in the care plan. Staff interviews and observations confirmed that only one mat was present, despite documentation and facility policy requiring mats on both sides for fall prevention.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment experienced an unsafe and uncomfortable environment due to a window that could not be fully closed, resulting in water damage, and a non-functional refrigerator that prevented safe food storage. Staff were unaware of the window issue, and the refrigerator problem was not promptly addressed, leading to unsanitary and unpleasant living conditions.
Surveyors found that staff failed to observe two residents taking their prescribed medications, resulting in a medication error rate of 17.24%, well above the acceptable threshold. In both cases, nursing staff left medications at the bedside or did not confirm ingestion, contrary to facility policy and competency requirements. The residents involved had significant medical needs and required varying levels of assistance, but staff did not ensure medications were taken as ordered.
Surveyors found that two medication carts had drugs with labeling discrepancies and improper storage. One resident's furosemide label did not match the physician's blood pressure parameters, and another resident's allopurinol package lacked an updated label for a dosage change. Additionally, a medication cart was left unlocked and unattended while a nurse was in a resident's room, contrary to facility policy. The DON confirmed that proper labeling and cart security procedures were not followed.
The facility did not ensure menu variety or accommodate resident food preferences, as two residents reported dissatisfaction with the frequent serving of beans, which appeared in up to 10 out of 21 meals per week. One resident's care plan addressed nutritional concerns, while another's did not mention diet. Staff interviews confirmed the repetitive menu and lack of prior adjustments despite complaints.
Surveyors found that kitchen staff did not label refrigerated food products with discard dates, as required by facility policy and the FDA Food Code. Instead, staff relied on memory to discard food after 72 hours, and the facility's policies had not been updated to reflect current regulations. This failure to properly label food products was confirmed through observation and staff interviews.
Nursing staff failed to follow infection control protocols, including not sanitizing a blood glucose monitor between residents, handling medication with bare hands after touching contaminated surfaces, not cleaning an insulin pen's rubber stopper before use, and not using a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet after handwashing. Additionally, Enhanced Barrier Precautions were not implemented for a resident with a surgical wound, contrary to facility policy.
Two residents did not have their discharge MDS assessments transmitted to CMS within the required 14-day period. One resident's discharge assessment was overdue by 83 days and another's by 9 days, with the latter still marked as 'In Progress.' The DON indicated that MDS review was managed by corporate staff, and MDS Coordinators confirmed the assessments were missed, contrary to facility policy and RAI Manual requirements.
Two residents with moderate cognitive impairment and ADL deficits did not have their care plans updated to reflect their need for eating assistance, despite assessments and staff observations confirming these needs. Staff relied on informal communication rather than documented care plans or the Kardex, leading to gaps in the provision of necessary care.
The facility failed to develop and implement baseline care plans for three residents, missing critical information such as antibiotic therapy, antipsychotic medication, and oxygen therapy. This oversight was acknowledged by multiple staff members, including the DON and ADON, highlighting the importance of accurate care plans for effective and person-centered care.
The facility failed to employ appropriately certified and skilled staff in the food and nutrition service. The Food Service Supervisor (FSS) did not have the necessary national certification and demonstrated knowledge deficits. The Administrator acknowledged the certification error and noted the need for additional training and mentoring for the FSS.
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Open cases of food were found in the walk-in freezer, and a tabletop can opener was covered in grime, both of which were acknowledged by the Food Service Supervisor as needing proper sealing and cleaning to prevent contamination.
A resident admitted with pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and emphysema did not have physician orders for oxygen therapy documented upon admission. Despite being on oxygen therapy, the oversight was not identified by the nursing staff or the DON, and no policy on oxygen administration was in place.
The facility failed to include a resident's Heparin therapy in her care plan, despite her serious medical conditions and the ongoing administration of the medication. Both the ADON and DON acknowledged the oversight, which could lead to serious complications.
The facility failed to obtain physician's orders for a resident requiring oxygen therapy, despite the resident being on oxygen since admission. This oversight was not identified by the nursing staff or the DON, and no policy or procedure on oxygen administration was in place.
The facility failed to follow the scheduled menu for a lunch meal, substituting cauliflower with cooked carrots without proper review or notification. Frequent menu substitutions were made without the required involvement of the consultant RD, contrary to facility policy.
Failure to Document Repeat Blood Pressure Prior to Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for one resident, specifically regarding the administration of Metoprolol Succinate, a blood pressure medication. The physician's order required the medication to be held if the resident's systolic blood pressure (SBP) was less than 100 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was less than 60 mmHg, or heart rate (HR) was less than 60. On the date in question, the resident's DBP was recorded as 57 mmHg, which was below the threshold for medication administration. The medication administration record indicated that the medication was given, but the blood pressure and pulse values were documented as 'NA,' with no definition provided for this notation. Further review of the electronic medical record revealed two blood pressure readings for that day: one at 127/57 mmHg and another at 150/69 mmHg. There was no documentation of a repeat blood pressure check or a progress note regarding the administration of Metoprolol Succinate or reassessment of the resident's blood pressure. During interviews, the nurse responsible for administering the medication could not recall the specific event but stated she would typically re-check blood pressure if initial values were outside the administration range. She acknowledged that if she had re-checked the blood pressure, she likely did not document the new values, which would result in a medication administration error. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy required accurate and timely documentation of all assessments and care provided, including repeat vital signs when indicated by medication orders. The lack of documentation for the repeat blood pressure value was identified as a failure to maintain a complete and accurate medical record, as required by professional standards and facility policy.
MDS Assessment Failed to Reflect Resident's Fall History After Hospital Re-entry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment accurately reflected a resident's status following a hospital re-entry. Specifically, the re-entry MDS assessment did not document a fall that resulted in a fracture, which was the reason for the resident's hospitalization and subsequent return to the facility. The resident, an elderly female with diagnoses including a right humerus fracture, metabolic encephalopathy, and chronic kidney disease, had a documented fall at the facility. This fall was recorded in the care plan and incident report, and was confirmed by both the resident and staff interviews, as well as hospital records. However, the MDS section J1700, which addresses fall history, was inaccurately coded to indicate no falls in the month prior to re-entry. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the LVN responsible for completing the MDS was unaware of the omission, despite having updated the care plan to reflect the fall. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both acknowledged that the fall should have been documented in the MDS, and that such inaccuracies could lead to missed care. The CMS RAI User's Manual requires that the assessment accurately reflect the resident's status, including any falls in the month preceding entry or re-entry, which was not met in this case.
Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Interventions as Outlined in Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to fully implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for a resident identified as being at high risk for falls. The resident, a male with a history of a displaced femur fracture, atherosclerotic heart disease, bipolar disorder, dementia, and anxiety, required extensive assistance with activities of daily living and had experienced multiple falls both prior to and during his stay. His care plan and Kardex specifically required that fall mats be placed on both sides of his bed as a fall prevention measure. However, during observations, only one fall mat was present on the right side of the bed, with none on the left side as required by his care plan. Interviews with the resident, his family member, the DON, an RN, and a CNA confirmed that the care plan intervention was not fully implemented. Staff members acknowledged the importance of having mats on both sides of the bed and indicated that they referenced the care plan and Kardex for guidance, but failed to notice or address the missing mat. The facility's own policies required comprehensive care plans with measurable objectives and the implementation of fall prevention interventions based on individual risk factors, but these were not followed in this instance.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for a resident, as evidenced by two main deficiencies observed during the survey. One of the resident's windows could not be fully closed, remaining open by approximately one inch for at least a week. This allowed rainwater to enter the room, resulting in warping and water damage to the interior windowsill. The resident and their representative reported the issue to a staff member after the rain incident, but the Maintenance Director was not made aware of the problem until the survey. The Maintenance Director confirmed the damage and acknowledged that he was responsible for maintaining the building's condition but had not been notified of the window issue or the resulting water damage. Additionally, the resident's room refrigerator was found to be non-functional for an undetermined period, with temperatures recorded at 58 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit on separate occasions. The resident's representative stated she was unable to bring in outside food due to the refrigerator not working and had not reported the issue to staff. The facility's ambassador, responsible for morning rounds and identifying room concerns, noted the refrigerator temperature was high and reported it to the Maintenance Director, but was unaware of the window issue. The facility's administrator and staff discussed unreliable thermometers and the need to monitor new refrigerators to ensure proper function, but there was no clear policy for ensuring a homelike environment or functioning equipment. The resident involved had a history of repeated falls, weakness, and dementia, with moderate cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of 9 out of 15. The facility's failure to maintain the resident's environment, including the inability to close the window and the lack of a functioning refrigerator, resulted in an unpleasant, unsanitary, and potentially unsafe living space. These deficiencies were identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews, and were not addressed in a timely manner due to lapses in communication and monitoring.
Failure to Maintain Acceptable Medication Error Rate Due to Lack of Observation During Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that its medication error rate remained below 5 percent, as evidenced by a calculated error rate of 17.24% based on 5 errors out of 29 observed opportunities. This deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review involving two residents who were being administered medications by nursing staff. The facility's own policy and competency assessments require staff to observe residents taking their medications to ensure they are swallowed and not left at the bedside, but this protocol was not followed. For one resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including diabetes, end stage renal disease, and pancreatic cancer, the assigned RN provided the resident with metoclopramide and pantoprazole in a medicine cup and placed a cup of liquid sucralfate on the bedside table. The RN then left the room without observing whether the resident took the medications, despite the resident expressing discomfort and holding the medication cup in her hands. The resident's care plan indicated a need for limited assistance with self-care, and her cognitive assessment showed moderate impairment in daily decision making. In another instance, an LVN administered medications to a resident with a history of sepsis, cellulitis, and gout. The resident, who was cognitively intact but required assistance with personal hygiene, took some pills but removed the docusate and placed it on her bedside table, expressing uncertainty about taking it. The LVN also left a cup of mixed protein liquid at the bedside without confirming ingestion. It was not determined if the resident ever took the docusate or the protein supplement. The DON confirmed that staff are required to observe residents taking their medications and that no residents were authorized for self-administration.
Medication Labeling and Storage Deficiencies on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored according to professional standards on two of three medication carts reviewed. On the 200-hall east cart, a resident's furosemide package had a pharmacy label with blood pressure parameters that did not match the physician's order, potentially leading to confusion during administration. The nurse interviewed was unsure about the correct parameters and stated he would contact the pharmacy or provider if uncertain. Additionally, on the 200-hall west cart, a resident's allopurinol package did not have an updated label or change direction sticker to reflect a new dosage order, and the nurse was unsure if such stickers were available, though the DON confirmed they were. Further, the 200-hall west medication cart was found unlocked and unattended while the nurse was in a resident's room, contrary to facility policy and medication pass competency requirements. The DON confirmed that medication carts should be locked when unattended to prevent unauthorized access. Facility policy also requires that medication carts not be left unlocked or unattended in resident care areas. These lapses in labeling and storage practices were directly observed and confirmed through staff interviews and record reviews.
Failure to Provide Menu Variety and Meet Resident Food Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that menus met the nutritional needs and preferences of residents, as well as to provide adequate variety in food options. Record reviews and interviews revealed that two residents expressed dissatisfaction with the repetitive inclusion of beans in their meals, with one resident specifically noting issues with constipation and diarrhea and requesting no beans on their tray. The facility's menu for a five-week period showed that beans were served in up to 10 out of 21 meals per week, including being served twice in a single day on multiple occasions. The facility's own policy emphasized the importance of providing a well-balanced and nutritious menu that meets resident preferences, but this was not reflected in practice. Additionally, the comprehensive care plan for one resident with a history of meal refusal addressed nutritional concerns, while another resident's care plan did not mention food intake or diet at all. Interviews with the Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) confirmed awareness of the repetitive menu and acknowledged resident complaints, but also indicated that the menu had not been adjusted prior to the survey. The Administrator was unaware of the frequency of beans on the menu and stated that the menu had been reviewed before implementation. No other relevant menu policies were provided by the facility.
Failure to Label Food Products with Discard Dates in Kitchen Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to label food products in the kitchen refrigerator with discard dates, as required by professional food service standards. During observations, all packaged foods in the fridge were found to have only preparation dates and lacked discard dates. Interviews with the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Registered Dietitian (RD) revealed that they did not believe it was necessary to include discard dates on food labels, relying instead on staff knowledge to discard food after three days. However, the facility's policy required all refrigerated foods to be dated, labeled, and used within 72 hours, and the FDA Food Code 2022 mandates clear marking of ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety foods with the date by which the food should be consumed, sold, or discarded. Further interviews confirmed that kitchen staff did not routinely write discard dates on food products, as they were accustomed to discarding items after 72 hours based on training. The RD acknowledged that their policies had not been updated to reflect the 2022 FDA Food Code changes and agreed that including discard dates would help staff quickly identify when to discard food. The lack of discard dates on food products in the refrigerator constituted a failure to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.
Multiple Lapses in Infection Control Practices by Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by multiple observed lapses in infection control practices by staff and lack of adherence to established protocols. Specifically, a registered nurse (RN) did not sanitize a blood glucose monitor between uses for two residents, despite using the same device consecutively. The RN acknowledged during an interview that the monitor should be sanitized between residents to prevent the spread of pathogens. Additionally, the RN handled a medication pill with bare hands after touching various surfaces, including keys and a computer keyboard, before administering the medication to a resident. The RN stated he believed it was acceptable to touch pills with bare hands but later recognized the potential for contamination. Further deficiencies were observed in the administration of insulin, where the RN failed to clean the rubber stopper of an insulin pen with an alcohol swab prior to attaching the needle and administering the medication. The Director of Nursing (DON) indicated that while the facility's policy did not specify cleaning the pen, it would be important to prevent cross-contamination. Manufacturer guidelines for the insulin pen recommend wiping the pen tip with an alcohol swab before use, which was not followed in this instance. Additional infection control lapses included a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) not using a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet after handwashing, instead using bare hands, which could lead to recontamination. The LVN stated that paper towels were not easily accessible and acknowledged the correct procedure. The facility also failed to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for a resident with a surgical wound and a wound vacuum device, as required by facility policy. The resident's room lacked appropriate EBP signage, and the DON confirmed that EBP should have been in place for this resident due to the risk of infection associated with her wound.
Failure to Timely Transmit Discharge MDS Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to electronically transmit encoded, accurate, and complete Minimum Data Set (MDS) data to the CMS system within 14 days of discharge for two residents. For one resident, a male with diagnoses including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, sepsis, dysphagia, and gastrostomy status, the discharge MDS assessment was 83 days overdue following his discharge. His medical record showed completed entry and admission MDS assessments, but the required discharge assessment was not submitted in the required timeframe. For the second resident, a female with a history of skin transplant, the discharge MDS assessment was 9 days overdue, and the assessment was still marked as 'In Progress' after her discharge with home health services. Her record also showed a completed MDS assessment prior to discharge, but the discharge assessment was not finalized or transmitted as required. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and two MDS Coordinators revealed that the discharge MDS assessments for these residents were simply missed. The DON stated that review of MDS assessments was handled by corporate staff, not by himself. The MDS Coordinators acknowledged the oversight and indicated the importance of completing discharge MDS assessments for CMS and insurance notification. Facility policy and the RAI Manual both require that OBRA discharge assessments be completed and submitted within 14 days of discharge, which was not followed in these cases.
Failure to Update and Implement Comprehensive Care Plans for Eating Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered care plans for two residents with identified deficits in activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically related to eating. For one resident with type 2 diabetes and moderate cognitive impairment, the care plan did not include interventions for eating assistance, despite the resident requiring set up or clean-up help as documented in the admission MDS assessment. Observations confirmed the resident struggled to remove plastic coverings from food items, and staff interviews indicated that assistance was needed but not formally documented in the care plan. For another resident with hemiplegia following a stroke and moderate cognitive impairment, the care plan also lacked interventions for eating, even though the resident required substantial or maximal assistance and needed to be fed, as indicated in the MDS assessment. Staff interviews revealed that knowledge of these needs was communicated informally rather than through updated care plans or the Kardex, which is used by CNAs to guide care. The facility's policy required care plan revisions upon status change, but this was not followed, resulting in incomplete documentation of the residents' care needs.
Failure to Implement Baseline Care Plans for New Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a baseline care plan for three residents, which included necessary instructions for effective and person-centered care. Resident #25's baseline care plan did not reflect that he received antibiotic therapy at dialysis, despite having diagnoses such as septicemia, metabolic encephalopathy, and ESRD. The care plan also failed to include instructions for removing the pressure dressing from the shunt site after dialysis. The DON acknowledged the importance of accurate care plans to ensure proper care by staff. Resident #104's baseline care plan did not indicate that she was receiving an antipsychotic medication, despite her diagnoses of pneumonia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The Order Summary Report showed an active order for Sertraline HCL, but this was not reflected in the care plan. Both the DON and ADON admitted that the psychotropic medication was missed in the care plan, emphasizing the need for accurate documentation to monitor for side effects. Resident #253's baseline care plan did not reflect her need for oxygen therapy, despite her diagnoses of pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and emphysema. The hospital discharge summary and daily skilled notes indicated that she required oxygen via nasal cannula, but this was not included in the care plan or active orders. Multiple staff members, including the LVN and ADON, acknowledged the oversight and the potential risk of respiratory distress due to the missing oxygen orders. The DON confirmed that the oxygen orders were missed and stressed the importance of including such critical information in the baseline care plan.
Inadequate Certification and Training for Food Service Supervisor
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service. The Food Service Supervisor (FSS) did not have the appropriate certification, education, or qualifications to serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. The FSS was hired as a cook in 2019 and assumed the position of FSS in September 2023. Upon assuming the FSS position, the FSS completed a Texas Food Manager's Certification program, believing it met the requirements for the position. However, this certification was not a national certification and did not meet the necessary qualifications for the role. The facility's Registered Dietitian (RD) was also contracted and not a full-time employee, further complicating the situation. During interviews, the FSS and the Administrator acknowledged the certification error. The Administrator admitted to knowing that the Texas Food Manager's Certification was not appropriate for the FSS position and had paid for the FSS to take the National Food Manager Certification exam, which the FSS did not complete. The Administrator also noted that the FSS demonstrated knowledge deficits and would benefit from additional training and mentoring. This deficiency could place residents at risk of foodborne illness and inadequate nutrition due to the lack of appropriately certified and skilled staff in the food and nutrition service.
Failure to Maintain Food Safety Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an observation in the walk-in freezer, three open cases of food were found: a 30-lb. case of mixed vegetables, a 30-lb. case of cut green beans, and a 10-lb. case of beef fritters. The interior plastic bags of these cases were also open, exposing the food to potential contaminants, freezer burn, and a decrease in quality. The Food Service Supervisor (FSS) acknowledged that the food should have been properly sealed to maintain freshness and that the cooks were responsible for ensuring this. Additionally, the tabletop can opener in the kitchen was observed to be covered with sticky grime that was black and brown in color. The grime covered the blade, the plastic insert inside the base, and the part of the base affixed to the table with screws. The FSS confirmed that the can opener was in need of cleaning and sanitizing and stated that the cooks were responsible for keeping it clean to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness. The facility's policies on food storage and can opener maintenance were reviewed and found to be in line with the U.S. Public Health Service Food Code, but were not being followed by the staff.
Failure to Obtain Physician Orders for Oxygen Therapy Upon Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that at the time of admission, there were physician orders for the immediate care of a resident who required oxygen therapy. Specifically, Resident #253, who was admitted with diagnoses including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and emphysema, did not have physician orders for oxygen therapy upon admission. Despite the hospital discharge summary indicating the need for oxygen supplementation, and the resident being observed on oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, no formal orders were documented until several days after admission. Interviews with the resident, nursing staff, and the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that the oversight was not identified by any of the four nurses who attended to the resident since her admission. The resident's nurse acknowledged that oxygen therapy requires a physician's order and that the wrong rate could lead to respiratory compromise. The DON admitted that the oxygen orders were missed and that there was no existing policy or procedure on oxygen administration in the facility. This deficiency could have resulted in respiratory distress for the resident due to improper oxygen administration.
Failure to Include Anticoagulant Therapy in Resident Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for Resident #3, who was on anticoagulant therapy. Despite being admitted with multiple serious medical conditions, including metabolic encephalopathy, diabetes mellitus, rhabdomyolysis, and atherosclerotic heart disease, the resident's care plan did not address her Heparin therapy. This omission was identified during a review of the resident's records, which showed active orders for Heparin Sodium Solution and confirmed administration of the medication every 12 hours. Interviews with the resident and staff corroborated that the Heparin therapy had been ongoing since shortly after admission, yet it was not included in the care plan. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) both acknowledged that the Heparin therapy should have been included in the care plan due to its critical nature and the need for careful monitoring to prevent serious complications such as bleeding. The facility's policy on comprehensive care plans, dated 10/24/2022, mandates the inclusion of measurable objectives and timeframes to meet residents' medical needs, which was not adhered to in this case. This deficiency could potentially affect other residents requiring specific care and interventions, leading to missed care or harm.
Failure to Obtain Physician's Orders for Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident requiring respiratory care, including tracheostomy care and tracheal suctioning, received such care consistent with professional standards of practice and the comprehensive person-centered care plan. Specifically, the facility did not obtain oxygen orders from the physician for a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and emphysema. Despite the resident being on oxygen therapy since admission, this was not reflected in the baseline care plan or active orders, and the oversight was not identified by the nursing staff or the Director of Nursing (DON) until several days later. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident was on oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at a rate of 2.5 l/min, but no physician's order was in place to authorize this treatment. The resident's hospital discharge summary indicated a plan for oxygen supplementation, but this was not followed up with a formal order in the facility. The DON acknowledged the oversight and the lack of a policy or procedure on oxygen administration, which could have led to respiratory distress due to incorrect oxygen administration.
Failure to Follow Scheduled Menu and Review Substitutions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow the scheduled menu for residents on regular and modified diets for the lunch meal on 04/25/2024. The posted menu indicated that the lunch meal should include baked pork chop, buttered corn, and cauliflower with red potatoes. However, during an observation, it was noted that cauliflower was missing from the steam table and had been substituted with cooked carrots. The Food Service Supervisor (FSS) acknowledged the substitution and stated that the cauliflower did not arrive with the food shipment. He logged the substitution but did not post it for the residents or discuss it with the consultant registered dietitian (RD). Additionally, there was no weekly menu posted in the facility, and the substitution was not reviewed with the RD as required by the facility's policy. The Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) also confirmed that she had not discussed any substitutions with the consultant RD, despite the facility's policy requiring such reviews. Further record review revealed a history of frequent menu substitutions dating back to October 2023, with minimal involvement from the consultant RD. Of 58 food items substituted, the RD's initials were present next to only a few items replaced in January, February, and April of 2024. The facility Administrator was unaware of the frequent substitutions and stated that substitutions should only be made in emergencies and reviewed with the consultant RD. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of serving menus as planned and required the RD to review and approve any substitutions to ensure nutritional adequacy. The failure to follow the menu and properly review substitutions could place residents at risk of not having their nutritional needs met.
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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