Seven Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Bonham, Texas.
- Location
- 901 Seven Oaks Rd, Bonham, Texas 75418
- CMS Provider Number
- 675271
- Inspections on file
- 21
- Latest survey
- July 23, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 14
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Seven Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Three residents did not receive food and beverages according to their documented preferences and requests, including missing milk at supper, being served unwanted breakfast items, and not receiving condiments or bread due to supply shortages. Staff interviews confirmed these failures, and residents reported ongoing issues with food and condiment availability.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease, who was able to communicate her needs, reported missing clothing items to the Housekeeping Supervisor, but no grievance was filed and the resident was not updated on the status of her belongings. The Housekeeping Supervisor did not follow facility policy to report the issue to the Administrator, resulting in the grievance not being tracked or resolved.
During a breakfast meal, two residents were served oatmeal that was excessively thick and resembled cornbread, making it unappetizing and difficult to eat. Staff interviews confirmed the oatmeal was not prepared or served according to proper standards, and there was no policy in place regarding food palatability.
A resident did not receive food prepared in a form that met their individual needs, as the facility did not consistently modify meals to accommodate specific dietary requirements or physical abilities.
Two residents did not receive physician-ordered double or large protein portions with their meals, as required by their therapeutic diet orders. Staff and dietary management confirmed that the correct portions were not consistently provided, and both residents reported not regularly receiving the prescribed amounts. The deficiency was observed during meal service and acknowledged by facility leadership.
Surveyors found that the ice scoop and its container in the kitchen had visible pink, black, and brown films, indicating improper cleaning and sanitation. The Director of Food and Nutrition and other staff were unclear about the cleaning schedule, despite facility policy requiring regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact equipment. This failure resulted in unsanitary conditions for the ice machine equipment.
Two residents were found to have razors and shaving gel accessible in their rooms without documented assessment or care plan interventions addressing the safety of this practice. Staff interviews revealed a lack of clear policy or consistent understanding regarding the storage of these items, and the facility's policy only stated that articles should be stored in an appropriate place, without further guidance.
A facility failed to notify a resident's family member, who was also the medical power of attorney, about significant medical changes, including doppler study results, gangrene, and the need for a vascular surgeon. The resident had severe arteriosclerosis and near absent blood flow in the right lower extremity. Staff interviews revealed a lack of communication and documentation, with some assuming others had informed the family. The facility's policy required notification of significant changes, but this was not documented, potentially risking the involvement of responsible parties in care plans.
The facility failed to involve residents and their families in care planning, as evidenced by the lack of invitations and documentation for care plan meetings. Residents with varying cognitive abilities were not informed or included in their care decisions, and staff interviews revealed confusion about the responsibility for notifying residents and families. This deficiency highlights a significant lapse in communication and adherence to facility policy.
The facility failed to follow professional standards for food service safety, with numerous food items found unlabeled and improperly stored, including thawed raw meat above ready-to-eat foods. Interviews with dietary staff revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to protocols, despite the Dietary Manager's daily walk-throughs and in-services. The facility's policies emphasize proper labeling and discarding of expired items, but these were not consistently followed, leading to the deficiencies.
A facility failed to accurately code a resident's use of anticoagulant medication on their MDS assessment. Despite the resident receiving rivaroxaban daily, the MDS did not reflect this, leading to an inaccurate assessment. The MDS Coordinator admitted to the oversight, and both the DON and Administrator confirmed the error, emphasizing the importance of accurate coding for care planning.
A facility failed to update the PASRR for a resident diagnosed with severe major depression, resulting in missed evaluations and services. The resident, with a history of mental health disorders, was not included in a corporate review list, leading to the oversight. The MDS Coordinator admitted responsibility for the lapse, and the facility's policy lacked guidance on updating PASRRs after new diagnoses.
A medication cart was left unlocked and unattended by an LVN while checking a resident's blood sugar, posing a risk of unauthorized access to medications. The DON and Administrator confirmed the expectation for carts to be locked when unattended, but the facility's policy lacked specific guidance on this requirement.
The facility failed to coordinate hospice care for two residents, lacking updated hospice plans of care and proper medication reconciliation. This deficiency involved a male resident with multiple diagnoses and a female resident with senile degeneration and schizophrenia. The facility did not adhere to its policy and agreement with the hospice company, resulting in a lack of coordination of care.
Failure to Accommodate Resident Food Preferences and Choices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate the food preferences and choices of three residents, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and record reviews. One resident, who was cognitively intact and at risk for malnutrition, repeatedly requested milk with her supper meals but was consistently served tea instead. Staff interviews revealed that milk was not provided on certain days, with conflicting explanations regarding whether the facility had run out of milk. The Director of Food and Nutrition and the Administrator both confirmed that the resident should have received milk as requested, and that it was her right to have her beverage of choice at meals. Another resident, also cognitively intact and at risk for malnutrition, had documented preferences and physician orders for bacon and oatmeal for breakfast, and a dislike for sausage and eggs. Despite this, she was served sausage and a biscuit instead of her preferred bacon and toast. The resident reported this issue during both an interview and a resident council meeting, and her tray card indicated her correct preferences, which were not honored by the dietary staff. A third resident, with a history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, reported not receiving bread, butter, or jelly with her meals, and noted that potatoes were served without butter or cheese. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility had run out of these items and was awaiting a delivery. The Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged being aware of the shortage but did not inform the Administrator or Dietitian, and did not take steps to procure the missing items in the interim. A group interview with residents corroborated that shortages of condiments and food were a recurring issue. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to reasonable accommodation of their needs and preferences, which was not upheld in these instances.
Failure to File and Resolve Resident Grievance Regarding Missing Personal Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to voice grievances and did not make prompt efforts to resolve a grievance regarding missing personal clothing. A female resident with Alzheimer's disease, but with intact cognition and the ability to communicate her needs, reported missing green pants, white capri pants, and a bright colored blouse to the Housekeeping Supervisor. The resident stated that her items had been missing for several weeks and she had not received any updates on whether the items were found or would be replaced, leading to her frustration. Review of facility records confirmed that no grievance was filed for the missing clothing during the relevant period. The Housekeeping Supervisor acknowledged receiving the report about the missing green pants but did not conduct a full search or report the issue to the Administrator as required by facility policy. The Administrator confirmed that she had not received a grievance regarding the missing clothing and stated that her expectation was for such incidents to be reported so a grievance could be filed and tracked. The facility's grievance policy specifies that the Administrator or designee is responsible for receiving and tracking grievances to their conclusion, but this process was not followed in this instance.
Unpalatable and Improperly Prepared Oatmeal Served at Breakfast
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature during a breakfast meal. Observations and interviews revealed that oatmeal served to residents had a thick, porous texture resembling cornbread, which was not consistent with expected standards. One resident reported being able to cut the oatmeal with a knife, while another resident stated the oatmeal looked hard and did not eat it. The Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged the oatmeal was too thick and attributed the issue to preparing it in one pan instead of two and not adding enough liquid. The Director also admitted the oatmeal should not have left the kitchen but was concerned about compliance with mealtimes. Further interviews with the DON, Traveling Certified Dietary Manager, and Administrator confirmed that the oatmeal was not prepared or served according to proper standards, as it should have been smooth and not clumpy or thick. The staff agreed that the oatmeal should not have been served in its condition and that it was important for food to be palatable for residents' health and enjoyment. There was also no policy or procedure in place regarding food palatability, as stated by the Regional Compliance Nurse.
Failure to Provide Food in Appropriate Form for Individual Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident received food prepared in a form designed to meet their individual needs. This deficiency indicates that meals were not consistently modified or adapted to accommodate the specific dietary requirements or physical abilities of residents, such as those needing pureed, chopped, or otherwise altered food textures.
Failure to Provide Physician-Ordered Therapeutic Diets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that therapeutic diets were prepared and served according to physician orders for two residents who required modified protein portions. One resident, a male with a history of right leg amputation and at risk for malnutrition, had a physician order for double meat/protein portions at all meals. Despite this, he received only half a serving of the entrée during a lunch observation, and both the resident and staff confirmed that he had not previously received double portions as ordered. The dietary manager and the Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged the error, noting that the resident should have received four cheese manicottis instead of one, and that the correct meal ticket was not used during tray preparation. Another resident, a male with chronic ulcer, depression, hypertension, and anxiety, also had a physician order for large protein portions with meals. During a lunch service, he did not receive the required large protein portion until after surveyor intervention, at which point an additional serving was provided. The resident reported that he did not normally receive that much food, indicating a pattern of not receiving the ordered diet. Both the dietary manager and the Director of Food and Nutrition confirmed the expectation for double or large protein portions and recognized the importance of following diet orders for nutritional needs. Interviews with the dietitian, medical director, DON, and administrator all confirmed that the expectation was for diet orders to be followed as written, with double or large protein portions provided to these residents. The facility's own policy specified that double servings of entrée/protein portions should be served for residents on large portion diets. The failure to provide the prescribed diet as ordered was observed directly by staff and surveyors, and acknowledged by facility leadership.
Unsanitary Ice Machine Equipment in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain proper sanitation standards for food service equipment, specifically regarding the ice machine and its accessories in the kitchen. During an inspection, the ice scoop was found to have a pink film on it, and the container holding the scoop contained black and brown film. The Director of Food and Nutrition confirmed the presence of these substances and acknowledged that kitchen staff were responsible for cleaning the ice scoop and holder. However, there was uncertainty about the cleaning schedule, with the Director stating the scoop was cleaned daily and the holder monthly. The Director described the condition of the equipment as 'gross' and recognized the potential for infection control issues due to the lack of cleanliness. Further interviews with the DON and the Administrator revealed that both were unaware of the specific cleaning schedule for the ice scoop and container, though they agreed that these items should be kept clean to prevent illness. Review of the facility's policies indicated that all kitchenware and food contact equipment should be cleaned and sanitized before use and after each meal preparation, following CDC and state food code guidelines. The observed failure to adhere to these standards resulted in unsanitary conditions for the ice machine equipment.
Failure to Prevent Accident Hazards Related to Razor Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the resident environment was free from accident hazards for two residents who were reviewed for accidents and hazards. One resident, who had an intact cognitive status and required supervision or assistance with personal hygiene, including shaving, was observed to have an electric razor and shaving gel on his bedside table over multiple days. Staff interviews revealed there was no specific policy or assessment in place regarding the storage of such items at the bedside, and staff believed it was the resident's right to keep them for personal hygiene. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Administrator confirmed there was no assessment process for determining if a resident could safely keep razors or shaving gel at bedside, and stated there were no residents who wandered into other rooms. Another resident, also with intact cognition and some independence in activities of daily living, was observed to have multiple disposable razors on his bathroom sink over several days. Staff interviews indicated uncertainty about whether the resident was care planned to have razors in his room, and some staff expressed concerns about safety for both the resident and others who might enter the room. The DON stated the resident was care planned for razors and was safe to have them, but review of the care plan only indicated staff should shave the resident if requested, with no mention of unattended razors in the room. The Administrator stated razors should not be in resident rooms for safety reasons and that it was the responsibility of all staff to ensure this. The facility's policy on shaving and razors was reviewed and found to be undated, only stating that all articles should be stored in the appropriate place, without further guidance. Observations and interviews confirmed that razors and shaving gel were left accessible in resident rooms without documented assessment or care plan interventions addressing the safety of this practice.
Failure to Notify Family of Significant Medical Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately notify the responsible party of a resident when there was a significant change in her medical condition, specifically regarding the results of a doppler study, the presence of gangrene, and the need for a vascular surgeon consultation. The resident, who had a complex medical history including Huntington's disease, heart failure, and vascular dementia, was found to have severe arteriosclerosis and near absent blood flow in her right lower extremity. Despite these critical findings, the resident's family member, who was also her medical power of attorney, was not informed of these developments. Interviews with various staff members, including LVNs and the DON, revealed a lack of communication and documentation regarding the notification of the resident's family member. Some staff members assumed that others had communicated the necessary information, while others were unsure if the family had been informed at all. The DON admitted to not remembering if she had communicated the doppler study results and gangrene diagnosis to the family member, citing a COVID-19 outbreak as a contributing factor to the oversight. The facility's policy required that significant changes in a resident's status be communicated to the family or legal guardian, and that all attempts to notify them be documented. However, the nursing progress notes did not reflect any such communication with the resident's family member. This lack of notification and documentation could potentially place residents at risk of their responsible parties not being involved in their plan of care, as evidenced by the family member's distress upon discovering the resident's condition during a hospital admission.
Failure to Involve Residents and Families in Care Planning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to facilitate resident and family participation in the care planning process for four residents, leading to a deficiency in care planning. Resident #15, a cognitively intact individual with multiple health conditions, was not invited to her care plan meetings, and there was no documentation explaining her absence or that of her representative. Similarly, Resident #17, who has severe cognitive impairments, was not involved in care plan meetings, and her responsible party was not notified or invited, as confirmed by the absence of documentation and the responsible party's statement. Resident #21, also cognitively intact, was not invited to care plan meetings, and there was no documentation of her or her representative's attendance. She expressed a desire to be involved in her care, indicating a lack of communication from the facility. Resident #28, another cognitively intact resident, was not invited to care plan meetings, and there was no documentation of her or her representative's participation. She stated she would have attended if she had been informed, highlighting the facility's failure to engage residents in their care planning. Interviews with facility staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding the responsibility for sending care plan meeting invitations. The Activity Director and Social Worker both indicated they were unsure of their roles in notifying residents and families. The Director of Nursing and Administrator acknowledged the importance of involving residents and families in care planning but admitted to lapses in the notification process. The facility's policy required advance notice for care planning conferences, but this was not consistently followed, resulting in residents and families being uninformed and uninvolved in care decisions.
Deficiencies in Food Storage and Labeling Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as observed in the kitchen's walk-in refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas. During the inspection, numerous food items were found without proper labeling, including missing preparation, receive, and expiration dates. This included a large bowl of chicken salad, a prepared ham sandwich, various vegetables, cheeses, meats, and other food items. Additionally, some food items were stored improperly, such as thawed raw meat being placed above ready-to-eat foods, which poses a risk of cross-contamination. Interviews with the dietary staff, including the acting Dietary Manager and a cook, revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to proper food labeling and storage protocols. The acting Dietary Manager admitted to not knowing about the unlabeled and expired items and acknowledged that ready-to-eat foods should not be stored below thawing meats. The cook confirmed that all food items should be labeled and dated, and that expired items should be discarded, but was unaware of the expired items present in the kitchen. The Dietary Manager, who has been in the role for four years, stated that she conducts daily walk-throughs and in-services on labeling and dating, but was not aware of the expired and improperly stored food items. The Administrator, overseeing the dietary staff, also confirmed the importance of labeling and discarding expired food to prevent foodborne illnesses. The facility's dietary policies, dated 2012, emphasize the need for proper labeling, dating, and discarding of expired or suspect food items, yet these practices were not consistently followed, leading to the identified deficiencies.
Inaccurate MDS Assessment for Anticoagulant Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the MDS assessment for a resident accurately reflected the use of anticoagulant medication. Specifically, the quarterly MDS assessment for a resident did not indicate that the resident had received rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant medication, within the 7-day look-back period. This oversight was identified during a review of the resident's medication administration record, which showed that the resident had been receiving rivaroxaban daily without any missed or refused doses. The resident's comprehensive care plan also indicated that the resident was on anticoagulant therapy, with specific interventions to monitor for complications. Interviews with the MDS Coordinator, DON, and Administrator revealed that the omission was a mistake, with the MDS Coordinator acknowledging the error in not coding the anticoagulant medication. The MDS Coordinator stated that she was responsible for ensuring the accuracy of MDS assessments and had missed the medication during her review. Both the DON and Administrator confirmed that the MDS assessment should have been coded to reflect the resident's anticoagulant use, and the failure to do so resulted in an inaccurate assessment. The Administrator noted that such inaccuracies could lead to errors in the resident's care plan.
Failure to Update PASRR for Resident with New Mental Illness Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with mental health disorders received an accurate Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) following a new diagnosis of severe major depression. The resident, a male with a history of psychosis, intermittent explosive disorder, and anxiety, was diagnosed with severe major depression on July 17, 2023. Despite this diagnosis, the facility did not update the resident's PASRR Level 1 screening, which initially indicated no evidence of mental illness. This oversight meant that the resident did not receive the necessary PASRR evaluation and potentially missed out on individualized care and specialized services. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that major depression is considered a mental illness and that a Form 1012 should have been completed to update the PASRR Level 1 screening. However, the resident was not included in a corporate list of residents needing documentation review, resulting in the oversight. The MDS Coordinator admitted responsibility for ensuring PASRR updates and recognized that the failure to complete the necessary form led to the resident not receiving proper evaluation or additional services. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator revealed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's long-term mental health issues upon admission. The DON confirmed that the MDS Coordinator was responsible for updating PASRRs, and the Administrator noted that the resident's behaviors, such as calling the police, prompted psychiatric referrals. The facility's policy did not address updating PASRR Level 1 after a new mental illness diagnosis, contributing to the deficiency.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments, as required by professional principles. This deficiency was observed when LVN C left a medication cart unlocked and unattended while checking a resident's blood sugar for insulin administration. The incident occurred when LVN C entered the resident's room, closed the door, and left the cart unsupervised. Upon returning, LVN C acknowledged the mistake and recognized the risk it posed for unauthorized access to medications. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator revealed that the expectation was for nurses to lock medication carts when unattended. Both the DON and the Administrator acknowledged the risk of unauthorized access to medications if carts were left unlocked. The facility's policy on medication storage, revised in July 2012, did not specify when medication carts should be locked, contributing to the oversight.
Failure to Coordinate Hospice Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to collaborate effectively with hospice representatives and coordinate the hospice care planning process for residents receiving hospice services. This deficiency was identified for two residents who were reviewed for hospice services. The facility did not obtain the most recent updated hospice plans of care for these residents, which could potentially place them at risk of receiving inadequate end-of-life care due to a lack of documentation, coordination of care, and communication of resident needs. Resident #34, a male with multiple diagnoses including psychosis, major depression, and chronic kidney disease, was receiving hospice services. His comprehensive care plan indicated the need for cooperation with the hospice team to meet his various needs. However, the facility's records did not reflect the most recent hospice plan of care, which included specific medication orders that were not updated in the facility's order summary report. Discrepancies in medication orders were noted, with some medications being discontinued without proper reconciliation in the facility's records. Similarly, Resident #27, a female with diagnoses including senile degeneration of the brain and schizophrenia, was also receiving hospice services. Her care plan required collaboration with the hospice team, but the facility lacked the updated hospice plan of care in her records. Interviews with hospice and facility staff revealed expectations for updated documentation and medication reconciliation, which were not met. The facility's agreement with the hospice company and its policy required regular updates to the hospice plan of care, which were not adhered to, leading to a lack of coordination of care.
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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