St Giles Nursing And Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in El Paso, Texas.
- Location
- 950 Camino Del Rey Drive, El Paso, Texas 79927
- CMS Provider Number
- 676375
- Inspections on file
- 31
- Latest survey
- February 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 1
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at St Giles Nursing And Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with a terminal brain condition was admitted from a hospital on hospice with one family member documented as responsible party, while another family member was listed as next of kin on PASRR paperwork. The facility relied on existing hospice documents and its internal system, which named the first family member as representative, and did not review conflicting records or ask the resident whom he wanted to represent him. The resident, who was documented as alert and oriented with moderate cognitive impairment, told staff he did not want hospice and wanted a different family member to be his responsible party, but the facility continued to recognize the originally listed family member as the representative without consulting the resident, contrary to its resident rights policy allowing residents to identify individuals to be included in care planning.
The facility failed to ensure that three residents had their call lights within reach, compromising their ability to call for assistance. A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a fall risk had her call light on the floor, while another resident's call light was clipped out of reach. A third resident had no call light in her room. Despite staff training, the facility lacked a specific policy on call light placement.
The facility failed to provide adequate respiratory care for two residents, leading to deficiencies in oxygen management. One resident had a dusty oxygen concentrator filter, while another had an improperly stored oxygen tank without a warning sign. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to safety protocols, posing potential fire hazards.
A facility failed to maintain a clean and safe environment, as evidenced by a brown, thick substance on the floor of a resident's room entryway. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, muscle atrophy, and dementia, reported discomfort with the uncleanliness. Interviews with the Administrator and DON revealed that the facility's cleaning process involved housekeeping and rounds by nurses and CNAs, but staff failed to monitor the resident's room closely, leading to potential risks such as falls and pest attraction.
A medication aide in an LTC facility failed to follow infection control procedures by not wearing gloves while applying a lidocaine patch to a resident with severe cognitive impairment. Despite being trained to wear gloves, the aide found it difficult to apply the patch with them. The facility's policy requires gloves to prevent infection and medication absorption by staff.
A resident was found with a dixie cup containing Zinc Oxide pomade at their bedside, improperly left there by staff after application. The resident, who was cognitively intact and at risk of pressure ulcers, required the ointment for a sacral ulcer. Staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to medication disposal protocols, posing risks of infection and misuse by other residents. The facility lacked a specific policy for supervising and disposing of medications.
The facility failed to follow professional standards for food service safety, as observed during a kitchen tour. Four oil containers were not labeled or dated, and a container of pork in the fridge had a ripped foil cover. The Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged these issues, stating that all food items should be dated and labeled, and improperly sealed food could lead to contamination.
A resident with complex medical conditions, including dementia and morbid obesity, experienced a significant change in condition with a newly diagnosed DVT and severe weight loss. The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan addressing these issues, despite policies requiring updates for significant changes. Interviews revealed a lack of communication and follow-up among staff, contributing to the oversight in care planning.
The facility failed to properly dispose of razor blades in two shower rooms, leaving them outside of sharps containers, which posed a risk of injury. Additionally, a resident with dementia and a history of falls was found in bed without the required fall mat, contrary to their care plan. Staff interviews confirmed these oversights, highlighting deficiencies in accident hazard prevention and supervision.
A facility failed to implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident at risk of falls by not placing a required fall mat next to the bed. The resident, with a history of dementia and repeated falls, was found without the mat, which was instead leaning against a dresser. Staff interviews confirmed the oversight, highlighting a lapse in following the care plan designed to minimize injury risk.
A resident's care plan inaccurately documented the need for a mechanical lift for transfers, despite the resident requiring only moderate assistance. This error was due to outdated information following the resident's recovery from an ankle fracture. The facility's staff, including the Director of Therapy Services and the Administrator, confirmed the oversight, which was attributed to staff changes in the MDS department.
Failure to Verify and Honor Resident’s Choice of Representative
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to establish and honor the resident’s choice of representative/responsible party. A male resident with a terminal diagnosis of senile degeneration of the brain was admitted from a hospital with hospice orders and documentation listing one family member (Family Member #2) as the responsible party. The face sheet and hospice paperwork identified Family Member #2 as the responsible party and signatory for hospice services, while the PASRR Level I screening listed a different family member (Family Member #3) as next of kin. The resident’s history and physical documented that he was alert and oriented to person, place, and situation, though with significant forgetfulness and impaired insight. A BIMS assessment later showed a score of 8, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, but the entry MDS initially had no BIMS score. Family Member #3 reported that the resident had been placed on hospice by Family Member #2 prior to transfer and that she was notified only after the fact. She stated that at the current facility the resident told staff he did not want Family Member #2 as his responsible party because she did not treat him well, and that he did not have a power of attorney. She further stated that the facility did not consult the resident or family about who he wanted as his representative and simply continued the same responsible party designation from the hospital, based on the fact that the resident had lived with Family Member #2 before admission. During a care plan meeting, Family Member #3 voiced that she believed the resident did not need hospice, but was told that Family Member #2 was the next of kin and remained the designated representative. The Administrator stated that the facility relied on the hospice paperwork and information from the hospice agency, both of which identified Family Member #2 as the representative, and that the facility did not review the PASRR documentation or ask the resident whom he wanted as his representative. The Social Worker stated she relied on the facility system, which listed Family Member #2 as the responsible party, and was not aware of a different next of kin. She also reported that a BIMS assessment had been requested to better gauge cognition, but therapy did not complete it because the resident was on hospice. The resident himself stated he did not know how he ended up at the facility under hospice, reported that Family Member #2 left him there and did not want him back home, and clearly expressed that he did not want hospice services and wanted Family Member #3 to be his responsible party. The facility’s resident rights policy stated that residents have the right to identify individuals or roles to be included in the planning process, but the facility did not obtain or act on the resident’s expressed preference for his representative.
Failure to Ensure Call Lights Within Reach for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three residents had their call lights within reach, which is a critical component for resident safety and communication. Resident #41, a female with severe cognitive impairment and a risk for falls, was observed with her call light on the floor, out of reach, during two separate observations. Her care plan specifically required that her call light be within reach to mitigate her fall risk. Similarly, Resident #60, also with severe cognitive impairment and at risk for falls, had her call light clipped to a wall light cord behind her bed, making it inaccessible. Her care plan also mandated that her call light be within reach. Resident #250, who has severe cognitive impairment and impaired mobility, was found without a call light in her room, contrary to her care plan's requirements. Interviews with facility staff, including CNAs and the DON, revealed a general understanding that call lights should be within reach of residents to ensure they can call for assistance when needed. However, despite regular in-service training on the importance of call lights, the facility did not have a specific policy regarding their placement. The lack of accessible call lights for these residents could lead to significant delays in care and potential falls, as residents may attempt to move without assistance. The DON acknowledged the importance of call lights being within reach and the potential risks if they are not, yet the facility's practices did not consistently reflect this understanding. The absence of a specific policy on call light placement may have contributed to these deficiencies.
Deficiencies in Oxygen Management and Safety Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate respiratory care for two residents, leading to deficiencies in oxygen management. Resident #20, who was diagnosed with respiratory failure and severe cognitive impairment, was observed with a dusty and unclean oxygen concentrator air filter. The facility's staff, including the LVN and DON, were unsure about the frequency of cleaning the filters, which depended on the manufacturer's recommendations. The central supply personnel noted that the filters were last cleaned in December 2024, and there was a lack of awareness about the risks associated with dirty filters. Resident #87, diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and acute respiratory failure, was found to have an oxygen tank improperly stored in his room without an oxygen sign posted outside. The tank was left open, allowing oxygen to escape, which posed a potential fire hazard. Interviews with various staff members, including LVNs, CNAs, and the DON, revealed a lack of adherence to safety protocols, such as posting oxygen signs and ensuring tanks were closed and stored properly. The staff acknowledged the risks of fire or explosion due to the improper handling of oxygen equipment. The facility's policy on oxygen administration required the placement of no smoking signs and proper storage of oxygen canisters, but these protocols were not followed. The Administrator and DON confirmed the necessity of these safety measures to prevent potential hazards. The failure to adhere to these protocols could lead to significant safety risks for residents and staff, as indicated by the observations and interviews conducted during the survey.
Failure to Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents, as evidenced by the presence of a brown, thick substance on the floor of room 104's entryway. This deficiency was identified during an observation and interview with a resident who reported the spill, resembling maple syrup, at the entrance to his room. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, muscle atrophy, and dementia, expressed discomfort with the uncleanliness and speculated that the spill might have been caused by staff delivering breakfast. The resident also noted that staff sometimes delayed cleaning his room, contributing to his discomfort. Interviews with the facility's Administrator and Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that the facility's cleaning process involved housekeeping and rounds conducted by nurses and CNAs to ensure cleanliness. Both the Administrator and DON acknowledged the potential risks associated with the spill, including falls, resident discomfort, and pest attraction. The Administrator admitted that the facility staff failed to closely monitor the resident's room to ensure it was clean and sanitary, which could lead to a resident feeling depressed in a dirty environment. The facility's policy on infection control precautions emphasized the importance of cleaning and disinfecting resident rooms and equipment, but the failure to adhere to this policy resulted in the observed deficiency.
Infection Control Breach in Transdermal Patch Application
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of a medication aide who did not adhere to proper procedures when applying a transdermal patch to a resident. The resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip, was prescribed a lidocaine 4% patch for pain relief. During an observation, the medication aide was seen removing the old patch and applying a new one without wearing gloves, which is against the facility's policy and infection control procedures. The medication aide admitted to not wearing gloves because she found it difficult to apply the patch with them on, despite being trained to do so. She acknowledged the importance of wearing gloves for infection control and to prevent medication absorption through her skin. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the procedure for applying transdermal medications includes wearing gloves to prevent infection and medication absorption by staff. The facility's policy also mandates the use of gloves or avoiding contact with the medication side of the patch to prevent absorption through the skin.
Improper Medication Management and Disposal
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper pharmaceutical services for a resident, leading to a deficiency in medication management. Specifically, a resident was found with a dixie cup containing Zinc Oxide pomade and a tongue depressor at their bedside, which was exposed and within reach of other residents. This situation arose from the staff's practice of pouring a portion of the medication into a cup for application during peri care, but failing to discard the leftover medication as required by infection control protocols. The resident involved was a cognitively intact male with a history of cerebral palsy, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, seizures, kidney failure, and a urinary tract infection. He was at risk of developing pressure ulcers and required assistance with activities of daily living and mobility. The care plan included the application of Zinc Oxide to a pressure ulcer on the sacrum, but the medication was improperly left at the bedside, posing a risk of misuse by other residents. Interviews with various staff members, including an RN, CNA, LVN, DON, and the Administrator, revealed a lack of adherence to proper medication disposal procedures. The staff acknowledged the potential risks of leaving medication at the bedside, such as infection control issues and the possibility of other residents ingesting or misapplying the medication. The facility did not have a specific policy addressing the supervision and disposal of medications, contributing to the deficiency.
Deficiency in Food Storage and Labeling Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as observed during a kitchen tour. Four containers of Pan & Grill frying oil in the dry food pantry were found to be neither labeled nor dated. The Director of Food and Nutrition acknowledged that the oil containers should have been dated and stated that they would be disposed of. Additionally, a metallic container labeled 'PORK' in the walk-in fridge was covered with foil that had a ripped opening, which the Director also acknowledged and stated would be covered properly. During an interview, the Director of Food and Nutrition explained that the procedure for receiving food items includes dating all items once they are received and out of the box, and that it is the responsibility of all kitchen staff to ensure this is done. The Director mentioned that undated or unlabeled food items are typically disposed of, as was the case with the oil containers. He expressed that there was no risk to residents from the undated oil but acknowledged that improperly sealed food could lead to contamination and foodborne illnesses, although he believed the pork was stored in a safe area.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident with DVT and Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident who experienced a significant change in condition due to a newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and severe weight loss. The resident, a female with multiple complex medical conditions including dementia, morbid obesity, and catatonic schizophrenia, was admitted to the facility with a history of significant weight loss and was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living. Despite these conditions, the facility did not create a care plan addressing the resident's DVT or severe weight loss, which are critical aspects of her care. The deficiency was identified through a review of the resident's medical records and interviews with facility staff. The records showed that the resident had been diagnosed with a DVT in her right arm and was prescribed Xarelto, an anticoagulant, but this condition was not included in her care plan. Additionally, the resident experienced a significant weight loss over several months, yet there was no care plan to address this issue. Interviews with the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Dietary Manager (DM), and the Primary Care Physician (PCP) revealed a lack of communication and follow-up regarding the resident's care needs, contributing to the oversight in care planning. The facility's policies required that any significant change in a resident's condition should be reflected in an updated care plan. However, the staff interviews indicated that the care planning process was not followed, with the ADON citing being overwhelmed with staff turnover as a reason for the oversight. The DM had communicated the resident's weight loss to the team, but there was no follow-up to ensure a care plan was developed. The PCP was aware of the resident's weight loss and DVT but was not informed about the lack of care planning. This lack of coordination and adherence to care planning protocols resulted in the resident not receiving a comprehensive care plan tailored to her needs.
Improper Disposal of Sharps and Fall Prevention Oversight
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper disposal of razor blades in two out of three shower rooms, specifically in the 100 hall and 200/300 hall shower rooms. During observations, disposable shaving razors were found outside of the sharps container, posing a risk of injury to residents and staff. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the issue, noting that the central supply was responsible for emptying the containers, and emphasized the potential risks of cuts and infections from improperly disposed sharps. Additionally, the facility did not adhere to the care plan for a resident identified as a fall risk. The resident, who has dementia, muscle weakness, and a history of falls, was observed in bed without the required fall mat in place. The mat was found leaning against a dresser, away from the resident's bed, contrary to the care plan's directive to have it in place at all times when the resident is in bed. Interviews with staff confirmed the oversight and highlighted the increased risk of injury due to the absence of the fall mat. The facility's policies and procedures, including the Discarding of Sharps policy, were not followed, leading to potential hazards. The DON and Administrator both recognized the importance of adhering to care plans and proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries. The failure to follow these protocols resulted in deficiencies related to accident hazards and inadequate supervision, as observed by the surveyors.
Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident, which included measurable objectives and time frames to meet the resident's medical and nursing needs. Specifically, the facility did not follow the care plan for a resident at risk of falls by failing to have a fall mat in place next to the bed while the resident was lying down. This deficiency was observed during a survey when the resident was found in bed without the required fall mat, which was instead leaning against a dresser approximately five feet away. The resident, who has a history of dementia, muscle weakness, and repeated falls, was assessed to require partial/moderate assistance with transfers and had experienced multiple falls since admission. Despite the care plan specifying the use of a floor mat to minimize injury risk, staff interviews revealed that the mat was not consistently placed as required. The CNA, LVN, DON, and Administrator all acknowledged the importance of following the care plan to prevent potential injuries, yet the mat was not in place, indicating a lapse in adherence to the care plan.
Inaccurate Transfer Method Documented in Resident's Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for a resident, specifically regarding the method of transfer documented in the care plan. The resident, who has severe cognitive impairment and requires moderate assistance for transfers, was inaccurately documented as needing a mechanical lift for transfers. This discrepancy was discovered during a review of the resident's care plan, which had not been updated to reflect the resident's current ability to bear weight and perform transfers with moderate assistance. Interviews with the Director of Therapy Services and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident's care plan was outdated and did not accurately represent the resident's current transfer needs. The inaccurate documentation stemmed from a previous condition where the resident required a mechanical lift due to an ankle fracture. However, after the fracture healed, the resident's transfer needs changed, but the care plan was not updated accordingly. The Director of Therapy Services and the Administrator acknowledged the oversight, attributing it to staff changes in the MDS department, which led to the failure to update the care plan. The facility's documentation policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining complete and accurate records, highlighting the deficiency in this case.
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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