The Broadmoor At Creekside Park
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in The Woodlands, Texas.
- Location
- 5665 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77389
- CMS Provider Number
- 676357
- Inspections on file
- 41
- Latest survey
- March 13, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 11 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Broadmoor At Creekside Park during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors found that a resident was admitted to a room with urine-stained sheets, fecal matter on the toilet, and leftover wheelchair equipment from a prior occupant, while another resident’s room had numerous small black bugs on the kitchenette counter and inside a food bag. Two vacant rooms were also observed with spider webs, a dead centipede, urine-stained bedding, dried fecal splatter in the toilet, hairballs, and food residue along baseboards. Staff interviews revealed that CNAs sometimes received linens from laundry that were still stained with urine or BM and that residents had complained about dirty linens and bugs, including roaches, despite a facility policy requiring a clean, sanitary, and homelike environment.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple risk factors did not receive a thorough head-to-toe skin assessment as required by care plan and facility policy. Nursing staff failed to examine all areas, specifically the groin, resulting in a missed abscess that was only discovered after the resident was transferred to a hospital for further care.
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including dementia and hemiplegia, did not receive scheduled showers and wore the same stained shirt for three days. The facility's incomplete care plan and lack of documentation contributed to the oversight, as staff were unaware of the resident's needs. The facility's policy on ADLs was not followed, risking the resident's hygiene and health.
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for three residents, leading to potential missed treatments and inadequate care. A resident's wound treatments were not documented in the electronic system, while two other residents lacked current care plans for their complex medical needs, including pressure ulcers and catheter care.
The facility failed to document catheter care for two residents with indwelling catheters, risking urinary tract infections. Physician orders for catheter care were not entered into the system, and staff could not document care from December 1 to December 17, 2024. Observations confirmed the presence of Foley catheters, but medical records lacked care plans and documentation. Staff interviews revealed issues with order entry following a switch to a new EMR system.
A facility failed to provide colostomy care for a resident due to missing physician orders in the EMR system. The resident, with multiple medical conditions and a colostomy, had no care plan or documentation of colostomy care from December 1 to December 17, 2024. Staff interviews revealed that the recent switch to a new EMR system led to missed orders, and the absence of orders could result in missed treatments.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues was incorrectly documented as self-administering Potassium Chloride due to a transcription error. Staff failed to verify the order, leading to potential medication administration errors. The Unit Manager identified the mistake during a transition to a new EMR system, and the DON noted the need for proper order verification.
A facility failed to coordinate hospice care for a resident during an EMR transition, resulting in a missing hospice order from the system. The resident, with multiple health issues and on hospice care, had their hospice order omitted from the EMR from December 1 to December 17, 2024. Interviews revealed the order was in a previous EMR but not transferred correctly. The facility's policies emphasize accurate record-keeping, which was not followed, risking inadequate end-of-life care.
A facility failed to maintain proper infection control when a Med Aide did not sanitize a blood pressure cuff between uses on two residents. One resident had serious infections and was on Enhanced Barrier Precautions, while the other was admitted for rehabilitation. The oversight was confirmed by staff interviews, highlighting a lapse in following the facility's infection control policy.
Two residents who were fully dependent on staff for toileting and hygiene did not receive timely incontinence care, resulting in them being left soiled for extended periods. Family members, EMS personnel, and staff interviews confirmed that short staffing and lack of regular checks contributed to the deficiency, with residents unable to use call lights or reach staff for assistance.
The facility did not maintain adequate nursing staff on several days, resulting in residents, including one with significant medical and cognitive needs, remaining in soiled briefs for extended periods. Staffing levels were below the facility's own requirements, and staff and external responders confirmed that residents' care needs, particularly incontinence care, were not met in a timely manner.
A resident's purse, containing personal valuables, was lost after a housekeeper retrieved it from the Admissions office and gave it to another resident, mistakenly believing the individual was a family member. Staff did not verify the identity of the person receiving the property, and the purse was never recovered. The incident revealed inconsistent practices and lack of awareness among staff regarding the proper handling and release of resident belongings.
A CNA did not perform hand hygiene or change gloves as required while providing incontinence care to a resident with hemiplegia, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. The CNA used a single pair of gloves throughout the care, handled multiple items, and left the resident and bedding wet, contrary to facility policy and training. The DON confirmed the expected infection control procedures and the importance of compliance.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions experienced an unwitnessed fall, resulting in a head laceration and shoulder skin tear. The facility staff failed to remain with the resident, perform a complete assessment, and consistently document neuro checks, leading to deficiencies in the care provided.
Unsanitary Resident and Vacant Rooms, Soiled Linens, and Pest Activity
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide a safe, clean, and sanitary environment in resident-occupied and vacant rooms. One complaint resident (CR#1), a woman admitted with spinal stenosis of the lumbar region with neurogenic claudication and prior lumbar-sacral fusion, was admitted to a room that had urine-stained sheets, brown fecal matter on the toilet seat and toilet bowl, and wheelchair leg-rest equipment left on the closet floor from a previous resident. CR#1, who was alert and oriented x4, reported that the room was unsanitary upon admission, stating that her family had to clean the room and that they observed urine stains on the bed linens. Photographs taken by CR#1 on the day of admission showed brown fecal matter on the bottom of the toilet seat and directly underneath the toilet seat, short black hair in the bathroom soap dish, and wheelchair leg rests left on the closet floor. Another resident, identified as Resident #1, had a room with multiple small black bugs crawling on the kitchenette counter and inside a plastic bag containing a cookie. Resident #1’s family member reported that the move-in process had gone fine but stated there had been a lot of bugs by the kitchenette sink and counter and that the bugs had been present in the room for an unspecified period of time. Resident #1’s medical record showed she was admitted with noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis and a perforation of the intestine, and her care plan documented an ADL self-care performance deficit related to activity intolerance and impaired balance due to declined health. The presence of bugs in her room was directly observed by the surveyor during the interview with the family member. Two vacant rooms were also found to be in unsanitary condition. In vacant room A, which appeared empty of personal belongings but still had a resident’s name on the door, there were spider webs along the baseboards with a dead centipede caught in the web, a faint urine stain on the fitted sheet when the bed covers were pulled back, and dried fecal matter splatter inside the back of the toilet bowl. In vacant room B, hairballs and food residue were observed along the floor baseboards, and when the bed sheets were pulled back, over 30 strands of short black hair were seen on the fitted sheet. Staff interviews revealed that housekeeping staff were responsible for cleaning both occupied and vacant rooms and that some CNAs reported receiving linens from laundry that were stained with urine or bowel movement and that they would return visibly stained linens to the dirty pile. A CNA reported receiving complaints from residents about bugs and having seen roaches, and another CNA reported finding a roach in the hallway. A laundry aide described separating heavily soiled linens for special washing and sometimes re-washing items multiple times, and the DON stated that her expectation for new admissions and discharges was that housekeeping would perform a deep clean of the room, with the harm of an unclean environment identified as an infection control concern. Record review of the facility’s “Homelike Environment” policy, revised February 2021, showed that residents were to be provided with a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, including a clean, sanitary, and orderly environment and clean bed and bath linens in good condition. Despite this policy, the observations, interviews, and record reviews documented that CR#1 was admitted to a room with visibly soiled linens and bathroom fixtures, Resident #1’s room had visible bugs on the kitchenette counter and food packaging, and two vacant rooms contained dirty linens, pest evidence, and unclean bathroom fixtures and baseboards. These conditions formed the basis of the cited deficiency for failure to maintain a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and the public.
Failure to Complete Thorough Head-to-Toe Skin Assessment
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to ensure that a resident received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and the resident's choices. The resident, an elderly male with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and skin cancer, was at risk for pressure ulcers and had documented interventions requiring regular skin assessments, particularly due to his incontinence and decreased mobility. The care plan and physician orders required weekly head-to-toe skin assessments, with special attention to skin condition and signs of breakdown. On several occasions, staff documented that head-to-toe skin assessments were completed, but interviews and record reviews revealed that these assessments were not thorough. Specifically, on the day before the resident was sent to the hospital, the nurse responsible for the assessment admitted she did not examine the resident's groin area, stating she did not suspect any issues and the resident did not complain of discomfort. Other staff also reported difficulty in providing care due to the resident's dementia and reluctance to allow assistance, but there was no documentation or evidence that a complete skin assessment, including all skin folds and creases, was performed as required by facility policy. The deficiency became evident when the resident was found to have a draining, foul-smelling abscess in the left groin area, which was only discovered after a family member insisted on a more thorough examination. The abscess required surgical intervention after the resident was transferred to an acute care hospital. Interviews with staff confirmed that the required comprehensive skin assessments were not fully completed, particularly in the groin area, despite policy and care plan directives to examine all areas of the body, including moist areas and skin folds.
Failure to Provide Scheduled ADL Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for a resident who was unable to perform these tasks independently. The resident, a male with multiple medical conditions including kidney failure, dementia, and hemiplegia, was dependent on staff for showers, toileting hygiene, and dressing. Despite this, the resident did not receive scheduled showers on two occasions and wore the same stained shirt for three consecutive days. Observations and interviews confirmed that the resident had not been assisted with personal hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth and washing his face. The facility's records revealed that the resident's care plan was incomplete, and there was a lack of documentation regarding shower schedules in the electronic medical records. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of awareness and communication about the resident's needs and scheduled care. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator acknowledged the oversight and the potential risk of infections due to missed showers. The facility's policy on ADLs emphasized the importance of providing care to maintain residents' hygiene and grooming, which was not adhered to in this case.
Deficiencies in Medical Record Documentation and Care Planning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain medical records in accordance with accepted professional standards and practices for three residents. For Resident #151, there was a lack of documentation of wound treatments in the electronic record from December 14 to December 15. The resident, who had a history of skin integrity issues and was at high risk for pressure ulcers, did not have his wound care orders entered into the system promptly. Despite the presence of hospice orders posted in the resident's room, the orders were not specific, and there was a delay in entering them into the electronic system due to confusion and lack of clarification from hospice. This led to a situation where treatments were performed but not documented in the system, potentially causing missed treatments. For Resident #18, the facility failed to have current care plans in the electronic health system. The resident, who had multiple complex medical conditions including a sacral pressure ulcer, diabetes, quadriplegia, and was on hospice care, did not have his foley catheter, colostomy, hospice services, and pressure ulcers care planned. This lack of care planning could lead to inadequate care and oversight of the resident's needs. Similarly, Resident #87's care plans were not updated to reflect his current medical needs, including his foley catheter, pressure ulcer, and wound vac treatment. The resident, who had neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, paraplegia, and a stage 4 pressure ulcer, did not have these critical aspects of his care documented in the care plan. The absence of updated care plans for these residents indicates a systemic issue in the facility's documentation practices, which could result in residents not receiving the necessary care and treatments.
Failure to Document Catheter Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents with indwelling catheters received appropriate treatment and services to prevent urinary tract infections. Specifically, the facility did not enter physician orders for catheter care into the system for two residents, Resident #18 and Resident #87, and staff were unable to document care provided from December 1 to December 17, 2024. This oversight could place residents with Foley catheters at risk for urinary tract infections and skin breakdown. Resident #18, a male with multiple diagnoses including a sacral pressure ulcer, diabetes mellitus, quadriplegia, and neurogenic bladder, had an indwelling catheter that was not care planned. His medical record lacked orders for a Foley catheter from December 1 to December 17, 2024, and there was no documentation of catheter care during this period. An observation on December 17, 2024, confirmed the presence of a Foley catheter, but it was not visible during the initial observation. Similarly, Resident #87, a male with diagnoses including neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, paraplegia, and schizophrenia, also had an indwelling catheter that was not care planned. His medical record showed no orders for a Foley catheter from December 1 to December 17, 2024, and there was no documentation of catheter care. An observation on December 15, 2024, confirmed the presence of a Foley catheter clipped to the side of the bed. Interviews with staff revealed that the facility was experiencing issues with order entry following a switch to a new electronic medical record system, which contributed to the lack of documentation and care planning for these residents.
Failure to Provide Colostomy Care Due to Missing Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate colostomy care for a resident, identified as Resident #18, who required such services. The deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, revealing that physician orders for colostomy care were not entered into the system for Resident #18. Consequently, staff were unable to document the care provided from December 1 to December 17, 2024. This oversight could potentially place residents at risk of infection, skin breakdown, or discomfort. Resident #18 is a male with multiple medical conditions, including a sacral pressure ulcer, diabetes mellitus, quadriplegia, colostomy, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, anemia, and anxiety. The resident's Quarterly MDS assessment indicated moderately impaired cognition and dependency on all activities of daily living. Despite having a colostomy, there was no care plan in place for it, and the medical record lacked documentation of colostomy care during the specified period. Interviews with facility staff, including the Unit Manager, DON, and an LVN, revealed that the facility had recently switched to a different electronic medical record (EMR) system, which led to missed or incorrectly transferred orders. The DON acknowledged that the orders should have been in the system and that the absence of orders could result in missed treatments. The LVN confirmed that she had not yet provided colostomy care to Resident #18 on the day of the interview, and without orders, there was no place to document any care provided, leaving it unclear if prior care had been administered.
Pharmaceutical Services Deficiency in Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide accurate pharmaceutical services for a resident, specifically in the transcription and administration of Potassium Chloride. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues including kidney failure and heart failure, was incorrectly documented as self-administering Potassium Chloride. This error occurred from December 7 to December 17, 2024, despite the resident not self-administering any medications. The medication was signed off as unsupervised self-administration by various staff members without proper assessment or verification. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the incorrect order entry, and the Unit Manager acknowledged the error, attributing it to a mistake during the transition to a new electronic medical record system. The Director of Nursing noted that the orders should have been verified with the provider and entered correctly into the system. The facility's policies on pharmaceutical services and physician orders were not adhered to, leading to the potential risk of the resident not receiving their medication or receiving it more than once.
Failure to Coordinate Hospice Care in EMR Transition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to collaborate effectively with hospice representatives and coordinate the hospice care planning process for a resident receiving hospice services. Specifically, the facility did not ensure that the hospice order for a resident was entered into the electronic medical record (EMR) from December 1 to December 17, 2024. This oversight could potentially place residents receiving hospice services at risk of inadequate end-of-life care due to a lack of coordination and communication regarding their needs. The resident in question was an elderly male with multiple diagnoses, including a sacral pressure ulcer, diabetes mellitus, quadriplegia, colostomy, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, anemia, and anxiety. His quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment indicated moderately impaired cognition and complete dependence on assistance for all activities of daily living (ADLs). Despite being on hospice care, as noted in his medical history and physical examination, the hospice care was not properly care planned, and the hospice order was missing from the EMR during the specified period. Interviews with facility staff, including the Unit Manager and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed that the hospice order was present in a previous EMR system but was not transferred correctly when the facility switched to a new EMR system on December 1, 2024. The DON acknowledged that orders should have been verified and entered into the system to prevent missed treatments. The facility's policies on hospice services, charting and documentation, and physician orders emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure effective communication and care coordination, which was not adhered to in this case.
Inadequate Infection Control: Blood Pressure Cuff Not Sanitized Between Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of Med Aide G, who did not sanitize a blood pressure cuff between uses on two residents. Resident #250, who had multiple serious infections including bacterial meningitis and MSSA, was on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) and receiving IV antibiotics. Despite this, Med Aide G used the blood pressure cuff on Resident #250 and then placed it on Resident #23 without disinfecting it, which could lead to cross-contamination and infection transmission. Resident #23, who had moderately impaired cognition and was admitted for rehabilitation following a urinary tract infection, was exposed to potential infection due to this oversight. Interviews with Med Aide G and RN K confirmed the failure to disinfect the equipment, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff had been recently in-serviced on EBP. The facility's infection control policy mandates the prevention of infection spread through proper sanitation practices, which were not followed in this instance.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically timely incontinence care, for two residents who were dependent on staff for toileting and hygiene. One resident, a female with diagnoses including dementia, urinary system disorder, and mobility issues, was found to be fully dependent for toileting and bathing. Her care plan identified an ADL self-care deficit, and her family member reported frequent instances of her being left soiled due to staff not checking on her regularly. The resident was non-verbal and unable to use the call light, further contributing to the lack of timely care. Another resident, with a history of stroke, hemiplegia, dementia, and vision impairment, was also dependent on staff for toileting, hygiene, and dressing, and was always incontinent of bowel and bladder. Her care plan required assistance with ADLs to maintain cleanliness and dignity. She reported having to wait several hours to be changed earlier in the year, with staff not responding to call lights or the telephone. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility had been short staffed, resulting in residents being left soiled at shift changes and during overnight hours. External interviews with emergency medical services and local authorities corroborated these findings, with reports of responding to calls from residents who were unable to reach staff and were found soiled. Staff cited short staffing and shift changes as reasons for the delays in care. The facility's policy required provision of care to maintain residents' hygiene and dignity, but this was not consistently followed, leading to the identified deficiency.
Failure to Provide Sufficient Nursing Staff for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of residents on multiple days, as evidenced by staffing records and interviews. On five out of six days reviewed, the number of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and nurses scheduled was below the facility's own assessment tool requirements, despite a census of over 100 residents on some days. This staffing shortage resulted in residents not receiving timely incontinence care, with multiple complaints of residents remaining in soiled briefs for four to five hours. One resident with a history of acute respiratory failure, hemiplegia, stroke, dementia, and incontinence was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including toileting and hygiene. The resident's care plan required assistance with incontinence care every two hours and interventions to maintain skin integrity. However, interviews and record reviews revealed that these needs were not consistently met due to inadequate staffing, leading to prolonged periods without care. Staff interviews confirmed that there were periods of short staffing, with some staff reporting that they would find residents soiled at the beginning of their shifts. Emergency medical services personnel and local authorities also reported frequent complaints and calls for assistance from residents who could not get timely help from facility staff. The facility's own policy required adequate staffing to meet resident needs, but this was not maintained during the period in question.
Failure to Protect Resident Property During Discharge Process
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a facility failed to protect a resident's right to be free from misappropriation of property. The incident involved a cognitively intact female resident with multiple medical diagnoses, including a lumbar fracture, major depressive disorder, hyperlipidemia, and COPD. After the resident was discharged to the hospital, her purse was found in her room by a housekeeper, who bagged and tagged it with the resident's name and placed it in the Admissions Coordinator's office for safekeeping. Subsequently, the housekeeper requested the purse from the Admissions Coordinator, stating that the resident's family was present to retrieve it. The purse was handed over to the housekeeper, who then gave it to another resident, mistakenly believing the individual was a family member. The purse was not recovered despite a search of the facility, and the resident's family reported not having received it. The facility's investigation confirmed that identification was not checked before releasing the purse, and the whereabouts of the purse remained unknown. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistent practices regarding the handling and release of residents' valuables, with some staff unaware of the proper procedures or the need to verify the identity of individuals retrieving personal property. The resident and her family continued to inquire about the missing purse, which contained important items such as a driver's license and debit card. The facility's policy required protection against misappropriation of property, but this was not followed in this instance, resulting in the loss of the resident's belongings.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to follow proper infection prevention and control procedures while providing incontinence care to a resident. The CNA did not perform hand hygiene prior to care, used only one pair of gloves throughout the entire process, and did not change gloves after contact with potentially contaminated materials. During the care, the CNA applied barrier cream, moved pillows, adjusted sheets, and repositioned the resident without changing gloves, and left the resident and bedding wet. The CNA acknowledged not changing gloves during the care and stated that she would typically change gloves only if they became visibly soiled. The resident involved was a female with hemiplegia following a stroke, type 2 diabetes, and major depressive disorder, who was always incontinent and required substantial assistance with toileting hygiene. Facility records and interviews confirmed that the CNA had received recent training, and the facility's policies and skills checklists required hand hygiene and glove changes at specific points during incontinence care. The Director of Nursing confirmed the expected procedures for infection control and acknowledged the importance of these practices in preventing infections.
Failure to Provide Appropriate Post-Fall Care and Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Resident #1 received appropriate treatment and care following an unwitnessed fall. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions including idiopathic peripheral autonomic neuropathy, head and neck cancer, and a history of falls, was found on the floor bleeding from his head. Despite the severity of the situation, the staff did not remain with the resident after discovering him on the floor, and an appropriate assessment was not completed. The resident sustained a laceration to the head and a skin tear to the shoulder, but the size, depth, and amount of bleeding or drainage from the injuries were not documented. Additionally, the resident's range of motion was not assessed, and neuro checks were not consistently performed as ordered, particularly during the period when the resident was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. The lack of thorough assessment and documentation could have placed the resident at risk of not receiving the necessary care and services to meet his physical, mental, and psychosocial needs. The report details that the resident was found on the floor by a CNA who then notified LVN A. LVN A performed a head-to-toe assessment, cleaned the resident's wounds, and administered pain medication. However, the assessment was incomplete as it did not include the size, depth, and amount of bleeding from the laceration, nor the size and color of the hematoma. The resident was assisted back into bed without a documented range of motion assessment. Neuro checks were initiated but were not consistently documented, especially during the time the resident was sent to the hospital. The resident was later diagnosed with a pelvic fracture, scalp hematoma, and multiple abrasions at the hospital. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in the response to the fall. LVN A and other staff members did not follow the facility's policy for fall management and head injury follow-up, which required a thorough assessment and documentation of the resident's condition. The DON and other supervisory staff acknowledged that the documentation was incomplete and that the staff did not fully adhere to the protocols for assessing and documenting the resident's condition after the fall. The facility's policies on fall management and head injury follow-up were not adequately followed, leading to deficiencies in the care provided to Resident #1.
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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