The Laurenwood Nursing And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Duncanville, Texas.
- Location
- 330 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Duncanville, Texas 75116
- CMS Provider Number
- 675806
- Inspections on file
- 40
- Latest survey
- March 16, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 1
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Laurenwood Nursing And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to protect resident privacy and confidentiality by placing an "Elopement Binder" containing full admission records, including names, dates of birth, SSNs, Medicare/Medicaid numbers, addresses, and contact phone numbers, on a table by the front door. This binder, intended for residents identified as having elopement potential, was accessible to anyone entering or exiting the building. The DON acknowledged that such personal information is protected under HIPAA and should not be left where it can be accessed by unauthorized individuals, while the ADON reported she had continued an existing practice of maintaining the binder. The Administrator stated that only limited staff, such as business office, social worker, and IDT members, should have access to this level of information, and facility policy required reasonable measures to safeguard protected health information from unauthorized release.
A resident with dementia and hypertension was diagnosed with pneumonia and started on antibiotic therapy, but the care plan was not updated to include the pneumonia diagnosis or related interventions. Interviews with the DON and Administrator revealed uncertainty about the omission, despite facility policy requiring care plans to be revised with changes in condition.
A resident with multiple comorbidities was diagnosed and treated for pneumonia and sepsis during a hospital stay, but upon return, the DON did not add the infection to the facility's infection control log. The DON stated that only infections identified at the facility were logged, and there was no specific policy guiding this process. The administrator was also unsure about the documentation requirements for such cases.
Staff failed to disinfect a blood pressure cuff between use on two residents and did not follow proper glove use or hand hygiene during incontinent care for two other residents. These lapses occurred despite recent in-service training and clear facility policies requiring such infection control measures.
Surveyors found that staff failed to separate dented cans from regular food storage and did not label or date food and drink items as required. Kitchen staff and the DM confirmed that all staff were responsible for these tasks, and acknowledged the risks of not following proper procedures.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was found on the floor after an unwitnessed fall and later diagnosed with a hip fracture. Initial assessments did not identify injuries, and the incident was not thoroughly investigated or reported to the administrator or state agency as required. Staff interviews revealed gaps in reporting procedures and lack of awareness among interim leadership, resulting in a deficiency related to the facility's response to potential abuse or neglect.
Two residents with moderate cognitive impairment and complex medical histories were given nutritional supplements by a medication aide without physician orders or proper documentation. Staff interviews and facility policy confirmed that such supplements require a physician's order specifying type, amount, and frequency, which was not obtained in these cases.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues experienced an unwitnessed fall that was not reported to authorities as required, despite later being diagnosed with a hip fracture. Staff conducted internal monitoring and communicated with family and facility leadership, but did not follow mandated reporting procedures due to lack of training and unclear leadership during the administrator's absence.
A resident with dementia and a wander guard eloped from the facility unsupervised. The alarm system failed to alert staff, and the resident was found outside shortly after leaving the dining room. The resident's care plan identified them as an elopement risk, but staff did not effectively monitor the wander guard. The alarm volume was low, and staff were occupied with dining duties, leading to a lapse in supervision.
A resident under hospice care sustained an injury of unknown origin, and the facility failed to promptly notify the responsible party. The LVN assumed hospice would inform the family, which did not happen, leading to a delay in the family being aware of the resident's condition. The facility's policy required direct notification, which was not followed.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease was physically abused by a CNA, who was caught on video slapping and hitting the resident. The resident, who required total assistance and was nonverbal, was repositioned aggressively, leading to the involvement of law enforcement and the CNA's arrest. The facility's DON confirmed the incident and the lack of witnesses.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment eloped from a facility, crossing a busy street in a wheelchair to reach a fire station. The resident's care plan did not address the risk of elopement until the day of the incident, and previous assessments inaccurately indicated no risk. Staff were unaware of any exit-seeking behavior, and the resident's increased anxiety prior to the incident was not linked to elopement risk.
A facility failed to ensure a CNA maintained a current certification while providing care to residents. Despite being informed of her certification's impending expiration, the CNA continued to work multiple shifts without renewal. The HR department did not follow up on the renewal status, and the facility lacked a policy for registry verification. This oversight could result in residents receiving care from unverified staff.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple dependencies did not have her need for dining assistance accurately reflected in her care plan, leading to inconsistent meal consumption. Additionally, her bed was not maintained in the lowest position as required, resulting in a fall and shoulder injury. Despite regular care plan meetings, there was a disconnect between documentation and actual care, with staff unaware of the resident's fall risk and dining needs.
A resident with Alzheimer's and mobility issues was not provided a safe environment, as her bed was not kept in the lowest position despite being at risk for falls. The facility's staff had inconsistent views on the resident's fall risk, leading to multiple falls and a deficiency noted by surveyors.
A resident with Alzheimer's and a history of falls experienced a delay in treatment due to the facility's failure to promptly notify the physician of x-ray results indicating a shoulder dislocation. The x-rays were completed, but the results were not reviewed in a timely manner, leading to a delay in arranging hospital transfer. Interviews revealed confusion among staff about responsibility for checking and reporting results.
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards, as expired food items were found in the refrigerator on two separate occasions. Staff interviews revealed awareness of the requirement to discard food by the use-by date, but this was not followed. The Administrator was unaware of the outdated foods, and the facility's policies emphasize the importance of discarding expired food.
Failure to Safeguard Resident Protected Health Information in Elopement Binder
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents’ right to personal privacy and confidentiality of personal and medical records for four residents identified as having elopement potential. Surveyor observation revealed a yellow notebook labeled “Elopement Binder” placed on a table by the front door. In addition to elopement policies and procedures, this binder contained full admission records for four residents, including their names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, Medicare and Medicaid numbers, home addresses, and contact phone numbers. The binder was intentionally placed at the front door, as well as at each nurse’s station, so it could be easily located in the event of an elopement. During interviews, the DON stated that residents in the Elopement Binder had been determined to have the potential to leave the facility without notice and acknowledged that resident personal information is protected information with restricted access under HIPAA and should not be left where anyone could access it. The DON reported that the ADON was responsible for maintaining the binder and that she was unaware that full admission records were included. The ADON stated she had not initiated the Elopement Binder but continued the existing practice and confirmed that the front-door binder should not have contained residents’ personal information, only the binders at the nurses’ stations. The Administrator stated that resident personal information was restricted to a limited number of staff, such as the business office, social worker, and other IDT members, and that such information should not be left out where anyone could access it. Review of the facility’s policy on safeguarding and storing protected health information indicated the facility’s policy was to implement reasonable and appropriate measures to protect and maintain the safety and confidentiality of residents’ identifiable information and to safeguard against unauthorized release of information and records.
Care Plan Omission for Pneumonia Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan that addressed all of a resident's needs, specifically omitting the diagnosis of pneumonia for one resident. The resident, an elderly female with a history of dementia and secondary hypertension, was readmitted to the facility and subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia, as documented in the Infection Surveillance Monthly Report. Despite the confirmed diagnosis and the initiation of antibiotic therapy (Levaquin), the resident's care plan did not reflect the pneumonia diagnosis or related care interventions. Interviews with the DON and Administrator revealed uncertainty as to why the pneumonia diagnosis was not included in the care plan. The DON indicated that she would typically be notified of changes in a resident's condition through central intake, floor nurses, or audits, which would prompt an update to the care plan. However, in this instance, the care plan was not updated to address the pneumonia, resulting in a missed need for the resident. The facility's policy requires that care plans incorporate all identified problems and risk factors, and be revised as residents' conditions change, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Document Hospital-Treated Pneumonia on Infection Control Log
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program by not including a resident diagnosed with pneumonia on the infection control log. The resident, a male with a history of Alzheimer's Disease, COPD, and acute respiratory failure, was admitted to the facility, sent to the hospital after a chest x-ray indicated possible pneumonia, and subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis at the hospital. Upon return to the facility, the resident was not added to the infection control log, despite the diagnosis and treatment for pneumonia. The Director of Nursing, who also served as the infection preventionist, acknowledged awareness of the resident's pneumonia diagnosis and hospital treatment but did not update the infection control log, stating that infections identified and treated outside the facility were not logged. The facility did not have a policy specifying requirements for the infection control log, and the infection control policy provided only general guidelines for nursing procedures. The administrator deferred to the DON for infection control log procedures and was unsure about the requirements for documentation of infections diagnosed during hospital stays.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by multiple lapses in infection control practices by staff members during resident care. Specifically, a medication aide did not disinfect a blood pressure cuff between use on two different residents during medication administration. The aide admitted to not being aware of the need to clean the equipment between residents, although she did perform hand hygiene between uses. Both residents involved had significant medical conditions, including schizophrenia, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, and cognitive impairment, and required staff assistance for activities of daily living. Additionally, a certified nursing assistant did not follow proper glove use and hand hygiene protocols during incontinent care for two residents. The CNA failed to change soiled gloves and did not perform hand hygiene at any point during or after providing care, despite handling soiled briefs, personal care items, and resident belongings. The CNA continued to assist the residents with dressing, grooming, and repositioning while wearing the same soiled gloves, and left the resident rooms without washing hands or using hand sanitizer. Both residents receiving care were incontinent and had complex medical histories, including diabetes, end stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Interviews with the staff involved revealed a lack of understanding or recall of proper infection control procedures, despite recent in-service training on these topics. The Director of Nursing, who also served as the infection control preventionist, confirmed that staff were expected to clean equipment between residents and to change gloves and perform hand hygiene during resident care. Facility policies reviewed also required these infection control practices, but observations and staff interviews demonstrated that these procedures were not consistently followed.
Failure to Properly Store and Label Food Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Specifically, multiple dented cans, including cans of tuna, cream of mushroom, and zucchini tomato juices, were found in the dry storage area rather than being separated as required. Additionally, in the dining room, four large pitchers of unidentified liquid drinks were found without any label description or preparation dates. Interviews with the Dietary Manager (DM) and kitchen staff confirmed that dented cans were supposed to be stored in the DM's office and returned to the vendor, and that all kitchen staff were responsible for labeling and dating food and drinks. Record review showed that the facility's Food Receiving and Storage Policy required unacceptable products such as dented cans to be rejected and labeled food to be dated. The U.S. FDA Food Code also requires proper labeling and segregation of food items to prevent cross-contamination and food-borne illness. The staff acknowledged that failure to separate dented cans and to label and date food items could result in serving expired or spoiled food, potentially causing residents to become sick.
Failure to Investigate and Report Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate and report an incident involving a resident who sustained an injury of unknown origin, which was suspicious for abuse or neglect. The resident, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and total dependence on staff for activities of daily living, was found on the floor in the television room after an unwitnessed fall. Initial assessments by nursing staff did not reveal any injuries or complaints of pain, and neurological checks were performed as per policy. However, two days later, the resident exhibited signs of pain and guarding in her left leg, leading to an x-ray that confirmed a periprosthetic fracture of the left hip. The resident was subsequently transferred to the hospital for further evaluation and care. Despite the presence of a significant injury of unknown origin, the facility did not initiate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Interviews with staff revealed that the fall was reported to the DON, ADON, and family, but there was no evidence that the incident was reported to the administrator or to the State Survey Agency as required by facility policy and state law. The administrator was on maternity leave at the time and was unaware of the incident, and interim administrators were not clearly identified. The DON admitted to not being trained on incident reporting procedures and was unaware that the incident had not been properly reported or investigated. The facility's policy required immediate investigation and reporting of all alleged violations, including injuries of unknown source, to the administrator and appropriate authorities. However, documentation and interviews confirmed that these steps were not taken in this case. The lack of a timely and thorough investigation, as well as the failure to report the incident within the required timeframe, constituted a deficiency in the facility's response to potential abuse or neglect.
Nutritional Supplements Administered Without Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
Staff administered nutritional supplements to two residents who were moderately cognitively impaired and unable to make all decisions for themselves, without obtaining physician orders as required by facility policy. Observations during the morning medication pass showed that a medication aide gave 4 ounces of nutritional supplement to each resident, despite the absence of written physician orders or documentation on the Medication Administration Record for these supplements. Both residents had significant medical histories, including hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular conditions, and required staff assistance with activities of daily living. Interviews with the medication aide, licensed vocational nurses, and the Director of Nursing confirmed that all nutritional supplements must be given only with a physician's order, and that this protocol was not followed in these cases. Facility policy also specifies that commercial dietary supplements require a physician's order detailing the type, amount, and frequency. The failure to obtain and document physician orders for the administration of nutritional supplements constituted a deficiency in maintaining acceptable parameters of nutritional status for the residents involved.
Failure to Timely Report Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, or injuries of unknown source were reported immediately, but not later than two hours after the allegation was made, to the administrator and appropriate authorities. Specifically, a resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities, and a history of being at risk for falls experienced an unwitnessed fall. The incident was not reported to the state agency as required by facility policy and federal regulations, despite the resident later being diagnosed with a periprosthetic hip fracture. The resident was found on the floor by staff, and initial assessments did not reveal any injuries or complaints of pain. Neurological checks and monitoring were conducted per policy, and the resident continued to be observed by various staff members over the following days. It was not until two days after the fall that the resident exhibited signs of pain and guarding of the left leg, prompting an x-ray and subsequent transfer to the hospital for a newly identified hip fracture. Throughout this period, the incident was communicated internally to the DON, ADON, and family, but not reported externally as an injury of unknown origin. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity regarding reporting procedures, especially during the administrator's absence on maternity leave. The DON and interim administrators were unaware of the requirement to report the incident, and the DON admitted to not having been trained on incident reporting. The facility's policy required immediate investigation and reporting of such incidents, but this was not followed, resulting in a failure to meet regulatory requirements for timely reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or injury of unknown origin.
Resident Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision and Alarm Failure
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent a resident from eloping. The resident, who had unspecified dementia and wore a wander guard, managed to leave the facility unsupervised. The wander guard alarm system did not alert staff, and the resident was found outside between the facility's white fence and a neighboring home, approximately 10-15 feet from the nearest exit door. This incident occurred without any staff noticing the resident's departure or hearing the alarm. The resident had a history of severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMs score of 3, and was identified as an elopement risk. Despite this, the resident's care plan did not reflect any wandering behavior, and the staff failed to monitor the wander guard effectively. The resident was last seen in the dining room at 8:00 am and was found outside at 8:15 am, indicating a lapse in supervision during this time. Interviews with staff revealed that the alarm system was not heard due to its low volume, and the nurses were away from the nurse's station assisting with dining duties. The facility's elopement policy required staff to report any resident attempting to leave the premises, but this protocol was not effectively followed in this instance. The incident exposed gaps in the facility's supervision and alarm system, which contributed to the resident's unsupervised departure.
Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Resident's Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately notify the responsible party of a resident when an injury of unknown origin was discovered. The incident involved a resident who was under hospice care with multiple diagnoses, including cirrhosis of the liver, COPD, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. On the evening of January 18, 2025, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) identified a small scratch on the resident's forehead but did not promptly inform the resident's responsible party. The responsible party only became aware of the injury upon visiting the facility the following day. The resident was later diagnosed with a hematoma on the forehead, and the bruising was noted to have developed overnight. The LVN had notified the hospice but assumed that hospice would relay the information to the family, which did not occur. The facility's policy required the LVN to notify the resident's representative directly, which was not done in this case. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the LVN should have called the responsible party in addition to notifying hospice. Interviews with hospice staff and the DON revealed that the resident had a history of impulsive behavior and confusion, which contributed to her frequent movements and potential for injury. The DON believed the bruising was delayed from a previous fall on January 15, 2025. Despite the facility's efforts to monitor and manage the resident's condition, the failure to communicate the change in the resident's condition to the responsible party was a significant oversight.
Resident Abuse by CNA Captured on Video
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by a CNA. The resident, who had impaired cognitive function and was nonverbal, was aggressively repositioned and hit twice in the face by the CNA. This incident was captured on video surveillance installed in the resident's room, which showed the CNA slapping the resident with an open hand and a closed fist, causing the resident to grimace in pain. The resident, an elderly female with Alzheimer's disease and other medical conditions, required total assistance with activities of daily living. On the day of the incident, the resident's representative reviewed the video footage and observed the abuse, prompting her to notify law enforcement. The police arrived at the facility, confronted the CNA with the video evidence, and subsequently arrested the CNA for the offense of injury to an elderly person. The Director of Nursing (DON) and other staff members were informed of the incident after the arrest. The DON confirmed the identity of the CNA from the video footage and acknowledged the lack of witnesses during the incident. The facility's policy on abuse and neglect was reviewed, which defines abuse as the willful infliction of injury or harm, including physical abuse such as hitting and slapping.
Removal Plan
- Conducted skin assessments on all nonverbal residents
- Conducted safe surveys for every verbal resident
- Educated staff on abuse and neglect and customer service
- Implemented monitoring by all departments completing guardian angel daily rounds
Resident Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate supervision for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, resulting in the resident eloping from the facility. The resident, who was ambulatory with a wheelchair and required assistance for activities of daily living, managed to leave the facility unsupervised and crossed a busy four-lane street to reach a fire station. This incident placed the resident in an Immediate Jeopardy situation, highlighting a significant lapse in the facility's supervision and safety protocols. The resident's medical history included severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and anxiety, with no prior documented behaviors of wandering or exit-seeking. Despite these conditions, the resident's care plan did not address the moderate risk for elopement until the day of the incident. Previous elopement risk assessments had inaccurately scored the resident as having no risk for elopement, indicating a failure in accurately assessing and updating the resident's risk status. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the resident had not exhibited any exit-seeking behavior prior to the incident, and staff were unaware of any potential risk. The resident's anxiety had increased in the weeks leading up to the elopement, and medication adjustments were made, but these changes did not prompt a reassessment of the resident's elopement risk. The facility's failure to recognize and address the resident's increased anxiety and potential for elopement contributed to the incident.
Removal Plan
- An emergency QAPI meeting was held with Medical Director in attendance.
- All residents had a new elopement assessment to identify any current patients that are imminent risk for elopement.
- Elopement assessment will be completed upon admission and quarterly by the charge nurse and/or nurse managers.
- For any resident that triggers an imminent risk for elopement, the elopement response protocol will be initiated.
- Any patient that triggers elopement risk will be placed on 1:1 monitoring until no longer deemed necessary.
- DON will monitor for compliance and then monthly on an ongoing basis.
- Until alternative and/or safe living arrangements are made, they will be placed on one-one-supervision with facility staff.
- The resident's picture and face sheet will be placed in an elopement binder.
- Resident care plans will also be updated.
- The Director of Nursing and/or Nurse Manager will monitor weekly for compliance by completing an audit of the elopement assessments and the elopement binders.
- Audits will be completed weekly and monthly on an ongoing basis.
- The Regional Director of Clinical Services will review the documentation each week for compliance.
- The Executive Director will monitor daily to ensure compliance and will review.
Failure to Verify CNA Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), identified as CNA F, maintained a current nurse aide certification while employed and actively providing care to residents. CNA F's certification expired, yet she continued to work multiple shifts over several weeks without the necessary documentation of training and competency. This lapse in certification verification was identified during a review of CNA F's personnel file, timecard reports, and the facility's credentialing records. Interviews with the facility's Human Resources (HR) personnel and the Regional Nurse Consultant revealed that the HR department was responsible for conducting background and registry checks prior to hiring and annually thereafter. Although the HR representative was aware of CNA F's impending certification expiration and had informed her, there was no follow-up to ensure the renewal was completed. The facility did not have a policy for nurse aide registry verification, and despite a grace period extension for certification renewal by HHS, the facility failed to provide documentation of a waiver application. This oversight could lead to residents receiving care from staff without verified competencies.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident, which resulted in unmet needs for dining assistance and fall prevention. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and required substantial assistance with eating, did not have her need for dining assistance accurately reflected in her care plan. Despite observations and interviews indicating that the resident could not eat independently, the care plan inaccurately stated that she was independent with eating, requiring only setup assistance and monitoring. This discrepancy was further highlighted by the resident's inconsistent meal consumption records and the acknowledgment by staff that the resident needed assistance with meals. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that the resident's bed was maintained in the lowest position as required by her care plan, which was a critical intervention for her fall risk. The resident, who was fully dependent on staff for bed mobility and transfers, experienced a fall from her bed, resulting in a left shoulder injury. Observations confirmed that the resident's bed was often in a high position, contrary to the care plan's directive. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the care plan's fall prevention measures, with some staff mistakenly believing the resident was not a fall risk. The facility's failure to update and implement the care plan according to the resident's current needs and conditions was evident in the lack of coordination among the interdisciplinary team. Despite regular care plan meetings, there was a disconnect between the care plan documentation and the actual care provided, as evidenced by conflicting statements from staff and the resident's representative. The facility's policy on comprehensive care plans emphasized the need for measurable objectives and timetables, yet these were not effectively applied in the resident's case, leading to significant deficiencies in her care.
Failure to Maintain Safe Environment for Fall-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's environment was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision and assistance devices were provided to prevent accidents. Specifically, the facility did not maintain the bed of a resident, who was at risk for falls, in the lowest position possible while the resident was lying in bed. This oversight was observed during a survey, and it was noted that the resident had previously sustained falls, including one from her bed. The resident in question was an elderly female with Alzheimer's Disease, an above-the-knee amputation, muscle wasting, and lack of coordination. She was severely cognitively impaired and fully dependent on staff for bed mobility, repositioning, and transfers. Despite these conditions, the resident's bed was observed to be in a high position on multiple occasions, contrary to the interventions outlined in her care plan, which specified that the bed should be in the lowest position possible to mitigate fall risks. Interviews with facility staff revealed inconsistencies in the understanding and implementation of fall prevention measures. Some staff members acknowledged that the resident was a fall risk and that the bed should be in a low position, while others, including the DON, did not consider the resident a fall risk. This lack of consensus and adherence to the care plan contributed to the resident's falls and the subsequent deficiency noted by surveyors.
Failure to Promptly Notify Physician of X-Ray Results
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify the ordering physician of x-ray results that fell outside of clinical reference ranges for a resident who was reviewed for radiology services. The resident, an 81-year-old female with Alzheimer's Disease and an acquired absence of the left leg above the knee, was at risk for falls and required extensive assistance with activities of daily living. After a fall, the resident was ordered to have x-rays of the skull, left arm, and left shoulder. The x-rays were completed, but the results indicating a dislocation were not promptly communicated to the physician. The x-ray results were available on the facility's electronic health record system but were not reviewed by the appropriate staff in a timely manner. The Wound Nurse discovered the results a day after they were available and reported them to the Director of Nursing (DON), family, and physician. However, there was a delay in arranging for the resident's transfer to the hospital for further evaluation, as the initial attempt to secure non-emergency transport was unsuccessful, and emergency medical services deemed the situation non-emergent. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and communication regarding the responsibility for checking and reporting x-ray results. The DON stated that the facility's policy required the attending physician to be notified of test results, but there was confusion among staff about who was responsible for this task. The delay in notifying the physician and arranging for the resident's transfer to the hospital resulted in a delay in treatment for the resident's shoulder dislocation.
Failure to Discard Expired Food in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Specifically, the facility did not discard food in the refrigerator by the use-by date as per the facility guidelines. Observations revealed that on two separate occasions, expired food items were found in the walk-in refrigerator. On one occasion, 12 small cups of cheese with a use-by date of 02/17/2024 were found on a rolling cart. On another occasion, a salad with a use-by date of 02/21/2024 was found among other salads. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and Cook A indicated that staff were aware of the requirement to discard food by the use-by date but failed to do so. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the oversight and mentioned plans to conduct an in-service with all staff. The Administrator was unaware of the outdated foods and referred to the facility's policy, which mandates the daily discarding of outdated products. The facility's policies from 2017 and 2007 were reviewed, both emphasizing the importance of discarding expired food to ensure safety and maintain nutritional quality.
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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