The Lennwood Nursing And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Dallas, Texas.
- Location
- 8017 W Virginia Dr, Dallas, Texas 75237
- CMS Provider Number
- 675820
- Inspections on file
- 37
- Latest survey
- December 11, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Lennwood Nursing And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of elopement was able to leave the facility undetected, despite wearing a Wanderguard device. The facility did not complete an elopement assessment prior to the incident, and staff were unaware of the resident's exit until notified by someone outside the facility. The resident was later found at a nearby location with minor injuries.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of wandering eloped from the facility undetected, despite having a Wanderguard device in place. The incident was not reported to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe, and documentation of the event and device checks was incomplete. Staff and administration failed to ensure timely and proper reporting of the incident as required by facility policy and regulation.
A facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services, resulting in the loss of 26 tablets of Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 for a resident. An LVN signed for the medication delivery but could not recall receiving it, leading to its disappearance. The resident, with a history of transient cerebral ischemic attack and rheumatoid arthritis, was at risk of unrelieved pain due to the missing medication.
The facility failed to provide adequate care for residents with pressure ulcers, as observed in three cases. A resident developed an unstageable pressure ulcer, and wound care was not consistently provided. Another resident's stage 4 ulcer was not properly dressed, and the low air loss mattress settings were incorrect. A third resident's mattress was not turned on, and staff did not adjust settings according to residents' weights, impacting pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.
Two residents in the facility experienced inadequate catheter care, leading to potential risks of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. One resident with a suprapubic catheter had no urine output documented, and the care plan lacked specific interventions. Another resident's catheter showed cloudy urine with sediment, which was not addressed by staff. Interviews revealed inconsistencies in monitoring and reporting, highlighting deficiencies in adhering to catheter care protocols.
A facility failed to administer blood pressure medication, Midodrine, according to physician orders for a resident with multiple health conditions. The resident's blood pressure was not recorded before administering the medication on several occasions, contrary to the facility's policy. This oversight could lead to the resident not receiving the correct dosage of medication.
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for three residents with pressure ulcers and non-pressure wounds. Documentation gaps were found in the treatment administration records (TARs) for these residents, with numerous instances of undocumented wound care. Interviews revealed that wound care responsibilities were sometimes delegated to charge nurses, but there was a lack of consistent documentation and oversight to ensure treatments were completed and recorded.
A facility failed to obtain necessary hospice documentation for a resident admitted to hospice care, including nursing documentation, plan of care, and physician orders. The resident, with a life expectancy of less than six months, required substantial assistance for daily activities. Staff changes and the absence of a designated hospice coordinator contributed to the oversight.
A LTC facility reported a 29% medication error rate involving two residents. One resident received crushed extended-release medications, while another had medications improperly administered via a G-tube. Staff failed to follow physician orders and facility policies, leading to potential medication interactions and ineffective treatment.
A medication aide in a facility failed to follow infection control protocols while providing peri care to a resident, as they did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene after cleaning the resident. This oversight was compounded by a lack of training and awareness, as the aide had not been in-serviced on proper procedures. Interviews with staff confirmed the expectation of changing gloves and performing hand hygiene to prevent cross-contamination, but there was no evidence of the aide receiving necessary training.
The facility failed to notify physicians of significant changes in two residents' conditions, leading to their unexpected deaths. One resident had a dangerously low blood sugar level, and another had severe pulmonary edema or pneumonia, but neither physician was informed promptly. This lack of communication prevented timely medical intervention.
Two residents in a facility were not properly monitored or treated for changes in their conditions, leading to their deaths. One resident with diabetes experienced a dangerously low blood sugar level, but there was no documented follow-up or intervention after the initial shift. Another resident with multiple health issues had abnormal chest x-ray results indicating severe pulmonary edema or pneumonia, but the findings were not communicated to the medical team. These deficiencies highlight a lack of adherence to care protocols and communication failures within the facility.
A resident with multiple health conditions did not receive prescribed medications during several morning shifts due to refusals documented by a medication aide, MA G, without proper follow-up or notification to nursing staff. The facility failed to record necessary blood pressure readings to assess medication needs, and the charge nurse was unaware of the refusals, indicating a breakdown in communication and protocol adherence.
A resident with multiple medical conditions did not receive scheduled showers or bed baths according to her preferences for May and June 2024. Despite having a system for tracking showers, inconsistencies in documentation and execution were found. Staff interviews revealed gaps in following the facility's policy, contributing to the deficiency in providing adequate personal hygiene care.
The facility failed to provide necessary wound care for three residents with pressure ulcers on multiple occasions, as prescribed by their physicians. This lapse in care was due to confusion and lack of clarity regarding wound care responsibilities among staff, particularly on weekends.
The facility failed to document wound care for three residents on specified dates, despite having active wound care orders. Staff interviews revealed that the care was performed but not recorded, violating the facility's documentation policies.
Failure to Prevent Elopement of Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a known history of elopement was not provided with adequate supervision, resulting in the resident eloping from the facility. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, gout, acute kidney failure, Type 2 diabetes, oropharyngeal dysphagia, lack of coordination, and major depressive disorder, was wearing a Wanderguard device as ordered by the physician. Despite this, the resident was able to exit the facility undetected during the night, and staff did not become aware of the elopement until notified by an external party. The facility's records indicated that the Wanderguard was checked regularly, but there were missing timestamps for the device checks on the day of the incident. The facility failed to complete an elopement assessment for the resident prior to the incident, despite the resident's history of exit-seeking behavior and previous elopement incidents reported by the family. The initial social history and assessment did not document any behavioral concerns, and the family was not asked about prior elopement behaviors during admission. The only elopement evaluation on file was completed after the resident had already eloped, which identified the resident as being at risk for elopement. Staff interviews confirmed that there was no prior knowledge or documentation of the resident's elopement risk before the incident. Facility policy on elopement did not include specific guidance on supervision, accident prevention, or proactive measures to prevent elopement. The incident report and staff interviews revealed that the resident was able to leave the facility through an exit door that did not alarm, and staff were unaware of the resident's absence until contacted by someone outside the facility. The resident was later found at a nearby apartment complex with minor injuries and was subsequently transferred to a secure unit at another facility.
Failure to Timely Report Resident Elopement Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse or neglect were reported to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe. Specifically, an incident occurred in which a male resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and a history of wandering and elopement risk, exited the facility undetected during the night. The resident, who was wearing a Wanderguard device as per physician order, was found at an apartment complex across the street and returned to the facility with minor injuries. Documentation showed that the resident's Wanderguard was checked regularly and was reported to be in working order, but there were missing timestamps for checks on the days surrounding the incident. The facility's records did not indicate that an elopement evaluation had been completed prior to the incident, and the event was not reported to the State Survey Agency within 24 hours as required by policy and regulation. Interviews with staff and the resident's family revealed that the facility was not aware of the resident's prior history of elopement before admission, as this information was not solicited or provided during the pre-admission process. The family was notified of the incident by an outside party, and the facility staff only became aware of the resident's absence after being contacted. The Administrator and ADON were both on leave at the time of the incident, and the DON was responsible for reporting the event. However, there was no confirmation or documentation that the required self-report was made to the State Survey Agency, and the incident report was not uploaded to the TULIP system. The Administrator later acknowledged that she did not follow up to ensure the report was submitted, relying on the DON's verbal assurance. Facility policies required immediate reporting of all alleged violations involving abuse or neglect, including elopement incidents, to the appropriate authorities. The policies also outlined procedures for staff to follow in the event of a missing resident, including notification of the Administrator, completion of incident reports, and documentation in the medical record. Despite these policies, the failure to report the elopement incident within the mandated timeframe constituted a deficiency in the facility's abuse and neglect reporting procedures.
Failure in Pharmaceutical Services Leads to Missing Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services for a resident, resulting in the loss of 26 tablets of Acetaminophen-Codeine #3, a controlled medication. The incident involved a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who signed for the delivery of the medication but could not recall receiving it. This discrepancy was discovered during a shift change when the medication was found missing from the medication cart. The LVN was subsequently suspended and tested positive for marijuana. The resident involved was an elderly female with a history of transient cerebral ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. She was prescribed Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 to manage her pain, with the medication to be administered up to four times daily as needed. The failure to properly receive and account for the medication placed the resident at risk of experiencing unrelieved pain due to the unavailability of her prescribed medication. The facility's investigation revealed that the LVN had signed a manifest form indicating receipt of the medication, but the medication was not present during the subsequent shift. The facility's controlled substances policy required that controlled medications be counted upon delivery by both the receiving nurse and the delivery person, which was not adhered to in this case. This oversight led to the medication's disappearance and the potential risk to the resident's well-being.
Failure to Provide Adequate Pressure Ulcer Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary treatment and services for residents with pressure ulcers, as observed in three residents. Resident #1, who was admitted without any pressure ulcers, developed an unstageable pressure ulcer to the sacrum. The facility did not provide wound care on specific dates, and the resident's dressing was found dislodged without being replaced. Additionally, the low air loss mattress settings were not adjusted according to the resident's weight, potentially affecting pressure redistribution. Resident #2, who was readmitted with a stage 4 pressure ulcer, also experienced lapses in care. The facility did not replace the resident's soiled dressing overnight, and the wound was not packed as per physician orders. The low air loss mattress was set to the maximum weight, which was not appropriate for the resident's weight, potentially impacting the effectiveness of pressure relief. Resident #4, who had a history of a stage 4 pressure ulcer, was observed with a low air loss mattress that was not turned on during one observation. The facility staff, including LVN C, LVN B, and RN D, did not consistently check or adjust the mattress settings according to the residents' weights, which is crucial for preventing and treating pressure ulcers. The facility's wound care policy was not adhered to, as evidenced by the lack of proper wound care and mattress setting adjustments.
Inadequate Catheter Care and Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate catheter care and monitoring for two residents, leading to potential risks of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Resident #2, a male with a history of urinary retention and other significant health issues, had a suprapubic catheter that was not properly monitored. The comprehensive care plan for Resident #2 did not include specific interventions for the suprapubic catheter, and during an observation, it was noted that the catheter was not draining, and the drainage bag was empty. Despite orders to monitor the catheter and urine output every shift, there was a lack of documentation and follow-up on the catheter's condition, leading to a situation where the resident reported leakage and being wet. Resident #4, a female with a history of pressure ulcers and dementia, also experienced inadequate catheter care. Observations revealed cloudy urine with sediment in the catheter tubing, indicating potential complications. The care plan for Resident #4 included interventions for catheter care, but the facility staff failed to notice or address the abnormal urine appearance during routine checks. The lack of timely reporting and intervention for the observed abnormalities in the catheter care of both residents highlights a deficiency in the facility's adherence to its catheter care policy. Interviews with facility staff, including LVN B and RN D, revealed inconsistencies in the monitoring and reporting of catheter conditions. LVN B admitted to not checking the urine output for Resident #2 after changing the drainage bag and failed to notice the cloudy urine in Resident #4's catheter. The facility's policy on catheter care emphasizes the importance of monitoring urine output and appearance, yet these protocols were not effectively implemented, leading to the identified deficiencies.
Failure to Administer Blood Pressure Medication as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services for a resident by not administering blood pressure medication, Midodrine, in accordance with physician orders. Specifically, the facility did not obtain the resident's blood pressure prior to administering the medication on seven occasions. This oversight occurred over a period of several days, during which the resident's blood pressure was not recorded as required before administering the medication. The resident involved was an elderly male with multiple complex medical conditions, including encephalopathy, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atrial flutter, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and a stage 4 pressure ulcer. The resident had a moderate cognitive impairment and used a wheelchair for mobility. Despite these conditions, the resident's care plan did not include any discussion of his blood pressure medication or related health conditions. The facility's medication administration records and nursing progress notes did not reflect the necessary blood pressure readings prior to administering Midodrine. This lack of documentation and adherence to physician orders could potentially lead to the resident not receiving therapeutic dosages of medication, posing a risk to their health. The facility's policy required obtaining and recording vital signs prior to medication administration, which was not followed in this case.
Incomplete Documentation of Wound Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for three residents who were reviewed for pressure ulcers and non-pressure wounds. For one resident, there were twelve occasions in January 2025 where wound care was not documented, despite having an unstageable pressure ulcer to the sacrum. The resident's care plan included specific interventions for wound care, but the treatment administration record (TAR) showed gaps in documentation, and there was no explanation in the nursing progress notes for the missed wound care. Another resident had eight instances of undocumented wound care in January and February 2025. This resident had a stage 4 pressure ulcer and other skin issues requiring treatment. The TARs for this resident also showed gaps in documentation, and the nursing progress notes did not provide reasons for the missed treatments. Despite these documentation gaps, a wound care visit indicated some improvement in the resident's wounds. A third resident had 28 occasions of undocumented wound care in January and February 2025. This resident had venous and arterial ulcers and required specific skin treatments. The TARs showed missing documentation for these treatments, and the nursing progress notes did not address the omissions. Interviews with the facility's wound care nurse and other staff revealed that wound care responsibilities were sometimes delegated to charge nurses, but there was a lack of consistent documentation and oversight to ensure treatments were completed and recorded.
Failure to Obtain Required Hospice Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain necessary hospice documentation for a resident who was admitted to hospice care. This included the hospice nursing documentation, the most recent hospice plan of care, the hospice election form, physician certification and recertification of the terminal illness, names and contact information for hospice personnel, hospice medications information, and physician orders. This deficiency was identified for one of the three residents reviewed for hospice services and records. The resident in question had a life expectancy of less than six months and was receiving hospice services due to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, among other conditions. The resident required substantial assistance for all activities of daily living and was always incontinent of bladder and bowel. Despite these needs, the facility did not have the required hospice documentation in the resident's e-chart or hospice binder at the time of review. Interviews with facility staff revealed that there had been recent changes in staff, and there was no designated hospice coordinator at the time. The facility had been without a social worker for two months, which contributed to the oversight. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the potential harm of incomplete documentation, emphasizing the importance of having accurate hospice binders, especially since many hospice residents were full code.
Medication Administration Errors in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, with a reported rate of 29% due to 9 errors out of 31 opportunities. This involved two residents during medication administration. For one resident, extended-release medications were crushed and administered, which is against the prescribed method of administration. The medications included Potassium Chloride ER and Isosorbide Mononitrate ER, both of which should not be crushed as it could lead to ineffective treatment and potential overdose. Another resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and on hospice care, received medications via a G-tube. The LVN administering the medications failed to follow physician orders and facility policy by not checking the tube placement or residual before administration. Additionally, the LVN did not flush the G-tube with water before and after administering the medications, which were all crushed and mixed together, contrary to the facility's guidelines that require each medication to be administered separately with flushing in between. Interviews with the staff involved revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the facility's medication administration policies. The LVN admitted to not being aware of the requirement to flush the G-tube and to check for placement and residual, which are critical steps to prevent complications such as aspiration. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the staff did not follow the correct procedures, which could lead to medication interactions and ineffective treatment.
Inadequate Infection Control During Peri Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection control program, as evidenced by the actions of a medication aide (MA C) who did not adhere to proper infection control protocols while providing peri care to a resident. During an observation, it was noted that MA C did not perform hand hygiene or change gloves after cleaning the resident, and subsequently applied a clean brief, barrier cream, and touched the resident's linens with the same gloves. This lapse in protocol could lead to cross-contamination and potential infection. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of training and awareness regarding infection control procedures. MA C admitted to not having been in-serviced or checked off on providing incontinent care and was unaware of the requirement to change gloves and perform hand hygiene. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the infection preventionist confirmed that staff were expected to follow these procedures to prevent cross-contamination. However, there was no evidence that MA C had received the necessary training. The facility's policy, revised in December 2023, emphasized the importance of hand hygiene and stated that glove use does not replace hand washing.
Failure to Notify Physicians of Critical Changes Leads to Resident Deaths
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately consult with the residents' physicians when there was a significant change in the residents' conditions, leading to the unexpected deaths of two residents. Resident #3 experienced a dangerously low blood sugar level of 40, which was not promptly addressed by notifying the physician. Despite the presence of standing orders for such situations, the necessary medical intervention was not executed in a timely manner. The resident was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead after unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. Resident #4 had an x-ray that revealed severe pulmonary edema or pneumonia, but the physician or physician extender was not notified of these critical findings. The resident was later found unresponsive and died shortly after. The lack of communication regarding the x-ray results prevented timely medical intervention that could have potentially altered the outcome. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of adherence to protocols for notifying physicians of significant changes in residents' conditions. The facility's failure to ensure proper communication and follow-up on critical health changes contributed to the residents not receiving the necessary medical attention, ultimately resulting in their deaths.
Failure to Monitor and Communicate Leads to Resident Deaths
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care for two residents, leading to significant deficiencies in their care. Resident #3, a male with a history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, was not accurately assessed, monitored, or treated for a change in condition when his blood sugar dropped to 40 mg/dL. Despite the dangerously low blood sugar level, there was no documented evidence of continued monitoring or intervention after the initial shift. The resident later died that night, with the cause of death unknown. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in following protocols for low blood sugar management, including the administration of glucagon and the lack of routine or PRN blood sugar checks. Resident #4, a male with multiple diagnoses including Hypertension and Dementia, was also not properly assessed or monitored for a change in condition. The facility failed to notify the physician or nurse practitioner of abnormal chest x-ray results indicating severe pulmonary edema or pneumonia. The resident was found unresponsive and later died, with no evidence that the x-ray findings were communicated to the medical team. Interviews with staff highlighted a lack of follow-up on lab and radiology results, which contributed to the failure to provide timely medical intervention. These deficiencies demonstrate a pattern of inadequate monitoring and communication within the facility, placing residents at risk for not receiving necessary medical care. The lack of adherence to professional standards of practice and the comprehensive resident-centered care plan resulted in significant lapses in care for both residents, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Failure to Administer Medications and Monitor Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident, identified as Resident #2, by not following current physician orders and failing to administer medications during multiple morning shifts. The medication aide, MA G, did not provide Resident #2 with her prescribed medications on numerous occasions throughout May and June 2024. Additionally, no blood pressure readings were recorded during these shifts to determine if Resident #2 required her blood pressure medication. This lack of medication administration and monitoring could potentially exacerbate the resident's health conditions. Resident #2, a female with a history of heart failure, dementia, major depressive disorder, and other significant health issues, was prescribed several high-risk medications, including antidepressants, diuretics, opioids, and insulin. Despite these prescriptions, the medication administration records (MAR) indicated that Resident #2 refused medications from MA G on multiple dates, with no documented follow-up or intervention from nursing staff. The charge nurse, LVN A, was unaware of these refusals, as MA G did not notify her or other relevant staff members. Interviews with facility staff revealed a breakdown in communication and protocol adherence. MA G claimed to have informed several nurses about the refusals, but there was no evidence of this in the records. The facility's procedure required the medication aide to attempt administration three times before notifying the nurse, who would then contact the physician and family if the resident continued to refuse. However, this protocol was not followed, leading to a lack of appropriate response to Resident #2's medication refusals.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Bathing Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents who were unable to carry out activities of daily living received necessary services to maintain personal hygiene. Specifically, Resident #1, who had multiple medical conditions including Parkinson's Disease, dementia, and was wheelchair-bound, did not receive scheduled showers or bed baths according to her preferences for May and June 2024. The resident was scheduled to receive showers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but records and interviews indicated that she did not receive these services consistently. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and LVNs, revealed inconsistencies in the documentation and execution of the shower schedule. Although the facility had a system in place for tracking showers, there were gaps in the documentation, with some staff failing to complete required shower sheets. The Point of Care (POC) system showed some bathing activities, but these did not align with the resident's scheduled days, and there was no documentation for several days in May and June. The facility's policy required CNAs to notify charge nurses if a resident refused a shower, and alternative options like bed baths were to be offered. However, interviews indicated that this protocol was not consistently followed. The new Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) acknowledged the importance of reviewing and signing shower sheets to ensure compliance, but the lack of adherence to these procedures contributed to the deficiency in providing adequate personal hygiene care for Resident #1.
Failure to Provide Necessary Wound Care for Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents with pressure ulcers received necessary treatment and services consistent with professional standards of practice. Specifically, three residents with pressure ulcers did not receive wound care on multiple occasions as prescribed by their physicians. This failure was observed through record reviews, interviews, and direct observations, indicating a significant lapse in care that could lead to worsening of existing pressure ulcers and the development of new ones. Resident #1, a male with vascular dementia, heart failure, and chronic embolism, was readmitted to the facility with an unstageable pressure ulcer to the sacrum. Despite having specific wound care orders, there was no documentation that wound care was provided on two separate dates. Additionally, the resident's baseline care plan did not address the wound, and the resident was later transferred to the hospital due to abnormal labs. Resident #2, a male with type II diabetes mellitus and heart failure, also had an unstageable pressure ulcer to the coccyx. The resident's wound care was not documented on three separate dates, and the wound increased in size over time. Similarly, Resident #3, a female with heart failure, pressure ulcer, and dementia, did not receive documented wound care on one occasion. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding wound care responsibilities, particularly on weekends, contributing to the lapses in care.
Failure to Document Wound Care for Three Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain clinical records in accordance with accepted professional standards and practices for three residents. Specifically, the staff did not document wound care for Resident #1 on 03/04/24, Resident #2 on 03/16/24, and Resident #3 on 03/06/24. These omissions were identified through record reviews and staff interviews, revealing a lack of proper documentation in the Treatment Administration Records (TAR) for the specified dates. Resident #1, a male with vascular dementia, heart failure, and chronic embolism, had active wound care orders for a sacrum wound. Despite these orders, there was no documentation of wound care being provided on 03/04/24. Similarly, Resident #2, a male with type II diabetes mellitus and heart failure, had wound care orders for a coccyx wound, but no documentation was found for wound care on 03/16/24. Resident #3, a female with heart failure, pressure ulcer, and dementia, also had wound care orders for a sacrococcyx wound, but no documentation was found for wound care on 03/06/24. Interviews with the staff revealed that the wound care was performed but not documented. LVN C mentioned that she performed wound care on 03/16/24 but thought she had documented it. The TN stated she provided wound care on 03/04/24 and 03/06/24 but forgot to document it. The facility's policies and procedures require that all wound care be documented, including the date, time, and the name and title of the individual performing the care. The Administrator emphasized the importance of documentation for ensuring proper care and communication among the interdisciplinary team.
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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