Village Creek Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Lumberton, Texas.
- Location
- 705 N Main St, Lumberton, Texas 77657
- CMS Provider Number
- 675975
- Inspections on file
- 32
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4 (2 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Village Creek Rehabilitation And Nursing Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to follow its abuse prohibition and reporting policies when two cognitively intact residents in a relationship experienced repeated verbal and physical abuse incidents. One resident with a history of verbally aggressive behavior yelled at and belittled his visually impaired roommate, who reported being upset and wanting to change rooms, but after she recanted, the Administrator did not treat the event as an abuse allegation. Later, a CNA documented that the same resident called his roommate a severe derogatory name, but this was not recognized or reported to the Abuse Coordinator or state agency as required. On another occasion, a CNA and an MA saw the resident shove his roommate in her wheelchair into trash and dirty linen barrels, yet both stated they did not consider it abuse and did not report it. These inactions, despite clear policy definitions of verbal and physical abuse and required steps for resident-to-resident incidents, resulted in a cited deficiency and an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses was found with unexplained bruising, which was reported by the responsible party to an LVN. The LVN documented the finding but did not notify supervisory staff or the Administrator, contrary to facility policy. As a result, the incident was not investigated promptly, and leadership was unaware until the survey.
A nurse left a medication cart unlocked and unattended at the main nurse station for several minutes, with the cart containing various medications and controlled substances accessible to unauthorized individuals. The nurse responsible admitted to forgetting to lock the cart before leaving to speak with a resident, despite having received in-service training on medication security. Facility leadership and policy confirmed the expectation that medication carts remain locked and attended at all times.
A resident with obesity and coordination issues, requiring two-person assistance for bed mobility, was left unsupervised by a CNA who provided perineal care alone due to inconsistent documentation. This resulted in the resident rolling off the bed and sustaining pain, with staff later discovering discrepancies between the care plan, MDS, and Kardex regarding required assistance.
The facility failed to maintain effective infection control in the laundry area, as a sheer curtain inadequately separated clean and dirty linen, allowing potential cross-contamination. The Laundry Supervisor had requested rubber flaps months prior, but they were not installed until surveyor intervention. The Administrator was unaware of the issue until then.
The facility failed to ensure dietary staff's hair was completely contained with effective hair restraints during food preparation, as observed with two staff members. Despite being trained on hair hygiene, their hair remained unsecured, which could lead to unsanitary food conditions. The Dietary Manager and Administrator confirmed the expectation for complete hair containment, aligning with the facility's policy.
The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, with issues in linen/storage rooms, hall ceiling vents, and the nurse's station ceiling. Observations showed stains, discoloration, and exposed attic areas, with water damage from AC duct work sweating. Despite receiving repair bids, no plans were made, and the Administrator could not find a maintenance policy.
Two residents experienced unsanitary conditions in their rooms, with persistent grayish-black spots around light switches and door frames. Despite attempts to clean, the mildew returned, and the facility had not yet addressed the issue. Both residents were cognitively intact and expressed concerns about the environment.
A facility failed to protect a resident from sexual abuse by another resident on two occasions. The male resident, with severe cognitive impairment, was observed engaging in inappropriate behavior with a female resident. Despite instructions to keep him away from female residents, the facility lacked a formal monitoring system. Staff interviews revealed insufficient training on behavior monitoring, and care plans were not updated, placing residents at risk.
The facility failed to implement comprehensive care plans for two residents, resulting in incidents of sexual and emotional abuse. A male resident with cognitive impairment engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior towards a female resident, while another female resident verbally abused a male resident. The care plans lacked necessary interventions, and staff were not adequately trained to monitor and supervise these residents, leading to deficiencies identified by surveyors.
A facility failed to report an allegation of neglect involving a resident with a tracheostomy within the required 24-hour timeframe. The resident's family alleged that tracheostomy care was provided only once a week, contrary to physician orders for care every shift. The previous administrator misread an email containing the allegation, delaying the report to the State Agency. This failure potentially placed residents at risk of harm and distress.
A facility failed to maintain accurate clinical records for a resident, leading to incomplete documentation of ADL care on specific dates. The resident, with a history of cerebral infarction and heart disease, required assistance with daily activities. Interviews with staff revealed that CNAs were expected to document care every shift, but the records were incomplete, and the facility policy indicated that undocumented care was considered not done.
Failure to Implement Abuse Reporting and Protection Policies for Resident-to-Resident Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its written abuse prohibition policies and procedures to identify, report, and protect residents from abuse, specifically in relation to two cognitively intact residents who were in a relationship and shared a room. The facility’s Abuse Prohibition Policy defined abuse to include physical, mental, and verbal abuse, and required that any allegation of abuse made by residents, staff, or visitors be reported immediately to the Abuse Coordinator and investigated. The policy also required immediate protection of residents, monitoring of staff and resident behaviors to identify potential abuse, and specific steps for resident‑to‑resident incidents, including separating residents, assessing for injury, notifying the physician and family, completing incident reports, and contacting the Abuse Coordinator. One resident, an adult male with paraplegia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, and another resident, an adult female with cerebral infarction, severe visual impairment, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, both had intact cognition with BIMS scores of 15/15 and had requested to room together. The male resident had care plan entries documenting a history and potential for verbally aggressive and accusatory behavior toward staff and residents, and episodes of verbal aggression/irritability when care for his girlfriend/roommate was not provided immediately. On one occasion, nursing notes documented that the female resident reported crying and being upset because her boyfriend yelled at and belittled her in front of others, and she expressed a desire to move out of the shared room. The LVN reported this to the social worker, who spoke with the resident; the resident later recanted and stated she loved him, and the male resident stated he had only told her to tell the nurse about her stomach pain. The Administrator was aware of this incident but, based on the recantation, did not consider it reportable and did not treat it as an abuse allegation under the policy. On a subsequent date, a CNA completed a written witness statement indicating she had observed the male resident yell at the female resident and call her a derogatory term, specifically “[f‑ing retard].” The CNA believed the Abuse Coordinator would see this in the statement, but the Administrator later stated she had not seen that portion of the statement. The Administrator acknowledged that such language would constitute verbal abuse and would be reportable to the state agency, yet the incident was not reported to the Abuse Coordinator or to the state agency as required by policy. Later, both a CNA and a medication aide witnessed the male resident pushing the female resident in her wheelchair and shoving her into trash and dirty linen barrels in the hallway. Both staff members stated they did not consider this to be abuse and therefore did not report it to the Administrator or Abuse Coordinator. The Administrator reported she was unaware of this physical incident until informed by the CNA shortly before the surveyor interview and acknowledged that it could be considered physical abuse and would be reportable. These failures to recognize, report, and respond to resident‑to‑resident verbal and physical abuse incidents, despite clear policy requirements and prior knowledge of the male resident’s behavioral history, led to the cited deficiency and the identification of an Immediate Jeopardy situation.
Removal Plan
- Attempted to separate Residents #14 and #55; both residents refused a room change.
- Initiated 1:1 monitoring for Resident #14 due to refusal to change rooms; monitoring to continue until risk is fully mitigated and IDT determines supervision can be safely reduced.
- Reviewed and updated care plans for Residents #14 and #55 to reflect supervision needs and behavioral concerns.
- Provided education to Residents #14 and #55 regarding personal safety and boundaries, risks associated with unsupervised interactions, and the facility’s responsibility to intervene when safety concerns arise; ongoing reinforcement planned.
- Completed a trauma-informed psychosocial assessment for Resident #55 to evaluate for emotional distress, coercion, or unmet needs; continued monitoring initiated.
- Assessed both residents for physical and psychosocial harm; no additional injury identified.
- Completed life satisfaction rounds to ensure no other residents were negatively affected; no negative findings.
- Notified the Medical Director regarding the alleged failure to follow abuse policies and procedures.
- In-serviced Administrator and DON on abuse policy and reporting procedures; competency validated via quiz.
- In-serviced facility staff on abuse policy and reporting procedures; competency validated via quiz; staff not allowed to work next scheduled shift until training completed.
- Incorporated the abuse training material into new hire orientation and ongoing.
- Audited incident reports for the last 3 months to ensure no other reportable incidents were missed; no negative findings.
- Audited grievances for the last 3 months to ensure no other reportable issues were missed; no negative findings.
- Implemented a protocol for resident-to-resident abuse when both residents refuse room change: immediate enhanced supervision, revise care plans, complete IDT review, assess capacity and risks, involve physician and responsible parties, and consider alternative interventions; ongoing reassessment until risk is fully mitigated.
- Established monitoring/QA process: Administrator/DON daily review of all incidents, grievances, and behavior notes, then weekly, then monthly; random staff interviews to validate understanding of abuse reporting; QAPI Committee review; immediate re-education and disciplinary action as indicated.
Failure to Immediately Report Injury of Unknown Origin
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an alleged violation involving possible abuse was reported immediately to the Administrator as required by policy. Specifically, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple complex diagnoses, including Type 2 diabetes, seizure disorder, autistic disorder, and cerebral palsy, was found to have several yellow-colored, faded bruises under the upper part of his right arm. The resident's responsible party (RP) noticed the bruising and reported it directly to an LVN, who documented the finding in the nurse's notes but did not escalate the report to the ADON, DON, or Administrator. The LVN assessed the resident, who was unable to communicate how the bruising occurred due to his cognitive impairment, and noted that the resident was not in distress or acting outside his normal behavior. Despite being trained on the facility's policy to report bruises of unknown origin, the LVN did not notify supervisory staff or the Administrator, as required. There was no incident report or grievance filed regarding the bruising, and neither the ADON, DON, nor the Administrator were made aware of the incident until it was brought to their attention during the survey. Facility policy clearly states that all employees must report any allegation of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property to the Abuse Coordinator immediately, and that all incidents of unknown origin must be investigated. The failure to report the bruising as required resulted in the incident not being investigated in a timely manner, as the appropriate facility leadership was not informed.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended by Nurse
Penalty
Summary
A nurse medication cart on Hall 100 was observed to be left unlocked and unattended at the main nurse station for six minutes, with the drawers facing the hallway and the lock mechanism indicating it was unsecured. During this time, the nurse responsible for the cart, LVN E, was in a resident's room with the door closed and out of sight of the cart. The cart contained various medications, including over-the-counter aspirin, vitamins, minerals, eye drops, accu-check strips, glucometers, and a locked compartment with controlled substances and multiple residents' medication bubble-blister packets. The unlocked cart was accessible to unauthorized individuals and residents passing by. LVN E acknowledged responsibility for the cart and admitted to forgetting to lock it before leaving to speak with a resident. She confirmed awareness of the policy requiring the cart to be locked at all times when not in use and stated she had received in-service training on this requirement earlier in the year. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both confirmed the facility's policy and expectation that medication carts be locked and secured when not in use, and that only authorized personnel should have access to medications. Facility policy documents reviewed also specified that all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments and that medication carts are not to be left unlocked and unattended.
Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision and Assistance During Bed Mobility
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who required assistance with personal care and had a history of morbid obesity and lack of coordination, was not provided adequate supervision and assistance during perineal care in bed. The resident's care plan identified a risk for falls but did not specify the number of staff required for assistance. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment indicated that the resident needed physical assistance from two or more persons for bed mobility, but the Kardex listed only one-person assist. This discrepancy led to a certified nursing assistant (CNA) providing perineal care alone, during which the resident rolled off the bed and fell to the floor. Following the fall, the resident complained of pain in the right arm and was assessed by staff. X-rays were ordered, and the resident's family and physician were notified. Initial mobile x-ray results suggested acute rib fractures, but subsequent hospital imaging did not confirm these findings. The resident reported significant pain after the incident, particularly in the chest and knees. Interviews with staff revealed that the CNA had relied on the Kardex, which indicated one-person assist, despite other documentation requiring two-person assistance. Staff acknowledged the importance of verifying the correct level of assistance in the electronic health record before providing care. Further investigation found inconsistencies between the Kardex, care plan, and MDS assessments regarding the required level of assistance for the resident. The facility's policy required accurate communication and documentation of assistance needs, but this was not followed in this case. The failure to ensure that all care documentation matched and to provide the correct number of staff for bed mobility directly led to the resident's fall and subsequent pain.
Inadequate Infection Control in Laundry Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program in the laundry area, which is crucial for preventing cross-contamination and infection. During an observation, it was noted that the laundry area had only a sheer curtain separating clean and dirty linen, allowing airflow between the two areas. This curtain was inadequate, as it left a significant portion of the doorway uncovered, failing to prevent the potential spread of contaminants. The Laundry Supervisor acknowledged the issue, stating that rubber curtain flaps had been requested from the maintenance department months prior, but they had not been installed. The Administrator was unaware of the need for these flaps until the surveyor's intervention, at which point the flaps were reportedly installed. The facility's Laundry Operations policy from 2016 indicated the necessity of a process to sort soiled linen without cross-contaminating clean linen, which was not effectively implemented in this instance.
Failure to Ensure Proper Hair Restraint in Dietary Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety by not ensuring that dietary staff members' hair was completely contained with effective hair restraints. During multiple observations, it was noted that Dietary Staff A and Dietary Staff B had hair that was not fully covered by hair restraints while preparing meals for residents. Specifically, Dietary Staff A's hair was observed to be outside the hair restraint at the neckline on several occasions, and Dietary Staff B had hair sprigs eluding from the ears to the neckline area. Both staff members acknowledged they had been trained on hair hygiene, yet their hair remained unsecured during food preparation. The Dietary Manager and the Administrator both confirmed that the expectation was for all dietary employees to have their hair completely contained in hair restraints while involved in food preparation and serving. The facility's policy, dated October 2023, also indicated that all staff members should have their hair off the shoulders and confined in a hair net or cap. The failure to comply with these standards could result in unsanitary conditions, as unsecured hair could potentially land in the food being prepared for residents.
Facility Fails to Maintain Safe and Sanitary Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in several areas, including two linen/storage rooms, two hall ceiling vents, and the nurse's station ceiling. Observations revealed that the ceiling above the nurse's station had brown and yellowish stains around the vent, and there was an open area in the sheet rock. Additionally, two of the three vents on Hall 4 were discolored with a grayish substance extending onto the ceiling. In Hall 3's linen storage room, a section of the ceiling had been removed, exposing the attic, and the remaining ceiling was covered with grayish black spots. The room also had a musty smell, and the top shelf was covered with a thick black substance. Hall 2's linen/supply closet had a hole and water damage on the ceiling. Interviews with the Maintenance Supervisor and the Administrator revealed that the water damage occurred due to AC duct work sweating in October and November 2024. Although bids for repairs were received, no decision had been made on the plans for fixing the duct and sheet rock repairs. The Administrator acknowledged the need for maintenance and took pictures of the affected areas to discuss with regional corporate maintenance. However, she was unable to find a policy on maintaining the environment, indicating a lack of documented procedures for addressing such issues.
Failure to Maintain a Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for two residents, leading to a deficiency in maintaining a sanitary and comfortable living space. Resident #2, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 13, had discoloration in his room, with grayish to black spots around the light switch and electrical receptacle, as well as along the door frames. These spots had been present since his admission, and he expressed a desire for the areas to be painted. Similarly, Resident #13, also cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 14, experienced the same issue with discoloration in his room. He reported that the black and gray spots had been present for months, and although a housekeeper attempted to clean the area with a bleach rag, the mildew persisted. The Administrator acknowledged the issue, noting that bids for water damage repair had been sent to the corporate office, but was unable to provide a policy on maintaining the environment.
Failure to Protect Resident from Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from sexual abuse by another resident on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred when a male resident was observed flicking the breast of a female resident in the TV room. Despite being removed from the area and notified, the facility did not implement a care plan to prevent further inappropriate behaviors. The second incident involved the same male resident placing his hand inside the female resident's pants while she was in her wheelchair near the nursing station. This incident led to the male resident being placed on one-to-one supervision, but it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child. The male resident had a history of severe cognitive impairment and was mobile with a wheelchair, which was not initially recognized by the facility staff. After the first incident, staff were instructed to keep the male resident away from female residents, but there was no formal monitoring system or interventions in place for supervision. The facility's abuse prohibition policy required immediate separation of residents involved in incidents and assessment of the victim, but these measures were not effectively implemented. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of training on monitoring behaviors after inappropriate behavior was identified. The facility's failure to follow its abuse prevention policy and update care plans and interventions placed residents at risk of further incidents. The facility's in-service records indicated that staff were retrained on abuse prevention and reporting, but not all staff had been trained on monitoring behaviors after an inappropriate behavior was identified.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plans Leads to Abuse Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for two residents, leading to incidents of abuse. Resident #1, a male with severe cognitive impairment and a history of brain injury, was involved in two incidents of sexual abuse against Resident #2, a female with severe cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy. Despite these incidents, Resident #1's care plan did not include interventions to address his sexually inappropriate behaviors, and he was not adequately supervised, allowing him to engage in further inappropriate conduct. Resident #3, a female with cognitive intactness and mood disorders, was involved in verbal and emotional abuse towards Resident #4, a male with schizophrenia and intellectual disabilities. Resident #3's care plan did not include interventions to prevent her abusive behavior, despite reports of her making emotionally abusive comments and manipulating Resident #4. The facility's failure to update and implement effective care plans for these residents placed them and others at risk of harm and distress. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and training regarding the supervision and monitoring of residents with identified inappropriate behaviors. The previous MDS LVN responsible for updating care plans admitted to not knowing why the care plans were not updated, and the facility's policy on comprehensive person-centered care plans was not followed. This oversight resulted in the facility being out of compliance, with deficiencies identified by surveyors.
Failure to Timely Report Allegation of Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of neglect involving a resident within the required 24-hour timeframe to the State Agency. The incident involved a resident who had a tracheostomy and was dependent on tracheostomy care and oxygen therapy. The resident's family member alleged that the resident only received tracheostomy care once a week prior to being discharged home, contrary to the physician's orders for tracheostomy care every shift and as needed. This allegation was reported to the facility on April 22, 2024, but was not reported to the State Agency until April 25, 2024, due to the previous administrator misreading an email from the corporate office that contained the allegation. The resident, who was cognitively intact and dependent for all activities of daily living, was at risk of neglect due to the facility's failure to provide the necessary tracheostomy care as per the physician's orders. The facility's records indicated that tracheostomy care was completed as ordered, but the family member's allegation suggested otherwise. The facility's policy required that all allegations of neglect be reported within 24 hours, but this was not adhered to, potentially placing residents at risk of physical harm, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
Incomplete Documentation of ADL Care for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate clinical records for a resident, identified as Resident #5, which is a violation of accepted professional standards and practices. The deficiency was identified during a review of the resident's ADL task sheet, which showed incomplete documentation of care provided on specific dates. Resident #5, a female with a history of cerebral infarction and atherosclerotic heart disease, required varying levels of assistance with daily activities such as bed mobility, toileting, and transferring. However, the ADL task sheet lacked documentation for two consecutive days, raising concerns about the accuracy of the records. Interviews with facility staff, including the ADON and a CNA, revealed that CNAs were expected to document all ADL care assistance on task sheets every shift. Despite this expectation, the documentation for Resident #5 was incomplete, and the ADON acknowledged that the facility policy stated that if care was not documented, it was considered not done. The CNA interviewed could not recall the resident but confirmed that documentation was a recurring issue. The facility's administrator also emphasized the importance of accurate documentation to ensure residents receive necessary services.
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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