Wesley Woods Health & Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Waco, Texas.
- Location
- 1700 Woodgate Drive, Waco, Texas 76712
- CMS Provider Number
- 676211
- Inspections on file
- 46
- Latest survey
- March 19, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Wesley Woods Health & Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors identified a deficiency in which the facility failed to follow professional standards and facility policy for labeling and storing opened food items in the kitchen. During observation, multiple opened items in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer—including dry goods, cooked eggs and breakfast meat, lettuce mix, ground turkey, frozen potatoes, frozen chicken, and other products—were found unsealed, unlabeled, and undated. Dietary staff and the ADM acknowledged that food should be placed in sealed containers or bags and labeled and dated, and reported that they had seen food improperly stored despite training. Facility policies required open dry foods to be kept in closed, labeled containers with tight covers and required refrigerated foods returned to storage after cooking or prep to be covered and labeled with contents and date, but these requirements were not followed for the items observed, affecting all residents who receive meals from the kitchen.
An LVN left a computer unlocked and unattended at the nurse's station, displaying residents' medical information in an area accessible to others. The LVN stated she was trained to leave the computer this way, while facility leadership confirmed staff are responsible for securing resident information on computers.
The facility did not submit a Provider Investigation Report (Form 3613-A) to HHSC after an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident, despite facility policy and state regulations requiring this report within five working days. The Administrator believed the initial online report was sufficient and did not complete the required form, resulting in noncompliance with reporting requirements.
The facility did not consistently serve meals at scheduled times, resulting in residents, including those with chronic medical conditions, experiencing late breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on multiple occasions. Staff and residents reported that meal delays were due to kitchen disorganization and staffing issues, with some meals served several hours late, causing residents to feel hungry and neglected.
A staff member failed to treat a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of anxiety and aggression with respect and dignity during personal care. The staff member admitted to making unprofessional statements out of frustration, and the resident's family reported rough handling and inappropriate comments. Facility policy requires respectful treatment, but the staff member's actions did not meet these standards, as confirmed by investigation and video evidence.
The facility failed to ensure proper pharmaceutical services by allowing medication blister cards with unapproved tape corrections from the pharmacy to be accepted and used without staff training or policy guidance, and by permitting inaccurate documentation of narcotic counts, including marking medications as wasted when they were not. Multiple residents with complex medical needs were affected, and staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and training regarding these practices.
Three residents with complex medical histories received double doses of narcotic pain medications after a medication aide failed to document administration in the EMR, leading a nurse to administer a second dose. The incident was not documented in progress notes, residents were not monitored for adverse effects, and responsible parties were not notified, in violation of facility policy.
A resident with multiple complex medical conditions had an out-of-range lithium lab result that was not communicated to the responsible party. Nursing staff reviewed and filed the result for practitioner review but did not notify the responsible party due to unclear processes and communication lapses among staff. Facility leadership confirmed that the responsible party should have been informed, in accordance with resident rights policies.
A CNA failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity by speaking about unrelated and inappropriate topics while preparing to provide care to a dependent resident with Alzheimer's and cognitive deficits. The resident's care plan required staff to communicate clearly and respectfully, but the CNA's actions did not align with these expectations, as confirmed by video evidence and the facility's administrator.
A resident with Alzheimer's Disease and significant communication and self-care deficits was injured when two CNAs failed to properly use a mechanical lift during a transfer, causing the resident's head to strike the wall. The transfer was performed without aligning the sling or locking the lift, contrary to the resident's care plan, resulting in immediate pain and distress for the resident.
A dietary aide was observed preparing and serving food without properly wearing a beard net, despite having visible facial hair. Interviews with the aide and facility leadership confirmed awareness of the policy requiring beard restraints in the kitchen, but the policy was not consistently enforced.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and aggressive behavior was pushed by a CNA, resulting in a fall. The incident was captured on video, contradicting staff reports. The resident was left unassessed for 30 minutes, leading to a deficiency finding.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and aggressive behaviors fell after being pushed by a CNA. The resident was not immediately assessed for injuries, contrary to facility policy. The incident was captured on video, and the family member reported the lack of assessment to the facility, leading to a care plan meeting where the deficiency was confirmed.
The facility failed to store and label food items properly in the kitchen's walk-in refrigerator and freezer, with several items lacking labels and dates. Dietary aides were unsure of food handling policies and had not received training. The dietary manager was unavailable for guidance, and no in-service training had been conducted on food handling since January 2024.
The facility failed to document medication administration for three residents, leading to potential medication errors. An LVN did not record doses of Lorazepam, Tramadol, and Ativan in the MAR, despite being logged in the controlled drug log. The DON confirmed the requirement for immediate documentation in the MAR, highlighting a lapse in adherence to facility policy and nursing standards.
Improper Labeling and Storage of Opened Food Items in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards and its own policies for dry storage and refrigerated food. During a kitchen observation, surveyors found multiple opened food items in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer that were not properly sealed, labeled, or dated. These included an opened bag of cocoa with the top rolled down, an opened bag of cake mix in an unlabeled and undated zip bag, an unsealed and undated bag of lettuce mix, an unlabeled and undated plastic container of a jello and fruit-like substance, metal containers of cooked eggs and cooked breakfast meat that were not labeled or dated, and an open zip bag of ground turkey without a label or date. In the freezer, surveyors observed an opened, unlabeled, undated bag of hashbrowns, an open box with an open bag of frozen egg products, and opened, unlabeled, undated bags of frozen potatoes and frozen chicken breasts. During interviews, the dietary manager acknowledged that all the opened, unlabeled food items identified by surveyors were not stored properly and stated that staff knew they should label and date open items and store them in appropriate sealed containers. Dietary staff members reported they had received training on proper food storage and described expectations that opened food be covered or placed in sealed containers or bags, then labeled and dated, but also reported having seen food improperly stored and noted that some shifts were better than others about following these practices. The administrator stated her expectation that food be sealed, labeled, and dated, and expressed concern that improper storage could lead to expired food and exposure to bacteria, creating an infection control issue. Facility policy for dry storage required open packages of food to be stored in closed containers with tight covers and dated as to when opened, and the refrigeration policy required food returned to storage after cooking or preparation to be covered and all containers labeled with contents and date placed in storage. All 113 residents were reported to receive food from the kitchen.
Unattended Computer with Resident Information Visible at Nurse's Station
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when an LVN left a facility computer open and unattended at the nurse's station, with residents' personal medical information visible to anyone passing by. The observation took place while the LVN was approximately 35 feet away, passing medication, leaving the computer screen displaying sensitive information in an open area accessible to residents, visitors, and guests. During interviews, the LVN stated she believed it was acceptable to leave the computer unlocked with resident information displayed, as that was how she was trained, though she could not recall who provided this instruction. Further interviews with the ADON, DON, and ADM confirmed that the responsibility for securing resident information on computers lies with the staff member using the device. Each acknowledged that leaving a computer unattended with resident information visible could result in unauthorized access. Review of the facility's HIPAA Privacy Notice Acknowledgment indicated that employees are required to protect personal health information and that violations could result in termination and reporting to the Employee Misconduct Registry.
Failure to Submit Required Investigation Report for Misappropriation Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report the findings of an investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of property involving a resident, as required by state law. Although the initial incident was reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the date of occurrence, a Provider Investigation Report (Form 3613-A) was not submitted through the TULIP system. Record review confirmed the absence of the required report, and the Administrator stated during interview that she believed submitting the initial report online fulfilled the reporting requirement, and therefore did not complete the 3613-A form. Facility policy requires the Administrator and Director of Nursing to investigate and report all alleged violations, including misappropriation of resident property, and to submit findings in accordance with state regulations. State guidance specifies that a Provider Investigation Report must be submitted within five working days of the incident, including all investigation findings and any additional information obtained. The failure to submit the required investigation report for the incident involving misappropriation of property resulted in noncompliance with state reporting requirements.
Failure to Provide Timely Meal Service to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents with meals at regular, scheduled times in accordance with their needs, preferences, and requests, as well as the facility's own designated meal service schedules. Multiple residents reported and staff confirmed that meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, were often served late, sometimes by several hours. For example, lunch was served as late as 2:00 PM when it was scheduled for 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, and dinner was once served at 8:00 PM. These delays occurred on multiple occasions over the course of at least two months. Residents affected by these late meals included individuals with significant medical histories, such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and neuropathy, all of whom were cognitively intact and able to report their experiences. Residents described feeling hungry, unpleased, and forgotten due to the late meal service. Staff interviews corroborated these accounts, with explanations including disorganization in the kitchen and a specific incident where the head cook left unexpectedly, resulting in a significant delay in meal preparation and service. Staff, including the dietary manager, LVN, DON, and administrator, acknowledged that late meals had occurred multiple times and recognized the potential negative impact on residents, such as hunger and possible interference with medication administration. The facility's own documentation indicated that meals were to be served at regular hours, but this standard was not consistently met, as evidenced by both resident and staff testimony and direct observation.
Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity and Respect During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity during the provision of personal care. The resident, an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety disorder, was admitted to the facility with a history of resisting or refusing care and exhibiting physical and verbal aggression. The resident also had severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 00, and difficulty communicating her needs. The incident was identified through observation, interviews, and record reviews. The staff member involved admitted to being frustrated with the resident due to a demanding workload and acknowledged making unprofessional statements to the resident. The resident's family reported that the staff member told the resident not to touch them and that there was no one available to help. Additionally, a family member reported that the night aide was rough with the resident, although a subsequent skin assessment revealed no marks or bruises. Facility policy requires that residents be treated with respect and dignity and be free from abuse and neglect. Despite this, the staff member's actions during personal care did not meet these standards, as confirmed by the staff member's own admission and by video evidence reviewed during the facility's investigation. The deficiency was substantiated by the facility's investigation and interviews with administrative staff.
Failure to Ensure Proper Pharmaceutical Services and Medication Handling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of residents, as evidenced by improper handling and documentation of medications, and lack of staff training regarding pharmacy procedures. Observations revealed that two medication blister cards, one for each of two residents, had white tape on the reverse side, which staff interpreted as potential tampering. Multiple staff members, including LVNs and medication aides, reported they had not received training on the acceptance of medication cards with tape or patches from the pharmacy, and were unaware of any facility policy allowing such cards to be accepted. The pharmacy later confirmed that tape was used to correct errors, but there was no written agreement or policy in place to guide staff on this practice. A facility audit identified an additional thirteen blister cards with similar tape, and the facility lacked a policy addressing the use of tape patches by the pharmacy or the acceptance of such cards by nursing staff. Additionally, a narcotic count sheet reconciliation error was discovered during a shift change. An LVN marked a medication as wasted on the count sheet when it had not been wasted, following the direction of the DON, who later acknowledged that this was not the correct procedure. The LVN and DON both signed the correction, despite knowing the information was inaccurate. The nurse involved later realized the error and expressed concern about the potential consequences of falsifying narcotic count sheets. The DON admitted to instructing the LVN to mark the medication as wasted, even though it had actually been administered to another resident, and acknowledged that this was not the appropriate action. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including dementia, chronic pain, and other comorbidities, and were receiving narcotic pain medications as part of their care. Documentation review showed that medication errors and discrepancies were not always recorded in the residents' progress notes, and staff interviews confirmed a lack of training and clear procedures regarding the handling of medication cards with tape or patches. Facility policies on receiving medications and shift change procedures required immediate notification of discrepancies, but did not address the specific issue of pharmacy-applied tape or patches, contributing to confusion and improper medication handling.
Failure to Prevent and Document Double Dosing of Narcotic Medications
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when three residents received double doses of their scheduled narcotic pain medications due to failures in medication administration and documentation. Specifically, a medication aide administered narcotic pain medications to three residents but did not sign off the administration in the electronic medical record (EMR), only on the narcotic count sheet. The aide wrote the medication administration on a piece of paper and gave it to the nurse on the next shift, who subsequently forgot about the note and, seeing the medications still due in the EMR, administered a second dose to each resident. Both staff members acknowledged they had been trained that the person administering the medication is responsible for signing off in both the EMR and the narcotic count sheet. The residents involved had complex medical histories, including dementia, chronic pain, and other significant diagnoses. The double dosing of narcotic medications was not documented in the residents' progress notes, and there was no follow-up monitoring of the residents for adverse effects after the error. Additionally, responsible parties for the residents were not notified of the medication errors, and the errors were not included in the 24-hour report to inform subsequent shifts. The facility's policy required prompt reporting of medication errors, detailed documentation, and close monitoring of affected residents, none of which were followed in this incident. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON, administrator, and medical director, confirmed that the required documentation, monitoring, and notifications were not completed. The medical director expressed concern about the lack of follow-up monitoring, stating that vital signs and respiratory status should have been checked due to the risk of narcotic overdose. The failure to adhere to established medication administration and error reporting protocols led to the identification of an Immediate Jeopardy situation by surveyors.
Removal Plan
- Responsible parties for Residents #1, #2, and #3 were contacted and made aware of the med errors.
- The Medical Director was made aware of past med error.
- Missed Medication Report was pulled to ensure no other residents were administered narcotics twice.
- Review of all Narcotic sheets was completed to ensure that there were no double doses of narcotics based on the sign out sheets and comparing to nurse notes and EMARs.
- ADONs are reviewing count sheets daily to ensure no double doses have been administered.
- The Chief Operating Officer and Director of Clinical Operations educated the DON and Administrator with a posttest to show understanding.
- The Director of Nurses provided training to the nurses and medication aides on duty with a post test to show understanding.
- Training for nurses and med aides on duty was provided with a post test to show understanding.
- Training was concluded for all staff on-site.
- Training will be concluded for those not present; they will be educated and required to pass a post test before they take their next assignment.
- New hires will receive training from the DON or designee during new hire orientation.
- The person who made the error(s) received an in-service and a disciplinary action.
- Residents with med errors were assessed and all notifications were made and documented by the ADON and CHARGE NURSE.
- Ad-Hoc QAPI meeting was held to discuss medication errors and failure to document; in-services over administering medications, medication errors, and notifications and reviewed post test for administering medications.
- Missed Medications report will be run during daily stand-up meeting to review medications that were missed.
- Any medication errors, the staff member will be contacted and an in-service and disciplinary action (where necessary) will be initiated.
- All nursing staff who administer medications will be given reminder education over the policy and procedures by the DON or Nurse Managers that will be initiated immediately following the med error until all staff who administer medications has received re-education.
- The ADONs are reviewing count sheets to ensure no one has been double dosed or that a dose has been missed and not documented in the EMAR. This is part of their morning routines.
- Missed Medication Report will be run prior to daily stand-up meeting by the DON. This will be an ongoing process.
Failure to Notify Responsible Party of Out-of-Range Lab Result
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident and their responsible party were fully informed of the resident's health status and treatment, specifically regarding an out-of-range lithium lab result. The resident, a male with a history of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, type 2 diabetes, bipolar disorder, depression, hypertension, kidney disorder, and stroke, was admitted with moderate cognitive impairment. A lab order for a lithium level was placed, and the result returned as high, outside the reference range. Upon receipt of the lab result, nursing staff reviewed and filed the result in the practitioner folder for physician review, but did not notify the resident's responsible party. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and inconsistency in the process for communicating abnormal lab results. The charge nurse on duty was unaware the result had been received and did not notify the responsible party, as the result was not handed directly to her. The ADON who received the result placed it in the folder, following what she described as normal practice, but did not ensure the charge nurse was aware or that the responsible party was notified. Further interviews with facility leadership, including the DON and administrator, confirmed that the expectation was for the charge nurse to notify the responsible party of out-of-range lab results. However, due to recent changes in workflow and lack of clear communication, this did not occur. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to be fully informed of their health status and care, but this was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity During Care
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity while providing care. The incident involved a male resident with Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive communication deficit disorder, and an ADL self-care performance deficit, who was dependent for activities of daily living and had impaired cognition. The resident's care plan required staff to face him, make eye contact, introduce themselves, and explain care procedures prior to beginning care. However, video footage showed the CNA in the resident's room talking about unrelated, non-sensical matters, including statements such as, "You aren't going to be doing anything to me. Trust me, I ain't scared. The way I found this one, I'll find another. Doesn't scare me one little bit. I can guarantee you that," while preparing to provide care. The resident's representative confirmed the details observed in the video and expressed concern about staff attitudes toward residents. The facility's administrator acknowledged that the CNA's behavior was inappropriate and that staff should focus on the resident and their comfort during care. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to a dignified existence and to be treated with respect and dignity. The CNA's actions did not align with these requirements, resulting in a failure to promote or maintain the resident's quality of life.
Improper Mechanical Lift Transfer Resulting in Resident Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision during a transfer involving a male resident with Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive communication deficit, and ADL self-care performance deficit. The resident required a mechanical lift and two-person assistance for transfers, as documented in his care plan. On the date of the incident, two CNAs used a mechanical lift to transfer the resident from a Geri-chair to his bed. The bed was positioned against the wall, and the CNAs moved the lift quickly without properly aligning the sling or locking the lift. As a result, the resident's head struck the wall, and he immediately showed signs of pain and shock. Video footage confirmed the improper transfer technique, and interviews with staff revealed a lack of recall of the incident by the involved CNAs. The resident's care plan specified the need for careful positioning and supervision during transfers, which was not followed. The incident was observed by the resident's representative, who reported concerns about staff attitudes and care. Documentation and interviews confirmed that the required safety procedures for mechanical lift transfers were not adhered to, directly leading to the resident's injury.
Failure to Enforce Beard Restraint Policy in Food Service Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored, prepared, and distributed in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Specifically, a dietary aide (DA A) was observed in the kitchen near serving tables without wearing a beard restraint, despite having visible facial hair including sideburns, a mustache, and a beard. On another occasion, DA A was seen in the kitchen with the beard net pulled down underneath their chin while moving about the serving, drink, and dessert tables. Interviews with DA A, the dietary manager (DM), the director of nursing (DON), and the administrator (ADM) confirmed that all dietary staff were aware of the policy requiring hair and beard nets in the kitchen to prevent food contamination. The facility's policy mandates that all dietary staff wear hairnets in food preparation areas and that anyone with a beard must wear a beard net. These observations and interviews demonstrate that the facility did not consistently enforce its own policy regarding beard restraints for staff involved in food preparation and distribution.
Failure to Protect Resident from Abuse Leading to Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from abuse, resulting in a fall incident involving a CNA and RN. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of aggressive behavior, was being assisted to his room when he became combative. During this interaction, the CNA was observed on video pushing the resident, causing him to fall and hit his bed before landing on the floor. The staff then assisted the resident to his feet and left the room without conducting an immediate assessment or checking his vital signs. The resident's family member reviewed the video footage and observed the push, which contradicted the staff's initial reports that the resident had fallen on his own. The family member was upset by the incident and reported that the resident was left alone for approximately 30 minutes before being assessed by the facility's PA. The resident sustained a scratch and an abrasion, which were not immediately documented or addressed by the staff present at the time of the fall. Interviews with facility staff, including the AD and DON, revealed discrepancies in the accounts of the incident and the actions taken afterward. The CNA involved was suspended, and the RN received additional training. The facility's failure to immediately assess the resident after the fall and the lack of communication with the resident about his condition were significant factors in the deficiency identified by the surveyors.
Failure to Assess Resident After Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice following a fall incident. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of aggressive and combative behaviors, fell on 5/27/2024 while being assisted to his room by a nurse and a CNA. The fall occurred after the resident exhibited combative behavior, and the CNA was observed on video pushing the resident, causing him to lose balance and fall. Despite the fall, the resident was not immediately assessed for injuries by the attending nurse, RN B, who left the room with the CNA after the resident continued to exhibit aggressive behavior. The resident's family member (FM) was informed of the fall and arrived at the facility approximately 30 minutes later. Upon reviewing video footage of the incident, the FM observed that the resident was pushed by the CNA and left alone in the room without being assessed for injuries. The FM reported their concerns to the facility, leading to a care plan meeting the following day. During this meeting, the FM showed the video footage to the Assistant Director (AD) and the Director of Nursing (DON), who confirmed the lack of immediate assessment and the inappropriate actions of the CNA. The facility's policy on post-fall management requires immediate assessment of residents for injuries, including pain and neurological assessments. However, the resident was not assessed until the facility's Physician Assistant (PA) arrived approximately 30 minutes after the fall. The delay in assessment and the failure to follow the facility's policy on post-fall procedures contributed to the deficiency, as the resident's injuries, including a scratch and an abrasion, were not identified until the following day.
Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Facility Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety, as observed during a survey of the kitchen's walk-in refrigerator and freezer. Several food items were found improperly stored, lacking labels, and missing dates indicating when they were opened or prepared. Specific items included a plastic container with a pink substance identified as ham, a container with chopped mixed vegetables, a steel tray with sandwiches, and a cardboard box with packets of ham, all without proper labeling. Additionally, there were containers with substances like peach, coleslaw, and baked chicken, some with outdated stickers, and others without any date or identification. Food items were also improperly stored on the floor in both the refrigerator and freezer. Interviews with dietary aides (DA B and DA C) revealed a lack of training and understanding of the facility's food handling policies. DA B, who had recently started working at the facility, was unsure about the policy regarding the storage duration of prepared or opened food items, initially suggesting a 3-day limit, then reconsidering to 5 days. DA C also expressed uncertainty about the shelf life of prepared foods and confirmed the absence of training on food handling. The facility administrator (ADM) acknowledged that the dietary manager (DM) was unavailable during weekends and could not be reached for guidance. A review of in-service records showed no training sessions on food preparation, labeling, and storage between January and May 2024, despite the facility's policy requiring all containers to be labeled with contents and storage dates, and previously cooked foods to be discarded after seven days.
Medication Documentation Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of three residents, as evidenced by the lack of proper documentation of medication administration in the Medication Administration Record (MAR). Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) A did not document the administration of medications for three residents, which could lead to medication administration errors and potential overdosing. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that any medication administered should be recorded in the MAR immediately, and if a scheduled medication was not given, the reason should be documented. Resident #1, a female with multiple diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and anxiety disorder, had several doses of Lorazepam recorded in the controlled drug log but not in the MAR. Resident #2, with conditions such as hemiplegia and chronic kidney disease, had a dose of Tramadol recorded in the controlled drug log but not in the MAR. Resident #3, with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus and dementia, had several doses of Ativan recorded in the controlled drug log but not in the MAR. These documentation errors were attributed to LVN A, who was new to the facility and worked the night shift. The facility's policy mandates that all medication administrations be documented in the MAR, and the Texas Board of Nursing requires accurate and complete documentation of medication administration. The DON acknowledged the lack of auditing for medication documentation errors and the absence of in-service training on medication administration documentation. The facility's policy and the Texas Board of Nursing standards emphasize the importance of accurate documentation to ensure safe medication practices.
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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