Westover Hills Rehabilitation And Healthcare
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in San Antonio, Texas.
- Location
- 9922 State Hwy. 151, San Antonio, Texas 78251
- CMS Provider Number
- 676281
- Inspections on file
- 39
- Latest survey
- March 9, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Westover Hills Rehabilitation And Healthcare during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to keep its medication error rate below 5%, identifying a 16.12% error rate when an LPN administered five scheduled medications (Docusate Sodium, Fluoxetine, Meloxicam, Methenamine Hippurate, and Polyethylene Glycol) to a resident more than an hour after the end of the ordered administration window. The resident, an elderly female with a carpal fracture, constipation, depression, and UTI, had care plans and active orders requiring timely administration of bowel, antidepressant, analgesic, and UTI prophylaxis medications, but these were not given within the prescribed time frame during the observed medication pass.
A resident with pain related to a fracture and other conditions had an active order for a daily 5% Lidoderm patch to the lower back, to be removed each evening per physician order and manufacturer directions. During a med pass observation, an LPN found an existing Lidoderm patch on the resident’s lower back that was still in place, dated two days earlier and lacking staff initials, despite documentation that a medication aide had administered the patch the previous day. The medication aide later reported she applied the patch and knew it should be removed after about 12 hours but did not recall removing it and acknowledged she might have misdated the patch. The DON stated staff were expected to date and initial lidocaine patches and remove them after 12 hours unless otherwise ordered, consistent with facility policy requiring meds to be administered per physician orders.
The facility did not complete the care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment, and the care plan was not prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals as required.
Surveyors found loose, unlabeled pills in three medication carts, with staff including RNs and medication aides confirming the pills' identities were unknown and that such occurrences could lead to contamination or medication errors. The DON stated that loose pills should be destroyed, and the facility's policy requires proper labeling of all medications and biologicals.
The facility failed to provide appropriate pharmacological services, leading to medication errors for two residents. An LVN administered Cefazolin in the wrong concentration due to a pharmacy oversight, but no harm occurred. Additionally, a discrepancy in the narcotic count for Ativan was found due to outdated counting practices, with missing medication discovered during a drug destruction by the DON. Both incidents were corrected before the survey began.
A resident with a history of depression and under hospice care was readmitted to the facility without adequate mental health interventions. Despite previous self-harm attempts communicated by hospice, the facility did not implement a care plan for depression or coordinate effectively with hospice. The resident's PHQ-9 scores indicated minimal depression, but no psychiatric services were pursued. The resident was found deceased after using a gait belt to hang himself, highlighting the facility's failure to address his mental health needs.
A facility failed to create a comprehensive care plan for a resident's depression and the use of Zoloft, despite the resident's history of stroke and severe cognitive impairment. The care plan only addressed Trazodone for insomnia, missing the resident's depression diagnosis. Interviews with staff revealed the oversight, and the facility's policy mandates a care plan within 48 hours of admission, which was not followed.
Two residents in an LTC facility did not receive timely IV dressing changes as ordered by physicians, placing them at risk for infection. One resident's dressing was not changed due to an LPN documenting the change before performing it and then failing to complete the task. Another resident's dressing was overdue despite documentation indicating a change, with the facility lacking a specific policy for dressing change timeframes. The ADON and Administrator acknowledged the importance of clean dressings but could not explain the oversight.
The facility failed to maintain accurate clinical records for two residents due to LVN A and LVN B's inability to properly document and perform IV dressing changes. A resident with multiple diagnoses had a midline care order for dressing changes every seven days, but the schedule was not followed. Another resident with sepsis and heart failure had a PICC line dressing that was not updated as required. Despite having completed training, the LVNs did not adhere to the physician's orders, potentially increasing infection risk.
The facility failed to adhere to food safety standards, including improper labeling of opened food containers, staff wearing wristwatches during food preparation, and a cook not wearing a facial hair restraint. These actions could lead to foodborne illnesses among residents.
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program. A medication aide did not use appropriate hand hygiene during a medication pass, an LVN did not sanitize hands between glove changes, and another medication aide did not sanitize a wrist blood pressure cuff between resident uses.
The facility failed to ensure the PASRR Level 1 was completed accurately for a resident with a mental health diagnosis of PTSD. The initial screening form had both 'yes' and 'no' boxes checked for mental illness, and the responsible staff did not follow up for clarity. The facility lacked a specific policy for PASRR screenings, and the MDS Coordinator acknowledged the oversight.
The facility failed to provide timely assistance to a resident with Alzheimer's disease who required help with toileting. Despite the resident's call light being deactivated by an unknown staff member, no assistance was provided for 29 minutes. Interviews with staff revealed a breakdown in communication and adherence to facility protocols.
The facility failed to update the care plans for two residents, leading to inaccuracies in their documented care needs. One resident's care plan incorrectly showed they were still receiving hospice services, while another's care plan did not reflect the discontinuation of a harmful leg/foot brace. Interviews with staff and family confirmed these discrepancies.
A facility failed to ensure a resident's environment was free of accident hazards by leaving a syringe with an open needle in the room of a resident who did not have any orders for medications administered via syringe. The resident received insulin via an insulin pen, and the LVN and DON were unaware of how the syringe ended up in the room.
A facility failed to ensure a resident received the correct water flushes before and after medication administration through a g-tube, as per physician's orders. The LVN used incorrect water volumes, and the DON confirmed the expectation to follow orders, highlighting a lapse in adherence to the facility's policy.
A resident was administered Zoloft without a completed informed consent form. The consent form in the resident's EHR had empty fields for critical information and was uploaded without proper review. Interviews revealed that the standard protocol for obtaining consent was not followed, and multiple staff members failed to ensure the form's completion.
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and security of medications, leaving a medication cart unlocked and unattended in a high-traffic area and allowing an LVN to leave medications unattended at a resident's bedside. This compromised resident safety and medication security.
Medication Pass Error Rate Exceeds 5% Due to Late Administration
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, as surveyors identified a 16.12% error rate during a medication pass. During observation of a medication administration by one LPN, five of thirty-one medication opportunities were administered late to one resident. Specifically, the LPN administered Docusate Sodium, Fluoxetine HCl, Meloxicam, Methenamine Hippurate, and Polyethylene Glycol at 12:12 p.m., which was one hour and twelve minutes after the end of the scheduled administration window of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This late administration was identified through observation, interview, and record review. The resident involved was an elderly female with diagnoses including a left wrist carpal fracture, constipation, depression, and urinary tract infection. Her 5-Day MDS showed a BIMS score of 11, indicating moderate cognitive status, and documented frequent pain rated 5 out of 10, need for substantial/maximal assistance with mobility and transfers, and active UTI, fracture, and depression. Her care plan included interventions to administer medications as ordered for constipation, UTI prophylaxis with Methenamine Hippurate, pain management with analgesics, and depression treatment with Fluoxetine. The active medication orders confirmed scheduled dosing for the medications that were administered late, including bowel maintenance, antidepressant therapy, pain control after breakfast, and chronic UTI management.
Failure to Remove and Properly Document Lidoderm Patch Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services that ensured accurate dispensing and administration of a prescribed Lidoderm (lidocaine) patch for one resident. The resident was an elderly female with diagnoses including a left wrist fracture, constipation, depression, and a urinary tract infection. Her 5-Day MDS showed a BIMS score of 11 (moderately cognitively intact), frequent pain rated 5/10, and use of scheduled and PRN pain medications. Her care plan included administration of analgesics as ordered and monitoring for side effects and effectiveness. An active physician order directed that a 5% Lidoderm patch be applied to the lower back once daily for back pain and removed every evening before bedtime, consistent with manufacturer directions to use the patch for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period. On the medication administration record for the month, the Lidoderm patch was documented as administered on 03/07/2026 by a medication aide. During a medication pass observation the following day, an LPN entered the resident’s room to administer the scheduled Lidoderm patch and, upon exposing the resident’s lower back, observed an existing Lidoderm patch still in place. The patch was dated 03/06/2026 and had no staff initials. The LPN stated the resident should not have had the previous patch on, that she had not worked the prior two days and therefore had not seen the resident’s back, and that she believed the patch should only be on for 12 hours. She expressed uncertainty as to whether the prior day’s administration had been missed or if the patch had been misdated, and stated that such an error was unacceptable because it placed the resident at risk of receiving more medication or a higher dose than intended. When questioned, the resident reported she was not in pain and believed the patch had been applied the day before but was unsure. In a subsequent interview, the medication aide reported working from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on 03/07/2026 and recalled administering the resident’s medications and applying the Lidoderm patch that day. She stated that if she applied the patch, she knew it needed to be removed in the afternoon but did not recall removing it. She remembered giving the resident evening medications and asking her to turn on her side, at which time the resident complained of arm pain; the aide believed she likely told the resident she would return and then forgot to remove the patch. She stated the patches were expected to be on for 11.5 to 12 hours and acknowledged she could have put the wrong date on the patch, noting she had previously discovered and corrected wrong dates on patches. The DON stated her expectation that staff date and initial lidocaine patches on administration and remove them after 12 hours unless the provider changed the order, and that leaving a patch on longer than expected could cause lidocaine toxicity, while not providing the patch per order could result in pain. The facility’s medication administration policy required medications to be administered in accordance with written physician orders.
Failure to Timely Develop and Review Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment. The care plan was not prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals as required. This deficiency was identified based on the review of facility records and documentation, which showed that the care planning process did not meet the specified timeline and team involvement requirements.
Unlabeled Loose Pills Found in Multiple Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that three of eight medication carts in the facility contained loose, unlabeled pills in the drawers. Specifically, the 200 hall nurse cart had two unlabeled pills, the 200 hall medication aide cart had one unlabeled pill, and the 400 hall medication aide cart had four unlabeled pills. These pills were not labeled in accordance with professional guidelines, and staff interviewed acknowledged that the identity of the pills was unknown and that they would dispose of them due to safety concerns. Interviews with nursing and medication aide staff confirmed that the presence of loose, unlabeled pills could lead to contamination, medication errors, or the possibility that a patient might not receive their prescribed medication. The Director of Nursing also stated that loose pills could be accessed by unauthorized individuals and should be destroyed. The facility's policy requires medications and biologicals to be labeled according to facility, state, and federal requirements, which was not followed in these instances.
Medication Administration and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate pharmacological services for two residents, leading to medication errors. For one resident, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) administered Cefazolin 6 GM in 250 ML instead of the prescribed 6 GM in 1000 ML. This error was identified as a pharmacy oversight, where the incorrect concentration was sent. The LVN realized the mistake after administration and reported it to the Director of Nursing (DON), who instructed her to contact the facility nurse practitioner and pharmacy. Fortunately, no harm occurred to the resident as the medication was administered via a PICC line, which is non-irritant to veins. In another incident, the facility failed to secure controlled medications properly. A discrepancy was found in the narcotic count for Ativan 1 MG prescribed to another resident. The narcotic sheet indicated that 24 Ativan tablets were received, but only 14 were present, and the blister pack was missing. This discrepancy was discovered during a monthly drug destruction by the DON. The issue arose due to outdated controlled drug counting practices, where nurses only counted the medication in the blister pack without verifying the resident's name or the medication details. Both incidents were identified as past non-compliance, with the facility having corrected the issues before the survey began. The deficiencies could have affected all residents receiving medication from the facility, placing them at risk for adverse reactions and a decline in physical health.
Failure to Address Mental Health Needs Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate care with hospice and implement interventions to address a resident's mental health needs, leading to a tragic incident. The resident, who had a history of depression and was under hospice care, was readmitted to the facility with a diagnosis of depression. Despite hospice communication indicating the resident had previously attempted self-harm, the facility did not coordinate effectively with hospice or implement a care plan addressing the resident's mental health needs. The resident's care plans lacked specific interventions for depression, and there were no orders for mental health services from the time of readmission until the incident. The resident was on medications for depression, including Zoloft and Trazodone, but the facility's monitoring of the resident's mental health was inadequate. The resident's PHQ-9 assessments indicated minimal depression, but there was no follow-up or referral for psychiatric services despite a noted increase in the PHQ-9 score. The facility's social services staff did not probe further into the resident's mental health status or communicate the increased score to other healthcare providers. On the day of the incident, the resident was observed by multiple staff members and appeared to be in good spirits, showing no overt signs of distress. However, later that day, the resident was found deceased in his closet, having used a gait belt to hang himself. The facility's failure to address the resident's mental health needs and ensure a safe environment contributed to this tragic outcome.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident's Depression
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident, which included addressing the resident's diagnosis of depression and the use of the anti-depressant medication Zoloft. The resident, an elderly male with a history of stroke, hemiplegia, dysphagia, dysarthria, and depression, was admitted to the facility and had been receiving Zoloft and Trazodone as part of his treatment. However, the care plan only included interventions related to the use of Trazodone for insomnia and did not address the resident's depression or the use of Zoloft. Interviews with facility staff, including the MDS Nurse and the DON, revealed that the care plan for the resident's depression and Zoloft medication was overlooked. The MDS Nurse acknowledged missing the creation of the care plan when the medication was ordered, and the DON confirmed the absence of a care plan for the resident's depression and Zoloft. The facility's policy requires the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive care plan within 48 hours of admission, but this was not adhered to, potentially impacting the continuity of care for the resident.
Failure to Perform Timely IV Dressing Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care according to physician orders and resident preferences, specifically in the case of two residents who did not receive timely intravenous (IV) dressing changes. Resident #1, a male with multiple health conditions including cytomegaloviral disease, diabetes, and acute kidney failure, was supposed to have his IV dressing changed every 7 days. However, it was observed that his dressing was old, dirty, and not changed as documented by LVN A, who admitted to documenting the change before actually performing it and then failing to complete the task due to being busy. Resident #2, a male with conditions such as sepsis, MRSA, and heart failure, also did not receive timely IV dressing changes. His physician orders required a PICC line dressing change every 7 days, but observations revealed that the dressing had not been changed since the date of 6/28/2024, despite documentation indicating a change on 7/14/2024 by LVN B, who could not be contacted for verification. The treatment nurse and LVN A confirmed the dressing was overdue for a change, and the facility's ADON acknowledged the lack of a specific policy for dressing change timeframes, relying instead on physician orders. The facility's failure to adhere to the prescribed dressing change schedule for both residents placed them at risk for infection. The facility's ADON and Administrator both recognized the importance of maintaining clean IV dressings to prevent infection but could not explain why the orders were not followed. The absence of a clear policy and oversight in checking new orders contributed to the oversight in care for these residents.
Failure to Maintain Accurate IV Dressing Change Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain accurate and complete clinical records for two residents, as LVN A and LVN B did not demonstrate competency in documenting and performing IV dressing changes. Resident #1, a male with multiple diagnoses including cytomegaloviral disease, diabetes mellitus, and acute kidney failure, had a physician's order for midline care with dressing changes every seven days. However, the documentation by LVN A indicated a dressing change on a date that did not align with the required schedule. Similarly, Resident #2, a male with conditions such as sepsis, MRSA, and heart failure, had a physician's order for a PICC line dressing change every seven days. Despite this, the dressing on Resident #2's IV site was observed to be outdated, with a date indicating it had not been changed as per the order. Interviews and observations revealed that LVN A, who was responsible for Resident #2's care, acknowledged the discrepancy in the dressing change schedule but could not explain why the dressing had not been updated. The facility's Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) also confirmed the importance of maintaining clean IV dressings to prevent infections but was unaware of why the orders were not followed. Both LVN A and LVN B had completed training in intravenous therapy, including dressing changes for IV sites, yet failed to adhere to the physician's orders, potentially increasing the risk of infection for the residents.
Food Safety Violations in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. An observation revealed a gallon-sized container of sweet tea in the walk-in cooler that had been opened and was not labeled with a use-by date. The DS confirmed that the container should have been labeled by the staff member storing it in the cooler. This oversight could lead to the consumption of expired or unsafe food by residents. Further observations showed that both the DS and DA C wore wristwatches while engaged in food preparation, which is against the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). The DS was seen handling meatloaf and raw beef, while DA C was observed filling cups with beverages and placing food items on trays. Both individuals acknowledged that they should not have worn jewelry while preparing food, but the DS mentioned he forgot to remove his watch due to the busy nature of the day's menu. Additionally, Cook D was observed with facial hair on his upper lip and was not wearing a facial hair restraint while preparing food. Cook D stated he was unaware of the requirement for a facial hair restraint. The DS confirmed that Cook D should have worn a facial hair restraint and mentioned that staff were trained during their orientation. The facility's reliance on the TFER as their policy manual was noted, but the lack of adherence to these standards was evident in the observed deficiencies.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program, leading to several deficiencies. Medication Aide G did not utilize appropriate hand hygiene during the medication pass for Resident #17. After administering oral medications, the aide put on gloves without washing or sanitizing her hands, then proceeded to handle the resident's belongings and apply a new Lidocaine patch without changing gloves. This was acknowledged by the aide as cross-contamination, which could lead to infection. LVN A also failed to practice proper hand hygiene during the medication pass for Resident #80. After cleaning the resident's g-tube site, the LVN removed her gloves but did not wash or sanitize her hands before putting on a new pair of gloves and continuing with the medication administration. The LVN admitted to not being aware of the lapse in hand hygiene, which was confirmed as an infection control issue by the DON. Additionally, Medication Aide F did not sanitize the wrist blood pressure cuff between uses on different residents. The aide used the same cuff on Resident #253 and Resident #80 without cleaning it in between, which he later acknowledged as an oversight due to nervousness. The DON confirmed that the expectation was to sanitize equipment between residents to prevent cross-contamination and potential infections.
Failure to Complete Accurate PASRR Screening for Resident with Mental Health Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Level 1 was completed accurately for Resident #84 upon admission. The resident, who had a mental health diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, did not receive the proper PASRR screening. The initial PASRR screening form received from the referring entity had both 'yes' and 'no' boxes checked for mental illness, which should have triggered a follow-up for clarity. However, the responsible staff member did not ensure the accuracy of the received or transmitted data at the time of admission and did not follow up with the referring entity for clarification. Interviews with the MDS Coordinator and the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that the facility did not have a specific policy related to the completion of PASRR screenings, and the staff member responsible for the initial screening was no longer employed at the facility. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged that Resident #84 should have received a PASRR screening from the local authority to determine eligibility for PASRR services. The DON confirmed that the PASRR screening was incorrect and that the MDS Coordinator should have followed up with the referring entity for a new screening. Despite this, the DON believed that the resident not receiving the PASRR screening did not affect the resident's care.
Failure to Provide Timely Assistance to Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services to Resident #251, who was admitted for short-term rehabilitation with a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The resident required assistance with toileting and preferred not to use an adult brief. On the day of the incident, the resident's family member reported that an unknown staff member responded to the resident's call light, deactivated it, and left the room without providing the needed assistance, promising that another staff member would arrive shortly. However, no staff responded to the resident's need for assistance over the next 29 minutes, despite the facility's protocol requiring immediate assistance or informing another staff member who could help promptly. Interviews with various staff members, including LVN I, CNA J, CNA K, the DOR, and the DON, revealed that none of them responded to the call light or were informed of the resident's need for assistance. The DON acknowledged the issue and stated that it was her expectation that any staff member responding to a call light should either assist the resident or inform another staff member who could. The facility's policy on rounds and staffing emphasized the importance of checking residents frequently and answering call lights in a timely manner, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Update Comprehensive Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for two residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. For Resident #16, the care plan inaccurately reflected that the resident was still receiving hospice services, despite hospice services being terminated on 2/16/24. This discrepancy was noted during interviews with the resident's family, the social worker, and the Director of Nursing (DON), all of whom confirmed that the care plan should have been updated to reflect the termination of hospice services. The social worker admitted responsibility for updating the care plan but acknowledged that nursing staff could also have made the necessary updates. For Resident #8, the care plan did not reflect that the resident was no longer using a leg/foot brace (podus boot). The resident was observed wearing soft offloading boots instead of the podus boot, which was causing more harm than benefit. Interviews with the treatment nurse and physical therapist confirmed that the podus boot should have been discontinued and the care plan updated accordingly. The DON also acknowledged that the care plan should have been updated to reflect the current use of soft offloading boots. The facility's policy on comprehensive person-centered care planning, revised in 12/2023, mandates that the interdisciplinary team (IDT) develop and update care plans to meet residents' needs. However, the failure to update the care plans for Residents #16 and #8 indicates a lapse in adhering to this policy, potentially leading to inconsistent and inadequate care for the residents.
Failure to Remove Syringe with Open Needle from Resident's Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the resident environment remained free of accident hazards for one resident reviewed for accidents and hazards. Specifically, a syringe with an open needle attached was found in the room of a resident who did not have any orders for medications administered via syringe or injection. The resident, who was independently ambulatory and received medications administered by nursing staff, stated he had not seen the syringe and confirmed he received his insulin injection via an insulin pen that morning. An LVN who had rounded on the resident earlier that morning confirmed the resident received his insulin via an insulin pen and was unaware of the syringe in the room. The LVN disposed of the syringe immediately upon discovery. The DON was informed of the incident but could not identify which staff member left the syringe in the room. The facility's policy on rounds and staffing emphasized the importance of ensuring personal items at the bedside are safe for the resident.
Failure to Follow Physician's Orders for G-Tube Water Flushes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident who was fed by enteral means received the appropriate treatment and services to prevent complications. Specifically, the facility did not provide the correct water flushes before and after medication administration through a gastrostomy tube (g-tube) for a resident. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including type 2 diabetes, muscle wasting, gastroparesis, and dysphagia, required a feeding tube and had specific orders for water flushes that were not followed by the nursing staff. During a medication pass, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) attempted to flush the g-tube with 5 ml of water instead of the ordered 30-50 ml, and subsequently administered a final flush of 180 ml instead of the ordered 30-50 ml after medication administration. The LVN acknowledged the error upon reviewing the physician's orders and realized the mistake in the volume of water used for flushing the g-tube. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that it was the expectation for nursing staff to follow the physician's orders and that failure to do so could result in improper hydration for the resident. The facility's policy on medication administration via feeding tube also specified the need to follow the physician's orders for water flush volumes, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Obtain Proper Consent for Psychotropic Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were given psychotropic medications with proper consent. Specifically, Resident #55 was administered Zoloft, an antidepressant, without a completed informed consent form. The consent form within Resident #55's electronic health record (EHR) was found to have empty fields for critical information such as the medication ordered, the related diagnosis, conditions treated, expected benefits, clinically significant side effects, and the purpose and course of therapy. This incomplete form was uploaded into the EHR without being properly reviewed for completion by the admitting nurse, the medical records staff, or the Director of Nursing (DON). Interviews with the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Medical Records staff, and the DON revealed that the standard protocol for obtaining consent for psychotropic medications was not followed. The LVN admitted that the psychotropic medications should not have been provided until consent was obtained, and the Medical Records staff acknowledged that the incomplete form should have been returned to the nurse for completion before uploading. The DON confirmed that it was the responsibility of multiple staff members, including the admitting nurse, charge nurse, medical records, and the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), to review and ensure the completion of consent forms before uploading them to the EHR. The facility's psychotropic medication policy also required obtaining consent prior to the initiation of new psychotropic medications, which was not adhered to in this case.
Medication Storage and Security Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure all drugs and biologicals were stored in accordance with currently accepted professional principles in locked compartments and permitted only authorized personnel to have access to the keys. Specifically, the 300 Hall Med Aide Medication Cart was left unlocked and unattended in a high-traffic area outside the main dining room and near the nurse's station. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the issue and locked the cart upon noticing it, revealing that Med Aide F was responsible for the cart and was likely on another hall at the time. The DON confirmed that the cart should not have been left unlocked and unattended, as residents with dementia could access it, posing a risk of medication misuse and diversion. Additionally, during a medication pass, LVN A left medications unattended at Resident #80's bedside on three separate occasions while gathering supplies from the medication cart. Resident #80, a [AGE] year-old female with multiple diagnoses including type 2 diabetes, muscle wasting, gastroparesis, and moderate cognitive impairment, had her medications placed in separate cups on her bedside table. LVN A admitted that she should not have left the medications unattended, as they could have been accidentally knocked over or taken by someone else. The DON reiterated that staff should not leave medications unattended to prevent accidental ingestion by residents with dementia or unauthorized individuals. The facility's policy and procedure on medication access and storage, revised in August 2020, mandates that all drugs and biologicals be stored in locked compartments and accessible only to authorized personnel. The policy specifies that medication rooms, carts, and supplies must be locked or attended by authorized individuals. The facility's failure to adhere to this policy resulted in the observed deficiencies, potentially compromising resident safety and medication security.
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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