Williamsburg Village Healthcare Campus
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Desoto, Texas.
- Location
- 941 Scotland Dr, Desoto, Texas 75115
- CMS Provider Number
- 675756
- Inspections on file
- 93
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 38 (6 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Williamsburg Village Healthcare Campus during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple comorbidities fell in a hallway after becoming agitated during redirection, striking his head and torso against a handrail and sustaining a facial abrasion. The assigned LVN reported verbally that the resident was ambulatory and at baseline afterward but did not document vitals, neuro checks, or a post-fall assessment in the EHR, and did not notify the MD, DON, ADON, weekend supervisor, or the resident’s family at the time of the incident. Later that day, family observed a bloody bandage and mental status changes, learned of the fall only after questioning the LVN, and then signed the resident out and transported him to the hospital, where he was found to have rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. Subsequent interviews and record review showed that required immediate assessment, documentation, and notification protocols for incidents and changes in condition were not followed.
A resident with severe dementia and known fall and wandering risks fell after becoming agitated during redirection, striking his head and torso on a hallway rail and sustaining a visible facial abrasion. The assigned LVN helped the resident up and applied a bandage but did not complete or document required post‑fall assessments such as vitals, head‑to‑toe exam, neuro checks, or pain assessment, and did not notify the MD, DON, ADON, weekend supervisor, or the family. Later that day, the family noticed the bloody bandage and a change in the resident’s mental status, questioned the LVN, and then signed the resident out and transported him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. Facility records and staff interviews confirmed that the mandated assessments and notifications were not performed or documented at the time of the fall.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, and fall/wandering risk, who required supervision and assistance with mobility and ADLs, was observed roaming in and out of rooms and was redirected by an LVN. During redirection, the resident became aggressive, attempted to hit the nurse, lost balance, and fell against a handrail, sustaining a noted abrasion to the temple. Later that day, at the family’s request, the resident was sent to the hospital for change of condition and was diagnosed with rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. Despite facility policy and federal requirements mandating prompt reporting of alleged abuse/neglect incidents and events resulting in serious bodily injury to the Administrator and appropriate agencies within specified timeframes, the DON and Administrator did not report the incident to the State agency or other required authorities, constituting a failure to timely report a serious, reportable event.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple comorbidities, and identified fall and wandering risks experienced a witnessed fall after becoming aggressive during redirection, striking a handrail and sustaining a visible abrasion. The primary LVN did not report the fall to the Administrator or notify the MD or family, and the subsequent transfer note to the hospital cited a change in condition (N/V) without linking it to the fall. Hospital evaluation revealed multiple traumatic injuries, including rib fractures, adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. Despite being informed of the serious injuries and that the fall occurred in the facility, the Administrator and DON did not promptly initiate or document a thorough investigation in accordance with the facility’s abuse/neglect investigation policy.
A resident with dementia, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and impaired mobility was left unattended and unsupervised in a facility transport van for several hours in cold weather after returning from a dialysis appointment. The resident, who used a wheelchair and lived on a memory care unit, was later discovered buckled into a van seat with his wheelchair stored in the back, while temperatures were in the 30s°F. Staff interviews revealed that the resident was not promptly accounted for on the unit, that a CNA eventually noticed movement in the van and found the resident inside, and that nursing staff doubted the resident could have independently exited the secured unit, navigated outside, loaded his wheelchair, and buckled himself in. The resident reported that the driver had left him in the van, and the medical record lacked documentation of the incident or subsequent assessments, contributing to a finding of Immediate Jeopardy related to inadequate supervision and accident hazard prevention.
Multiple residents with pressure ulcers, end-stage skin failure, and a Kennedy terminal ulcer did not consistently receive ordered wound care, as wound treatment records showed numerous missed entries and progress notes lacked documentation of care. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple stage 4 and unstageable foot and heel ulcers had many days where prescribed cleansing and dressings were not provided. Another resident with sacral end-stage skin failure had daily and PRN wound orders that were repeatedly marked as missed on the treatment record. A third terminal resident with a Kennedy ulcer on the ischium also had ordered Dakin’s-based dressings missed on several days. Observations confirmed the presence of wounds and that when the wound care nurse did perform treatments, they followed ordered procedures, but interviews revealed that floor nurses were responsible for wound care when the wound nurse was off and that the wound nurse had not monitored treatment administration records, contributing to unaddressed missed treatments.
A resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment, and impaired mobility who used a wheelchair and received thrice-weekly dialysis was discovered in the facility’s transport van late in the evening after having returned from dialysis earlier that afternoon. Staff reported that the resident was found seated and belted in the van, and the resident stated that the driver had left him there, while the driver and Administrator asserted the resident had been returned to the unit and later made his way back to the van. An LVN stated she did not believe the resident was physically or cognitively capable of independently leaving the locked unit, navigating to the van, loading his wheelchair, and buckling himself in. The incident was not documented in the EHR, and the Administrator did not report the alleged neglect to the state agency as required by the facility’s abuse/neglect policy, which mandates timely reporting of reportable allegations to regulatory authorities.
A resident with stroke-related weakness and ESRD, care planned for Hoyer lift transfers with two-person assist, was manually transferred from bed to wheelchair by several CNAs instead of using the mechanical lift. During the transfer, the resident’s leg twisted, causing immediate severe pain, but she was still transported to dialysis, where she arrived crying, with a Hoyer sling under her and 10/10 left leg pain. Dialysis staff reported the resident consistently stated that aides at the facility had twisted her leg during the transfer, and she was sent to the ED, where imaging showed an acute comminuted distal femur fracture. One CNA admitted the lift was reportedly broken and that they used a sling and draw sheet with multiple staff, while other CNAs gave conflicting accounts and did not report the resident’s pain to an LVN, contrary to the care plan and facility policies on mechanical lifts and change of condition.
A resident with impaired mobility and a care plan requiring Hoyer lift transfers was manually transferred from bed to wheelchair by multiple CNAs, after which she immediately reported severe leg pain and stated that staff had twisted her leg. She was transported to dialysis still in pain, where dialysis staff observed her crying, unable to move her leg, and still in a Hoyer sling, and she repeatedly told them that nursing home staff had hurt her during the transfer. Hospital evaluation revealed an acute distal femur fracture. Despite the resident’s consistent allegations to family and dialysis staff that the injury occurred during a transfer at the facility and the facility’s policy requiring reporting of all alleged abuse/neglect to the State, the DON and Administrator concluded the incident was not reportable, believing it occurred at the dialysis center, and did not report the allegation to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe.
A resident who was care planned for Hoyer lift transfers with two‑person assistance was manually transferred from bed to wheelchair by multiple CNAs, after which she immediately reported severe left leg pain. She was transported to dialysis, where staff found her crying in pain with a Hoyer sling still under her, and she consistently reported that nursing home aides had twisted her leg during the transfer. Dialysis staff did not move her to a dialysis chair due to pain and arranged EMS transport; hospital imaging showed an acute distal femur fracture. Despite multiple consistent accounts from the resident and dialysis staff that the injury occurred during a facility transfer and that the resident had reported pain before leaving, the DON did not verify events with the dialysis center, did not interview all involved staff at the time (including the assisting CNA), and could not produce documented staff statements, while the Administrator asserted the event was not reportable because it allegedly occurred at dialysis. The facility’s actions and omissions show it failed to conduct and document a thorough investigation of an allegation of neglect and injury as required by its abuse/neglect policy.
Two residents with severe cognitive and physical impairments did not receive timely incontinence care, resulting in them being found in heavily soiled briefs and linens. The CNA assigned did not follow proper perineal care procedures, including failing to cleanse the perineal area and not changing gloves after a bowel movement. Nursing staff acknowledged the expectation for incontinence rounds every two hours but could not confirm compliance, and training records lacked specific guidance on the required frequency of care.
Two residents with significant medical conditions did not receive proper incontinence care when a CNA failed to perform hand hygiene and change gloves between tasks, and did not cleanse the peri area as required. Despite prior training and facility policy, the CNA used the same gloves after handling soiled linens and before applying clean briefs, actions confirmed by interviews with nursing leadership and staff.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses was discharged to another facility without a completed discharge summary, as required. Nursing staff did not complete the summary due to unfamiliarity with a new system, and facility leadership was unaware of the omission. Only a progress note and physician discharge summary were present, and the facility's policy for discharge documentation and notification was not fully followed.
Two residents with severe cognitive impairment and behavioral health needs were physically harmed in separate altercations with other residents. In one case, a resident was struck with a ruler and stabbed with a pen by a roommate, resulting in lacerations and emotional distress. In another, a resident was pushed by another resident, causing a hip and wrist fracture that required hospitalization and surgery. Staff and record reviews confirmed that the facility did not prevent these incidents, leading to significant harm.
A resident with severe dementia and a history of wandering eloped from the facility by breaking a window, despite being on 15-minute checks. The resident was found by police exhibiting psychotic behaviors and was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Staff interviews and records confirmed that required supervision was in place, but the resident was able to leave undetected between checks.
Two residents with severe cognitive impairment and incontinence did not receive timely incontinence care as required by their care plans, resulting in prolonged periods without changing, double briefing, and soiled bedding. Staff interviews confirmed knowledge of protocols for two-hour rounding and single brief use, but these were not consistently followed.
A resident with multiple pressure ulcers did not receive wound care as ordered by the physician due to a delay in entering treatment orders into the electronic system, resulting in missed or undocumented wound care treatments. Staff interviews and record reviews confirmed that the orders were not promptly entered or followed, leading to a lapse in the resident's prescribed wound care regimen.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions did not receive prescribed enteral feedings on several occasions, as documented in the MAR. Nursing staff and the DON confirmed the missed feedings and were unable to provide documentation or reasons for the omissions, despite facility policy requiring prompt implementation and documentation of physician orders.
Staff failed to follow infection control protocols by not performing required hand hygiene during incontinence and wound care for two residents with severe cognitive impairment and complex medical needs, including a stage 4 pressure ulcer. CNAs and an RN were observed skipping handwashing before, during, and after care, handling both soiled and clean items with the same gloves, and not disinfecting surfaces used for wound care supplies, despite facility policies and reported training.
The facility did not ensure that residents were seen by a physician at the required intervals, with all face-to-face visits being conducted solely by a nurse practitioner rather than alternating with the physician as required. Several residents with complex medical needs did not have documented physician visits in their clinical records, and the attending physician acknowledged falling behind on these responsibilities.
A resident with dementia and multiple chronic conditions was not administered her prescribed morning medications on two consecutive days. Staff failed to make additional attempts, document refusals, or notify the physician as required by facility policy, resulting in missed doses of essential medications and lack of appropriate follow-up.
Two residents were prescribed Austedo, a medication for involuntary movements, without documented evidence or formal diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia or other movement disorders. AIMS assessments and nursing notes did not support the need for the medication, and staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness regarding movement issues or the rationale for the prescription. The facility's actions did not align with its policy requiring formal diagnosis and interdisciplinary review before initiating such treatment.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease and significant mobility limitations was found with her call light on the floor and out of reach, despite her care plan requiring it to be accessible due to fall risk. Staff interviews confirmed the expectation that call lights should always be within reach, but this was not ensured during the incident.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease and esophagitis, identified as a fall risk and requiring substantial assistance, did not have prescribed fall prevention interventions implemented as outlined in her care plan. Observations showed the bed was not in the lowest position, the fall mat was not in place, and bed rails were not raised. Staff interviews revealed lapses in following and understanding the care plan interventions.
A resident with Alzheimer's disease and esophagitis, requiring total assistance with eating and on a puree diet, was not provided with feeding assistance, resulting in an untouched meal. The CNA attempted to feed the resident but did not report the missed meal to the LVN, who was unaware until later. Facility policy requiring notification to nursing staff when food intake is low was not followed.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was injured in an altercation with another resident who pushed her, causing a hip fracture. The second resident, known for verbal aggression and paranoia, was not adequately monitored or managed, leading to the incident. Staff intervened, but the injury had already occurred.
A resident's morphine pills were misappropriated by the ADON, who altered the medication count sheet to show fewer pills than were initially present. The resident, with a history of cancer and moderate cognitive impairment, was due for a morphine dose, but the pills were missing from the cart. The ADON was suspended pending investigation.
A resident with breast cancer missed four doses of the prescribed cancer medication Ibrance due to the facility's failure to administer it as ordered. The DON cited delivery issues from a specialty pharmacy but confirmed there was no valid reason for the missed doses, highlighting the importance of maintaining therapeutic blood levels.
The facility failed to provide adequate personal hygiene care for three residents, leading to deficiencies in their grooming and bathing routines. A resident with severe cognitive impairment was not consistently shaved, despite expressing a desire for facial hair removal. Another resident, legally blind and requiring full assistance, was observed with unwanted facial hair, and there was no record of her being shaved. Additionally, a resident with cognitive impairments did not receive consistent showers, as documented in the facility's records. Staffing and scheduling issues contributed to these deficiencies.
The facility's North and South kitchens failed to meet food safety standards. In the North kitchen, several food items were not labeled or dated, risking foodborne illness. In the South kitchen, Nutrition Aides with facial hair did not wear beard guards while handling food and clean dishes, due to unavailability. These actions violated facility policies and the Federal Food Code, potentially endangering residents.
A resident's dignity was compromised when their catheter urine collection bag was observed without a privacy cover, lying on the floor. Despite the resident's discomfort, staff were unaware of the issue, which violated the facility's policy on catheter care. Interviews with staff highlighted a lack of communication and adherence to privacy protocols.
A resident with legal blindness and muscle wasting was found without access to her call light, as it was placed on the floor behind her and under the bed. The resident, who required substantial assistance with ADLs, reported yelling for help or waiting for staff to check on her. An LVN was unaware of why the call light was not within reach, contrary to the facility's policy.
A facility failed to ensure a diabetic resident's wound was covered as per physician orders, leading to an uncovered and bleeding wound. The resident, with severely impaired cognition, had a dressing dated a week earlier found in their sock. Nursing staff were unaware of the dressing's removal, and an RN admitted to using an old dressing without updating records. The DON confirmed expectations for staff to follow orders, but inconsistent training and documentation were noted.
A resident with an indwelling catheter was at risk of urinary tract infections due to improper catheter care. The catheter urine collection bag was repeatedly found on the floor or tangled, causing discomfort and potential backflow of urine. Nursing staff failed to adhere to proper protocols, and the DON was not informed of these issues, highlighting a communication breakdown within the facility.
A resident experienced a significant weight loss of 15.51% over 30 days due to inadequate monitoring and intervention by the facility. Despite being on a therapeutic diet, the resident's decline in appetite and food pocketing were not communicated to the physician or dietitian. Discrepancies in recorded weights were not promptly addressed, leading to a lack of timely interventions.
The facility failed to securely store medications, as observed with an unsecured medication cart and two residents having unauthorized medications in their rooms. One resident had arthritis pain cream at his bedside without a physician's order, while another self-administered pain cream due to delayed staff response. The facility's policy requires medications to be accessible only to authorized personnel.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and specific dietary needs was served inappropriate food items, including whole potato chips, a whole piece of cake, and thin liquids, instead of the prescribed pureed diet and nectar thickened liquids. The deficiency was observed during a lunch meal, and staff failed to recognize and adhere to the resident's dietary requirements, leading to potential risks of aspiration and choking.
A resident with hypertension and hemiplegia was found without a call light cord in their room, despite their care plan indicating the need for one due to fall risk. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and documentation regarding the missing call light, and the facility's policy did not address the need for functioning call lights in rooms.
A facility failed to ensure a resident's bed was made in a timely manner after being sanitized, preventing the resident from lying down. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, was observed with an unmade bed that had small puddles of liquid on the mattress. A CNA responsible for the resident's care did not return to wipe down the mattress, assuming it was not an issue. Interviews with staff revealed that leaving the bed uncleaned for an extended period was unacceptable and posed a risk of infection.
A medication cart was found unlocked and unattended near a main entrance, with residents nearby, in a facility. LVN A confirmed the cart belonged to an MA who was down the hall. The MA could not explain why the cart was left unlocked. The DON and Administrator acknowledged staff training on keeping carts locked, as per facility policy.
The facility failed to protect residents from abuse, resulting in an incident where a resident with dementia and behavioral disturbances physically harmed another resident. Despite known aggressive behaviors and auditory hallucinations, the facility did not maintain adequate supervision or interventions, leading to the injured resident being diagnosed with a maxillary fracture and epistaxis.
The facility failed to maintain a clean and safe environment for six residents, with issues including improper disposal of soiled briefs, stained privacy curtains, and dusty ceiling vents. Staff acknowledged the deficiencies and the potential risks of contamination and an unsafe environment for the residents.
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care to six residents, leading to issues with personal hygiene and dignity. Residents were found with heavily soaked briefs, some wearing double briefs against policy, and staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to the facility's policy of checking and changing residents every two hours.
The facility failed to provide necessary wound care for two residents with pressure ulcers according to physician orders. One resident did not receive wound care for two consecutive days, and the responsible LVN was unaware of the missed care. Another resident also missed wound care for two days due to a high workload, and the LVN admitted to signing the treatment record without performing the care. The DON was unaware of these lapses and stated that the nursing staff knew they had to follow physician orders.
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received scheduled showers, leading to gaps in care and potential health risks. Despite care plans and staff responsibilities, inconsistencies in documentation and follow-up resulted in missed showers for both residents.
The facility failed to provide proper respiratory care to a resident by not ensuring the oxygen concentrator and nasal cannula were dated, labeled, and changed weekly, and by delivering oxygen at 2.5 liters per minute instead of the prescribed 2 liters. This placed the resident at risk for inadequate oxygen delivery and possible infection.
Failure to Notify Physician and Family After Resident Fall With Significant Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately consult with a resident’s physician and notify the resident’s representative after an accident that resulted in injury and had the potential to require physician intervention. The affected resident was an elderly male with severe cognitive impairment, Spanish-speaking only, with diagnoses including anemia, HTN, DM, CKD stage 2, Alzheimer’s dementia, and non-Alzheimer’s dementia. His admission MDS showed a BIMS score of 00, indicating he was unable to complete the interview, and he required supervision or partial assistance with mobility, transfers, toileting, and ADLs. He had a history of wandering and behaviors such as restlessness, disorganized speech, abusive or resistant behavior, and was care planned as at risk for falls and wandering, with interventions including frequent visual checks and redirection. On the morning in question, the resident was reported by the primary nurse (LVN-L) to have been roaming in and out of other residents’ rooms and requiring frequent redirection. According to LVN-L’s later interview, at approximately 7:30 AM the resident became angry when redirected, attempted to swing at the nurse, lost his balance, and fell hard against a hallway handrail, striking his face/head and torso. LVN-L stated he observed an abrasion to the right temple/cheek area, helped the resident off the floor, cleaned and bandaged the area, and claimed he completed vitals, skin, fall, and neuro assessments with regular observations, and that the resident was ambulatory, not in pain, and functioning at baseline. However, the resident’s electronic health record for that date contained no clinical documentation of vital signs, fall assessment, post-fall monitoring, neurological assessments, pain assessments, or any change-in-condition assessments related to the fall. There were also no completed post-fall assessments by LVN-L in the record. Later that day, the resident’s family visited and, at about 5:00 PM, observed a bloody bandage on his face and noted a change in his mental status. During a conference call with LVN-L, the family learned for the first time that the resident had fallen and hit his head on the rail earlier that morning. The family questioned why they had not been notified and expressed concern about increased confusion. LVN-L acknowledged to the family and to the surveyor that he had not notified the responsible party, the physician, the DON, the ADON, or the weekend supervisor about the fall and injury, stating he was not aware he needed to notify the family and that he was busy with 60 residents and ongoing behaviors. He told the family the resident was fine and allowed them to sign the resident out and transport him to the hospital on leave rather than arranging emergency transport. Hospital records later showed the resident had right 6th and 7th rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. The facility’s medical provider (NP-A) reported he was not notified of the fall details until two days later and stated he expected immediate notification when a resident falls with a head injury. Interviews with the Administrator, DON, ADON, weekend supervisor, other nurses, and CNAs consistently described that facility protocol required immediate assessment, documentation, and notification of the physician, responsible party, and nursing leadership after a fall or change in condition, and that this did not occur in this case.
Removal Plan
- Medical Director notified
- Ad hoc QA completed to address notification protocols of family and physician for incident/accidents and change of condition
- DON/designee to educate licensed nurses on proper notification of physician and family for incident/accidents to include any resident change of condition
- DON/designee to educate licensed nurses to notify DON and administrator of all incident/accidents and change of condition that require hospital transfer
- DON/designee performed assessments on all residents with falls in the past 30 days to ensure proper notifications and assessments in place
- MDS/designee updated care plans for all residents with falls in the last 30 days
- All licensed nurses will be educated on incident/accident protocols, to include notification of DON, Administrator, physician and family and resident assessment prior to working their next assigned shift
- DON and/or designee will monitor residents with falls daily to ensure notifications were appropriately made to physician and family
- Administrator to review with the DON weekly to ensure continued compliance
- Results of all audits will be brought to the QAPI committee by DON to review for continued recommendations and compliance
- Protocol will be covered on new-hire orientation by DON/designee
Failure to Assess and Notify After Witnessed Fall With Head Injury
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the resident’s care plan, and the resident’s choices following a witnessed fall. An elderly male resident with severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score 00), Alzheimer’s dementia, non‑Alzheimer’s dementia, HTN, DM, CKD stage 2, and a history of wandering and fall risk was observed roaming in and out of other residents’ rooms on the memory unit. On the morning in question, an LVN reported that the resident became angry when redirected from another resident’s room, attempted to swing at the nurse, lost his balance, and fell, striking his face/head and torso against a hallway rail. The LVN observed an abrasion to the resident’s right temple/cheek area and applied a bandage. Despite this witnessed fall with head impact and visible injury, the LVN did not complete an immediate, comprehensive post‑fall assessment as required by facility policy and nursing standards. The electronic health record for that day contained no documentation of vital signs, head‑to‑toe assessment, neurological checks, fall assessment, post‑fall monitoring, pain assessment, or any change in condition related to the fall. The LVN later stated he had performed these assessments but acknowledged he did not document them and did not call for assistance from other clinical staff. He also did not notify the physician, DON, ADON, or weekend supervisor of the fall and injury, although he claimed to have verbally informed an unidentified weekend supervisor who, according to the weekend supervisor interviewed, was never notified. The resident’s family was not informed of the fall or injury at the time it occurred. When the responsible party and another family member visited later that day, they observed a bloody bandage on the resident’s cheek and noted increased confusion and changes in alertness. During a three‑way call with the LVN, the nurse disclosed that the resident had fallen earlier that morning, admitted he had not notified the family because he was unaware he needed to do so, and reassured them that the resident was “fine” and being monitored. Concerned about the resident’s condition, the family requested to take him to the hospital and signed him out on leave. At the hospital, the resident was found to have sustained right 6th and 7th lateral rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration. The facility’s records showed that required post‑fall assessments and notifications were not completed at the time of the incident, and key facility staff, including the DON, ADON, weekend supervisor, and NP, confirmed they were not promptly notified of the fall or the resident’s head injury.
Removal Plan
- Notify the Medical Director.
- Complete an ad hoc QA review to address notification protocols for family and physician for incidents/accidents and change of condition, including proper assessments and documentation.
- DON/designee to educate licensed nurses on proper assessments and documentation for incidents/accidents, including any resident change of condition.
- DON/designee to educate licensed nurses to notify the DON and Administrator of all incidents/accidents and change of condition that require hospital transfer.
- DON/designee to assess all residents with falls in the past 30 days to ensure proper notifications and assessments are in place.
- MDS/designee to update care plans for all residents with falls in the last 30 days.
- Educate all licensed nurses on incident/accident protocols, including notification of the DON, Administrator, physician and family, and resident assessment and documentation prior to working their next assigned shift.
- DON/designee to monitor residents with falls daily to ensure notifications, assessments, and documentation are in place.
- Administrator to review with the DON weekly to ensure continued compliance.
- DON to bring results of all audits to the QAPI committee for review and continued recommendations/compliance.
- Include this protocol in new-hire orientation by DON/designee.
Failure to Timely Report Fall-Related Serious Injuries to Authorities
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately report an alleged incident of abuse/neglect and serious injury to the appropriate authorities as required by regulation and by its own policies. A cognitively impaired, Spanish‑speaking male resident with Alzheimer’s dementia, non‑Alzheimer’s dementia, anemia, HTN, diabetes, and on antipsychotic and antidepressant medications was admitted with severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score 00) and required supervision or assistance with mobility, transfers, toileting, and ADLs. His care plan identified him as at risk for falls and wandering, with interventions including frequent visual checks, redirection, and assistance with standing and moving. The facility’s written policy required that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, mistreatment, injuries of unknown origin, or misappropriation be reported to the Administrator/Abuse Coordinator and, when reportable, to the State Survey Agency and other authorities within 2 hours if involving abuse or serious bodily injury, or within 24 hours otherwise. On the date of the incident, according to a late entry progress note by the DON, the resident was reported to have been roaming in and out of rooms and requiring frequent redirection. At approximately 7:00 a.m., when redirected from a room, he became aggressive and attempted to swing and hit the nurse, lost his balance, and fell against a handrail on his left side. The primary nurse reportedly noted a small abrasion to the left temple area, with no other injuries observed at that time, and documented that the resident was ambulatory and functioning at baseline after the fall, with plans for frequent monitoring post‑fall. The facility’s fall management policy required assessment for injury, investigation of the reason for the fall, completion of an incident/accident report, and notification of the physician and family when a fall occurs. Later that same day, the resident’s family requested hospital evaluation for change of condition with nausea and vomiting, and the resident was sent to the hospital, placed on leave of absence, and medications were put on hold. Hospital records documented that the resident was admitted with a chief complaint that he had fallen, and he was found to have right 6th and 7th lateral rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration involving segments 5 and 8. The hospital nurse informed the DON that the resident had fallen at the facility earlier that day, had an abrasion to the cheek, a bruised liver, and rib fractures. The Administrator and DON acknowledged they did not report the incident to the State agency (HHSC) or other required authorities. The DON stated she did not submit a report because, after her assessments and interviews, she ruled out abuse and neglect, and the Administrator stated he did not report because the fall was witnessed and the family transported the resident to the hospital at their discretion. This failure to report an allegation involving a fall with serious bodily injury within the required timeframes constituted the cited deficiency.
Failure to Investigate and Report Serious Injury After Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate and document an allegation of neglect after a resident sustained serious injuries related to a fall. The resident was an elderly male with severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score 00), Spanish-speaking only, with diagnoses including anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s dementia, and non-Alzheimer’s dementia. His care plan identified impaired functional abilities, need for assistance with ADLs, and risk for falls and wandering, with interventions such as assistance with mobility and frequent visual checks. On the date of the incident, a late-entry nursing note documented that the resident had been roaming in and out of rooms, became aggressive when redirected, attempted to swing at the nurse, lost his balance, and fell against a handrail, sustaining a small abrasion to the left temple; he was noted to be ambulatory and at baseline afterward. The resident was later sent to the hospital for a change of condition with nausea and vomiting per family request, and the progress note documented the transfer but did not reference the earlier fall as a cause. Hospital records showed that he was admitted with a chief complaint of a fall and was found to have right 6th and 7th lateral rib fractures, a right adrenal hematoma, and a grade 3 liver laceration involving segments 5 and 8, and he was admitted for trauma-related monitoring and pain control. The facility’s records and interviews revealed that the LVN who witnessed the fall did not report the incident to the Administrator, did not notify the physician, and did not notify the resident’s family member at the time of the fall. Interviews with the Administrator and DON confirmed that, after being notified by the hospital that the resident had sustained serious internal injuries and fractures from a fall that occurred at the facility, they did not initiate a timely, thorough investigation at that time. The Administrator acknowledged he had not investigated the incident when first notified of the hospitalization and injuries. The DON stated she did not investigate when first notified that the resident was in the hospital for a fall, despite knowing of the bruised liver and fractured ribs. The facility had an Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation and Misappropriation of Resident Property Internal Investigation Guidelines policy requiring timely investigation of all allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, but there was no evidence that such an investigation was promptly initiated and documented when the serious injuries and unreported fall were first identified.
Resident with Dementia Left Unattended in Transport Van for Several Hours in Cold Weather
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident remained free from accident hazards and received adequate supervision, resulting in the resident being left unattended in the facility’s transport van for several hours in cold weather. The resident was an older male with kidney failure requiring dialysis, dementia, and paranoid schizophrenia, with a BIMS score of 6 indicating severe cognitive impairment. He used a wheelchair for mobility, required assistance with ADLs, and resided on a memory care unit. His care plan reflected delirium, impaired mobility, and a need for dialysis three times a week. On the day of the incident, the resident returned from dialysis in the late afternoon, typically between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, according to staff and family interviews. The facility’s driver stated he brought the resident back to the unit around that time and informed staff that the resident had returned. However, later that evening, a CNA noted that the resident was not in the common area or in his room when she checked around 8:00–8:30 PM and notified the nurse that she could not locate him. Staff then began searching the unit and other units in the facility. During the search, the CNA went out to her car and noticed movement inside the facility’s transport van parked under the portico. She found the driver’s side door locked, returned to get the nurse, and staff were able to open the passenger side doors. They found the resident seated in the van, buckled into a seat with his seat belt on, wearing a coat and sweater, and his wheelchair stored in the back of the van. Nursing staff present at the scene stated they did not believe the resident, given his dementia and physical condition, was capable of independently exiting the locked unit, wheeling himself outside, folding and loading his wheelchair into the van, and then buckling himself into a seat. The resident told staff that the driver had left him in the van and that he thought the driver was going to come back. Weather records showed outdoor temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit during the time the resident was in the van. The resident’s electronic health record contained no progress notes documenting the incident, the interventions performed, or who was notified. The facility’s policy titled "Safety System for Residents" addressed general resident safety but did not address leaving residents outside. Interviews with the DON and Administrator reflected differing views on how the resident came to be left in the van, with the driver and Administrator asserting the resident had been returned to the unit and somehow made his way back to the van, while nursing staff expressed doubt that the resident could have done so independently. The incident was determined to constitute non-compliance that rose to the level of Immediate Jeopardy for a period of several days, during which the resident remained at risk of harm related to exposure to cold temperatures, discomfort, pain, and anxiety.
Missed Wound Treatments for Pressure Ulcers and Skin Failure
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide ordered pressure ulcer and wound care to multiple residents, as documented by missing treatments on wound care administration records and lack of corresponding progress notes. For one resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple pressure ulcers on admission, including an unstageable left heel wound and several stage 4 pressure wounds on the left foot and toes, the wound care administration records for January and February showed numerous dates on which ordered treatments were not documented as completed. These missed treatments included care for the unstageable left heel wound and stage 4 pressure wounds of the left medial first toe, left fourth toe, and left distal medial foot across multiple days in January and February. Progress notes for this period contained no documentation of wound treatment, and later observation of the resident at a hospital showed wounds on the left heel, right buttocks, and left medial first toe covered with dry dressings. Another resident, an older female with severe cognitive impairment and a diagnosis including open lesions, had a care plan identifying severely impaired skin integrity related to end-stage skin failure of the sacrum, with interventions including cleansing and application of specific dressings such as honey-coated absorbent dressings and later Dakin’s 1/4 strength–soaked gauze. The order summary report detailed daily and as-needed wound care orders for the sacral wound. However, the February wound care administration record showed no entries for multiple dates; instead, those dates were marked as “Missed,” indicating that the ordered wound care was not provided on those days. Progress notes for January and February also lacked documentation of wound treatment. During an observation in early March, the wound care nurse performed sacral wound care, and the old dressing was noted to be dated the previous day, demonstrating that treatments were being done at that time but not on the earlier missed dates. A third resident, an older female with severe cognitive impairment, peripheral vascular disease, and a Kennedy terminal ulcer on the right ischium, had orders for cleansing the site and applying Dakin’s 1/4 strength–soaked gauze with a dry dressing on the day shift and as needed. The wound care administration record for February showed that on two specific dates the wound care entries were marked as “Missed,” indicating the ordered treatments were not provided. The resident’s care plan, revised in early March, noted the need for hospice care due to a terminal cerebrovascular condition and included interventions to administer treatments as ordered and monitor for skin breakdown. Observation with the wound care nurse showed that when wound care was performed, the old dressing on the sacrum was dated the previous day and the nurse followed the ordered cleansing and dressing procedure. In interviews, the wound care nurse stated he had not noticed wound care was being missed because he had not paid attention to the treatment administration records, and explained that he worked Monday through Thursday (later Monday through Friday per the DON), with floor nurses responsible for wound care on other days. The DON stated her expectation that all wounds were treated per physician orders and acknowledged that missing wound care could lead to increased risk of infection or worsening wounds. Overall, across these three residents, the surveyors identified repeated failures to provide and document wound care as ordered, including for pressure ulcers, end-stage skin failure, and a Kennedy terminal ulcer. The wound care administration records showed multiple missed treatments, and there was no supporting documentation in progress notes for the relevant periods. Staff interviews confirmed that the wound care nurse relied on floor nurses to perform treatments when he was not present and that management reviewed treatment records in morning meetings but believed some wound care was missed while staff were learning a new system. The facility’s own wound care policy emphasized that effective prevention and treatment are based on consistently providing routine and individualized interventions, which contrasted with the documented pattern of missed wound care for these residents. These failures placed residents at risk of developing new or worsening pressure ulcers, infection, and pain, as explicitly stated in the report.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Neglect After Resident Left in Transport Van
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately report an alleged incident of neglect involving a cognitively impaired resident who was left in a transport van for several hours in cold weather. The resident was an elderly male with kidney failure requiring dialysis, dementia, and paranoid schizophrenia, with a BIMS score of 6 indicating severe cognitive impairment. He used a wheelchair for mobility, required assistance with ADLs, and resided on a memory care unit. His care plan reflected delirium, impaired mobility, and a scheduled dialysis regimen three times a week. Despite this, the facility’s electronic health record contained no progress notes documenting the incident, the interventions taken, or who was notified. On the day of the incident, the resident returned from dialysis in the late afternoon, typically between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. A family member reported being notified later that evening, around 8:30 PM, that the resident was not on the memory care unit, and then around 9:00 PM that he had been found in the transport van. A CNA working that evening stated she noticed the resident was not in the common area or his room around 8:00–8:30 PM and informed the nurse. Staff searched the unit and other units, and the CNA, upon going to her car, observed movement in the transport van. The van’s driver-side door was locked, but staff were able to open the passenger side and found the resident seated with his seat belt fastened; they used another wheelchair because they could not access his wheelchair in the van without the keys. The CNA reported the resident said that the driver had left him in the van and that he thought the driver would return. Interviews with staff revealed conflicting views about how the resident came to be in the van. The driver stated he had returned the resident to the unit around 5:00 PM, informed staff of his return, and did not know how the resident got back to the van. The DON recalled being called at home that the resident could not be found, instructed staff to search the grounds, and was later informed the resident was found in the van; she believed the resident was capable of taking himself back to the van after following a visitor off the secured unit. An LVN, however, stated she did not believe the resident was capable of leaving the locked unit, wheeling himself out, folding and loading his wheelchair, and buckling himself into the van given his dementia and physical condition. The Administrator concluded from his investigation that the driver had returned the resident to the unit and that the resident managed to get back to the van, and he stated he did not report the incident to the state agency because there was no harm to the resident and the driver had brought him back to the unit. This decision was inconsistent with the facility’s written abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy, which required reportable allegations to be reported to the state regulatory agency and other authorities within specified timeframes.
Failure to Use Required Mechanical Lift and Report Pain During Transfer Resulting in Femur Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and use of required assistive devices during transfers, resulting in a serious leg fracture for one resident. The resident was an older female with a history of stroke and end-stage renal disease, bedbound with residual left-sided weakness, who used a wheelchair for mobility and required substantial/maximal assistance. Her MDS showed moderately impaired cognition (BIMS 10) but no dementia, no inattention, disorganized thinking, altered consciousness, or behavioral issues, and no reported pain. Her care plan, with an original date of 02/12/26, specified that she was to be lifted mechanically using a Hoyer lift with two or more staff due to impaired mobility, and that she did not attempt to stand from sitting because of medical and safety concerns. On the morning of 12/23/25, the resident was being prepared for transport to her dialysis appointment. According to the resident’s later account to surveyors, her family, and dialysis staff, she was normally transferred via Hoyer lift, but that day several staff, including a chubby female aide and a tall bald male aide, manually transferred her from bed to wheelchair using their hands instead of the mechanical lift. During this transfer, the resident reported that her left leg went between the male aide’s legs and twisted, causing immediate severe pain. She stated she told staff, “I think you broke my leg,” but was nonetheless placed in her wheelchair and transported by van to the dialysis center. The resident consistently stated that the incident occurred at the nursing facility and that she was never transferred out of her wheelchair at the dialysis center because of her pain. At the dialysis center, multiple dialysis staff observed the resident crying and complaining of severe left knee/leg pain. The dialysis RN, dialysis tech, and dialysis nurse manager each reported that the resident said nursing home aides had twisted or hurt her leg during the transfer to the wheelchair, and that she arrived with a Hoyer sling still under her. On assessment, the dialysis RN noted the resident’s pain was 10/10, she could not move her leg, and she cried out when her left knee was touched or when attempts were made to reposition her. EMS was called, and the resident was transported to the hospital, where imaging showed an acute comminuted fracture of the distal left femur, documented as occurring when her leg was twisted during transfer to dialysis, without a fall. Facility nursing staff, including the LVN on duty, ADON, and DON, acknowledged that the resident required a Hoyer lift for transfers, but they did not initially obtain or document a clear account from the resident about the transfer incident, and the DON did not contact the dialysis center to clarify whether an incident had occurred there. Interviews with facility CNAs involved in the transfer revealed inconsistent accounts and confirmed that the resident was not transferred in accordance with her care plan. CNA B, who worked as needed, stated he was called by CNA A to assist with a transfer because the resident was late for dialysis and the Hoyer lift was broken. He reported that he, CNA A, and two other aides transferred the resident from bed to wheelchair using the Hoyer sling under her and a draw sheet, and that the resident complained of leg pain once in the wheelchair. He did not report this pain to the nurse, assuming the primary aides would do so. CNA A denied asking CNA B to help transfer the resident with a Hoyer sling and draw sheet and did not recall the resident reporting pain. CNAs E and F, also as-needed staff, denied recalling a transfer using a Hoyer sling and draw sheet or any specific details from that date. The facility’s own policies required use of mechanical lifts according to manufacturer guidelines and required CNAs to report any change of condition, but the resident’s care plan requirements for mechanical lift use and prompt reporting of pain during transfer were not followed, leading to the identified deficiency.
Removal Plan
- Medical Director notified
- Ad hoc QA completed to address employee transfer techniques using mechanical lifts
- DON/designee to educate all clinical staff on mechanical lift transfers including 2-person assist
- DON/designee to educate all clinical staff to notify nurse of any pain or change of condition during transfers
- DON/designee performed assessment on all residents requiring mechanical lift transfers to ensure safety
- Residents who require mechanical lift transfers will be added to ADL Kardex by DON/designee
- MDS/designee updated care plans for all residents requiring mechanical lift transfers
- All clinical staff will be educated on proper transfer techniques including mechanical lifts prior to working their next assigned shift
- DON/designee will monitor residents requiring mechanical lifts for transfers to ensure compliance
- Administrator to review with the DON the monitoring to ensure continued compliance
- Results of all audits will be brought to QAPI committee by DON to review for continued recommendations and compliance
- This protocol will be covered on new-hire orientation by DON/designee
Failure to Report Alleged Neglect After Improper Transfer Resulting in Femur Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to immediately report an allegation of neglect related to a serious injury sustained by a resident during a transfer, as required by regulation and by the facility’s own abuse/neglect policy. The resident was an older female with a history of stroke and end-stage renal disease, with moderately impaired cognition (BIMS score of 10) but no diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and no documented inattention, disorganized thinking, altered level of consciousness, or behavioral issues. Her MDS and care plan documented that she was non-ambulatory, used a wheelchair for mobility, did not attempt to stand due to medical/safety concerns, and required substantial/maximal assistance. The care plan specified that all transfers were to be done with a mechanical Hoyer lift and two or more staff due to impaired mobility. On the day of the incident, the resident was transferred from her bed to her wheelchair at the facility prior to going to dialysis. The resident later consistently reported to multiple individuals that facility aides had manually transferred her instead of using the Hoyer lift, and that her left leg became twisted between a staff member’s legs during the transfer, causing immediate severe pain. She stated she told staff at the time, saying she thought they had broken her leg, but she was nonetheless placed in the wheelchair, transported by van, and sent to dialysis. At the dialysis center, multiple dialysis staff (RN, tech, nurse manager, and case manager) observed the resident crying in severe pain, unable to move her leg, and still sitting in her wheelchair with a Hoyer sling under her. The resident told them that nursing home staff had twisted her leg during the transfer to the wheelchair and that she had reported her pain to facility staff before being sent to dialysis. Dialysis staff did not transfer her to a dialysis chair due to her pain and arranged for EMS transport to the hospital. Hospital records documented an acute comminuted fracture of the distal left femur, with the admission assessment noting that the patient’s leg had twisted during a transfer and that she had not fallen. Facility nursing notes show that the DON and LVN C were informed by hospital staff that the resident had a femur fracture and that the injury was reported as occurring during transfer at the dialysis center. The DON later documented a late entry describing a call from the dialysis RN about the resident’s complaints of leg pain and transfer to the hospital. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the resident was known to require a Hoyer lift for all transfers, that the Hoyer lift was reportedly broken that day, and that multiple CNAs manually transferred the resident using a sling and/or drawsheet. One CNA acknowledged assisting with the transfer and hearing the resident complain of leg pain afterward but did not report this to a nurse, assuming the primary aides would do so. Other CNAs gave conflicting or limited recollections of the transfer. Despite the resident’s repeated statements to dialysis staff and to her family that the injury occurred during a manual transfer at the facility, the Administrator stated the incident was not reportable because it was believed to have occurred at the dialysis center, and the facility did not report the allegation of neglect to the State Survey Agency as required by policy and regulation. The facility’s written policy on Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation required that all staff ensure alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, mistreatment, injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of resident property are reported to the Administrator (Abuse Coordinator), that the Abuse Coordinator initiate an investigation, and that reportable allegations be reported to the State Regulatory Agency. The report shows that the DON was informed of the resident’s severe leg pain and subsequent hospital transfer, and that the resident’s statements to dialysis staff implicated facility staff in twisting her leg during transfer. However, the DON did not contact the dialysis center to clarify events, relied on staff statements that “nothing happened,” and concluded there was no incident at the facility. The Administrator similarly concluded the event was not reportable because they believed it occurred at the dialysis center. As a result, the allegation of neglect—specifically, failure to follow the resident’s care plan requiring Hoyer lift transfers and the resident’s report that staff twisted her leg during a manual transfer—was not reported to the State Survey Agency within the required timeframe, constituting the cited deficiency.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Alleged Neglect After Resident Sustained Femur Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate an allegation of neglect related to a resident’s left distal femur fracture and to have evidence that all alleged violations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation, and mistreatment, including injuries of unknown origin, were fully investigated. The resident was an elderly female with a history of stroke and end-stage renal disease, moderately impaired cognition (BIMS 10), no dementia diagnosis, and no documented behavioral issues. Her MDS and care plan documented that she was non-ambulatory, used a wheelchair, did not attempt to stand due to medical/safety concerns, and required mechanical (Hoyer) lift transfers with assistance from two or more staff. On the date of the incident, she was sent to dialysis by third‑party transport and later diagnosed in the hospital with an acute comminuted closed fracture of the distal left femur, with hospital documentation stating that her leg was twisted during a transfer to the dialysis chair and that there had been no fall. Multiple accounts from the resident and dialysis staff indicated that the resident consistently reported that her leg was twisted and injured during a transfer performed by facility staff from her bed to her wheelchair, and that she normally used a Hoyer lift but was instead manually lifted. The resident told surveyors that several staff, including a chubby female aide and a tall bald male aide, transferred her by hand rather than using the Hoyer lift, and that during the transfer her left leg went between the male aide’s legs and twisted, causing immediate severe pain. She stated she told staff at the facility that she thought they had broken her leg, but she was still placed in her wheelchair and transported to dialysis. At the dialysis center, the resident arrived in severe pain, crying, with a Hoyer sling still under her, and repeatedly told the dialysis RN, dialysis tech, and dialysis nurse manager that nursing home aides had twisted her leg during the transfer to the wheelchair and that she had reported pain to facility staff before being sent to dialysis. Dialysis documentation and staff interviews corroborated that the resident arrived already in severe pain, was never transferred out of her wheelchair into a dialysis chair due to pain, and that she requested to be sent to the hospital. The dialysis RN and dialysis tech both reported that the resident, who was normally calm, pleasant, and cognitively appropriate during treatments, stated that facility staff had twisted her leg during transfer. The dialysis RN reported telling the DON that the resident said the injury occurred at the facility, and the dialysis nurse manager stated that at no time did dialysis staff tell the facility that the incident occurred at the dialysis center. Within the facility, the DON documented that a hospital nurse had said the injury occurred at dialysis and later stated she saw no reason to call the dialysis center to clarify events, did not interview CNA B at the time, and only noted that she had written staff statements “on a notepad somewhere,” with no evidence of a complete investigation. The Administrator stated the incident was not reportable because it happened at the dialysis center. Interviews with facility staff were inconsistent: one LVN did not ask the resident what happened when she returned, the ADON never spoke with the resident about the transfer, CNA B admitted assisting with a manual transfer using a sling and drawsheet because the Hoyer lift was allegedly broken and the resident was late for dialysis, and other CNAs either denied or could not recall the described transfer. Collectively, these actions and omissions demonstrate that the facility did not conduct and document a thorough investigation of the resident’s allegation of neglect and injury as required by its abuse/neglect policy.
Failure to Provide Timely and Adequate Incontinence Care for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living, specifically timely incontinence care, for two residents who were dependent on staff for these needs. Both residents had severe cognitive impairment, hemiplegia or hemiparesis, and were largely confined to bed, requiring substantial to maximal assistance for toileting and hygiene. Their care plans included interventions such as scheduled toileting, use of briefs, frequent turning and repositioning, application of barrier lotion, and regular skin inspections to prevent skin breakdown and maintain hygiene. On the day of observation, one resident was found in bed with soaked linens and was unable to recall when her brief was last changed. The other resident reported her brief had last been changed the previous night and stated she was wet. During incontinence care, both residents were found to be heavily soaked in urine, with one also having a bowel movement. The CNA providing care did not cleanse the perineal area for either resident, only cleaning the abdominal folds and buttocks. Additionally, the CNA did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene between cleaning different areas after a bowel movement. Interviews with the CNA, LVN, ADON, and DON revealed that staff were expected to perform incontinence rounds every two hours and as needed, but the CNA admitted to not following this schedule due to being busy with other residents. The LVN and nursing leadership confirmed their responsibility to monitor CNA rounds, but could not specify when rounds were last completed. Training records indicated that while staff had received instruction on perineal care, the training did not specifically address the requirement for incontinence care every two hours. The facility's policy required perineal care in accordance with standard practice to prevent skin breakdown and infection.
Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by the actions of CNA D during incontinence care for two residents. CNA D was observed providing incontinence care to two female residents with significant medical histories, including hemiplegia, hypertension, heart failure, renal insufficiency, and severe cognitive impairment. Both residents were dependent on staff for toileting and hygiene, and their care plans included interventions to prevent skin breakdown and maintain skin integrity. During the observed care, CNA D performed hand hygiene before initial resident contact and donned gloves. However, he did not cleanse the peri area for either resident, only cleaning the abdominal folds and buttocks. He failed to change gloves or perform hand hygiene after handling soiled linens and before applying clean briefs and linens, using the same gloves throughout the process. One resident was noted to have a bowel movement, yet the same lapses in infection control were observed. CNA D later acknowledged forgetting to perform hand hygiene and peri care as required. Interviews with the LVN, ADON, and DON confirmed that CNA D did not follow expected infection control practices, including changing gloves and performing hand hygiene during and after care, and completing peri care before applying clean briefs. Facility policy and recent staff training records indicated that proper hand hygiene is required before and after resident contact, and after contact with soiled or contaminated articles. The observed failures were inconsistent with these policies and training.
Failure to Complete Required Discharge Summary for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a required discharge summary for a resident who was discharged to another nursing home. The resident, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, hypertension, and malnutrition, was discharged as documented in the MDS assessment and progress notes. While a progress note and a physician discharge summary were present, there was no evidence in the clinical record of a comprehensive discharge summary that included a recapitulation of the resident's stay, diagnoses, course of illness or treatment, pertinent lab, radiology, and consultant results, and a final summary of the resident's status at discharge. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the nurse responsible for the discharge did not complete the discharge summary due to unfamiliarity with a new system and only documented a progress note after being advised by the ADON. The ADON and DON both stated that the nursing team was responsible for ensuring the discharge summary was completed, but neither was aware that it had not been done. The facility's policy required notification of the resident or representative, documentation of the discharge, and provision of written discharge instructions, but these requirements were not fully met in this case.
Failure to Prevent Resident-to-Resident Abuse Resulting in Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect residents from abuse, resulting in two separate incidents involving resident-to-resident altercations. In the first incident, a male resident with severe cognitive impairment and psychiatric diagnoses was physically assaulted by his roommate. The altercation escalated from verbal arguments to physical violence, with the aggressor striking the resident with a ruler multiple times and then stabbing him with a pen, causing scratches and lacerations to the abdomen and neck. The assaulted resident was found on the floor in a disheveled room, exhibiting signs of emotional distress and physical injury, and was subsequently sent to the hospital for evaluation. Staff interviews confirmed that the altercation was not witnessed, but the aftermath indicated significant violence had occurred. In the second incident, a female resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of hip fracture, and impaired mobility was pushed by another resident while standing near a wheelchair in a common area. This resulted in the resident falling and sustaining a left hip fracture and left wrist fracture, requiring hospitalization and surgery. Staff accounts indicated that the aggressor had a known history of aggressive behavior and required frequent redirection and monitoring. The incident was witnessed by staff, who responded after hearing raised voices and observed the resident in pain with an obvious injury. Both incidents involved residents with known behavioral or cognitive issues, and in each case, the facility did not prevent the altercations that led to physical harm. The facility's failure to ensure adequate supervision, monitoring, and intervention allowed these resident-to-resident altercations to occur, resulting in injury, hospitalization, and emotional distress for the affected residents. The events were substantiated through observation, interviews, and record reviews, confirming that the residents were not protected from abuse as required.
Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision of High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of wandering, and exit-seeking behaviors was not provided with adequate supervision to prevent elopement. The resident, diagnosed with severe unspecified dementia, schizophrenia, and delusional disorders, had a BIMS score of 00, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The care plan identified the resident as high risk for elopement, with interventions including 15-minute location checks and various diversions. Despite these interventions, the resident was able to break a window and leave the facility undetected. On the day of the incident, the resident was last observed in her room at 7:30 AM. At 7:45 AM, a CNA discovered the resident missing and the window broken when attempting to summon her for breakfast. Staff immediately initiated a search of the unit and grounds, confirmed all other exits were secure, and notified the police when the resident could not be located. The resident was found by police approximately five minutes away from the facility and was exhibiting psychotic behaviors, including hallucinations and delusions, at the time of recovery. Interviews and record reviews confirmed that the resident had previously been on 1:1 supervision, which was later reduced to 15-minute checks due to observed behaviors such as pacing and wandering into other residents' rooms. Staff reported that the required 15-minute checks were being completed, but the resident was able to elope between checks. The incident resulted in the resident being transported to the hospital for evaluation, and the event was classified as Immediate Jeopardy due to the risk of harm and/or serious injury.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), specifically incontinence care, for two residents who were unable to perform these tasks independently. Both residents had severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 00, and were dependent on staff for toileting and personal hygiene. Care plans for both residents required staff to provide incontinence care every two hours and as needed, as well as to avoid doubling briefs to prevent skin breakdown. For one resident, observations revealed that he was found wearing two briefs, both heavily soaked with urine, and had not been changed for several hours. The assigned CNA admitted to not knowing when the resident was last changed and acknowledged awareness of the policy against double briefing. Another CNA from the previous shift also could not recall the last time the resident was changed and confirmed knowledge of the facility's protocols. Staff interviews indicated that training on proper incontinence care and rounding every two hours had been provided, but these practices were not consistently followed. The second resident, who was always incontinent and had a history of diabetes, acute respiratory failure, and stage 4 pressure ulcers, was observed in a room with a strong urine odor and a wet mattress cover. Staff provided incontinence care only after a significant lapse in time, with the assigned CNA stating the last change occurred before breakfast, several hours prior. Both the ADON and DON confirmed that staff were expected to perform rounds every two hours and as needed, and that nurses were responsible for monitoring CNAs. Despite these expectations and documented training, the required care was not delivered as outlined in the residents' care plans.
Failure to Provide Pressure Ulcer Care per Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with multiple pressure ulcers did not receive wound care according to physician orders. The resident, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment and several medical conditions including stage 3 and stage 4 pressure ulcers, was admitted with existing wounds. The care plan outlined specific interventions such as frequent repositioning, skin inspections, and the use of pressure-relieving devices. Physician orders for wound care, including the use of specific dressings and cleansing routines, were provided on admission and detailed in the resident's records. Despite these orders, the facility failed to enter the wound care orders into the electronic treatment administration record (eTAR) system in a timely manner. As a result, wound care was not documented or possibly not provided from the time of admission until several days later, when the orders were finally entered. Interviews with the wound care nurse, nurse practitioner, and DON confirmed that the orders were not in the system and that it was the responsibility of nursing staff to ensure orders were entered and followed. Documentation showed that at least one scheduled wound care treatment was missed, and there was uncertainty about whether care was provided during this period due to lack of documentation. The facility's policies required that physician orders be recorded accurately and that wound care treatments be performed as ordered. The failure to enter and follow the wound care orders as prescribed led to a lapse in the resident's wound care regimen. This deficiency was identified through record review and staff interviews, which revealed gaps in both documentation and the provision of care as ordered.
Failure to Administer Enteral Feedings as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure that a resident receiving enteral nutrition via feeding tube was provided with the appropriate treatment and services as ordered by the physician. The resident, a male with severe cognitive impairment, multiple diagnoses including anemia, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and malnutrition, was dependent on a feeding tube and had specific physician orders for the administration of Glucerna 1.5 Cal via PEG tube every four hours. The care plan also included detailed interventions for monitoring and maintaining the resident's nutritional status, including water flushes and head-of-bed elevation. Record review revealed that the resident did not receive the prescribed Glucerna 1.5 feedings on three occasions, as documented in the medication administration record (MAR). Interviews with nursing staff and the DON confirmed that these feedings were missed, and there was no documentation in the clinical record to explain the omissions or indicate that the orders had been placed on hold. Nursing staff were unable to recall or provide reasons for the missed feedings, and the DON verified that the missed administrations were not supported by any progress notes or documentation. The facility's policy required that physician orders be implemented and documented promptly, with any changes or holds to be recorded in the resident's medical record. The lack of adherence to these orders and the absence of documentation for the missed feedings constituted a failure to follow physician directives and provide the necessary care for the resident's enteral nutrition needs.
Failure to Maintain Infection Control Program Due to Lapses in Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by multiple staff members not adhering to proper hand hygiene protocols during the provision of incontinence and wound care for two residents. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were observed providing incontinence care without performing hand hygiene before, during, or after the procedure. Specifically, one CNA donned gloves before washing hands, failed to perform hand hygiene after removing gloves, and continued care and handling of supplies without appropriate handwashing. This was confirmed during interviews, where the CNAs acknowledged forgetting to perform hand hygiene and recognized the expectation to do so before and between care tasks, as well as after glove removal. In another instance, two CNAs provided incontinence care to a resident with a stage 4 pressure ulcer and did not perform hand hygiene before donning gloves or after removing them. They also failed to cleanse the peri area as required and handled both soiled and clean items with the same gloves. The wound care nurse, RN, also failed to perform hand hygiene before donning gloves, did not disinfect the area where wound care supplies were placed, and did not change gloves or perform hand hygiene between dirty and clean tasks during wound care. The nurse placed soiled gauze on a clean bedsheet and did not have a designated area for contaminated materials. These actions were confirmed in interviews, where staff admitted to forgetting required hand hygiene steps and not following established protocols. Record reviews indicated that both residents involved had significant medical conditions, including severe cognitive impairment, incontinence, and, in one case, a stage 4 pressure ulcer. Facility policies required hand hygiene before and after resident contact, after contact with soiled items, and during wound care procedures. Despite these policies and reported staff training, the observed failures in hand hygiene and infection control practices were not in compliance with facility protocols. Training records requested by surveyors were not provided.
Failure to Ensure Required Physician Face-to-Face Visits
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were seen by a physician at the required intervals as mandated by CMS regulations. Specifically, four residents were not seen by their attending physician at least once every 60 days, and in some cases, not at all within the past 12 months. Instead, all required visits were conducted solely by a nurse practitioner, without alternating with the physician as required. This was confirmed through record reviews, which showed no documentation of physician visits for the residents in question, only visits by the nurse practitioner. The residents affected had complex medical histories, including conditions such as hypertensive chronic kidney disease, paraplegia, dementia, heart failure, and schizophrenia. Their care plans and medication regimens reflected significant needs, including the use of multiple psychotropic and at-risk medications, management of chronic pain, and assistance with activities of daily living. Despite these needs, there was no evidence in the clinical records that the attending physician had conducted face-to-face visits as required, with all documented visits being completed by the physician extender. Interviews with the attending physician revealed an acknowledgment of falling behind on documentation and delegating visits to the nurse practitioner. The physician stated that he would see residents in person if requested by nursing staff but admitted to not keeping up with required face-to-face visits. The facility administrator confirmed there was no specific policy regarding physician visits and that they followed regulatory language. The lack of physician visits was further corroborated by the absence of documentation in the residents' clinical charts.
Failure to Administer and Document Medications for Resident with Dementia
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of a resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including dementia, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease. On two consecutive mornings, the resident was not administered her prescribed morning medications, which included critical drugs for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, and other conditions. The medication administration record (MAR) indicated that the medications were marked as refused, but there was no documentation of further attempts to administer the medications or of appropriate follow-up actions. Interviews with staff revealed that the medication aide attempted to administer the medications but, after the resident refused and spit out the medications, did not make additional attempts or notify the charge nurse as required. The charge nurse, when notified, did not document the refusals or attempt to encourage the resident to take the medications, citing being too busy as the reason for inaction. There was also no documentation in the nursing progress notes regarding the refusals, the reasons for non-administration, or any notification to the physician as required by facility policy. The facility's policy required that if a resident refused two consecutive doses of a vital medication, the physician should be notified, and all refusals should be documented. However, these procedures were not followed. The lack of proper documentation, follow-up, and physician notification resulted in the resident missing multiple doses of essential medications over two days, with no evidence of appropriate interventions or communication among staff.
Unnecessary Prescription of Austedo Without Adequate Indication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each resident’s drug regimen was free from unnecessary drugs, specifically regarding the prescription of Austedo to two residents without adequate indications for its use. For one resident, who had diagnoses including hypertensive chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, morbid obesity, and dementia, there was no documented diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia or evidence of involuntary movements prior to the prescription of Austedo. Multiple AIMS assessments showed no signs of tardive dyskinesia, and nursing notes did not document any movement disorders. The decision to prescribe Austedo was influenced by a pharmaceutical representative's presentation and a subsequent observation of minor pill rolling, but there was no substantial clinical evidence supporting the need for the medication. For the second resident, who had paraplegia, chronic pain, and a history of depression and anxiety, there was also no documented evidence of tardive dyskinesia or abnormal involuntary movements in AIMS assessments or nursing notes prior to the prescription of Austedo. The resident herself reported that her head movements were voluntary and used as a coping mechanism for anxiety, not as a result of uncontrolled movements. Staff interviews confirmed a lack of awareness of any movement issues or the purpose of the Austedo prescription. The facility’s policy required a formal diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia by a physician or extender before initiating treatment, and interdisciplinary team involvement in treatment decisions. However, in both cases, Austedo was prescribed based on limited or subjective clinical observations rather than documented evidence or formal diagnosis, and without clear interdisciplinary team involvement. This resulted in the administration of a potentially unnecessary medication to both residents.
Call Light Not Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light was observed on the floor and out of reach, despite the resident's care plan specifying that the call light should be within reach due to a high fall risk. The resident, an elderly female with Alzheimer's disease and esophagitis, required substantial to maximum assistance with transfers and sit-to-stand activities, as documented in her medical records. During the observation, the resident was only able to answer yes or no questions, indicating limited communication abilities. Staff interviews revealed that the call light should have been within reach at all times, and that staff are expected to check the call light's placement each time they enter a resident's room. The last staff member to enter the room believed the call light was within reach but was unsure of the risks if it was not. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are responsible for ensuring call lights are accessible, acknowledging that failure to do so could prevent residents from reaching staff when needed. The facility's Resident Rights policy did not address the right to reasonable accommodations.
Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Interventions per Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a comprehensive, person-centered care plan was fully implemented for a resident identified as a fall risk. The resident, an elderly female with Alzheimer's disease and esophagitis, required substantial to maximum assistance with transfers and sit-to-stand activities. Her care plan included specific fall prevention interventions such as keeping the call light within reach, using a half bed rail, ensuring the bed was in the lowest position, and placing a fall mat on the floor. However, during observations, the bed was not in the lowest position, the fall mat was not in place, and the bed rails were not raised as required by the care plan. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the resident's care plan interventions. An LVN acknowledged that the fall mat and bed rail should have been in place but was unsure why they were not. A CNA admitted to forgetting to lower the bed and place the fall mat after providing care and was unaware of the risks associated with not following these interventions. The DON confirmed that all staff were responsible for ensuring fall interventions were in place each time they entered the room, as outlined in the facility's care plan policy.
Failure to Provide Feeding Assistance to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with Alzheimer's disease and esophagitis, who was on a puree diet with thickened liquids and required total assistance with eating, was not provided with the necessary feeding assistance. The resident's care plan did not address the need for feeding assistance, despite documentation in the MDS and physician's nutrition notes indicating the requirement for partial to full assistance and a risk for malnutrition. On the day in question, the resident's breakfast remained untouched on the bedside table, and the resident confirmed she had not been assisted with feeding, although she expressed a desire to eat. Staff interviews revealed that the CNA responsible for the resident attempted to feed her but was unsuccessful and failed to report to the LVN that the resident had not eaten. The LVN was unaware of the missed meal until later and then provided feeding assistance. The facility's policy required staff to report to a licensed nurse if food consumption was 25% or less, but this was not followed. The Assistant Executive Director and DON confirmed that CNAs are responsible for assisting with feeding and notifying nursing staff if a resident does not eat, and acknowledged the risk of unwanted weight loss if meals are not consumed.
Resident-to-Resident Altercation Leads to Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from abuse, resulting in a serious injury. On the specified date, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of being a fall risk was involved in an altercation with another resident. The altercation occurred when the second resident, also with severe cognitive impairment and a history of anxiety and neurological conditions, pushed the first resident as she attempted to stand from a couch. This push caused the first resident to fall and sustain a right hip fracture, necessitating hospitalization and surgery. The incident was witnessed by staff members who reported that the second resident was verbally aggressive and had a history of paranoia, believing that others were stealing her belongings. Despite this behavior, her care plan did not reflect any interventions for such behaviors. On the day of the incident, the second resident was reportedly agitated and accused the first resident of entering her room, which led to the physical altercation. Staff members intervened immediately, but the first resident had already sustained a significant injury. Interviews with staff revealed that the second resident had been verbally aggressive in the past but had not previously exhibited physical aggression. The facility's failure to adequately monitor and address the second resident's behaviors, as well as the lack of appropriate interventions in her care plan, contributed to the incident. The deficiency was identified as an Immediate Jeopardy situation, indicating a serious threat to the health and safety of the residents involved.
Misappropriation of Resident's Medication by ADON
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from the misappropriation of property when the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) took two morphine pills prescribed for the resident. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired and had a history of lung and brain cancer, was admitted with a bottle of morphine pills and liquid morphine. On the morning of the incident, the ADON informed a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) that there was a change in the resident's medication orders, stating that the morphine pills were discontinued, and took the pills and the count sheet to her office. Later that day, it was discovered that the resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) indicated he was due for a morphine pill, but there were none available on the cart. The ADON returned the pills with a new count sheet showing fewer pills than expected. Upon investigation, it was found that the original count sheet had been altered to show fewer pills than the resident had initially. The ADON was suspended pending further investigation. The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property was not adhered to, leading to this deficiency.
Failure to Administer Cancer Medication as Prescribed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors, specifically regarding the administration of the cancer medication Ibrance. The resident, a female with a history of breast cancer, heart failure, and mild cognitive impairment, was prescribed Ibrance to be taken daily for 21 days, followed by a week off. However, the resident missed four doses of the medication over a four-day period. This lapse occurred between August 26 and August 29, 2024, as documented in the Medication Administration Records (MARs). The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged issues with the delivery of Ibrance from a specialty pharmacy, which was not the facility's usual pharmacy. Despite these logistical challenges, the DON confirmed that there was no valid reason for the missed doses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining therapeutic blood levels for cancer medications. The facility's Medication Administration policy mandates that medications be administered as prescribed, and nurses are required to return to residents who are unavailable during medication passes to ensure they receive their doses.
Deficiencies in Personal Hygiene Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary personal hygiene services to three residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident #23, an elderly female with severe cognitive impairment, was observed with long facial hairs on multiple occasions, despite expressing a desire for their removal. The facility's records showed no documentation of shaving refusals, and interviews with staff revealed that showers and personal hygiene tasks, including facial hair removal, were not consistently performed due to staffing issues. Resident #55, a legally blind female requiring assistance with all activities of daily living, was also observed with unwanted facial hair. She expressed embarrassment over her facial hair, yet there was no record of her being shaved. Interviews with staff indicated a reliance on CNAs to perform these tasks, but there was a lack of follow-up to ensure completion. The facility's policy stated that hair care and shaving should be provided according to standard practice guidelines, which were not adhered to in this case. Resident #81, a female with a history of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairments, did not receive consistent showers or baths as required. Documentation showed numerous instances where bathing did not occur, and interviews with staff highlighted issues with staffing and scheduling that prevented showers from being completed. The facility's policy required documentation of bathing procedures, which was not consistently done, leading to a deficiency in the resident's hygiene care.
Food Safety and Hygiene Deficiencies in Facility Kitchens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food service safety in both the North and South kitchens, as observed during a survey. In the North kitchen, several food items, including cooked chicken and rice soup, cheese, sautéed mushrooms, cooked meatloaf, and a bag of uncooked biscuits, were found without labels or dates indicating when they were opened or prepared. Additionally, ground meat was thawing in the fridge without a date indicating when it was removed from the freezer. This lack of labeling and dating was acknowledged by staff members, who confirmed that it was their responsibility to ensure all food items were properly labeled and dated to prevent foodborne illnesses. In the South kitchen, Nutrition Aides M and L were observed not wearing beard guards while handling food and clean dishes, despite having facial hair. Nutrition Aide M was preparing drinks for the lunch meal, and Nutrition Aide L was putting away clean dishes. Both aides admitted to forgetting to wear beard guards, and it was revealed that there were no beard guards available for them to use at the time. The Dietary Manager (DM) confirmed that it was his responsibility to ensure beard guards were available and that staff were trained to wear them to prevent hair contamination in food. The facility's policies on the use of leftovers and employee infection control were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of proper labeling and the absence of beard guards. The Federal Food Code requires that ready-to-eat, time/temperature-controlled foods be clearly marked with a date for consumption or disposal, and that hair restraints be used effectively. The failure to comply with these standards could place residents at risk for foodborne illnesses and contamination.
Failure to Provide Privacy Cover for Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's right to dignity and respect was upheld by not providing a privacy cover for the resident's catheter urine collection bag. This deficiency was observed in the case of a male resident with multiple medical conditions, including an indwelling catheter. The resident's catheter bag was repeatedly observed without a privacy cover, lying on the floor beside the bed, which the resident expressed made him feel uncomfortable, especially during visits. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN, ADON, and DON, revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the absence of a privacy cover for the resident's catheter bag. The staff acknowledged the importance of maintaining privacy and dignity by covering catheter bags and ensuring they are not placed on the floor. The facility's policy on catheter care emphasized the need for privacy and proper positioning of catheter bags, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident had access to her call light, which is necessary for requesting assistance. The resident, a legally blind female with muscle wasting and difficulty swallowing, required substantial assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs) as noted in her care plan. During observations, the resident was found sitting in her wheelchair with the call light cord on the floor behind her and under the bed, making it inaccessible. The resident reported that she would either yell for help or wait for someone to check on her, as she was unaware of the call light's location. An interview with an LVN revealed that the nursing staff was unaware of why the call light was not placed within the resident's reach when she was positioned in her wheelchair. The facility's policy on call lights, dated earlier in the year, stated that staff should ensure call lights are within reach when leaving a resident's room. This oversight in following the policy could potentially place residents at risk of not being able to call for assistance when needed.
Failure to Maintain Proper Wound Care for Diabetic Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a diabetic wound on a resident's left upper side second toe was properly covered with a dressing, as per the physician's orders and the resident's care plan. The resident, who had a severely impaired cognition and was at risk of diabetic foot ulcers, was observed with an uncovered and bleeding wound. The last recorded wound care was administered two days prior to the observation, and the resident could not recall when the wound was last dressed. A dressing dated a week earlier was found inside the resident's sock, indicating a lapse in wound care. Interviews with the nursing staff revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's wound care needs. The LVN responsible for wound care was not informed that the dressing had come off, and the RN admitted to using an old dressing without updating the date and initials. Both nurses acknowledged the potential risk of infection and wound deterioration due to the failure to follow physician orders. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the staff was expected to follow orders and apply new dressings as needed, but there was a lack of consistent training and documentation practices among the nursing staff.
Improper Catheter Care Leads to Infection Risk
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for a resident with an indwelling catheter, leading to a risk of urinary tract infections. The resident, a male with multiple health conditions including renal insufficiency and diabetes, was observed multiple times with his catheter urine collection bag improperly placed on the floor or tangled with nephrostomy tubes. This improper placement was noted to cause discomfort and pressure for the resident, as well as a risk of urine backflow. Interviews with nursing staff, including LVNs and the ADON, revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to proper catheter care protocols. Staff acknowledged that the catheter bag should be hung at the lowest part of the bed to prevent infection and ensure proper drainage. However, observations showed that the bag was frequently left on the floor, and staff were not consistently ensuring it was correctly positioned. The facility's policy on the care and removal of indwelling catheters emphasized the importance of following standard practice guidelines, yet these were not adhered to in the case of the resident. The DON was not informed of the repeated issues with the catheter bag placement, indicating a communication breakdown within the facility. This oversight placed the resident at risk of health decline and potential infection.
Failure to Maintain Nutritional Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident maintained acceptable parameters of nutritional status, as evidenced by a significant weight loss of 15.51% over a period of 30 days. The resident, an elderly female with a history of stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, and Depression, was observed to have a decline in appetite and was pocketing food during meals. Despite being on a therapeutic diet and receiving nutritional supplements, the resident's weight loss was not addressed in a timely manner. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of communication and awareness regarding the resident's nutritional status. The resident's physician was not informed of the decrease in appetite or the behavior of pocketing food, which could have prompted timely interventions. Additionally, the dietitian and nursing staff were not aware of the significant weight loss due to discrepancies in the recorded weights, which were not followed up on promptly. The facility's policy on weight monitoring was not adhered to, as significant weight changes were not re-evaluated or communicated to the necessary parties, including the physician and dietitian. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the weight discrepancy and the failure to address the resident's weight loss, which was compounded by the resident's transfer between secured units and the lack of consistent monitoring and intervention.
Medication Storage Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored securely, as required by State and Federal laws. This deficiency was observed in the case of two residents and one medication cart. The medication cart for the 100 Hall was found unsecured, with the locking mechanism not engaged, while the responsible RN was away from the cart. The RN admitted to having the only key and acknowledged the risk of residents accessing medications not meant for them. Resident #177 was found with a new box of arthritis pain cream stored at his bedside table, which was not secured in a lock box or the medication cart. The resident, who had a history of severe pain and multiple medical conditions, was unable to communicate where he received the medication. The facility did not have a physician's order for this over-the-counter medication, and the charge nurse confirmed that residents were not allowed to self-administer medications or have them in their rooms. Similarly, Resident #189, who had a moderately impaired cognition and multiple medical diagnoses, was found with a tube of arthritis pain cream, zinc oxide cream, and eye drops in his nightstand. The resident admitted to self-administering the cream due to delays in nursing staff response. The charge nurse confirmed that residents were not permitted to have medications in their rooms, as it posed a risk of adverse reactions and staff being unaware of the medications being taken. The facility's policy stated that medications should be accessible only to authorized personnel, highlighting the failure to adhere to this policy.
Failure to Adhere to Resident's Dietary Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was prepared and served according to a resident's specific dietary needs, as evidenced during a lunch meal observation. Resident #29, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of conditions affecting swallowing, was ordered a pureed diet with nectar thickened liquids. However, during the lunch meal, the resident was served whole potato chips and a whole piece of cake, both of which were inconsistent with his dietary requirements. Additionally, the resident was given thin liquids instead of the prescribed nectar thickened liquids. The deficiency was observed when a staff member mistakenly provided whole potato chips to Resident #29, believing he had a sub sandwich, which was not the case. The resident was also observed with a whole piece of cake and thin tea, both of which were not in line with his dietary orders. The surveyor intervened to prevent the resident from consuming these inappropriate items, and the dietary staff subsequently provided the correct pureed and thickened items. Interviews with the dietary manager, dietitian, and assistant administrator revealed a lack of clarity on why the resident was served inappropriate food items. The dietary manager acknowledged that staff should have recognized the resident's dietary needs and provided the correct items. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of adhering to residents' dietary requirements to prevent risks such as aspiration and choking, which were not followed in this instance.
Failure to Provide Accessible Call Light for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a working call system was available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area, specifically for one resident who was reviewed for call light access. The resident, a male with hypertension, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis, was found without a call light cord in his room, which is necessary for him to call for assistance. Despite the resident's care plan indicating the need for a call light within reach due to his fall risk, the call light was missing, and the resident was unable to communicate effectively due to cognitive impairments. Interviews with staff, including a CNA, LVN, ADON, and the Maintenance Director, revealed a lack of awareness regarding the missing call light cord for the resident. The staff acknowledged the importance of having a call light within reach and the potential risks of not having one, yet there was no documentation in the maintenance logbook about the missing call light. The facility's policy on call lights did not address the requirement for rooms to be equipped with a functioning call light, contributing to the oversight.
Failure to Maintain Resident's Bed in a Timely Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable, and home-like environment. This deficiency was observed when a resident's bed was not made in a timely manner after being sanitized, preventing the resident from lying down. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and required partial assistance for activities of daily living, was observed with an unmade bed that had small puddles of liquid on the mattress. The liquid appeared to have been sprayed some time ago, leaving wet areas and dried rings on the mattress. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was responsible for the resident's care and stated that the bed was stripped for cleaning on the resident's shower day. The CNA had asked housekeeping to spray the mattress but did not return to wipe it down, assuming it was not an issue since the resident usually stayed in her wheelchair until after dinner. However, the resident expressed a desire to lie down after lunch, which was not possible due to the unmade bed. The CNA was unaware of the resident's request to get into bed and did not perceive any risk to the resident. Interviews with facility staff, including a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and the Director of Nursing (DON), revealed that it was expected for CNAs to clean and make beds on shower days. The LVN acknowledged that leaving the bed uncleaned for an extended period was unacceptable and posed a risk of infection. The DON confirmed that CNAs were responsible for ensuring bed linens were replaced daily and should report any issues to their nurses. The facility was experiencing a linen shortage, which may have contributed to the issue, but the failure to make the bed in a timely manner was not acceptable.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments, as observed with Medication Cart #1. On the specified date, the cart was found unlocked and unattended near one of the main entrances of the facility. This occurred while two staff members were initially present at the nurses' station but left the area shortly after. During this time, four residents in wheelchairs were in the immediate vicinity, and another resident wheeled himself into the building from outside. LVN A, who was in an office without windows, confirmed that the cart belonged to MA B, who was down the hall at the time. Upon being interviewed, MA B could not provide a reason for leaving the cart unlocked and unattended. She mentioned that she last used the cart before 10:00 AM and typically took it with her down the halls when administering medications. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator both acknowledged that staff had been trained to keep medication carts locked when unattended, emphasizing the risk of residents accessing medications. The facility's policy clearly stated that medication carts should be kept closed and locked when out of sight of the medication nurse.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were free from abuse, resulting in an incident where Resident #11 was physically harmed by Resident #12. Resident #12, who had a diagnosis of dementia with behavioral disturbances, was known to exhibit aggressive behaviors, including hitting other residents. Despite this, the facility did not maintain adequate supervision or interventions to prevent further incidents. On the day of the incident, Resident #11 was found on the floor with bloody nostrils, while Resident #12 stood over her, yelling aggressively. Resident #11 was subsequently diagnosed with a maxillary fracture and epistaxis due to the assault. Resident #12 had a history of increased aggression and auditory hallucinations, which led to multiple altercations with other residents. The facility's records indicated that Resident #12 had been involved in several incidents of physical aggression from 03/27/24 to 04/02/24. Despite these documented behaviors, the facility's interventions, such as frequent visual checks and attempts to medicate Resident #12, were insufficient. The family of Resident #12 refused medication adjustments, and the facility did not consistently implement 15-minute monitoring checks, which were only in place for a brief period. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clear communication and specific instructions on how to manage Resident #12's aggressive behaviors. Staff members were aware of Resident #12's increased aggression but were not consistently informed about the necessary precautions or interventions. The facility's failure to maintain continuous monitoring and adequately address Resident #12's behaviors directly led to the incident where Resident #11 was injured. This deficiency highlights the facility's inability to protect residents from abuse and ensure their safety.
Removal Plan
- The facility implemented visual checks for Resident #12.
- The facility initiated a behavior log to monitor Resident #12's aggression.
- The facility contacted the psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication adjustments.
- The facility attempted to educate Resident #12's family on the necessity of medication adjustments.
- The facility placed Resident #12 on checks.
- The facility sent Resident #12 to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
- The facility conducted in-service training for all staff on abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation of resident property, and resident-to-resident behaviors.
- The facility conducted in-service training for all staff on fall prevention and fall management.
Facility Fails to Maintain Clean and Safe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to maintain a safe, sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior for six residents. Specifically, the facility did not ensure that soiled briefs were properly disposed of, privacy curtains were clean, and ceiling vents were free of dust and debris. These deficiencies were observed in the rooms of Residents #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7, potentially placing them at risk for contamination and an unsafe environment. Resident #2, a [AGE] year-old female with moderate cognitive impairment, was found with a soiled brief containing fecal matter in her trash can and dried brown stains on her privacy curtain. The resident stated that the brief was changed during wound care by a nurse but was not aware it was put in the trash can. Similarly, Resident #3, a [AGE] year-old female with cognitive intact, had a soiled brief in her trash can, which she placed there herself due to CNAs not emptying the bathroom trash can. Residents #4, #5, and #6, all with severe cognitive impairment, had stained privacy curtains and dusty ceiling vents with black marks around the vent openings. Resident #7, with moderate cognitive impairment, also had a dusty ceiling vent with black marks. Interviews with staff, including CNAs, LVNs, housekeepers, and maintenance personnel, revealed a lack of adherence to proper procedures for disposing of soiled briefs and maintaining cleanliness of privacy curtains and ceiling vents. Staff acknowledged the deficiencies and the potential risks of contamination and an unsafe environment for the residents.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary incontinence care to six residents, leading to issues with personal hygiene and dignity. Resident #2, a female with moderate cognitive impairment, was found with a wet brief that had not been changed since the previous night. She had a dressing on her coccyx, indicating a potential risk for skin issues. Resident #10, a male with severe cognitive impairment, was found wearing two heavily soaked briefs, which he requested due to the long wait times for changes at night. His skin was intact, but the practice of double briefing was against facility policy. Resident #1, a male with severe cognitive impairment and hemiplegia, was found in a room with a strong urine odor. His brief had not been changed since the previous night, and he was wearing two heavily soaked briefs. His Power of Attorney confirmed that this was a recurring issue. Resident #8, a female with severe cognitive impairment and multiple health issues, was also found with a heavily soaked brief that had not been changed since the previous night. She had been complaining about the lack of timely changes, and her skin was intact. Resident #9, a female with severe cognitive impairment and acute kidney failure, was found with two heavily soaked briefs containing fecal matter. She could not recall when she was last changed. Resident #13, a female with severe cognitive impairment and chronic kidney disease, was found with a heavily soaked brief that had not been changed overnight. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the facility's policy of checking and changing residents every two hours. The DON confirmed that staff had been trained on this policy, but the issue persisted, particularly with the night shift staff not performing their duties adequately.
Failure to Provide Wound Care as Per Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents with pressure ulcers received necessary treatment and services according to physician orders. Resident #5, a [AGE] year-old female with severe cognitive impairment and chronic kidney disease, did not receive wound care on two consecutive days as per the physician's orders. The wound care nurse was off duty, and the floor nurses were responsible for wound care but failed to perform it. The dressing on Resident #5's wound was dated two days prior, indicating a lapse in care. The LVN responsible for the wound care admitted to not being aware of the missed care and acknowledged the potential for the wound to worsen due to this oversight. Resident #2, a [AGE] year-old female with moderate cognitive impairment and cerebral ischemic, also did not receive wound care as per physician orders. The wound care was supposed to be performed daily, but the LVN responsible for the care admitted to not performing it on two consecutive days due to a high workload. The LVN also admitted to signing the treatment administration record without actually performing the wound care. The DON was unaware of these lapses and stated that the nursing staff knew they had to follow physician orders. The DON also mentioned that the facility had a wound care nurse, but she was out, and the floor nurses were responsible for wound care in her absence. The facility's policy on wound care, dated July 2018, was not followed, leading to the deficiencies. The policy required reviewing orders, gathering supplies, and following standard precautions and infection control methods. The failure to adhere to these guidelines resulted in missed wound care for both residents, potentially worsening their conditions. The DON acknowledged the responsibility for ensuring wound care was provided and monitored but was not aware of the lapses in care until the survey.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received the necessary services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene. Resident #1, a [AGE] year-old female with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including hemiplegia and muscle weakness, did not receive showers as scheduled for December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024. Despite her care plan indicating the need for substantial assistance with bathing, there were multiple instances where showers were either not documented or not provided. Interviews with staff revealed inconsistencies in documentation and follow-up on shower refusals, leading to gaps in care for Resident #1. Resident #2, a [AGE] year-old female with no cognitive impairment but requiring partial assistance with bathing, also did not receive showers as scheduled. Her care plan indicated a preference for morning baths and assistance with self-care, but her ADL Flow Records showed several missed showers. Interviews with Resident #2 and staff highlighted issues with staff availability and documentation, resulting in missed showers and inconsistent care. Both residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consistent bathing, and staff interviews confirmed that missed showers could lead to potential health risks such as skin breakdowns and infections. The facility's policy on bathing required staff to document all provided or refused showers in the electronic health record (EHR). However, interviews with CNAs and LVNs revealed that this documentation was not consistently completed, and there was a lack of follow-up on missed showers. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) acknowledged the responsibility of ensuring showers were provided and documented, but the report indicated that these procedures were not effectively implemented, leading to the identified deficiencies.
Failure to Provide Proper Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident who needed respiratory care was provided such care consistent with professional standards of practice. Specifically, the facility did not ensure that the oxygen concentrator and nasal cannula for a resident were dated, labeled, and changed on a weekly basis. Additionally, the facility did not deliver oxygen as ordered by the physician at 2 liters per minute, instead delivering it at 2.5 liters per minute. This failure placed the resident at risk for inadequate or inappropriate amounts of oxygen delivery and possible infection. The resident involved was a [AGE] year-old female with multiple diagnoses, including hypoxemia, chronic pain, elevated blood pressure, anemia, shortness of breath, dehydration, and hypokalemia. The resident's baseline care plan indicated issues with breathing patterns and included interventions such as adjusting the head of the bed, administering medications and respiratory treatments, and monitoring respiratory rate and effort. Despite these orders, observations revealed that the resident's nasal cannula and water bottle were not labeled or dated, and the water bottle was empty. The oxygen machine was delivering 2.5 liters per minute instead of the prescribed 2 liters. Interviews with staff members, including an LVN, CNA, ADON, and DON, revealed inconsistencies in the monitoring and maintenance of the resident's oxygen equipment. The LVN admitted to not being sure of the risks associated with not changing the tubing weekly, while the CNA did not notice the empty water bottle. The ADON and DON both acknowledged that the nursing staff was responsible for following physician orders and ensuring the equipment was properly maintained, but this was not consistently done. The facility's policy on applying an oxygen delivery device was not adhered to, leading to the identified deficiencies.
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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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