Carrington Place Of Tappahannock
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Tappahannock, Virginia.
- Location
- 1150 Marsh Street, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560
- CMS Provider Number
- 495328
- Inspections on file
- 19
- Latest survey
- July 17, 2024
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Carrington Place Of Tappahannock during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility's activities program was directed by an unqualified professional, leading to substandard care. During a survey, it was discovered that the Activities Director lacked the necessary qualifications and training. The Director, in the role since September 2023, admitted to having no certification or formal training. The Administrator confirmed the Director's lack of qualifications, acknowledging the deficiency in meeting mandatory training requirements.
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program, lacking a Legionnaire's water policy. The Maintenance Director responsible for Legionella testing had quit and was not replaced, leading to no effective detection program. The Administrator acknowledged the issue was not discussed in QAPI meetings, and documentation showed no records of water testing or related policy.
The facility failed to address ongoing grievances from the Resident Council, including issues with cleanliness, repetitive meal menus, and lack of CNA rounding. Despite repeated complaints, these concerns remained unresolved, as acknowledged by the Activities Director and brought to the Administrator's attention.
The facility failed to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for residents, with issues such as a broken central air conditioning unit affecting common areas, cluttered dining room during meals, and unresolved maintenance problems in resident rooms. The maintenance director had quit without notice, leaving issues unaddressed, and the administrator was unaware of these problems until informed by surveyors.
The facility failed to conduct adequate activity assessments for several residents, impacting their ability to receive services that met their interests and preferences. One resident's assessment showed no change since a previous date, another resident lacked an assessment entirely, and a third resident's assessment was outdated. The DON and Administrator confirmed the absence of assessments in the records, acknowledging that they should be conducted on admission, quarterly, and yearly.
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff coverage, resulting in 14 residents not receiving showers while the designated shower aid was on vacation. Interviews and assignment sheet reviews confirmed no replacement was assigned, and only one CNA provided showers to her assigned residents.
The facility failed to maintain an effective QAPI program regarding resident showers, affecting all 58 residents. Residents reported not receiving showers when the Shower Aide was off duty, and grievances and council minutes revealed ongoing complaints. Despite addressing the issue in May 2024 and providing education in January 2024, the facility did not ensure showers were provided during the Shower Aide's absence. The Administrator acknowledged the failure and the need to readdress the issue.
The facility failed to ensure residents received scheduled showers during the Shower Aide's leave, as no staff were assigned to cover this task. Observations and interviews revealed residents were left unkempt and without showers, highlighting a lapse in care continuity.
The facility failed to maintain a safe and comfortable environment, with broken air conditioning in common areas, a non-functional elevator, and unclean resident bathrooms. Residents reported discomfort due to warm conditions and inadequate privacy in bathrooms. Ongoing issues with cleanliness and maintenance were noted in Resident Council minutes.
A resident weighing 450 lbs was not provided with a suitable bed, leading to discomfort and inadequate accommodation of his needs. Despite having a bariatric wheelchair and commode seat, the resident was placed in a regular hospital bed with a mattress not appropriate for his weight. Interviews revealed a lack of action to address the issue, and the bed and mattress were confirmed to be unsuitable for the resident's weight.
The facility failed to provide necessary grooming and personal hygiene services to several residents during the absence of the shower aide. A resident with severe cognitive impairment was observed with unkempt hair and uncut nails, while another resident requiring maximum assistance did not receive scheduled showers. Interviews revealed that no staff were assigned to cover the shower aide's duties, leading to a lack of personal hygiene care for multiple residents.
A resident receiving psychotropic medications at a facility did not undergo a required gradual dose reduction (GDR) despite a pharmacy recommendation due to potential risks. The resident's Citalopram dosage was increased, and Doxepin remained unchanged, with no GDR attempt since admission. The DON acknowledged the oversight, and the issue was to be addressed with the current Nurse Practitioner.
The facility failed to maintain an effective training program for staff, including CNAs, LPNs, an RN, and the Administrator. A review showed no training documentation for these employees. The HR Manager stated that training records were managed by Medline University starting January 2024, with no prior documentation available. The Administrator and DON were informed of these findings.
The facility did not ensure that direct care staff completed mandatory Effective Communication training. A review revealed that none of the staff, including CNAs, LPNs, an RN, and the Administrator, had documented completion of the training. The HR Manager stated that training records were maintained by Medline University, with no documentation available for trainings before January 2024. The Administrator and DON were informed of these findings.
The facility did not ensure that all staff completed mandatory Ethics and Compliance Training. A review showed that none of the sampled direct care staff, including CNAs, LPNs, an RN, and the Administrator, had completed the training. The HR Manager noted that training records began in January 2024, with no prior documentation. The Administrator and DON were informed of these findings.
The facility failed to provide CNAs with the required 12 hours of annual in-service training, including dementia care and abuse prevention. Two CNAs lacked performance evaluations and regular training, as confirmed by staff interviews and documentation review. The DON acknowledged the absence of training records prior to January 2024, and the findings were reported to the Administrator and DON.
The facility did not ensure that all staff completed mandatory Behavioral Health Training. A review showed that none of the direct care staff, including CNAs, LPNs, an RN, and the Administrator, had completed the training. The HR Manager stated that the training was scheduled for later in the year, with no prior documentation available. The Administrator and DON were informed of these findings.
Unqualified Activities Director Leads to Substandard Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the activities program was directed by a qualified professional, resulting in substandard quality of care. During a recertification survey and an extended survey, it was found that the Activities Director did not meet the qualifications required by regulations. The Activities Director, who had been in the role since September 2023, admitted to not having any certification or having attended a program or training course. The Administrator acknowledged that the Activities Director did not have the necessary qualifications for the position. This lack of qualifications was confirmed during an end-of-day meeting, where it was noted that the Activities Director did not meet the mandatory training requirements for the role.
Inadequate Infection Control Program for Legionella
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program, specifically lacking a Legionnaire's water policy or program. During the survey, it was revealed that the previous Maintenance Director, who was responsible for testing for Legionnaires, had quit and had not been replaced. The Administrator admitted that there was no effective program for detecting Legionella, and the issue had not been addressed in Quality Assurance and Process Improvement (QAPI) meetings. Documentation review showed no records of water testing for Legionella or any related policy, indicating a significant oversight in infection control measures.
Failure to Address Resident Council Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to promptly address grievances raised by the Resident Council, leading to repeated complaints over several months. The issues highlighted by the residents included insufficient housekeeping staff on weekends, unclean dining rooms and resident bathrooms, and the need for patio maintenance. Additionally, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the repetitive meal menus and the lack of snacks available at night. Concerns were also raised about the absence of CNA rounding, particularly during the night and on the 3-11 shift. Despite the Resident Council consistently voicing these concerns, the facility did not effectively resolve them, as evidenced by the recurring nature of the complaints. The Activities Director acknowledged the pattern of unresolved issues, and the Administrator was informed of these ongoing concerns during an end-of-day meeting. However, the report does not indicate any further action taken by the facility to address these deficiencies.
Facility Fails to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents, as observed during a survey involving 33 residents. The dining room was cluttered with activity supplies during meal times, and the temperature was uncomfortably warm due to a broken central air conditioning unit. This issue affected common areas, including the dining room, kitchen, laundry, lobby, and the second floor, which was inaccessible to residents due to a non-functional elevator. Additionally, there was no thermostat or thermometer available for staff to monitor the temperature in the dining room. In resident rooms, several maintenance issues were noted. One resident's bathroom light was not working, and the bathroom had a strong odor of urine. Another resident's air conditioning unit was broken, causing discomfort due to heat, and the issue had not been addressed despite being reported. A third resident reported a clogged sink and a wobbly bed due to a missing screw. The facility's maintenance director had quit without notice, leaving maintenance issues unresolved, and the administrator was unaware of these problems until informed by surveyors.
Failure to Conduct Adequate Activity Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide an ongoing program to support residents in their choice of activities, affecting four residents in a survey sample of 33. Specifically, the staff did not conduct adequate activity assessments to ensure that residents were receiving services that met their interests and personal preferences. For one resident, the most recent activity assessment was conducted on 7/14/2023, but it indicated no change in the resident's level of participation since the previous assessment on 06/26/2023. Another resident did not have an activity assessment at all, while a third resident's assessment showed no change in participation since the last assessment on 05/17/2023. The fourth resident had an initial assessment on 2/15/2024, but there was no quarterly assessment recorded. During an interview on 7/15/24, the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator confirmed that if the assessments were not in the electronic medical records, they were not conducted. They acknowledged that assessments should be done on admission, quarterly, and yearly. The Administrator was informed of these concerns during an end-of-day meeting on 7/15/24, but no further information was provided to address the deficiencies identified.
Deficiency in Shower Aid Coverage During CNA Vacation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff with the appropriate competencies and skills to provide necessary services, resulting in a deficiency affecting 14 residents. During a group meeting, it was revealed that no showers were given to these residents while the designated shower aid, CNA B, was on vacation. The residents confirmed that CNA G was the only one providing showers, but only to those on her assignment list, and no other staff were assigned to cover the shower aid duties during CNA B's absence. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator confirmed the lack of a designated replacement for CNA B. The DON acknowledged that CNAs could perform showers, but there was no formal assignment or directive for them to do so during the week CNA B was off. A review of assignment sheets for the relevant week showed no indication that CNAs were required to cover shower duties, leading to the residents not receiving showers during this period.
Failure in QAPI Program for Resident Showers
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain an effective Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, specifically regarding the provision of showers to residents at least twice per week. During the initial tour, alert and oriented residents reported not receiving baths or showers when the assigned Shower Aide was not on duty. This issue was corroborated during a Group Interview/Resident Council Meeting, where residents stated they only received showers when the Shower Aide was on duty, and not when she was off. The facility's grievances and Resident Council minutes over six months revealed ongoing complaints about showers not being provided. Despite documentation of the concern being addressed in May 2024 and in-service education provided in January 2024, the facility staff failed to ensure showers were provided during the Shower Aide's absence. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that showers were typically done by the Shower Aide, who worked on the day shift from Monday to Friday, and stated that other Certified Nursing Assistants could provide showers during other shifts. However, clinical records showed that showers were not provided as scheduled during the week the Shower Aide was on leave. The Administrator admitted that the QAPI program was intended to identify and address issues monthly, but the facility did not have the policies and procedures for QAPI readily available. The Administrator recognized the failure to ensure residents received showers when the Shower Aide was off and acknowledged the need to readdress the issue. The facility's policy on QAPI was not presented to the survey team before the end of the survey.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers During Staff Leave
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that all residents received showers as scheduled during the period when the designated Shower Aide was on leave. This deficiency was identified through observations, staff and resident interviews, and a review of clinical records and facility documentation. Specifically, the facility did not assign the task of providing showers to other staff members during the absence of the Shower Aide from July 1 to July 7, 2024. As a result, residents did not receive their scheduled showers, and there was no indication on the assignment sheets that other CNAs were responsible for this task during the Shower Aide's leave. Surveyor observations and resident interviews revealed that residents were not receiving showers, leading to issues such as unkempt appearance, greasy hair, and noticeable body odor. One resident expressed feeling sweaty and confirmed not having been washed up on the morning of the observation. During a group interview, residents unanimously agreed that no showers were given in the absence of the Shower Aide, and that showers were only provided during the Shower Aide's shift. The facility's failure to implement measures to ensure continuity of care during the Shower Aide's leave resulted in this deficiency.
Facility Environment and Maintenance Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and the public. Observations revealed that the air conditioning in common areas, including the lobby, hallways, dining area, and other shared spaces, was not functioning, leading to uncomfortably warm conditions. The main air conditioning unit had been broken for over a month, and temporary measures using resident room units were insufficient. Additionally, the elevator was out of service, having broken down multiple times since May, and remained unrepaired by the end of the survey. The dining area was cluttered with activity supplies during meal times, and there was no thermostat to monitor the temperature. Resident bathrooms were found to be unclean, with one resident reporting a non-functional bathroom light, forcing them to leave the door open for visibility, compromising privacy. The resident's bathroom also had a strong odor of urine. Resident Council minutes from the past six months highlighted ongoing issues with cleanliness, insufficient housekeeping staff, and air conditioning problems. Despite these documented concerns, the facility had not adequately addressed these issues, leading to continued discomfort and dissatisfaction among residents.
Failure to Provide Suitable Bed for Bariatric Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to reasonably accommodate the needs of a resident who weighed 450 lbs by not providing a suitable bed for his size and weight. The resident was observed in a regular hospital bed and expressed discomfort, stating that the bed frame was digging into his hips and there was insufficient space to turn over safely. Despite having a bariatric wheelchair and commode seat, the resident was placed in a regular-sized bed with a mattress that was not appropriate for his weight. Interviews with the facility's Administrator and corporate nurse revealed a lack of appropriate action to address the resident's needs. The Administrator indicated that bariatric equipment is ordered through therapy, but beds require her approval. The corporate nurse acknowledged that the resident could probably use a bariatric bed. A review of the manufacturer's instructions confirmed that the bed and mattress were not suitable for the resident's weight, as the bed's maximum weight capacity was 450 lbs and the mattress's was 350 lbs. Despite the resident not having developed pressure sores, he remained uncomfortable in the bed.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers and Grooming
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide necessary grooming and personal hygiene services to four residents, resulting in deficiencies in maintaining good grooming and hygiene. Resident #3, who has a traumatic brain injury and severe cognitive impairment, was observed with unkempt hair, greasy appearance, and uncut nails with visible debris. The resident reported not having a shower recently and stated that hair and nail care had not been done for a while. The facility lacked a designated staff member to provide showers during the absence of the shower aide, leading to a lack of personal hygiene care for the residents. Resident #9, who requires maximum assistance for showers, did not receive scheduled showers during the week when the shower aide was on vacation. The resident managed to wash at the sink but did not receive the necessary assistance for a full shower. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator revealed that there was no clear assignment for other CNAs to take over shower duties during the shower aide's absence, resulting in a gap in care. Similarly, Resident #56 and Resident #44 did not receive their scheduled showers and nail care while the shower aide was on vacation. Both residents reported not being offered showers by their assigned CNAs, and the group interview confirmed that only one CNA provided showers to residents on her assignment list. The facility's failure to assign staff to cover the shower aide's duties led to a lack of personal hygiene care for multiple residents, as confirmed by the review of assignment sheets and resident interviews.
Failure to Implement Gradual Dose Reduction for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that a resident who was using psychotropic medications received a gradual dose reduction (GDR) and was free from unnecessary psychotropic medications. The deficiency was identified for a resident who had been receiving Citalopram and Doxepin, both of which can significantly prolong the QT interval and increase the risk for arrhythmias. Despite a pharmacy recommendation to reduce one or both medications due to the resident's risk factors, including atrial fibrillation, the facility did not act on this recommendation. The resident's dosage of Citalopram was increased, and the Doxepin dosage remained unchanged, with no attempt at GDR since the resident's admission. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged understanding the federal regulations requiring GDR attempts but could not explain why it was not attempted for this resident. The clinical record did not indicate any contraindications for GDR. The physician who initially agreed with the pharmacy's recommendation was no longer working at the facility, and the issue was to be brought to the attention of the current Nurse Practitioner. The facility administrator was informed of these findings during an end-of-day meeting, but no further information was provided.
Deficiency in Staff Training Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members, as evidenced by the lack of training documentation for seven employees in the survey sample. These employees included two Certified Nursing Assistants, three Licensed Practical Nurses, one Registered Nurse, and the Administrator. A review of the Medline University Training Transcripts and Staff Education files revealed that none of the direct care staff employees in the survey sample had maintained an effective training program. During an interview with the Human Resource Manager, it was disclosed that training and education records were managed by Medline University, which was initiated in January 2024. However, there was no documentation available for trainings completed prior to this date. The Administrator and the Director of Nursing were informed of these findings during the end-of-day meeting on July 15, 2024.
Failure to Complete Mandatory Effective Communication Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all direct care staff completed mandatory Effective Communication training. This deficiency was identified during a survey where it was found that none of the direct care staff, including two CNAs, three LPNs, one RN, and the Administrator, had documented completion of the required training. The review of Medline University Training Transcripts and Staff Education files confirmed the absence of documentation for the mandatory training. The HR Manager indicated that training records were maintained by Medline University and that the training program was initiated in January 2024, but there was no documentation available for trainings completed prior to this date. The Administrator and the DON were informed of these findings during an end-of-day meeting.
Failure to Complete Mandatory Ethics and Compliance Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all staff members completed the mandatory Ethics and Compliance Training. This deficiency was identified during a survey where none of the direct care staff in the sample, including two CNAs, three LPNs, one RN, and the Administrator, had completed the required training. The review of Medline University Training Transcripts and Staff Education files confirmed the lack of completed training. The HR Manager indicated that training records were initiated in January 2024, and there was no documentation of trainings completed prior to this date. The Administrator and the DON were informed of these findings during an end-of-day meeting.
Deficiency in CNA Training and Evaluation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) received the required 12 hours of in-service training annually, including education on dementia care, abuse prevention, facility assessments, and the special needs of residents. This deficiency was identified through interviews with facility staff and a review of facility documentation, which revealed that two CNAs in a survey sample of seven employees did not have performance evaluations or regular in-service education every 12 months. The Medline University Training Transcripts and Staff Education files confirmed the absence of mandatory in-service education and training for the CNAs surveyed. During an interview, the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that the training and education program was revamped in January 2024, and there was no documentation of trainings completed prior to this date. The findings were communicated to the Administrator and the DON during an end-of-day meeting.
Failure to Complete Mandatory Behavioral Health Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all staff members completed the mandatory Behavioral Health Training, as required by the facility assessment. This deficiency was identified during a survey where none of the direct care staff in the sample, including two CNAs, three LPNs, one RN, and the Administrator, had completed the necessary training. The review of Medline University Training Transcripts and Staff Education files confirmed the lack of completed training. An interview with the HR Manager revealed that the training was scheduled for later in the year, with no documentation of any training completed prior to January 2024. The Administrator and the DON were informed of these findings during an end-of-day meeting.
Latest citations in Virginia
Staff failed to consistently provide and/or document required ADL care, including incontinence care, turning/positioning, and bathing, for several dependent residents with bowel and bladder incontinence and significant cognitive impairment. One resident’s representative reported finding the resident in a wet brief on multiple weekend visits, while ADL records over several months showed numerous blank entries for incontinence care across all shifts despite care plans requiring continence care and facility policy mandating daily personal care and linen changes when soiled. Another resident, dependent for bathing, received only two showers over a two‑week period, contrary to policy requiring at least twice‑weekly showers, even though a CNA stated showers were given at least twice weekly and documented. Additional residents with incontinence and immobility had missing documentation of toileting hygiene and turning/positioning on specific dates and shifts, despite care plans directing staff to observe for moisture and provide care as indicated and CNAs describing a two‑hour rounding and documentation process in the electronic record.
Facility staff allowed unsafe smoking practices by permitting a resident, assessed as an independent smoker with no cognitive impairment, to smoke in a non-designated courtyard lacking ashtrays, fire-safe disposal containers, a fire extinguisher, or a fire blanket, and to extinguish and discard a cigarette into a trash can containing combustible materials during high winds. Staff acknowledged that residents sometimes smoked in this non-designated area and were only redirected when noticed, while the designated smoking courtyard, though equipped with a fireproof disposal can and smoking blanket, contained a fire extinguisher with no inspection tag or documented inspection. These actions and inactions conflicted with the facility’s smoking policy requiring designated outdoor areas and noncombustible ashtrays, leading surveyors to identify immediate jeopardy and substandard quality of care related to accident hazards and smoking safety.
A cognitively impaired resident with multiple medical conditions and severe behavioral disturbances repeatedly engaged in verbal and physical aggression toward other residents and staff, including yelling profanities, ramming a wheelchair, attempting to strike a resident using a walker, kicking another resident near an elevator, and kicking and punching a nurse. Behavior notes documented that these incidents occurred frequently and that simple separation and moving the resident to a quiet area were ineffective. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident’s behavior was unpredictable, triggered when his demands were not met immediately, and directed at various residents and staff. Although psychiatric documentation and the care plan called for identifying triggers, redirection, 1:1 staffing, and psychosocial interventions, staff responses remained largely reactive, and one documented altercation involving two residents was not investigated or summarized, resulting in a failure to protect residents from abuse.
Staff failed to follow a physician’s order requiring blood pressure checks before administering Nifedipine ER to a resident with hypertension and multiple comorbidities. Over a two-week period, there were 15 administrations of the medication without any documented pre-dose BP readings in the MAR or EHR. An LPN reported that BPs are only taken when specifically ordered and acknowledged that nurses are expected to read orders prior to giving medications. The DON later stated that blood pressure had been checked and the medication was eventually discontinued.
The facility failed to report and investigate an incident in which a cognitively impaired resident with multiple comorbidities yelled at another resident in the dining area, then rammed the wheelchair of one resident and attempted to strike another, prompting staff to separate the residents and complete skin assessments. Two other residents, one with heart failure, kidney disease, dysphagia, and a cognitive communication deficit, and another with cerebral palsy and psychiatric diagnoses, were upset following the altercation, and documentation later showed that one had been pushed. Despite the DON being informed and the facility’s abuse policy requiring prompt reporting of all alleged abuse, no incident synopsis or investigation was completed or reported to the state agency for the residents involved in this altercation, and the administrator later acknowledged that an investigation and incident summary should have been completed.
The facility failed to investigate a resident-to-resident abuse incident in which a cognitively impaired resident with multiple comorbidities yelled at another resident in the dining area, then rammed a wheelchair and attempted to strike two cognitively intact residents with significant medical and psychiatric histories. Staff separated the residents and performed skin assessments that showed no injuries, but the involved residents were upset. Despite documentation that one resident had been pushed and an abuse policy requiring immediate review and investigation of all allegations or observations of abuse, the DON did not initiate an incident synopsis or investigation because staff had intervened before further harm occurred, and the administrator later confirmed that no investigation or incident summary was completed for this event.
A resident with multiple diagnoses, including dementia and severe cognitive impairment, had a behavior care plan that listed an intervention of "1:1 supervision as indicated" without defining when it should start, whether it was continuous or behavior-based, what behaviors would trigger it, or how long it should last. During interview, the DON explained that staff initiate 1:1 supervision when the resident becomes aggressive toward another resident and continue it until the resident deescalates, and acknowledged the care plan lacked needed specificity. This incomplete and non-measurable care plan for behavior management led to the cited deficiency.
A cognitively impaired, fully ambulatory resident with Wernicke’s encephalopathy and severe deficits engaged in sexual acts with another resident and was later found partially unclothed in a female resident’s room, despite care plan directives for immediate separation and 1:1 monitoring that staff were unaware of and did not implement. The resident had a documented pattern of wandering, entering other residents’ rooms during personal care, exit seeking, and a prior elopement through a courtyard gate, yet an elopement assessment later incorrectly denied a history of elopement and minimized safety and privacy risks. A Wander-Guard was ordered but not consistently in place or care planned, the courtyard gate alarm was found turned off with no staff present while residents were in the courtyard, and required abuse and elopement incidents were not properly reported or investigated per federal, state, and facility policy, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy and substandard quality of care findings.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and Wernicke’s encephalopathy, who was fully ambulatory and known to wander and seek exits, repeatedly entered other residents’ rooms, attempted to leave through exit doors, and eloped from an enclosed courtyard through a gate whose alarm had been turned off and was not monitored by staff. Despite a provider order and care plan for a Wander-Guard and elopement precautions, the device was removed and not replaced, and care plan interventions were not implemented or documented. The same resident was later found performing oral sex on another resident and, on a separate occasion, partially undressed on a female resident’s bed, despite lacking capacity to consent; required 1:1 supervision was care planned but not communicated to or followed by staff. Incidents of elopement and sexual contact were not accurately assessed or reported to the state agency, and documentation of elopement risk and abuse investigations was incomplete, leading surveyors to cite Immediate Jeopardy for accidents, hazards, abuse, and neglect.
Staff failed to ensure residents knew where to find contact information for the State Survey Agency and the State LTC Ombudsman. Required lists of names, mailing/email addresses, and phone numbers were posted behind the concierge desk in an area not accessible to residents, and no other signage was present on the unit. During a Resident Council meeting, all residents present were unable to identify the location of this information and were unaware of their right to file complaints with the State or Ombudsman. Later, two residents taken to see the posting stated they had not known it was there, while the concierge reported residents must ask for the information and that none had done so during her tenure.
Failure to Provide and Document Required Incontinence Care and Bathing for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide required ADL care, specifically incontinence care and bathing, to multiple dependent residents as documented in clinical records, interviews, and facility documents. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, always incontinent of bowel and bladder and dependent on staff for toileting hygiene, had extensive gaps in ADL documentation over several months. ADL records from January through March showed multiple dates and shifts where incontinence care entries were left blank, despite a care plan stating the resident’s bowel and bladder continence needs were to be met and a facility policy requiring daily personal care and clean clothing and linens each time they were soiled. The resident’s representative reported visiting on weekends and finding the resident’s brief appearing wet for hours. CNAs interviewed stated that incontinence care was provided every two hours and documented as evidence of care, but the records did not reflect consistent documentation. Another resident, moderately cognitively impaired and dependent for showering and bathing, did not receive showers at the frequency required by facility policy and the resident’s care plan. Clinical documentation over a two‑week period showed that the resident received only two showers, even though the policy required tub/shower baths not less than twice weekly and the care plan specified assistance with bathing and hygiene as required. The resident’s authorized representative expressed concern that the resident was not being showered regularly. A CNA reported that showers were given at least twice a week and documented in the electronic system, and that refusals were verified by the nurse, but the documentation reviewed did not show showers being provided at the required frequency. Additional residents with bowel and bladder incontinence and dependence on staff for toileting, hygiene, and positioning also had missing documentation of incontinence care and turning/positioning on specific dates and shifts. One resident, frequently incontinent and dependent on staff for toileting, had no documented toileting hygiene on two night shifts in June, despite a care plan directing staff to observe for moisture and provide care as indicated. Two other residents, both severely cognitively impaired, dependent for locomotion, transfer, dressing, toileting, and hygiene, and care‑planned for bladder and bowel incontinence and risk for pressure ulcer development, had ADL records with missing evidence of incontinence care and turning/positioning on multiple day and night shifts across several months. CNA interviews described a process of rounding at the beginning of the shift and then every two hours, with all care documented in the electronic record and the understanding that if it is not documented there is no evidence it was done, yet the reviewed records contained numerous blank entries for required care.
Unsafe Smoking Practices and Inadequate Fire Safety Controls
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure the environment remained free of accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision and safety measures related to resident smoking. Staff permitted residents to smoke in a non-designated courtyard that lacked required fire safety controls, including ashtrays or fire-safe disposal containers, a fire extinguisher, or a fire blanket. The trash receptacle in this area contained combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, and plastic liners, and there were high winds at the time of observation, all of which were documented as increasing the fire ignition risk. On one observed occasion, a resident admitted for post-surgical rehabilitation, with an MDS BIMS score of 15 indicating no cognitive impairment and assessed as an independent smoker, was seen smoking in the non-designated courtyard. The resident extinguished a cigarette on the ground and discarded it into the trash receptacle containing combustible waste. No appropriate smoking safety equipment or supervision was present in that courtyard at the time. Staff interviews confirmed that the courtyard where the resident was observed smoking was not a designated smoking area, although residents sometimes smoked there and staff only attempted to redirect them when noticed. The designated smoking courtyard, located in a different area, was reported to have a fireproof metal can for cigarette disposal, a fire extinguisher, and a smoking blanket; however, the fire extinguisher in that designated area had no inspection tag or date and appeared to be a store-bought unit with no evidence of inspection. The facility’s smoking policy required the Administrator to designate outdoor smoking areas and mandated access to noncombustible ashtrays in those areas, but these requirements were not consistently implemented or enforced, contributing to the identified deficiency and immediate jeopardy related to accident hazards and smoking safety.
Removal Plan
- Resident #10 was placed on 1:1 observation for safety reasons due to smoking in an unauthorized area.
- Resident #10 was re-educated on the smoking policy and procedure, including smoking location and cigarette disposal.
- Locks were ordered to be installed on the courtyard doors to prevent unauthorized smoking.
- Lock installation on the non-designated courtyard began.
- The Facility Administrator will conduct a town hall meeting with residents that smoke to review the facility smoking policy (locations, cigarette disposal, and consequences for non-compliance up to suspension of smoking privileges or potential discharge).
- All residents that smoke will have a new smoking policy acknowledgement obtained.
- The Interdisciplinary Team will be educated by the President of Operations on the smoking policy and designated smoking areas.
- Facility staff will be educated by the Director of Nursing or designee on the smoking policy and designated smoking areas; no employee will be allowed to work until educated.
- The Administrator or designee will conduct weekly environmental safety rounds three times a week for 4 weeks, then monthly audits for 2 months to ensure no resident is smoking in a non-designated smoking area.
- The Administrator made the Medical Director aware of the Immediate Jeopardy via telephone.
Failure to Protect Residents From Ongoing Aggression and Abuse by a Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect multiple residents from physical and verbal abuse by another resident with known aggressive behaviors. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and diagnoses including heart failure, diabetes, dementia, hemiplegia, and seizure disorder repeatedly exhibited aggression toward other residents and staff. Behavior notes documented frequent verbal outbursts with expletives, yelling, and threatening behavior, as well as physical aggression such as ramming another resident’s wheelchair, attempting to strike a resident using a walker, and kicking and punching a nurse. These behaviors were noted to occur multiple times per week or daily, and staff documented that separating the resident from others and moving him to a quiet location were not effective interventions. The aggressive resident’s behaviors were directed toward several specific residents. On one occasion, when another resident came downstairs to visit friends, the aggressive resident yelled profanities and ordered him to leave. On another date in the dining room, the aggressive resident stared and ground his teeth, yelled loudly, frightened two female residents, rammed one resident’s wheelchair as she tried to leave, and lunged toward another resident with a walker, swinging his arms in an attempt to hit her before a male nurse intervened. During the same incident, the aggressive resident kicked and punched a nurse, causing bruising and a knot on the shin and bruising on the chest. On a later date at the elevator, when the aggressive resident encountered another resident he disliked, he began screaming profanities, kicked the other resident, and swung at him, causing the other resident to back into the wall and yell. Additional behavior notes described the aggressive resident yelling repetitively, grinding his teeth, shaking with anger, and attempting to attack a female resident after she asked him to stop yelling, with staff intervening to block him. Staff interviews confirmed that this resident’s behaviors were sporadic, unpredictable, and could be directed at anyone, and that he became aggressive when his wants were not met immediately. Staff reported that another resident was a known trigger and had been moved to another unit, but the aggressive behaviors toward other residents and staff continued. Psychiatric documentation indicated that the aggressive behavior was possibly related to vascular dementia and a mood disorder, and the treatment plan called for identifying triggers, redirection, one-to-one staffing, and psychosocial interventions; however, staff described their responses as largely reactive, focused on separation and occasional one-to-one, and behavior notes repeatedly documented that these interventions were ineffective. The facility also failed to produce an incident summary or investigation for the incident involving two residents in the dining room, despite documentation that they were involved and upset at the time. Interviews with the affected residents showed that they experienced the aggressive resident as loud, hateful, rude, and a bully. One resident reported that the aggressive resident had been physically aggressive toward him in the elevator but that he did not sustain injuries. Two female roommates reported that the aggressive resident had not physically contacted them but had come toward one of them aggressively and was stopped, and they described him as hateful, loud, and believing he should get everything he wants. Another resident stated that the aggressive resident had been aggressive toward her and that she tried to stay to herself. Staff, including CNAs, LPNs, the unit manager, social services, and the facility NP, consistently described the aggressive resident as unpredictable, easily escalated when his demands were not met, and requiring separation when angry. Despite ongoing, documented aggressive behaviors toward multiple residents and staff over an extended period, the facility did not implement and sustain effective interventions to prevent further abuse, and did not consistently investigate all incidents, resulting in a failure to ensure residents’ right to be free from abuse.
Removal Plan
- Resident #1 was placed on 1 to 1 supervision and will remain on 1 to 1 supervision while out of bed until discharge or a significant change in condition limits the resident's physical ability to encounter another resident; while in bed the resident is not considered a risk because the resident cannot transfer independently.
- Residents #2, #3, #4, and #5 will receive follow-up psychosocial support from facility staff.
- The facility will continue attempts to find alternative placement for Resident #1.
- All residents in the facility will be screened for evidence of abuse and neglect (interviewable residents with BIMS ≥ 8 interviewed using an abuse questionnaire; non-verbal residents and residents with BIMS ≤ 7 assessed head-to-toe to validate absence of signs of physical abuse).
- Any identified concerns from the screening will be addressed according to the facility Abuse Policy.
- All residents will be assessed/reviewed for similar behaviors as exhibited by Resident #1 by reviewing all Facility Reportable Incidents (FRIs), and care plans will be reviewed and revised with interventions for any identified residents.
- All facility and agency staff will be reeducated on the facility Abuse Policy, including abuse prevention, types of abuse, and abuse reporting.
- Staff not present will be required to complete mandatory abuse-policy education prior to the start of their next shift.
- No staff member will be allowed to return to work until the mandatory abuse-policy education has been completed.
- New hire orientation will include abuse-policy training as part of the new hire process.
- All agency staff will be required to complete abuse-policy education prior to starting work in the facility.
- Facility leadership will be reeducated by the Regional Director of Clinical Operations and Regional Director of Operations on assessing triggers, root causes, and escalation patterns and developing an effective and sustained supervision and separation intervention for residents with behavioral disturbances.
- The Medical Director was notified of the situation.
- The facility conducted an Ad Hoc QAPI committee meeting to accept the IJ Removal Plan.
Failure to Obtain Ordered Blood Pressure Readings Before Antihypertensive Administration
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure a resident was free from significant medication errors by not following a physician’s order requiring blood pressure assessment prior to administering an antihypertensive medication. The resident had diagnoses including quadriplegia, primary progressive multiple sclerosis, aphasia, anemia, cognitive communication deficit, and essential primary hypertension, and was assessed as cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 but dependent on staff for all ADLs, requiring a mechanical lift for transfers and an electric wheelchair for ambulation. The physician’s order for Nifedipine ER 30 mg once daily for hypertension, dated 6/2/25, directed staff to hold the medication if the systolic blood pressure was less than 120. Review of the MAR from 3/31/26 through 4/14/26 showed no recorded blood pressures prior to administration of Nifedipine on 15 occasions. During interview, an LPN stated that blood pressures are not automatically taken when administering blood pressure medications and that if there is an order to obtain blood pressure prior to administration, it would be recorded on the MAR, and blood pressures are documented in the EHR. The LPN was unable to locate any blood pressure readings prior to Nifedipine administration in the EHR and acknowledged that nurses should read orders before giving medications and that not checking blood pressure before administration could result in the resident’s blood pressure “bottoming out.” The DON later stated that blood pressure had been checked and the medication was discontinued because the resident no longer needed it.
Failure to Report and Investigate Resident-to-Resident Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report and investigate resident-to-resident abuse incidents involving three residents. One resident with heart failure, diabetes, dementia, hemiplegia, seizure disorder, and a severely impaired cognitive score of 5 was involved in an altercation in the dining area with two other residents. One of the other residents had heart failure, kidney disease, dysphagia, a cognitive communication deficit, and a mildly impaired cognitive score of 12, while the third resident had cerebral palsy, anxiety, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, and was cognitively intact with a score of 15. Progress notes showed that during the dining incident, the cognitively impaired resident began yelling "No" to another resident nearby, after which one of the female residents told the resident to stop. The cognitively impaired resident then rammed the wheelchair of one of the female residents and started swinging and trying to attack the other female resident, requiring staff to separate all residents. Staff interviews and record review confirmed that the residents were separated and skin assessments were completed, with no injuries identified, although the two female residents were upset at the time. The RN who documented the behavior reported that the DON was informed of the involvement of the two female residents. When surveyors requested all investigations and incident summaries related to the aggressive resident’s behavior toward others, the facility produced documentation only for a separate altercation involving a different resident, and there was no evidence of an investigation or incident synopsis for the dining room altercation involving the two female residents. The DON stated that no incident synopsis or report was completed because there was no actual physical abuse due to staff separating the residents. Later review of a progress note showed that one of the female residents had been pushed by the aggressive resident, and the administrator acknowledged that no investigation or incident summary was found and that one should have been reported. This failure occurred despite the facility’s abuse policy requiring all alleged violations involving abuse to be reported immediately, but no later than two hours after the allegation is made.
Failure to Investigate Resident-to-Resident Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate an incident of resident-to-resident abuse involving three residents. One resident with diagnoses including heart failure, diabetes, dementia, hemiplegia, and seizure disorder, and a severely impaired cognitive score of 5 on the most recent MDS, was involved in an altercation in the dining area with two cognitively intact residents whose diagnoses included heart failure, kidney disease, dysphagia, cognitive communication deficit, cerebral palsy, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorder. Progress notes documented that during the incident, the cognitively impaired resident began yelling "No" to another resident near the dining area, after which one of the female residents told this resident to stop. The cognitively impaired resident then rammed one resident’s wheelchair and started swinging and trying to attack the other resident, and staff separated all residents involved. During interviews, the RN who wrote the behavior note confirmed that the residents were separated, the DON was informed, and skin assessments were completed on the two cognitively intact residents, which showed no injuries, though both were upset at the time. When surveyors requested all investigations and incident summaries related to the aggressive resident’s behavior toward others, the facility produced documentation only for a separate altercation involving a different resident, and there was no evidence of an investigation or incident summary for the dining room altercation involving the two cognitively intact residents. The DON stated there was no incident synopsis or investigation because there was no actual physical abuse due to staff separating the residents. Later review of a progress note indicating that one resident had been pushed did not yield any additional documentation, and the administrator acknowledged that an investigation and incident summary should have been completed. The facility’s abuse policy required designated staff to immediately review and investigate all allegations or observations of abuse and to communicate results to the administrator and appropriate officials within five working days, but no such investigation was completed for this incident.
Failure to Specify Parameters for 1:1 Supervision in Behavior Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, measurable behavior care plan for one resident requiring 1:1 supervision. The resident had diagnoses including heart failure, diabetes, dementia, hemiplegia, and seizure disorder, and a recent MDS with a cognitive score of 5 indicating severe cognitive impairment. Review of the resident’s behavior care plan showed an intervention initiated on 12/30/25 that stated "1:1 supervision as indicated" without specifying parameters such as timeframe, whether the supervision was continuous or behavior-based, what specific behaviors would trigger its use, or the duration of the intervention. During an interview on 3/19/26 at 12:15 p.m., the DON stated that the resident is placed on 1:1 when he becomes aggressive toward another resident and remains on 1:1 until he deescalates, and acknowledged that the care plan should be more specific regarding 1:1 supervision. This lack of detailed parameters and measurable actions in the written care plan for 1:1 supervision constituted the deficiency identified by surveyors for failure to develop and implement a complete care plan that met all of the resident’s needs with clear timetables and measurable interventions.
Failure to Protect Cognitively Impaired Resident From Sexual Abuse and Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision and Reporting
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a cognitively impaired resident from sexual abuse and neglect, including inadequate supervision despite known risks. One resident with Wernicke’s encephalopathy and severe cognitive impairment, reflected by a BIMS score of 99, was fully ambulatory and had a documented history of wandering, exit seeking, and intrusive behaviors into other residents’ rooms. Another resident involved in a sexual incident had mild cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 13 and self-propelled in a wheelchair. On one occasion, documentation showed the cognitively impaired resident was found in another male resident’s room on his knees performing oral sex; the residents were separated, and the cognitively impaired resident later had no recollection of the event. A subsequent progress note documented the same cognitively impaired resident sitting on the side of a female resident’s bed with his pants off while the other resident was fully clothed under the covers; staff could not later identify this third resident for surveyors. The facility’s care planning and supervision for the cognitively impaired resident were deficient. A comprehensive care plan entry dated 2/24/26 identified a psychosocial well-being problem related to sexual/physical contact with another resident and directed staff to immediately separate and remove the resident from such situations and notify the NP and responsible party/guardian. Another care plan entry dated 3/9/26 specified that the resident had obsessive compulsive behavior and required 1:1 monitoring at all times, medication administration as ordered, and redirection and cues as needed. However, multiple nursing staff and CNAs interviewed on 3/17/26 and 3/18/26 denied knowing that the resident was to be on 1:1 supervision, and supervision was not provided. The care plan interventions focused on reacting after sexual or physical contact was found, and there was no evidence of preventative measures being implemented to protect the resident from himself or to protect others from him. None of the care plan interventions for behaviors or elopement were documented as implemented, and no behaviors were documented on the MAR during the resident’s stay. The facility also failed to adequately supervise the resident’s known wandering and elopement risk and to secure exit doors. Nursing and physician notes documented multiple episodes of wandering and exit seeking, including the resident going into other residents’ rooms during their personal care, attempting to exit through doors, and an elopement through the courtyard gate on 12/15/25, when he pushed the gate and exited to the parking lot before being redirected back inside. An elopement evaluation completed later incorrectly indicated no history of elopement and minimized the impact of the resident’s wandering on safety and privacy, despite prior documentation of elopement and intrusion into other residents’ rooms. A Wander-Guard device had been ordered on 11/13/25, but on 3/17/26 no device was found on the resident, and he had previously removed it on 3/8/26 without replacement or care plan direction until the time of survey. During survey observations, the courtyard gate alarm was found in the off position, the gate could be opened without an alarm sounding, and no staff were present in the courtyard despite residents being there. The resident’s prior elopement and the incident of him unclothed in a female resident’s room were never reported to the state agency, and the facility’s abuse reporting and investigation documentation for the 2/23/26 sexual incident was incomplete, lacked the initial report, lacked staff witness statements, and had no confirmation that required reports were timely submitted to the state agency, contrary to federal, state, and facility policy requirements.
Removal Plan
- Resident #1 was placed on 1:1 continuous supervision 24 hours/day.
- The resident provider and resident representative were notified.
- Residents who have a BIMS score of 9 or greater have been interviewed to determine if they have experienced any unwanted sexual interaction with another resident, if they have concerns about other residents wandering into their rooms, and if they feel safe residing in the facility.
- Residents who have a BIMS score of less than 9 have had a body skin assessment completed by a licensed nurse to identify any changes in skin that may have resulted from abuse.
- Any newly identified areas from skin assessments will be reported to the residents' provider and the residents' representative.
- Other residents who have a moderate or higher risk for elopement have been reviewed to determine that appropriate interventions, including use of a Wander Guard, are in place and functional.
- A staff member has been assigned to continuously monitor the facility exit door to the courtyard until another alarm system can be installed.
- The courtyard gate alarm was activated and is being monitored every 30 minutes to ensure that it remains engaged.
- All current residents will be reviewed to ensure that elopement risk assessments have been completed and that appropriate interventions are being implemented per the resident care plan and provider orders.
- All staff will be re-educated on abuse, including unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity and the capacity to consent.
- Staff who are unable to participate in the initial abuse training will be educated prior to their next scheduled shift.
- All licensed nursing staff will be re-educated on completion of the elopement risk assessment, importance of implementing safe precautions and supervising residents who may be at risk of elopement, and documenting functionality and placement of the Wander Guard.
- Licensed nursing staff who are unable to participate in the initial elopement training will be educated prior to their next scheduled shift.
- The smoke attendant will be educated on safety precautions and their responsibility for supervising the exit door to the courtyard and supervising that the alarm on the courtyard gate is engaged each shift.
- All staff will be re-educated on the importance of supervising wandering residents and approaches to re-direct residents who wander into other resident rooms.
- Staff who are unable to participate in the initial wandering supervision training will be educated prior to their next scheduled shift.
- Residents who have expressed concern of other residents wandering their rooms will be offered interventions such as a room change, use of stop sign, or other alternative, to minimize other residents from wandering into their rooms.
Failure to Supervise High-Risk Wanderer and Prevent Non-Consensual Sexual Contact
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an accident-hazard-free environment and provide adequate supervision for residents with known wandering, exit-seeking, and sexually disinhibited behaviors. One resident with Wernicke’s encephalopathy, severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 99), and full ambulatory ability was repeatedly documented as wandering into other residents’ rooms, disrupting care, and seeking exits. Nursing notes showed that this resident attempted to leave the enclosed courtyard by pushing open the gate, was observed going to numerous exit doors and setting off a door alarm, and wandered throughout multiple units. Despite a physician’s order for a Wander-Guard device and an elopement risk care plan focus, the resident removed the Wander-Guard and it was not replaced, and on the day of survey no Wander-Guard was found on the resident. The elopement event when the resident exited the courtyard gate was not reported to the state agency. Surveyors also identified environmental hazards and lack of supervision related to the courtyard exit. The courtyard gate, which opened to the parking lot, was equipped with an audible alarm and keyed lock, but surveyors found the alarm in the off position and were able to open the gate without any alarm sounding. No staff were present in the courtyard while four residents were there, and surveyors waited approximately five minutes at the open gate with no staff response. The Maintenance Director stated that the alarm had been shut off by someone, that multiple keys were “floating around,” and that he could not account for all of them. He also confirmed that the gate did not have a Wander-Guard alarm. These conditions demonstrated that exit doors and the courtyard gate were not secured or supervised adequately to prevent resident elopement. The facility also failed to protect the cognitively impaired resident from engaging in sexual activities he could not consent to and failed to protect other residents from his behaviors. Progress notes documented that this resident was found on his knees performing oral sex on another male resident who was lying on his bed, and later was found sitting on the side of a female resident’s bed with his pants off while she was fully clothed under the covers. The cognitively impaired resident had no recollection of the sexual event. A psychiatric evaluation documented dementia, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and altered mental status. The care plan was updated to include a psychosocial problem related to sexual/physical contact with another resident and later to require 1:1 continuous monitoring for behaviors, but multiple nursing staff and CNAs reported they were unaware of the 1:1 requirement, and supervision was not provided. The sexual incident between the two male residents and the subsequent intrusion into the female resident’s room were not reported to the state agency. The surveyors concluded that withholding required supervision for a resident known to be a danger to himself and others constituted neglect and contributed to Immediate Jeopardy related to accidents, hazards, abuse, and neglect. In addition, documentation and assessment processes related to elopement and behavior were deficient. An elopement evaluation completed after the resident’s documented elopement incorrectly indicated no history of elopement and minimized the impact of his wandering on safety and privacy, despite prior notes of him entering other residents’ rooms during personal care and attempting to exit the building. Care plan interventions for behaviors and elopement were not documented as implemented, and no behaviors were recorded on the MAR throughout the resident’s stay. The facility’s incident and abuse investigation files contained only limited documentation related to the sexual incident between the two male residents, lacked the original initial report allegedly faxed to the state agency, and had no fax confirmation for either the initial or follow-up reports. These omissions and inaccuracies in assessment, care planning, implementation, and reporting contributed to the identified deficiency and Immediate Jeopardy. During the survey, additional observations confirmed ongoing failures in supervision and hazard control. On the initial tour, the cognitively impaired resident was observed walking alone from his unit to the main dining room without supervision. The courtyard gate alarm, when later tested, sounded briefly and then went silent without any staff response. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness of critical care plan elements, including the 1:1 supervision requirement for the resident with severe cognitive impairment and sexually disinhibited behavior. Collectively, these actions and inactions demonstrated that the facility did not ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards and did not provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents, elopement, and non-consensual sexual contact, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy and substandard quality of care.
Removal Plan
- Resident #1 was placed on 1:1 continuous supervision 24 hours/day.
- The resident provider and resident representative were notified.
- Residents who have a BIMS score of 9 or greater have been interviewed to determine if they have experienced any unwanted sexual interaction with another resident, if they have concerns about other residents wandering into their rooms, and if they feel safe residing in the facility.
- Residents who have a BIMS score of less than 9 have had a body skin assessment completed by a licensed nurse to identify any changes in skin that may have resulted from abuse.
- Any newly identified skin assessment areas will be reported to the residents' provider and the residents' representative.
- Other residents who have a moderate or higher risk for elopement have been reviewed to determine that appropriate interventions, including use of a Wander Guard, are in place and functional.
- A staff member has been assigned to continuously monitor the facility exit door to the courtyard until another alarm system can be installed.
- The courtyard gate alarm was activated and is being monitored every 30 minutes to ensure that it remains engaged.
- All current residents will be reviewed to ensure that elopement risk assessments have been completed and that appropriate interventions are being implemented per the resident care plan and provider orders.
- All staff will be re-educated on abuse, including unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity and the capacity to consent.
- All licensed nursing staff will be re-educated on completion of the elopement risk assessment, importance of implementing safe precautions and supervising residents who may be at risk of elopement, and documenting functionality and placement of the Wander Guard.
- The smoke attendant will be educated on safety precautions and their responsibility for supervising the exit door to the courtyard and supervising that the alarm on the courtyard gate is engaged each shift.
- All staff will be re-educated on the importance of supervising wandering residents and approaches to re-direct residents who wander into other resident rooms.
- Residents who have expressed concern of other residents wandering their rooms will be offered interventions such as a room change, use of stop sign, or other alternative, to minimize other residents from wandering into their rooms.
Failure to Inform Residents of Location of State and Ombudsman Contact Information
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that residents were informed of the location of contact information for the State Survey Agency and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. During an observation of the third floor, the required list of names, mailing and email addresses, and telephone numbers for the State licensure office and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman was found posted behind the concierge’s desk on the wall, in a location inaccessible to residents. No other signage with this required information was posted on the third floor. At a Resident Council meeting, all 10 residents present were unable to identify where the contact information for the State licensure office and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman was located and were unaware of their right to file a complaint with these entities. After the meeting, the Activities Director escorted two residents to view the Ombudsman information, and both stated they did not know it was posted there. Concierge staff reported that residents must ask for the information and phone numbers if they need them and that no resident had requested this information during the five years she had worked at the facility. The Activities Director reported there was another copy of the information outside her office on the second floor for assisted living residents. Leadership, including the DON, ADON, and Administrator, were later informed of these findings.
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