Dinwiddie Health And Rehab Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Petersburg, Virginia.
- Location
- 46 Diamond Drive, Petersburg, Virginia 23803
- CMS Provider Number
- 495398
- Inspections on file
- 15
- Latest survey
- September 3, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 1
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Dinwiddie Health And Rehab Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident who was totally dependent for transfers due to left-side hemiplegia was injured during a mechanical lift transfer when staff failed to cross the bottom straps of a U-shaped sling as required by facility policy and manufacturer instructions. The resident slid out of the sling and fell, sustaining acute fractures to the left shoulder and wrist. Multiple CNAs were involved, but none verified the strap configuration before proceeding, leading to the incident.
Facility staff failed to document a comprehensive wound assessment for a resident with multiple diagnoses, including diabetes and end-stage renal disease. The clinical record lacked essential details such as wound measurements, appearance, and condition, contrary to the facility's policy. Interviews with the DON confirmed the deficiency in documentation.
A resident with severe cognitive impairments experienced an unwitnessed fall, and the facility staff failed to perform timely neurological assessments as required by policy. The resident's fall was not immediately followed by neurological checks, despite the facility's policy mandating such evaluations for potential head injuries. The oversight was discovered by the DON the following morning, but the required frequency of checks was not adhered to, highlighting a deficiency in the facility's response to the incident.
A resident in an LTC facility was administered an incorrect dose of oxycodone due to an LPN's error in medication handling. The resident, with a history of diabetes and amputation, was given a 30 mg extended-release tablet instead of the prescribed 20 mg immediate-release for pain. The error was identified through narcotic count discrepancies, and although no adverse effects were reported, the incident highlighted a significant medication error.
A resident's Tramadol, a controlled medication, was improperly stored in a medication cart instead of a lock box as required by facility protocol. The LPN signed out the medication but did not administer it, leaving it unsecured. The DON confirmed the medication was found labeled but not stored correctly, violating the facility's policy for controlled substances.
The facility failed to maintain accurate clinical records for two residents. One resident received an incorrect dose of oxycodone, which was not documented in their clinical record. Another resident's fall was inaccurately documented as witnessed, although it was unwitnessed, leading to discrepancies in the records.
An LPN in a facility was observed dropping a docusate sodium gel cap on the floor and then rinsing it with water before administering it to a resident, contrary to infection control protocols. The DON and a consultant pharmacist confirmed this practice was unacceptable, as facility policy requires contaminated medications to be discarded and reordered.
The facility failed to submit a demand bill to Medicare for two residents who requested it on their SNF ABN forms. Both residents selected the option to have Medicare billed for a coverage decision, but the facility did not continue skilled therapy services or submit claims. Interviews revealed a lack of communication and understanding of the process, leading to the deficiency.
The facility failed to implement its abuse policy for three residents who reported abuse allegations, neglecting to notify required agencies and protect residents during investigations. Additionally, the facility did not conduct criminal background checks for two employees, violating its policy.
A resident with diabetes did not have their insulin administration times updated as recommended by a pharmacist and approved by a nurse practitioner. The insulin was supposed to be given before meals but continued to be administered at incorrect times for over three months. The DON confirmed the oversight, and the issue was discussed with facility leadership.
The facility failed to report abuse allegations involving three residents to APS as required. Despite substantiating one case and terminating the involved CNA, the facility only notified the state survey agency and the ombudsman, omitting APS. The administrator acknowledged the oversight, confirming the deficiency in reporting these incidents.
Two residents reported abuse involving a CNA, but the facility failed to conduct or document any investigation. Despite the administrator's stated protocol for handling such allegations, no credible evidence of investigations was found, violating the facility's abuse prevention policy.
A facility failed to develop a baseline care plan for a newly admitted resident, particularly in nutrition. Despite a Registered Dietitian's note indicating the need for meal assistance, no care plan was completed. The resident's family expressed concerns about communication and meal assistance. Staff interviews revealed a lack of communication and procedure adherence, with the CNA unaware of the resident's needs. The administration was informed of these findings.
A resident with a feeding tube did not receive the prescribed tube feeding due to an error in the start and stop times entered in the physician's order. The LPN was unaware of the correct schedule, and the clinical team failed to catch the mistake, resulting in the resident not receiving the proper nutrition.
A resident with severe dysphagia and a feeding tube was not receiving the prescribed tube feeding due to an error in the feeding schedule. The registered dietitian entered the wrong start time, leading to the resident missing several hours of nutrition. The LPN was unaware of the correct schedule, and the clinical team failed to catch the error during their order review process.
A facility failed to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, with errors involving the incorrect administration of pantoprazole and Potassium. An LPN crushed a delayed-release pantoprazole tablet against orders, and another LPN administered only half the prescribed Potassium dosage. These incidents were confirmed by the DON and Nurse Consultant.
The facility failed to ensure expired biologicals were not available for use. During a medication storage room review, an LPN found a biological product, Liquid Urine Controls, that had expired and was still stored in the refrigerator. The LPN acknowledged the expiration and removed the product. The facility's policy requires medications and biologicals to be stored properly, which was not followed in this instance. The issue was reported to the DON, Administrator, and Nurse Consultant.
The facility staff failed to properly label and store food in the main kitchen. Observations revealed unlabeled items, including pancake mix, hot dog buns, and milk cups, lacking open and use-by dates. The dietary manager confirmed that these items should have been labeled according to facility policy.
A resident with end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis had an incomplete dialysis communication form, missing vital information such as vital signs, weights, and nurse's signature. The LPN responsible acknowledged the oversight, and the DON confirmed the form's purpose for communication with the dialysis center. The resident's care plan required coordination with the dialysis center, but the deficiency was noted during a survey with no further information provided.
An LPN failed to perform hand hygiene between resident contacts during medication administration and blood glucose testing, contrary to the facility's infection control policy. The DON confirmed that hand hygiene is expected between every resident interaction. The deficiency was discussed with facility leadership, but no corrective actions were provided.
A resident's call bell system was found non-functional during a survey, failing to alert staff visually or audibly. The resident, requiring assistance with ADLs and at risk for falls, was unaware of the malfunction. Facility staff confirmed the issue, despite a policy ensuring call light accessibility and regular audits.
Failure to Safely Attach Mechanical Lift Sling Results in Resident Fall and Fractures
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide a safe transfer for a resident who was totally dependent on staff for bed mobility and transfers due to left-side hemiplegia following a stroke. During a transfer from bed to wheelchair using a mechanical lift with a U-shaped sling, the staff did not attach the sling according to both facility policy and the manufacturer's instructions. Specifically, the CNA responsible for setting up the sling did not cross the bottom straps between the resident's legs, which is required for safe positioning and to prevent sliding. As a result, the resident slid out of the sling during the transfer and fell to the floor. The incident involved three CNAs assisting with the transfer. One CNA had already attached the sling straps before the others arrived, and none of the assisting staff checked the strap configuration before proceeding. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported feeling that something was wrong during the lift and subsequently slid out of the bottom of the sling. The fall resulted in acute fractures to the resident's left shoulder (proximal humerus) and left wrist (distal radius), requiring emergency medical attention, immobilization, pain management, and orthopedic follow-up. Prior to the incident, the resident had not experienced problems with lift transfers and had low pain levels. Interviews and documentation confirmed that the facility's expectation and the manufacturer's instructions were for the bottom straps of the U-shaped sling to be crossed between the legs for all such transfers. The CNA who set up the sling initially believed she had attached the straps correctly but later realized during a re-enactment that she had not crossed them. Other staff involved in the transfer did not verify the strap configuration before operating the lift. The failure to follow established procedures directly led to the resident's fall and subsequent injuries.
Failure to Document Wound Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to adhere to professional standards of care regarding wound documentation for a resident, identified as Resident #6, who was part of the survey sample. The resident was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including a femur fracture, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, anemia, coronary artery disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, and a cerebrovascular accident. Despite being assessed as cognitively intact, the resident's clinical record lacked a comprehensive assessment of a wound on the right lower leg. The documentation only noted the wound as unstageable and a diabetic ulcer, without providing essential details such as measurements, shape, appearance, color, drainage, pain status, or the condition of the surrounding skin. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) revealed that the facility's policy required nurses to document detailed descriptions of wounds, including size, appearance, location, and color. However, the DON confirmed that the clinical record for Resident #6 did not meet these expectations. The facility's policy on wound documentation outlined specific elements that should be included in a complete wound assessment, such as the type of wound, anatomical location, degree of skin loss, measurements, wound characteristics, and the condition of the peri-wound skin. Despite these guidelines, the necessary documentation was not present in the resident's clinical record, leading to the identified deficiency.
Failure to Perform Timely Neurological Assessments After Unwitnessed Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to perform timely neurological assessments following an unwitnessed fall for a resident, identified as Resident #10, in the survey sample. Resident #10, who was admitted with diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, depression, dementia with severe agitation, cognitive communication deficit, and hypertension, experienced an unwitnessed fall on the evening of 7/8/24. Despite the resident's significant cognitive impairments, which rendered them unable to accurately report the incident, no neurological checks were initiated immediately following the fall to assess for possible head injury. The facility's policy required a neurological evaluation to be completed by a licensed nurse in such cases, but this was not adhered to. The Director of Nursing (DON) discovered the oversight on the morning of 7/9/24 and initiated a neuro sheet, but the clinical record showed no neurological checks were documented immediately after the fall. Subsequent checks were recorded on 7/9/24 at 7:31 a.m. and 8:35 a.m., with no checks documented on 7/10/24, and one check completed on 7/11/24. The facility's policy outlined a specific frequency for neurological evaluations following incidents involving potential head trauma, which was not followed in this case. This deficiency was discussed with the administrator, DON, and regional consultant during meetings, but no further information was provided before the survey concluded.
Significant Medication Error in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that a resident was free from significant medication errors, as evidenced by the administration of an incorrect dose of oxycodone. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a medical history including diabetes with peripheral angiopathy, below-knee amputation, anemia, and hypertension, was prescribed oxycodone 20 mg immediate-release every four hours as needed for pain and oxycodone 30 mg extended-release every 12 hours for pain management. On a specific date, an LPN administered a 30 mg extended-release tablet instead of the ordered 20 mg immediate-release tablet for a prn dose, which was discovered when narcotic counts did not match at the end of the shift. The error was confirmed through interviews and document reviews, revealing that the LPN mistakenly pulled the wrong medication card. The facility's policy on medication administration was not followed, as the LPN did not correctly verify the medication before administration. Although the resident reported no adverse effects from the incorrect dose, the error was significant due to the potential risks associated with extended-release oxycodone, which includes serious respiratory depression. The incident was reviewed with the facility's administration, but no further information was provided before the survey concluded.
Improper Storage of Controlled Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to properly store a controlled medication for a resident, identified as Resident #7, who was admitted with diagnoses including chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and gout. The resident was assessed as cognitively intact. A physician's order dated June 9, 2024, prescribed Tramadol 50 mg to be administered as needed for pain management. On June 13, 2024, an LPN signed out one tablet of Tramadol for the resident but did not administer it, leaving the medication unsecured in the medication cart. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the Tramadol was found in a medicine cup in the cart, labeled with the resident's name but not stored in the narcotic lock box as required by facility protocol. The LPN reported that the resident was asleep when she attempted to administer the medication and forgot to return to give it. Facility policy mandates that controlled medications like Tramadol be stored securely in a lock box and counted at each shift change. The facility's policy also requires that unused doses be destroyed following facility procedures. The incident was reviewed with the administrator, DON, and regional consultant, with no additional information provided before the survey concluded.
Inaccurate Documentation of Medication Error and Fall Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain a complete and accurate clinical record for two residents, leading to deficiencies in documentation. For Resident #8, there was no documentation in the clinical record regarding a medication error where the resident was administered an incorrect dose of oxycodone. The medication administration record showed that the resident received a 30 mg extended-release tablet instead of the ordered 20 mg immediate-release tablet. Although the error was noted in a medication error report and the resident was monitored with no negative outcomes, the clinical record did not reflect the error or the incorrect dosage administered. For Resident #10, inaccurate documentation was entered regarding the circumstances of a fall. The nursing note initially stated that the fall was witnessed, with the resident putting herself on the floor. However, further investigation revealed that the fall was unwitnessed, as confirmed by other staff members and a CNA's written statement. The LPN responsible for the documentation inaccurately recorded the fall as witnessed to avoid initiating neurological checks required for unwitnessed falls. This discrepancy in documentation was identified during a review by the director of nursing and other staff members.
Infection Control Breach During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
During a medication pass observation, an LPN was observed administering medications to a resident. While handling a docusate sodium gel cap, the LPN accidentally dropped the capsule on the floor. Instead of discarding the contaminated medication, the LPN put on gloves, picked up the capsule, and rinsed it with water before administering it to the resident. The LPN justified this action by stating that the gel coating of the capsule would not be harmed by water. The Director of Nursing (DON) and a consultant pharmacist were interviewed regarding this incident. Both confirmed that the practice of rinsing and administering a dropped medication was unacceptable due to infection control concerns. The facility's policy on medication storage clearly states that contaminated medications should be immediately removed and reordered if necessary. The DON acknowledged that the LPN misunderstood the protocol, thinking it was permissible to rinse the gel-coated capsule.
Failure to Submit Demand Bill to Medicare
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to submit a demand bill to Medicare as requested by two residents, identified as R4 and R36, on the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN) forms. Both residents had selected option 1 on the SNF ABN, indicating their desire for Medicare to be billed for a coverage decision. Despite this selection, the facility did not continue skilled therapy services or submit claims to Medicare for these residents, as confirmed by the business office manager (BOM) and therapy manager. Resident R4 was receiving skilled therapy services from late November to late December 2023, and was issued a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) and SNF ABN on December 19, 2023. Similarly, Resident R36 was receiving skilled care with Medicare as the primary payer from late November 2023 to early January 2024, and was issued the same notices on January 8, 2024. Both residents selected the option to have Medicare billed, but the facility did not follow through with the billing process, as confirmed by the BOM and therapy manager. Interviews with the social worker (SW) and therapy manager revealed a lack of communication and understanding of the process following a resident's selection on the SNF ABN form. The SW indicated that once the forms were uploaded into the system, no further action was taken to notify relevant departments about the residents' selections. The therapy manager confirmed that therapy services did not continue after the skilled services ended, as there was no notification of a demand bill request. The facility's policy and CMS instructions clearly state that when a resident selects option 1, the SNF must submit a claim to Medicare, which was not done in these cases.
Failure to Implement Abuse Policy and Conduct Background Checks
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to implement their abuse policy for three residents who reported allegations of abuse. For one resident, the facility administrator notified the state survey agency and the ombudsman but failed to notify adult protective services and the department of health professions after the allegation was substantiated. The staff member involved was terminated, but the necessary notifications were not completed as per the facility's policy. For two other residents, the facility administration allowed the alleged perpetrator, a CNA, to continue working without taking measures to protect the residents during the investigation. The facility also failed to report the allegations and the results of their investigations to adult protective services and local law enforcement. There was no evidence to indicate that investigations were conducted for these allegations, and the CNA's personnel file lacked documentation of the abuse investigations. Additionally, the facility staff failed to obtain criminal background checks for two employees. The human resource manager confirmed that the background checks had not been done, which was a violation of the facility's policy that requires criminal background checks for all new employees in accordance with Virginia Law. This oversight was acknowledged during a meeting with the facility's administrator, DON, and clinical nurse consultant.
Failure to Implement Insulin Administration Time Change
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to implement a change in insulin administration times for a resident with multiple diagnoses, including diabetes and severely impaired cognitive skills. The resident was prescribed Humulin 70/30 insulin to be administered twice daily. A pharmacy recommendation, approved by a nurse practitioner, suggested changing the administration times to 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner to better align with the insulin's short-acting component. However, this change was not entered into the electronic health record, and the insulin continued to be administered at 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for over three months. The director of nursing acknowledged that the pharmacy's recommendation was not implemented, despite the nurse practitioner's approval. The failure to update the medication administration record (MAR) resulted in the continued administration of insulin at the incorrect times. This oversight was confirmed during an interview with the director of nursing and was discussed with the facility's administrator and nurse consultant, with no additional information provided before the survey concluded.
Failure to Report Abuse Allegations to APS
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to report allegations of abuse involving three residents to Adult Protective Services (APS) as required. Resident #18 reported verbal abuse by a CNA, which was substantiated, leading to the CNA's termination. However, the facility only notified the state survey agency and the ombudsman, omitting APS and the Department of Health Professions. Similarly, Resident #210 and Resident #211 reported abuse involving another CNA, but these allegations and the results of the investigations were not reported to APS. During the survey, the facility's administrator and corporate clinical specialist were unable to provide evidence that the required notifications to APS had been made. The facility's policy mandates timely reporting of such incidents to APS and other agencies, but this protocol was not followed in these cases. The administrator acknowledged the oversight when questioned by the surveyor, confirming the deficiency in reporting these incidents as per the facility's policy.
Failure to Investigate Abuse Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to investigate allegations of abuse involving two residents, as identified during a survey of 37 residents. Specifically, one resident reported an allegation of abuse involving a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on a specific date, and another resident reported a similar allegation involving the same CNA on a different date. Despite these reports, there was no documented evidence to indicate that any investigation was conducted by the facility staff. During interviews, the facility administrator described the protocol for handling abuse allegations, which includes immediate investigation, notification of relevant agencies, and documentation of the investigation process. However, upon review, the facility's Corporate Clinical Specialist confirmed that there was no credible evidence of investigations being conducted for the reported allegations. The facility's policy on abuse prevention mandates immediate review and investigation of reported incidents, but this was not adhered to in these cases.
Failure to Develop Baseline Care Plan for Nutrition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a baseline care plan for a resident within 48 hours of admission, specifically in the area of nutrition. The resident, who was newly admitted, had diagnoses including dementia, urinary tract infection with sepsis, and hypertension. Despite a Registered Dietitian's note indicating the resident required assistance with meals, no nutrition care plan was completed. During an interview, the resident's family expressed concerns about the lack of communication regarding the resident's care needs, particularly the need for assistance with eating. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was observed removing the resident's meal tray without being aware of the resident's need for help with eating. Interviews with staff revealed a breakdown in communication and procedure. The CNA stated that they typically receive reports from the charge nurse and inquire about residents' needs upon arrival. However, the CNA was not informed of the resident's need for meal assistance. The MDS coordinator and nurse consultant indicated that the baseline assessment should include nutrition, with the nurse conducting the initial assessment and dietary following up. The Registered Dietitian confirmed that they inform nurses of residents needing meal assistance, but the list of residents requiring such assistance was not available on the unit at the time. The facility's administration was made aware of these findings, but no further information was provided.
Failure to Implement Tube Feeding Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet professional standards of practice by not accurately implementing the tube feeding physician order for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including dysphasia, cerebral infarction, dementia, and a feeding tube, was observed not receiving the prescribed tube feeding on two separate occasions. The physician's order required the resident to receive 60cc of Isosource 1.5 per hour over 20 hours, totaling 1200cc. However, the resident was not receiving the tube feeding as ordered, with the feeding apparatus noted to be unused during observations. The deficiency was attributed to an error in entering the start and stop times for the tube feeding order, which resulted in the resident not receiving the proper amount of nutrition. The LPN assigned to the resident was unaware of the correct feeding schedule and mistakenly believed the feeding had been completed. The error was not caught by the clinical team, which reviews orders every 24 hours, or by the night shift, which is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of new orders. The registered dietitian admitted to entering the incorrect start time for the tube feeding, which contributed to the oversight.
Failure to Maintain Nutritional Parameters for Resident with Feeding Tube
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the nutritional parameters for a resident with a feeding tube, leading to a deficiency. The resident, who had severe dysphagia, cerebral infarction, dementia, and was cognitively impaired, was observed not receiving the prescribed tube feeding. The physician's order required the resident to receive 1200cc of isosource 1.5 at a rate of 60cc per hour over 20 hours. However, observations revealed that the feeding tube was not in use during the day, and the resident was not receiving the required nutrition. The deficiency was attributed to an error in the feeding schedule, where the registered dietitian mistakenly entered the start time as 8:00 PM instead of 12:00 PM. This error resulted in the resident not receiving the proper amount of tube feeding for several hours. The LPN assigned to the resident was unaware of the correct feeding schedule, and the clinical team did not catch the error during their order review process. The facility's process for ensuring the accuracy of new orders was insufficient, as the error went unnoticed until it was brought to the attention of the director of nursing and administrative staff.
Medication Administration Errors in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain a medication error rate below 5%, resulting in a 6.25% error rate. This was observed during a medication administration session where an LPN crushed a pantoprazole 40 mg delayed-release tablet for a resident, despite the physician's order indicating it should be taken whole. The LPN initially stated that all medications for the resident were to be crushed but later acknowledged that pantoprazole should not be crushed due to its delayed-release formulation. The Director of Nursing and the clinical nurse consultant confirmed that the medication should have been administered whole, as per the facility pharmacist's guidelines. In another incident, a different LPN failed to administer the correct dosage of Potassium to a resident. The LPN administered only 20 meq of Potassium instead of the prescribed 40 meq, due to a misunderstanding about the availability of the medication in the stat box. The LPN signed off on the medication administration record as if the correct dosage had been given. Upon review, the Nurse Consultant and Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident should have received a total of 40 meq as per the physician's order. These errors were brought to the attention of the facility's administration, but no further information was provided.
Expired Biologicals Found in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that expired biologicals were not available for use. During a medication storage room review conducted at 11:12 a.m., the medication room on the 100 unit was inspected with an LPN. A biological product, specifically Liquid Urine Controls, was found to have expired and was still being stored in the refrigerator. The LPN reviewed the biological product and its expiration date, acknowledged that it had expired, and subsequently removed it from the medication storage room. The facility's policy titled 'Medication Storage' states that medications and biologicals are to be stored safely, securely, and properly following the manufacturer's recommendations or those of the supplier. This policy was not adhered to, as evidenced by the presence of the expired biological product in the medication room. The information regarding this deficiency was presented to the Director of Nursing, Administrator, and the Nurse Consultant, but no further information was provided.
Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to properly store food in the main kitchen, as observed during a survey. Specifically, dietary staff did not label food products with an open date and a use-by date. During a kitchen tour, it was noted that a package of buttermilk pancake mix was wrapped in plastic wrap and placed on a shelf without any labeling. Similarly, hot dog buns were found in a Ziploc bag without labels indicating the open or use-by date. Additionally, in the stand-alone cooler, three cups filled with milk were covered with lids and placed on a tray without any labeling to indicate the product, date prepared, date opened, or use-by date. The dietary manager confirmed that per facility policy, these items should have been labeled with the product name, open date, and use-by date. The facility's policy on 'Safe Food and Supply Storage' requires that dry goods be securely closed and identified, and refrigerated items be labeled with an open and use-by date.
Incomplete Dialysis Communication Form for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to document a complete and accurate clinical record for a resident, identified as Resident #22, who was part of a survey sample. Resident #22, who was cognitively intact, had multiple diagnoses including end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. During an interview, the resident mentioned attending dialysis twice a week and using a communication book for these visits. However, the dialysis communication form dated February 6, 2024, was found incomplete. The section labeled 'Facility Completes This Information' was entirely blank, missing vital signs, weights, pain presence, vascular access type, acute problems, medication changes, and needed labs. Additionally, there was no nurse's name or signature on the form. The licensed practical nurse (LPN) responsible for Resident #22 on the day of the survey stated that the resident left for dialysis before her shift began and acknowledged that the form should have been completed before and after the dialysis treatment. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the form was intended for communication with the dialysis center and should have been filled out by the nursing staff. The resident's care plan emphasized the need for coordination with the dialysis center and regular communication via pre/post-treatment notes. This deficiency was discussed with the facility's administration, including the DON and a nurse consultant, but no additional information was provided before the survey concluded.
Infection Control Deficiency: Hand Hygiene Lapses
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to adhere to infection control practices for hand hygiene on one of the nursing units, specifically during medication administration and blood glucose testing. On February 5, 2024, observations were made of an LPN who did not perform hand hygiene between resident contacts. The LPN administered medication to one resident and assisted them with water without performing hand hygiene before returning to the medication cart. Subsequently, the LPN applied gloves without hand hygiene and conducted blood glucose testing on another resident. After completing the test, the LPN removed the gloves and used alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The facility's Director of Nursing (DON) was interviewed and stated that hand hygiene is expected to be completed between every medication pass and resident contact. The facility's hand hygiene policy requires employees to perform proper hand hygiene procedures to prevent infection spread, including before and after direct resident care and contact. The deficiency was discussed with the facility administrator, DON, and clinical nurse consultant during an end-of-day meeting on February 7, 2024. No additional information was provided regarding corrective actions or follow-up measures.
Non-Functional Call Bell System for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that a functional call bell system was available for a resident, identified as Resident #3 (R3), in a survey sample of 37 residents. During multiple observations and interviews conducted on February 5th and 6th, 2024, it was noted that the call bell at R3's bedside was not operational. When engaged, the call bell did not illuminate the light outside the room nor did it provide an auditory signal to alert staff. R3, who was sitting in a wheelchair at the bedside, was unaware of the malfunction. Both a surveyor and facility staff, including an LPN and a CNA, confirmed the call bell's failure to function properly. R3's clinical records indicated that they required assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs) and were at risk for falls, with a care plan intervention specifying the need for a reachable call light. The facility's policy mandates that call lights be accessible and functional to ensure prompt response to residents' needs. Despite the facility administrator's claim of regular audits, the last documented audit was conducted on November 29, 2023, and no additional issues were found after a subsequent audit prompted by the surveyor's findings.
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.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.



