Henrico Health & Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Highland Springs, Virginia.
- Location
- 561 North Airport Drive, Highland Springs, Virginia 23075
- CMS Provider Number
- 495193
- Inspections on file
- 26
- Latest survey
- January 15, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 17
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Henrico Health & Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility did not promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft, nor did it communicate the results of its investigation to the proper authorities as required.
A deficiency was cited when a facility area was not kept free from accident hazards and supervision was inadequate to prevent accidents. The environment and oversight did not meet required standards to minimize accident risks.
Two residents with intact cognitive abilities and significant medical conditions were subjected to repeated sexual comments, gestures, and advances by a receptionist, including explicit verbal statements and inappropriate physical behavior. Other staff and a transportation driver also experienced or witnessed similar conduct. The incidents were not immediately reported or addressed, resulting in substantiated harm and a failure to uphold residents' rights to be free from abuse.
Staff did not report incidents of sexual abuse involving a receptionist and multiple individuals to the administrator or authorities within the required two-hour window. The delay in reporting was confirmed through staff interviews and documentation, and the facility's own policy mandates immediate notification of such incidents.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and moderate cognitive impairment was transferred using a Hoyer lift by only one CNA, contrary to facility policy requiring two trained staff. During the transfer, the resident was struck in the head by the lift bar, resulting in a small hematoma. Interviews confirmed that the CNA proceeded alone after calling for help, and both facility policy and best practice guidelines mandate two staff for such transfers.
A resident with multiple medical conditions and moderate cognitive impairment was transferred using a Hoyer lift by a single CNA, contrary to facility policy requiring two trained staff. During the transfer, the lift became unstable and the resident was struck on the head by the sling bar, resulting in a small hematoma. Staff interviews and documentation confirmed that only one CNA was present, and the incident was reported and medically evaluated.
The facility failed to schedule sufficient nursing staff to ensure the highest practicable well-being of residents. A survey revealed that staffing had been an issue over the past year, although it had improved recently. Observations showed residents were well-cared for, but a review of CMS reports for 2024 indicated subpar staffing levels, particularly on weekends. The findings were communicated to the facility's administration.
A resident with multiple medical conditions was not informed of their care plan and rights upon admission to the facility. Despite having no cognitive impairment, the resident did not receive the admission contract and rights information until two days after admission, contrary to the facility's policy. The issue was noted by surveyors and discussed with the facility's administration.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment was placed in an unfinished room undergoing renovation, resulting in a lack of a comfortable and homelike environment. The room had missing cove base, allowing cold air to enter, and was acknowledged by staff as inappropriate for occupancy. The facility cited a shipment error as the cause of the delay in completing the room.
A resident was discharged from an LTC facility with a Midline IV catheter still in place, increasing the risk of complications. The resident had severe cognitive impairments and required assistance with daily activities. The facility's staff failed to ensure the IV was removed before discharge, with interviews revealing a lack of awareness and communication among staff. The oversight was discovered after a family member reported it post-discharge.
A resident with diabetes and multiple health conditions did not receive appropriate diabetic management at the facility. The care plan was not updated to reflect changes in the resident's condition, and meals provided were not suitable for a diabetic diet. Blood sugar levels were not consistently monitored, and diabetic medications were omitted for a period without physician intervention. The facility's weight monitoring policy was not followed, and staffing levels were noted to be subpar.
Two residents experienced significant safety failures at an LTC facility. One resident, with severe cognitive impairment and a history of elopement, was allowed to smoke outside unsupervised, leading to multiple instances of leaving the facility grounds. Another resident was injured by a falling hammer due to maintenance staff negligence. These incidents highlight the facility's failure to provide adequate supervision and maintain a safe environment.
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment, with surveyors observing cockroaches near outdoor grills and a resident reporting mice in her room. The Maintenance Manager confirmed ongoing pest issues, despite weekly pest control treatments. The administrator and DON were informed of these findings.
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, leading to the presence of mice and cockroaches in two units. Surveyors observed cockroaches near grills with food debris, and a resident reported mice in her room, confirmed by photographic evidence. The Maintenance Manager admitted to ongoing pest issues, with weekly treatments by a contractor, but the pest control log showed limited room treatments.
A resident experienced nine elopement or attempted elopement incidents over several months, but the facility staff failed to update the care plan with new interventions to address the issue. The care plan initially identified the resident as at risk for elopement, but despite the incidents, it was not revised. An LPN confirmed that care plans should be updated with any changes in resident care or condition.
Facility staff did not update a resident's care plan after a fall, as required by the facility's Falls Management Program. The resident fell on one occasion, but the care plan was not revised until after a subsequent fall. An RN confirmed that care plans should be updated after each fall, but this was not done in a timely manner.
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision for two residents who required supervision while smoking, as per their assessments. One resident was observed smoking with an oxygen tank without supervision, and another was in a designated smoking area without staff presence. Additionally, the facility did not implement interventions to prevent future falls for a resident who fell twice. The facility's policies on smoking and falls management were not followed, leading to these deficiencies.
A resident was administered Lasix despite having a systolic blood pressure below the physician-ordered parameter. The medication should have been held, but it was signed off as administered. A nurse confirmed the error, and the administrative staff was informed.
Failure to Timely Report Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Theft
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and did not report the results of the investigation to the proper authorities. This deficiency was identified based on the facility's lack of prompt action in notifying the appropriate agencies when an incident of suspected abuse, neglect, or theft occurred. The report indicates that the required notifications and investigation results were not communicated as mandated.
Failure to Maintain Accident-Free Environment and Provide Adequate Supervision
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified due to the failure to ensure that a specific area within the facility was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision was provided to prevent accidents. The report notes that the environment was not maintained in a manner that would minimize the risk of accidents, and supervision protocols were insufficient to prevent such incidents from occurring. No additional details regarding the specific individuals involved, their medical history, or their condition at the time of the deficiency are provided in the report.
Failure to Protect Residents from Sexual Abuse by Staff Member
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect two residents from sexual abuse, resulting in harm. One resident, with diagnoses including mechanical complications of a hip prosthesis, chronic kidney disease, and major depressive disorder, was cognitively intact and reported multiple inappropriate sexual comments and gestures from a receptionist. These included explicit verbal statements, the display of a sexually explicit image, and suggestive gestures such as blowing kisses and making smacking sounds. The resident reported these incidents to the Activities Assistant and expressed feelings of humiliation, anger, and emotional distress during interviews. A second resident, also cognitively intact and with diagnoses such as metabolic encephalopathy, cirrhosis, muscle wasting, and end-stage renal disease, reported that the same receptionist made explicit sexual comments on more than one occasion, including while the resident was being informed about transportation. The receptionist also attempted to lure the resident into a darkened office. These incidents were corroborated by staff interviews and a closed record review. Additional staff members, including a CNA and a Transportation Driver, reported similar inappropriate sexual advances and physical attempts by the receptionist. The CNA did not immediately report the incident to management, only disclosing it when questioned days later. The facility's policy clearly states that residents have the right to be free from all forms of abuse, including sexual abuse, but staff failed to prevent or promptly address the receptionist's actions, resulting in substantiated harm to multiple individuals.
Failure to Timely Report Sexual Abuse Allegations
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that an incident involving sexual abuse was reported to the facility administrator and appropriate authorities within the required two-hour timeframe. On 3/29/25, a transporting driver and a CNA experienced inappropriate sexual behavior from a receptionist, including attempts to touch the driver in a sexual manner and making inappropriate noises toward the CNA. The CNA did not report these incidents to management until several days later, on 4/2/25, when questioned by the DON. The facility's policy requires immediate reporting of abuse allegations, no later than two hours after the incident. The delay in reporting was confirmed through staff interviews and review of written statements. The administrator acknowledged that a facility-reported incident was eventually filed and that sexual abuse was substantiated for four individuals. However, documentation showed that the report to the Office of Licensure and Certification was not made until 3/31/25, and the initial internal reporting by staff did not occur within the required timeframe, constituting a failure to follow established abuse reporting protocols.
Failure to Follow Two-Staff Protocol During Mechanical Lift Transfer
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow professional standards of quality by not ensuring that two trained staff members assisted with mechanical lift transfers for a resident. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including chronic kidney disease, diabetes with kidney complications, hemiplegia, and muscle weakness, was cognitively moderately impaired according to a recent MDS assessment. During an incident, the resident was being transferred with a Hoyer lift by a single CNA, contrary to facility policy and best practice, which require two trained staff for such transfers. The resident reported being struck in the head by the Hoyer lift bar during the transfer, resulting in a small hematoma. Interviews with the resident, CNA, and DON confirmed that only one staff member was present during the transfer and that the incident occurred when the lift became unstable. The CNA acknowledged that standard protocol requires two staff for mechanical lift transfers and that she had called for help but proceeded alone when no one responded. Facility policy, as well as external best practice guidelines, specify the need for two trained staff to ensure safe operation and positioning during mechanical lift use. The facility leadership confirmed the policy and had no additional information to provide regarding the incident.
Failure to Provide Required Two-Person Assistance During Mechanical Lift Transfer
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide the required two-person assistance during a mechanical lift transfer for a resident with multiple medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes with kidney complications, hemiplegia, and muscle weakness. The resident, who had moderately impaired cognitive abilities, was being transferred by a CNA using a Hoyer lift when the lift's leg became caught on a roommate's bed, causing the lift to tip. During this incident, the resident was struck on the head by the Hoyer lift sling bar, resulting in a small hematoma. The CNA admitted to performing the transfer alone after calling for help and receiving no response, despite facility policy requiring two trained staff for such transfers. Interviews with staff confirmed that only one CNA was present during the transfer, and both the DON and other nursing staff acknowledged that this was not in accordance with standard protocol. Documentation in the clinical record and facility forms corroborated the resident's report of being hit in the head and the subsequent development of a hematoma. The incident was further substantiated by medical notes and an emergency department evaluation, which found no acute injuries but confirmed the occurrence of head trauma. The facility's mechanical lift policy explicitly states that two trained staff must assist with mechanical lift transfers, which was not followed in this case.
Insufficient Nursing Staff Scheduling
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to schedule sufficient nursing staff to maintain the highest practicable well-being of each resident. During a survey conducted from February 19 to February 25, 2025, a complaint regarding insufficient nursing staff was investigated. Although the complaint was initially received by the state agency on February 8, 2024, no specific dates or date ranges were provided for the alleged staffing issues. Interviews with residents and nursing staff revealed that staffing had been problematic at times over the past year, but had improved in recent months. Observations during the survey showed residents dressed in clean clothing, no pervasive odors, and residents engaged in activities, therapies, and leisure activities. A review of residents' clinical records indicated that care, including activities of daily living, medication administration, therapies, and dining activities, was ongoing and appeared sufficient at the time of the survey. Staffing schedules and time clock punches were also reviewed and found to be adequate currently. However, a review of CMS payroll-based journal submissions and CMS Compare reports for fiscal year 2024 revealed that the facility had received a one-star rating out of five for staffing levels, indicating subpar staffing during that period, with particularly low staffing on weekends in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. The findings were communicated to the Administrator and corporate representatives at the end of the survey on February 24, 2025.
Failure to Inform Resident of Rights and Care Plan Upon Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was informed, in advance, of the care to be provided and their rights upon admission. This deficiency was identified for one resident in a survey sample of 12. The resident, who had a range of medical conditions including Type 2 diabetes, kidney transplant status, end-stage renal disease, pulmonary hypertension, nutritional anemia, and multiple rib fractures, was admitted to the facility. Despite having no cognitive impairment, as indicated by a perfect score on the Brief Interview for Mental Status, the resident was not provided with the admission contract and rights information until two days after admission. The Director of Nursing stated that the admission packet is typically discussed and forms signed upon admission or within 24 hours if the admission occurs after hours. However, a review of the facility's Admission Policy indicated that the Admission Director is responsible for ensuring all documents are completed, copied, and filed appropriately at the time of admission. The discrepancy between the policy and the actual practice led to the resident not being informed of their rights and care plan in a timely manner. This issue was brought to the attention of the Administrator and Director of Nursing during an end-of-day meeting, but no further information was provided.
Resident Placed in Unfinished Room During Renovation
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide a comfortable and homelike environment for Resident #5, who was admitted on February 11, 2025, with diagnoses including a wedge compression fracture, type 2 diabetes mellitus, major depressive disorder, and muscle weakness. The resident's cognitive abilities were moderately impaired, as indicated by a BIMS score of 12 out of 15. During an observation on February 18, 2025, it was noted that the cove base was missing around the entire perimeter of the resident's room and bathroom, allowing cold air to flow into the room. Resident #5 expressed dissatisfaction with the room's condition, stating that it felt unfinished and cold. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the room was under renovation and had been in its current state for about a month. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the room was not appropriate for a resident due to its condition. The Regional Maintenance Director explained that the delay in completing the room was due to a shipment error of materials. The Administrator admitted that the room was the only available option for Resident #5 at the time of admission, but declined to comment on its appropriateness. Despite the facility's claim that the issues were resolved, the report highlights the deficiency in providing a safe and comfortable environment for the resident.
Failure to Discontinue Midline IV Before Resident Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly discontinue a Midline Intravenous Catheter before discharging a resident, identified as Resident #12, which increased the risk of complications such as infections, bleeding, and dislodgement. Resident #12 was admitted to the facility with diagnoses including bacterial infections and a femur fracture, and was noted to have severely impaired cognitive abilities. The resident required various levels of assistance for daily activities and was at risk for pressure ulcers. The resident was receiving hydration therapy through a Midline IV catheter, which was not removed prior to discharge. The timeline of events indicates that the Midline IV was intermittently present and absent in the resident's medical records, with no clear documentation of its removal before discharge. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the presence of the Midline IV. A CNA did not notice the IV on the day of discharge, and an LPN confirmed the presence of the Midline IV but was not involved in the discharge process. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) acknowledged that the IV should have been removed by a Registered Nurse, but the abrupt discharge due to a change in transportation plans may have contributed to the oversight. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the facility was informed by a family member about the oversight after the resident was discharged. The DON and ADON discussed the incident but did not document it due to the closure of the resident's chart. The report highlights the procedural lapse in ensuring the Midline IV was discontinued, as well as the communication breakdown among staff members involved in the discharge process.
Failure in Diabetic Management and Care Plan Updates
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain industry standards of diabetic management for a resident with multiple health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity, and congestive heart failure. The resident's care plan was not updated to reflect significant changes in their condition, such as the removal of diabetic medication management, therapeutic diet, and blood sugar checks. Despite the resident's worsening respiratory illness and significant weight gain, there was no assessment or monitoring conducted, and the care plan was not adjusted accordingly. The resident's meals were not aligned with their dietary needs, as observed during interviews and meal observations. The resident expressed dissatisfaction with the meals provided, which were high in carbohydrates and not in line with a diabetic diet. The facility's dining services staff acknowledged that the meals were inappropriate for a morbidly obese diabetic resident. Additionally, the resident's blood sugar levels were not consistently monitored, and there was a period where diabetic medications were omitted without physician intervention. The facility's policy on weight monitoring was not followed, as the resident was not weighed monthly, and there was no documentation of refusals until much later. The lack of proper assessments and updates to the care plan, along with the failure to provide appropriate meals and medication management, contributed to the deficiency. The facility's staffing levels were also noted to be subpar, which may have impacted the quality of care provided to the resident.
Supervision and Safety Failures Lead to Resident Elopement and Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure adequate supervision and safety for two residents, leading to significant deficiencies. Resident #3, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of elopement, was allowed to smoke outside unsupervised. Despite being assessed as high risk for elopement, the resident was able to leave the facility grounds multiple times, sometimes purchasing alcohol or wandering off to nearby stores. The facility's wander guard system was bypassed by staff, allowing the resident to exit the building without proper supervision, which posed an immediate jeopardy to the resident's safety. Resident #3's clinical records revealed numerous instances of elopement, with the resident leaving the facility unsupervised on several occasions. The resident's cognitive impairments and history of alcohol dependence further exacerbated the risk of harm. Despite these risks, the facility failed to implement effective measures to prevent the resident from leaving the premises, resulting in repeated incidents of elopement and potential harm. In a separate incident, Resident #4 was injured when a hammer fell from the roof, striking the resident on the head. The maintenance staff had failed to remove tools from the roof after repairs, leading to this accident. Resident #4, who had no cognitive impairment, required emergency room evaluation following the incident. The facility's failure to ensure a safe environment and remove potential hazards resulted in this preventable accident.
Sanitation and Pest Control Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment for residents, staff, and the public, as observed during a survey conducted on 9/3/2024. During the initial tour, three grills were found outside a wing of the facility, with soiled aluminum foil sheets and food debris on the grates. Large cockroaches were seen near the grills, indicating a pest issue. The grills remained in place until 9/5/2024, despite the administrator being informed of the findings. Additionally, a resident's family member reported a rodent issue in her mother's room, with mice observed running from the bathroom to a hole under the sink. The family member provided photographic evidence of the mice. Further investigation revealed a small hole under the sink and a medium-sized hole in the bathroom of the resident's room, with traps set to capture rodents. The Maintenance Manager acknowledged ongoing issues with mice and insects, noting that a pest control contractor visits weekly to treat common areas and specific rooms. The pest control log confirmed recent treatments in several rooms, including the affected resident's room. The administrator and Director of Nursing were informed of these findings on 9/4/2024.
Ineffective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of pests, including mice and cockroaches, in two units of the facility. During an initial tour, surveyors observed several large cockroaches near grills outside a unit, with food debris present on the grills. The grills remained in place for two days after the issue was reported to the administrator. Additionally, a resident's family member reported seeing mice in her mother's room, with the resident confirming the presence of multiple mice and capturing photographic evidence. A subsequent inspection of the room revealed holes under the sink and in the bathroom, along with traps set for pests. The Maintenance Manager acknowledged ongoing issues with mice and insects, stating that a pest control contractor visits weekly to treat common areas and specific rooms. However, the pest control log indicated that recent treatments were limited to certain rooms and common areas, suggesting a lack of comprehensive pest management. The administrator and Director of Nursing were informed of these findings, but no further information was provided regarding corrective actions or follow-up measures.
Failure to Update Care Plan After Elopement Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to review and revise the care plan for a resident after multiple incidents of elopement or attempted elopement. The resident experienced nine such incidents between May 23, 2024, and August 23, 2024. The care plan initially identified the resident as being at risk for elopement due to exit-seeking behavior, with goals and interventions set to monitor and prevent elopement. However, despite these incidents, the care plan was not updated to include new interventions to address the recurring issue. An interview with an LPN confirmed that care plans should be updated with any changes in resident care or condition, including elopement incidents. The deficiency was brought to the attention of the Administrator during an end-of-day meeting, but no further information was provided.
Failure to Revise Care Plan After Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to review and revise the comprehensive care plan for Resident #4 after the resident sustained a fall on 3/30/24. A nurse's note documented that the resident slid out of bed on that date, but the care plan, dated 3/13/24, was not updated to reflect this incident until after the resident experienced another fall on 4/19/24. During an interview, RN #3 stated that care plans should be reviewed and revised after each fall, typically during the shift of the incident or the following day. The facility's Falls Management Program policy requires a licensed nurse to review, revise, and implement interventions to the care plan based on post-fall investigation findings, device assessment review, and fall risk scoring tool review. However, this protocol was not followed for Resident #4's fall on 3/30/24.
Inadequate Supervision and Fall Prevention
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide adequate supervision for two residents who were assessed as requiring supervision while smoking. Resident #10 was observed smoking a cigarette outside the facility with an oxygen tank attached to their wheelchair, without any staff supervision. The resident's smoking assessment indicated a need for supervision, but the care plan incorrectly allowed for independent smoking. Similarly, Resident #11 was observed smoking in the designated smoking area with an oxygen tank turned off, but without staff supervision. The resident's assessment also required supervision, yet the care plan permitted independent smoking. Additionally, the facility staff did not implement interventions to prevent future falls for Resident #4, who experienced two falls within a short period. The resident first slid out of bed, and despite this incident, no interventions were documented or implemented to prevent further falls. Consequently, the resident fell again a few weeks later. The facility's falls management program requires a systematic approach to address falls, including revising and implementing interventions based on post-fall investigations, but this was not followed. Interviews with the director of nursing and a registered nurse confirmed the lack of appropriate supervision and intervention. The director of nursing acknowledged the need for supervision for residents using oxygen while smoking, and the registered nurse stated that interventions should be implemented after a fall, tailored to the resident's cognitive status and the circumstances of the fall. The facility's policies on smoking and falls management were not adhered to, leading to these deficiencies.
Failure to Hold Medication as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that a resident was free from unnecessary medication, specifically in the administration of Lasix (furosemide), for one of the residents in the survey sample. The physician's order required that the medication be held if the resident's systolic blood pressure was less than 110. However, the resident was administered furosemide on two occasions, despite having systolic blood pressures of 103 and 99, respectively, as documented in the medication administration records (MARs). This indicates that the medication was not held as per the physician's parameters. During an interview, a registered nurse confirmed that the medication should have been held on those occasions and acknowledged that it appeared to have been administered instead. The facility's pharmacy policy mandates that medications be administered according to the prescriber's written orders, which was not adhered to in this case. The administrative staff, including the administrator and the director of nursing, were informed of this concern.
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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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