Springtree Healthcare & Rehab Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Roanoke, Virginia.
- Location
- 3433 Springtree Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24012
- CMS Provider Number
- 495378
- Inspections on file
- 22
- Latest survey
- March 11, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 4
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Springtree Healthcare & Rehab Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with dementia, dysphagia, DM, CHF, CKD, COPD, GERD, and a history of protein-calorie malnutrition was care planned for total assist with meals due to risk for weight loss and malnutrition, but staff documentation and interviews showed that CNAs frequently provided only set up, supervision, or independent-level assistance instead of feeding the resident. CNA charting over two months reflected mostly set up or independent meal assistance, with variable intake percentages, while staff reported relying on a unit "feed list" (with names in bold for residents to be fed) rather than the written care plan to determine the level of meal assistance. CNAs acknowledged they were unsure what the care plan specified about feeding and described a gradual shift from supervision to total feeding as the resident declined, demonstrating a failure to consistently follow the comprehensive person-centered care plan for meal assistance.
A resident with dementia, dysphagia, COPD, DM, protein-calorie malnutrition, CHF, CKD, and GERD experienced significant weight loss over several months while the facility failed to consistently follow RD recommendations for weekly weights and did not reliably implement care-planned total assist with meals. RD notes documented repeated significant weight changes and ordered weekly weights for monitoring, but several weekly weights were missing from the record without supporting refusal documentation, despite a policy assigning the DON and nursing staff responsibility for timely weight monitoring and recording. The care plan identified the resident as at risk for weight loss and called for encouragement to eat, supplements as ordered, total assist for meals, and weights as ordered, yet CNA documentation in one month showed the resident as mostly set-up or independent for meals, while CNAs, an LPN, the UM, and the PA described a rapid decline to dependence for eating and drinking and episodes of poor intake. This discrepancy between documented assistance levels, staff interviews, and RD-directed monitoring formed the basis of the deficiency in maintaining the resident’s nutrition and hydration status.
A resident with diabetes was admitted from the hospital with instructions for continued blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration, but facility staff did not transcribe or implement these orders upon admission. The resident did not receive blood glucose checks until several days later, after the omission was discovered. Staff interviews revealed confusion about the admission process and lack of provider review of the discharge summary, resulting in a lapse in care.
The facility did not ensure pharmaceutical services were provided to meet each resident's needs and failed to employ or obtain a licensed pharmacist, resulting in noncompliance with regulatory requirements.
The facility failed to ensure the secure storage of medications and blood collection tubes, leading to several deficiencies. Unlabeled and expired medications were found on medication carts, and a nurse left medication cards unsecured. Additionally, all blood collection tubes in a medication room were expired. The facility's policies require medications to be securely stored and outdated items to be removed, but these were not followed.
A resident with a history of pneumonia and other conditions was suspected of having a UTI. Despite an order for a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity, the facility staff failed to collect the urine sample, and there was no documentation explaining the omission. The facility's policy requires that all ordered tests be completed and results communicated, but this was not followed.
A resident's room was found with multiple dried, brown drips on the wall, which remained unaddressed over several days despite being observed by surveyors. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and had multiple diagnoses, was in a room that did not meet the facility's cleanliness standards. The issue was acknowledged by the Housekeeping Supervisor but was not resolved before the survey exit conference.
The facility failed to electronically transmit MDS assessments for two residents, leading to a deficiency. One resident with metabolic encephalopathy, muscle weakness, and diabetes had a discharge MDS assessment that was not transmitted within the required timeframe. Another resident with diabetes, muscle weakness, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also had a discharge MDS assessment that was not transmitted on time. These issues were identified during a survey when the Resident Assessment task flagged MDS assessments over 120 days old.
The facility staff failed to accurately complete MDS assessments for two residents. One resident was incorrectly coded as using physical restraints, while another was inaccurately coded as discharged to a hospital instead of home. These errors were identified through observations and record reviews, and confirmed by facility staff.
Two residents in an LTC facility were found to have incomplete person-centered care plans, failing to address their activity preferences and psychosocial needs. One resident, with multiple diagnoses including dementia, had no comprehensive activity care plan, while another resident's plan lacked specificity in leisure activities. The facility's policies require individualized care plans, but these were not adequately implemented.
A resident's care plan was not updated to reflect changes in their code status and the implementation of comfort care measures, despite revised medical orders. The resident, with moderate cognitive impairment, was assessed as able to communicate effectively, yet their care plan still listed them as Full Code instead of DNR. The deficiency was identified during a survey, highlighting a lapse in adhering to the facility's policy of ongoing care plan updates.
A resident with multiple diagnoses, including dysphagia and hemiplegia, did not receive water flushes as ordered by their physician through their PEG tube. The pump was incorrectly set to deliver 250 mls every four hours instead of the prescribed 200 mls. LPNs confirmed the error and adjusted the pump setting after being questioned by surveyors.
A resident with respiratory conditions was observed receiving oxygen at 3 liters per minute instead of the ordered 4 liters. Despite the facility's documentation indicating compliance with the physician's order, multiple observations by a surveyor revealed the incorrect flow rate. The resident confirmed the incorrect administration, and the issue was discussed with facility leadership.
A resident's prescribed Oxycodone was unavailable for administration on multiple occasions, despite a comprehensive care plan requiring it. Additionally, a discrepancy in the count of Gabapentin tablets was found in a medication cart, indicating a failure in the facility's monitoring system. Both issues were not resolved before the survey exit conference.
Two residents in a LTC facility experienced significant medication errors due to staff failing to follow provider orders. One resident received antihypertensives despite low SBP, and did not receive Midodrine as needed. Another resident was given Insulin Glargine without a recent blood glucose check. The facility's policy on checking vital signs before medication administration was not adhered to.
A resident with multiple health issues did not receive timely radiology services as ordered by their physician. The facility delayed a chest x-ray ordered for a worsening cough and failed to complete another x-ray within the specified timeframe. The Director of Nursing confirmed these delays and omissions during a survey interview.
The facility failed to provide adequate portions of ham salad in sandwiches to four residents, as observed by a surveyor. The dietary cook used an incorrect scoop size due to the unavailability of the specified #24 scoop, resulting in insufficient servings. The issue was acknowledged by the regional director of operations and discussed with the facility's administration.
Failure to Follow Care Plan for Total Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident who was care planned to receive total assistance with meals. The resident had multiple diagnoses including dementia, dysphagia, COPD, diabetes, protein-calorie malnutrition, congestive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and GERD. The comprehensive care plan, initiated in late 2022 and revised in late 2025, identified the resident as being at risk for weight loss or malnutrition related to chronic disease and cognitive impairment, and included interventions such as encouragement to eat, recording meal intake, supplements as ordered, weights as ordered, and total assist for meals (revised 12/7/25). Despite this, the annual MDS assessment dated 11/19/25 documented the resident as requiring only set up or clean up assistance with meals and being able to feed self during the lookback period, and also noted a significant unplanned weight gain. Review of CNA documentation for December 2025 showed that the resident was consistently documented as needing only set up assistance (code 05) or being independent (code 06) for meals on all days except one evening meal, when the resident was documented as dependent. Across 93 meals in December, the resident’s intake was recorded mostly in the higher percentage ranges, with some meals at lower intake and two refusals. In January 2026, prior to the resident’s transfer to the hospital on 1/9/26, documentation reflected variable levels of assistance: independent for some shifts, set up or clean up assist for others, supervision for two shifts, and dependent for six shifts, with one refusal. Meal intake percentages in January ranged from 76–100% for most meals to 0–25% for several meals. Interviews with CNAs and the Unit Manager revealed that direct care staff relied on a unit “feed list” rather than the resident’s care plan to determine whether to feed the resident or provide only set up/supervision. CNA #1 and CNA #2 described the resident as initially independent or requiring supervision with meals, with staff setting up trays and checking back, and only later providing full feeding assistance as the resident’s condition declined. CNA #2 and CNA #3 both stated they did not know what the care plan said about feeding and followed the list instead. The Unit Manager confirmed the existence of a list indicating which residents should be fed (names in bold) versus set up and supervised, and believed the resident’s name was in bold at some point, but could not recall the timeframe. These interviews and documentation demonstrated that staff actions did not consistently align with the care-planned intervention of total assist for meals.
Failure to Follow RD Weight Monitoring Recommendations and Implement Total Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain acceptable nutrition and hydration status for one resident by not consistently following RD recommendations for weekly weights and not providing meal assistance as outlined in the comprehensive care plan. The resident had multiple diagnoses including dementia, dysphagia, COPD, diabetes, protein-calorie malnutrition, CHF, chronic kidney disease, and GERD, and was care planned as being at risk for weight loss or malnutrition with significant weight fluctuations. The RD documented significant weight loss on multiple occasions and recommended increased nutritional supplements and weekly weights for four weeks in September, October, and December 2025. However, the clinical record lacked weekly weights for the second week of September, the third week of October, and the second week of December, and the DON was unable to provide documentation for the missing September and October weights, despite a facility policy assigning responsibility to nursing for ensuring and recording timely weights. The RD’s notes showed ongoing significant weight changes: a weight of 123 lbs on 9/5/25 with a 5% loss in 30 days and 7.5% in 90 days, followed by 116 lbs on 10/4/25 with 5% loss in 30 days, 7.5% in 90 days, and 10% in 180 days. Later, a weight of 128.5 lbs on 11/7/25 reflected a documented rebound gain, and by 12/5/25 the weight had decreased again to 121 lbs with a 5% loss in 30 days and 10% in 180 days, and then to 119 lbs on 12/26/25. The RD repeatedly recommended weekly weights for monitoring during these periods of significant loss, and the facility’s own policy required a system to weigh, monitor, and track weights, with the DON responsible for ensuring patients are weighed in an acceptable time frame. Despite this, the missing weekly weights in September and October were not supported by refusal documentation or other explanation. The facility also failed to consistently implement the care-planned intervention of total assistance with meals when the resident’s condition declined. The care plan, revised in December 2025, included interventions such as encouragement to eat, recording meal intake percentages, providing supplements as ordered, total assist for meals, and weights as ordered. However, CNA documentation for December 2025 showed the resident as requiring only set-up assistance or being independent for all meals except one evening meal, despite interviews indicating that toward the end of the resident’s stay staff had to feed the resident and that the resident became dependent for eating and drinking. Multiple CNAs and nursing staff reported that the resident transitioned from supervision/set-up to needing to be fed and that the resident was on a “feed list,” with some staff stating this dependence had been present for at least weeks to months before hospital transfer, while CNA documentation continued to reflect primarily set-up or independent status. This discrepancy between documented assistance levels and staff interviews, along with the missing weekly weights despite RD recommendations, formed the basis of the identified deficiency in maintaining the resident’s nutrition and hydration status. Interviews with the PA and nursing staff further described the resident’s decline and concerns about hydration. The PA reported that the resident experienced a decline in condition and was treated in the facility with IV fluids, labs, and antibiotics for a UTI, and later became profoundly dehydrated, prompting transfer to the hospital. The PA and nursing staff stated that the resident was on the list to be fed and that staff were feeding and offering fluids, but the PA acknowledged never being present in the room at mealtimes. CNAs and nurses described a rapid decline in the resident’s ability to eat and drink, including needing staff to hold cups, becoming total assist for meals, and sometimes refusing to open her mouth or swallow. Despite these descriptions, the December CNA documentation largely reflected only set-up or independent meal status, and the facility could not fully substantiate adherence to RD-directed weekly weight monitoring during periods of significant weight loss. The DON stated that the resident sometimes refused care, including being weighed, and produced documentation of a refusal for a December weekly weight but could not locate documentation for the missing September and October weights. The facility’s weight monitoring policy specified that weights are to be tracked, monitored, and analyzed by the IDT, and that nursing staff are responsible for recording weights in the clinical record. The lack of documented weekly weights as recommended by the RD, combined with inconsistent documentation of the resident’s need for total assistance with meals compared to staff interviews and the care plan, demonstrated that the facility did not fully implement and document the interventions necessary to maintain the resident’s nutritional and hydration status as required.
Failure to Review and Implement Blood Glucose Monitoring Orders After Hospital Discharge
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that a resident's total program of care was reviewed following a hospital discharge, specifically neglecting to implement blood glucose monitoring orders for a resident with a diagnosis of diabetes. The resident's hospital discharge summary included instructions to continue using insulin, a blood glucose meter, and related supplies, but these orders were not transcribed into the clinical record upon admission. The clinical record lacked any provider orders for blood glucose checks, and the resident did not receive blood glucose monitoring until several days after admission, when the omission was identified and addressed. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the admitting nurse recalled seeing information about a dexcom device but did not recall further details, and the unit manager could not confirm whether the provider had reviewed the discharge summary at the time of admission. The provider was not on site during the admission, and there was uncertainty about who approved the resident's orders. The resident confirmed that blood glucose checks were not performed until after the issue was identified. The facility's policy required verification of transfer orders with the attending physician for immediate care, but this process was not followed in this instance.
Failure to Provide Required Pharmaceutical Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and did not employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. This deficiency was identified during the survey process, indicating that the required pharmaceutical oversight and services were not in place for residents as mandated by regulations. No additional details regarding specific residents, their medical history, or their condition at the time of the deficiency are provided in the report.
Medication and Storage Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure the safe and secure storage of medications and blood collection tubes, leading to several deficiencies. On the 500 Hall medication cart, three used insulin pens were found without labels indicating the resident's name or the date of opening. Similarly, the 400 Hall medication cart contained an insulin pen without a clearly identifiable resident name, an expired box of Levothyroxine tablets, and a vial of Insulin Glargine with unclear opening dates. During an observation, a registered nurse was seen using an unlabeled insulin pen, which was not stored in a labeled bag, and subsequently discarded the insulin syringe. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that insulin pens should be labeled with the resident's name, and the Unit Manager confirmed the presence of unlabeled insulin pens, which were later removed. In another instance, a registered nurse left six medication cards unsecured on top of a medication cart while administering medications to a resident. The cart was out of the nurse's line of sight for four minutes, although no staff or residents approached it during that time. Additionally, an opened box of bisacodyl suppositories with an expired date was found in the 500 Hall medication cart. The nurse involved did not respond to the surveyor's questions and walked away, leaving the cart unlocked. The facility's policy requires that all medication storage areas be locked unless under direct observation, and outdated medications should be immediately removed from inventory. Furthermore, all blood collection tubes in the medication room on Unit 2 were found to be expired. The infection preventionist acknowledged the expired tubes and reported that the facility staff do not collect laboratory samples themselves but call a laboratory service for blood collection needs. Despite the lack of a written policy regarding the maintenance of current products in medication rooms, it was noted that central supply and nursing administration were responsible for ensuring the availability of non-expired products. The expired blood collection tubes were gathered for removal from the medication room.
Failure to Obtain Ordered Urinalysis for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide necessary laboratory services for a resident, identified as Resident #314, who was suspected of having a urinary tract infection (UTI). The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 14 out of 15, had a medical history that included pneumonia, generalized muscle weakness, protein-calorie malnutrition, essential hypertension, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. On February 13, 2024, the facility's family nurse practitioner (FNP) assessed the resident after the resident's adult child reported signs of a UTI and hallucinations. Although the resident denied acute issues, a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity was ordered to be obtained between February 13 and February 16, 2024. However, the surveyor found no evidence that the urinalysis was conducted or that a urine sample was collected. The FNP confirmed that while a complete blood count (CBC) was obtained, the urine sample was not collected, and there was no documentation from the nursing staff explaining the omission. The facility's policy requires licensed nurses to ensure that all ordered laboratory tests are completed and results communicated to the provider, but this was not adhered to in this instance. The issue was discussed with the facility's administration and nursing leadership, but no further information was provided before the survey exit conference.
Failure to Maintain a Clean Environment for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for a resident, as observed during a survey. On three separate days, a large area of multiple dried, brown drips was noted on the wall to the left of the resident's bed. Despite multiple observations by the surveyor, the condition of the wall remained unchanged. The resident involved had a diagnosis list that included Dementia, Bipolar II Disorder, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Congestive Heart Failure. The resident was assessed with a BIMS score of 4 out of 15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The surveyor brought the issue to the attention of the Housekeeping Supervisor, who acknowledged the condition of the wall and stated they would clean it. The facility's policy on daily room cleaning was reviewed, which included spot cleaning of necessary areas. The concern was discussed with the facility's administration and nursing leadership, but no further information was provided to the survey team before the exit conference.
Failure to Transmit MDS Assessments for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to electronically transmit the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for two residents, leading to a deficiency in the Resident Assessment task. For Resident #8, who had diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, muscle weakness, and diabetes, the discharge MDS assessment with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 02/15/24 was not transmitted within the required timeframe. This oversight was identified during the survey process when the Resident Assessment task flagged an MDS that was over 120 days old. Upon review by the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN), it was confirmed that the assessment had not been transmitted until the day of the survey. Similarly, for Resident #92, who had diagnoses including diabetes, muscle weakness, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the discharge MDS assessment with an ARD of 12/27/23 was also not transmitted within the required period. This issue was similarly identified during the survey process when the Resident Assessment task flagged an MDS over 120 days old. The LPN and RN confirmed that the assessment had not been transmitted until the day of the survey. Both incidents were discussed in a meeting with the facility's administrative and nursing leadership, but no further information was provided to the survey team before the exit conference.
Inaccurate MDS Assessments for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to accurately complete Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for two residents. For one resident, the MDS was incorrectly coded to indicate the use of physical restraints in the form of bedrails, when in fact, the resident used assist bars that were not considered restrictive. This error was identified during a surveyor's observation and confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Regional Nurse, who acknowledged the MDS was coded incorrectly. The MDS coordinator admitted to the mistake, noting that the MDS assessment options did not include assist bars, leading to the incorrect coding. For another resident, the facility staff inaccurately coded the discharge MDS assessment, indicating the resident was discharged to a short-term general hospital, while the resident was actually discharged home. This discrepancy was noted in the clinical record, which included a progress note from the Activities Director confirming the resident's discharge to home. The error was reviewed with the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Regional Nurse Consultant, who later confirmed the MDS assessment had been corrected.
Deficiencies in Person-Centered Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for two residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing their activity preferences and psychosocial needs. For one resident, the facility did not create a comprehensive activity care plan despite the resident's diagnoses, which included Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Dementia, among others. The resident's cognitive skills were moderately impaired, as indicated by a BIMS score of 9 out of 15. The surveyor could not locate documentation of an activity-focused care plan, and the only intervention noted was 'Activities of resident choice,' which was insufficient to meet the resident's needs. Another resident's care plan also lacked specificity in addressing activity preferences and interests. This resident was assessed as having moderate cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 11 out of 15 and was able to communicate effectively. The care plan included a focus area on leisure activities but did not specify the resident's preferences, such as listening to music, being around animals, and socializing. The Activity Director acknowledged the care plan was incomplete, and it was later revised to include more specific interventions. The facility's policies on care planning emphasize the need for individualized, person-centered care plans developed by a licensed nurse in coordination with the interdisciplinary team. These plans should support the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of the residents. However, the survey findings revealed that the facility did not adhere to these policies, resulting in incomplete and inadequate care plans for the residents involved.
Failure to Update Care Plan for Resident's Code Status and Comfort Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to review and revise the comprehensive person-centered care plan for one resident, identified as Resident #37, following a change in the resident's code status and the implementation of comfort care measures. The resident's most recent Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment indicated moderate cognitive impairment, with a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of nine out of 15. Despite being assessed as able to make themselves understood and usually able to understand others, the care plan did not reflect the resident's updated medical provider orders, which included comfort care measures and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status. The deficiency was identified during a survey when the care plan was found to still list the resident as having an advanced directive of Full Code, without addressing the comfort care measures. The medical provider orders had been revised to include comfort care and DNR status, but these changes were not reflected in the care plan until the surveyor's inquiry prompted an update. The facility's policy requires care plans to be updated on an ongoing basis as changes occur, but this was not adhered to in the case of Resident #37.
Failure to Follow Physician's Orders for Water Flushes
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide care and services as ordered by the primary care physician for one resident in the survey sample. Specifically, the staff did not ensure that water flushes were delivered according to the physician's order through the resident's PEG tube. The resident, who has diagnoses including dysphagia following a cerebrovascular accident, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, and unspecified heart failure, was observed with a tube feeding pump set to deliver 250 milliliters of water every four hours, contrary to the physician's order of 200 milliliters every four hours. Upon review, the Medication Administration Record indicated that the order was signed off as administered correctly each day, despite the discrepancy in the pump setting. When questioned, the LPNs confirmed the error and adjusted the pump to the correct setting. The issue was discussed with the facility's administration and clinical leadership, but no further information was provided to the survey team before the exit conference.
Failure to Administer Oxygen as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to administer oxygen according to the attending medical provider's orders for a resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including heart failure, acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, obstructive sleep apnea, and morbid severe obesity, was observed multiple times receiving oxygen at 3 liters per minute via nasal cannula, despite the physician's order specifying 4 liters per minute. The resident, who had intact cognition, confirmed to the surveyor that she was on 3 liters of oxygen. The facility's documentation, including the medication administration record and the comprehensive care plan, indicated that oxygen was to be administered as ordered. However, observations by the surveyor on different occasions showed that the oxygen was not being administered at the correct flow rate. The facility's policies on physician's orders and respiratory care emphasized the importance of following the provider's order, including the correct flow rate for continuous oxygen therapy. This discrepancy was discussed with facility leadership during meetings with the survey team.
Medication Availability and Monitoring Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that a resident's provider-ordered narcotic pain medication, Oxycodone, was available for administration. The resident, who had a history of malignant neoplasm of the bronchus of the lung, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle weakness, and cirrhosis of the liver, had a comprehensive care plan that included administering medications as ordered. Despite a provider order for Oxycodone dated January 11, 2024, the medication was documented as unavailable on multiple occasions, including April 20, April 29, and May 5, 2024. Interviews with the resident and staff revealed that the medication was not always available, and the facility's stat box did not contain the medication. The facility policy required notifying the provider and discussing alternative orders if necessary, but no further information was provided to the survey team before the exit conference. Additionally, the facility staff failed to correctly implement the scheduled/control monitoring system for a medication cart, resulting in a discrepancy in the count of Gabapentin 600 mg tablets for another resident. The resident had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and bilateral foot calcaneal spurs, with a provider order for Gabapentin 600 mg every 12 hours. A reconciliation of the medication cart revealed a discrepancy of one tablet, with the actual count not matching the documented count. The facility's policy required documentation of administration in the MAR or TAR and the controlled substance sign-out record, but the discrepancy was not resolved before the exit conference.
Medication Administration Errors in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to ensure that residents were free from significant medication errors, as evidenced by the cases of two residents. For one resident, the staff did not adhere to medical provider orders for the administration of Diltiazem, Metoprolol Tartrate, and Midodrine. Despite the provider's orders to hold Diltiazem and Metoprolol Tartrate if the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was less than 110, these medications were administered on two occasions when the resident's SBP was below the threshold. Additionally, Midodrine, which was ordered to be administered if the SBP was less than 105, was not given on the same days when the resident's SBP was below the specified level. The registered nurse involved acknowledged the medication error upon review. In another case, the facility staff failed to follow the physician's order for administering Insulin Glargine to a resident with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The order specified that the insulin should be held if the blood glucose level was below 140. However, the insulin was administered without documenting a blood glucose level immediately prior to administration, with the last recorded level being taken hours earlier. The facility's policy required checking vital signs or other tests before medication administration, which was not followed in these instances.
Failure to Provide Timely Radiology Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide timely radiology services for a resident, identified as Resident #44, who had multiple medical conditions including heart failure, acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, obstructive sleep apnea, and morbid severe obesity. The resident had physician's orders for chest x-rays due to a worsening cough and a history of pneumonia. The first order, dated 1/19/24, required a chest x-ray by 1/22/24, but the x-ray was not completed until 1/23/24. Additionally, there was no record of the x-ray ordered on 2/13/24 being completed within the specified timeframe. During an interview on 5/23/24, the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the x-ray ordered on 1/19/24 was delayed and that the x-ray ordered on 2/13/24 was missed entirely, with a subsequent x-ray only being completed on 2/20/24. The facility's policy on physician's orders was reviewed, which emphasized the importance of timely treatment orders and follow-up appointments. However, no further information was provided to the survey team before their exit.
Inadequate Ham Salad Portions Served to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility staff failed to provide a nourishing, well-balanced diet to four residents by serving an inadequate amount of ham salad in their sandwiches. On the evening of May 21, 2024, a resident showed the surveyor her ham salad sandwich, which contained only a minimal amount of ham salad, approximately the size of a teaspoon. Another resident in the same room had a similar issue with her sandwich. The administrator was informed and offered additional sandwiches to the residents. The regional director of operations for dietary services acknowledged the problem and noted that the serving size was not followed as per the diet guide. Further investigation revealed that the dietary cook used the wrong scoop size due to the unavailability of the correct #24 scoop. Instead, a #16 scoop was used, which resulted in insufficient ham salad being served. The cook admitted to not consulting the regional director for guidance when the correct scoop was unavailable. The corporate recipe specified using a #24 scoop, but the facility did not have one available, leading to the deficiency. This issue was discussed in meetings with the facility's administration and clinical services team.
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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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