Columbia Crest Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Moses Lake, Washington.
- Location
- 1100 East Nelson Road, Moses Lake, Washington 98837
- CMS Provider Number
- 505320
- Inspections on file
- 52
- Latest survey
- January 21, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 30
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Columbia Crest Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Staff failed to follow the facility’s abuse prohibition and mandated reporting policies after several staff observed the DON slap a resident’s bare buttock at the end of a sacral wound dressing change. The resident, who had dementia, hemiparesis, bowel incontinence, an indwelling catheter, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer requiring extensive assistance, questioned the slap and was told it was “just to let you know I was done.” Although multiple NAs and an RN were aware of the incident and had been trained as mandated reporters, they did not report it to the Administrator or state hotline, and the Administrator remained unaware until informed by surveyors, resulting in no timely reporting, removal from duty, or investigation as required by facility policy.
A resident with dementia, hemiparesis, bowel incontinence, an indwelling catheter, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer required extensive assistance and wound care. During a dressing change after the resident had a bowel movement, the DON completed the treatment and then slapped the resident on the bare buttock, an act witnessed by three NAs; the resident questioned the slap and was told it was "just to let you know I was done." The facility’s abuse policy prohibited physical abuse such as hitting and slapping and required immediate removal of alleged abusers and reporting to outside agencies, but the RN Resource Clinician who was informed of the incident did not promptly interview witnesses or report the allegation further.
A resident with dementia, hemiparesis, bowel incontinence, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer was having a dressing change performed by the DON after a bowel movement when three NAs in the room observed the DON slap the resident’s bare buttock, prompting the resident to question the action. One NA felt uncomfortable and told the others they would report the incident but did not do so until about a month later and only after leaving employment. Another NA believed the behavior was playful and not abuse and therefore did not report it, while the third NA, who understood mandatory reporting requirements, relied on the first NA’s stated intent to report and did not contact the hotline. A RN later learned of the incident directly from the DON, spoke with the resident, and still did not report it, and the Administrator remained unaware of the event until informed by surveyors, showing that staff failed to immediately report suspected abuse to the Administrator and SSA as required.
Two residents were not allowed to return to the facility after hospitalization or therapeutic leave, despite facility policy requiring their readmission unless care needs had changed. One resident was denied return due to financial reasons after a hospital stay for respiratory distress, and another was required to be reviewed as a new admission after ER evaluation for skin breakdown, with staff unable to provide a clear reason for the denial.
Two residents experienced unsanitary and cluttered room conditions, including soiled floors, strong urine odors, and visibly dirty personal medical equipment such as bedside urinals that were cleaned only with water. Staff did not follow infection control protocols or facility policy for cleaning and maintaining resident rooms and equipment, and resident preferences regarding cleaning solutions were not documented or addressed.
A resident with alcohol dependence and other health issues was not properly monitored or supervised regarding their alcohol consumption, despite physician orders and facility policy requiring a gradual reduction, staff supervision, and documentation. Alcohol was stored in unsecured locations, and staff did not consistently track or document intake, leading to lapses in supervision and increased risk for the resident.
A resident with multiple sclerosis and depression was not allowed to use a personal refrigerator in their room due to unclear communication of facility policy regarding size limits. The resident was initially told they could not have the refrigerator, was not updated about its whereabouts after staff could not locate it, and only later received clarification that a smaller refrigerator was permitted. Other residents were observed to have personal refrigerators in their rooms.
A resident with hemiparesis, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment, assessed as unsafe to smoke independently, was repeatedly able to smoke without staff supervision, resulting in two smoking-related injuries. Despite staff awareness of the risks and a policy requiring supervision, interventions were limited to encouragement and education, which did not prevent the resident from obtaining and using cigarettes unsupervised.
The facility failed to implement its abuse and neglect policies, as evidenced by unaddressed grievances from residents alleging abuse and neglect by an LPN. Three residents reported issues such as withholding of pain medication and missed doses, but these were not investigated. Additional grievances from other residents also went uninvestigated, indicating a systemic failure to address potential abuse and neglect.
A resident experienced neglect in a LTC facility when staff failed to provide water, assess skin excoriation, and administer pain medication as per the resident's advance directive. Despite the resident's visible distress and repeated requests, staff delayed providing water and did not timely assess or treat skin breakdown. Additionally, the resident's pain management needs were neglected, with significant delays in administering prescribed medications, contrary to their advance directive.
A facility failed to prevent avoidable accidents and ensure a safe smoking environment. A resident suffered a toe fracture due to inadequate accident reporting and assessment. Additionally, three residents did not comply with the smoking policy, keeping smoking supplies in their rooms and smoking outside designated areas due to inadequate shelter. The facility's administrator acknowledged the non-compliance with the smoking policy.
The facility failed to provide adequate nursing staff, affecting residents' rights, dining experiences, and access to social services and restorative care. Residents were unable to exercise their right to vote, dine in the dining room, or participate in meaningful activities due to staffing shortages. The lack of a restorative program further limited residents' mobility and engagement in activities.
The facility failed to ensure the contracted Dietary Manager (DM) was certified, risking unsafe dietary services for residents. The policy required a qualified DM if a full-time dietician was not employed. Staff T, the DM, had not taken the certification test, and Staff A, the Administrator, was aware of this since late September. The Registered Dietician was only part-time, providing no oversight.
The facility failed to ensure residents could exercise their voting rights during the 2024 Presidential election. Several residents, including those with Parkinson's, spinal stenosis, and COPD, were unable to vote due to a lack of assistance and information. The Activities Director and Administrator admitted to not having a structured process in place, leading to residents' disappointment and frustration.
The facility did not inform residents about the State LTC Ombudsman program, leaving them unaware of their rights and advocacy resources. Residents with various medical conditions, including dementia and multiple sclerosis, were not provided with ombudsman information. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and communication about the ombudsman's role.
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and neglect for multiple residents, including those with cognitive impairments and chronic conditions. Reports of verbal abuse, medication errors, and rough handling by staff were inadequately investigated, lacking interviews with other residents or staff to identify patterns of abuse. This deficiency placed residents at risk for further harm.
The facility failed to provide individualized, meaningful activities for residents, leading to risks of boredom and social isolation. Residents expressed interest in various activities but were often left in their rooms without engagement. Staff were unaware of activity schedules, and the Activities Director admitted to a lack of communication and resources.
The facility failed to implement restorative nursing services for four residents, leading to a deficiency in maintaining or improving their ROM and mobility. Residents with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and diabetic neuropathy lacked restorative programs despite impairments and risks for contractures. Staff interviews revealed a lack of training and implementation of ROM exercises, with staffing issues cited as a reason for the absence of a restorative nursing program.
The facility failed to properly dispose of expired medications and secure a medication cart, with medication rooms containing expired drugs mixed with current ones, and non-medical items like coffee supplies. Staff were unaware of disposal processes, and the Senior DON acknowledged irregular checks due to staffing issues.
The facility administration failed to manage the facility effectively, leading to deficiencies in abuse prevention, accident hazards, activities, and staffing. The abuse prohibition policy was not implemented properly, and there were issues with reporting and investigating allegations. Residents were not supervised adequately, and safety measures were lacking in smoking areas. The activities program did not meet residents' needs, and restorative nursing services were insufficient. Staffing levels were inadequate, affecting various aspects of care.
The facility failed to implement effective infection control measures for three residents, leading to potential cross-contamination. Staff did not adhere to contact precautions for residents with C-Diff, and hand hygiene protocols were not consistently followed. Observations included improper disposal of PPE, use of hand sanitizer instead of soap and water, and handling of items with soiled gloves.
The facility failed to provide a homelike dining experience by keeping the dining room closed since a COVID-19 outbreak, affecting residents' preferences to eat there. Observations showed residents eating in their rooms, expressing loneliness and a desire to socialize. Staff interviews revealed the closure was due to staffing shortages, impacting residents' rights to choose their dining location.
The facility failed to return funds to the OFR for three deceased residents within the required 30 days. Instead, funds were sent to an abandoned property account or checks were made out incorrectly. Staff interviews revealed a misunderstanding of the process, with the Business Office Manager waiting for a State Recovery letter before taking action, contrary to the Administrator's expectation of immediate fund return.
A resident with COPD and anxiety, requiring substantial assistance, had a video/audio camera installed in their room by a representative without their knowledge. The facility's administrator did not obtain consent from the resident, despite their moments of clarity. Staff were aware of the camera but expressed privacy concerns, as it had live streaming and recording capabilities. The administrator was not informed about the installation, leading to a breach of privacy and confidentiality.
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary and homelike environment in several areas, including shower rooms, a kitchenette, and resident rooms. Observations revealed unsanitary conditions such as overflowing trash cans, fecal matter on toilets, and broken tiles. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness and failure to address maintenance issues, contributing to the deficiencies observed.
A facility failed to complete a required PASARR Level II evaluation for a resident with dementia, MDD, and PTSD, as indicated by their updated PASARR. The administrator could not confirm if the evaluation was referred, risking the resident's access to necessary mental health care.
The facility failed to develop baseline care plans within 48 hours of admission for four residents, as required by policy. This deficiency involved delays or omissions in documenting essential care elements such as ADLs, social services, dietary orders, and physician orders. The absence of timely care plans placed residents at risk for unmet care needs and possible complications.
A facility failed to ensure staff had current CPR certification, impacting the response to a resident's cardiac arrest. Resident 69, with a POLST form requesting CPR, was found unresponsive, and there was a delay in initiating CPR. Documentation of the event was inconsistent, and staff interviews revealed a lack of adherence to emergency procedures, including the absence of an overhead code blue announcement and proper recording of the incident.
A facility failed to ensure proper dialysis care for a resident with ESRD due to incomplete communication between the facility and an offsite dialysis center. Out of 50 communication forms, 22 were incomplete, risking the resident's care. Staff interviews revealed ongoing challenges in ensuring the completion and return of these forms.
A facility failed to provide trauma-informed care for a resident with a history of trauma related to family deaths. Despite the resident's ability to communicate their trauma triggers, the facility did not incorporate this information into their care plan. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of adherence to the facility's process for trauma-informed care, resulting in the omission of necessary documentation and planning for the resident's trauma and triggers.
The facility failed to verify the OBRA registry status for two newly hired nursing assistants, Staff N and Staff OO, before allowing them to work with residents. This oversight was acknowledged by the Scheduler/NA and the Administrator, who confirmed that the required verification process was not followed, placing residents at risk for abuse, neglect, and unmet care needs.
The facility failed to serve meals at safe and appetizing temperatures for three residents. A resident with diabetes and cancer reported cold meals, while another with diabetes and heart disease found the food tasteless and relied on outside deliveries. A third resident with a traumatic brain injury had a breakfast tray with cold items, confirmed by the Dietary Manager to be below safe temperatures. Observations showed both hot and cold foods were not maintained at safe temperatures.
The facility failed to honor dietary preferences for two residents, leading to dissatisfaction with their dining experience. One resident, with diabetes and cancer, requested eggs with gravy but did not have their preferences documented or met. Another resident, with a non-traumatic brain dysfunction, preferred Japanese foods but was only served American foods. The Dietary Manager admitted the process for updating dietary preferences was not consistently followed.
A facility failed to integrate a hospice plan of care (POC) for a resident with esophageal cancer, who was receiving hospice services. The facility's POC did not include hospice orders or input, which is necessary for maintaining the resident's well-being. The administrator admitted that the process for integrating the hospice POC was not followed.
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services for residents needing assistance with ADLs, particularly bathing and grooming. Several residents were observed with unkempt appearances and reported insufficient bathing assistance, with some receiving no showers in a month. Staff interviews revealed understaffing issues, impacting their ability to provide basic care. The facility's failure to ensure adequate staffing and documentation led to unmet care needs.
A resident with a persistent rash was not properly monitored or reassessed by the facility, despite ongoing symptoms and an emergency room recommendation for further evaluation. Staff interviews confirmed a lack of follow-up and communication with medical providers, leading to a deficiency in care.
A facility failed to accurately assess and manage pressure injuries for a resident with a history of aspiration pneumonia and falls. The resident was admitted with several skin impairments, but the facility's admission assessment omitted a wound on the right upper back. Treatment and monitoring orders were delayed by 12 days, and staff interviews revealed gaps in the wound management process, with unclear responsibilities during a nurse's absence.
Failure to Report and Act on Allegation of Physical Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its abuse prohibition policy and mandated reporting requirements after an allegation of physical abuse involving Resident 1. The facility’s written policy, dated 10/24/2022, prohibited abuse, defined physical abuse as including hitting and slapping, and required any staff who witnessed suspected abuse to immediately tell the abuser to stop and report the incident to a supervisor, who in turn was to immediately notify the Administrator. The policy also designated all employees as mandated reporters who must immediately report any reasonable suspicion of a crime against a resident, required the immediate removal from duty of any employee alleged to have committed abuse, and required the Administrator to report allegations to the State Survey Agency and local authorities within two hours of receiving a report. Resident 1 had multiple significant medical conditions, including stroke with hemiparesis, dementia, bipolar disorder, and an anxiety disorder, and required extensive assistance with bed mobility and toilet hygiene. The resident had an indwelling urinary catheter, bowel incontinence, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer requiring dressing changes. During a dressing change following a bowel movement that soiled the wound dressing, Staff D, a NA in training, reported observing Staff B, the Director of Nursing Services, slap Resident 1 on the bare buttock after completing the dressing change. Resident 1 reportedly asked what the slap was for, and Staff B replied it was “just to let you know I was done.” Staff D stated they felt very uncomfortable with what they witnessed and later told the other two NAs in the room they intended to report the incident to the hotline, but did not do so until about 30 days later, after leaving employment at the facility. Multiple staff who were aware of the incident did not follow the facility’s abuse reporting policy. Staff E and Staff F, both NAs present in the room, acknowledged witnessing Staff B slap the resident’s bare buttock but stated they did not consider it abuse and therefore did not report it to the Administrator or the state hotline. Staff C, an RN Resource Clinician, stated that Staff B later told them they had tapped Resident 1 on the butt cheek and that the staff in the room looked at them “funny,” but Staff C did not take the matter further. The Administrator reported having received no prior reports of inappropriate behavior by Staff B and was unaware of the incident until informed by the surveyor. As a result, the facility did not identify the incident as a reportable allegation of abuse, did not immediately notify the Administrator or SSA, and did not remove the alleged perpetrator from duty or initiate an investigation in accordance with its policy and WAC 388-97-0640.
Failure to Protect a Resident From Physical Abuse During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse when the Director of Nursing Services (Staff B) slapped the bare buttock of a resident following a dressing change. The facility’s abuse prohibition policy, dated 10/24/2022, defined abuse as the willful infliction of injury, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, and specified that physical abuse included hitting and slapping. The policy also stated that the Administrator was responsible for operationalizing abuse-prevention policies, that any employee alleged to have committed abuse would be immediately removed from duty pending investigation, and that anyone witnessing suspected abuse must report it to outside agencies such as the state survey agency and local law enforcement. Resident 1 had multiple diagnoses including stroke with hemiparesis, dementia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, and required extensive assistance with bed mobility and toilet hygiene. The resident had an indwelling urinary catheter, bowel incontinence, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer requiring dressing changes. On or before 12/23/2025, during a dressing change after the resident had a bowel movement that soiled the wound dressing, Staff B completed the dressing change and then slapped the resident on the bare buttock. Three NAs (Staff D, E, and F) were present; two reported witnessing the slap, and one reported that the resident questioned the action and Staff B replied it was “just to let you know I was done.” Staff B later told the RN Resource Clinician (Staff C) they had “tapped” the resident on the buttock and that staff in the room reacted. Staff C spoke with the resident hours later, did not interview the staff witnesses, and did not report the incident further at that time, despite later acknowledging it should have been reported sooner.
Failure to Immediately Report Suspected Abuse by DON
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that staff immediately reported suspected abuse to the State Survey Agency and the Administrator as required by federal regulation and the facility’s Abuse Prohibition policy. The policy, dated 10/24/2022, designated all employees as mandated reporters who must immediately report any reasonable suspicion of a crime against a resident, required anyone witnessing suspected abuse to report it immediately to a supervisor, and required the notified supervisor to immediately inform the Administrator, who in turn must report to the SSA and local authorities within two hours of the allegation. Despite this policy, multiple staff members who either witnessed or were informed of an incident involving a resident were aware of their reporting obligations but did not report the suspected abuse in a timely manner. The resident involved had a history of stroke, hemiparesis, dementia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, with a comprehensive assessment showing moderately impaired cognition, dependence on two staff for bed mobility, bowel incontinence, and a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer requiring dressing changes. On a day in late December, during a dressing change performed by the DON after the resident had a bowel movement that soiled the wound dressing, three NAs were present in the room. One NA reported that while they were holding the resident during the treatment, the DON slapped the resident on the bare buttock after completing the dressing change. The resident questioned the action, asking what it was for, and the DON responded that it was “just to let you know I was done.” The NA who witnessed this stated they felt very uncomfortable and later told the other two NAs they intended to report the incident to the hotline, but did not actually report it until about 30 days later, after leaving employment at the facility. Two other NAs present during the incident confirmed witnessing the DON slap the resident’s bare buttock but did not report the event. One NA stated they did not think it was abuse and believed it was playful behavior, and therefore did not report it to the Administrator or the hotline. The other NA, who understood the concept of being a mandatory reporter and knew about the state hotline, stated they did not call because the NA in training said they were going to report it. Additionally, a RN/Resource Clinician reported that the DON later told them they had “tapped” the resident on the buttock and that staff in the room had reacted with concern; the RN spoke with the resident hours later and noted the resident did not seem aware of the action, but the RN acknowledged they should have reported the incident that day and did not. The Administrator confirmed they had received no reports of inappropriate behavior by the DON and were unaware of this incident until informed by the surveyor, demonstrating that the required immediate reporting to the Administrator and SSA did not occur.
Failure to Permit Return of Residents After Hospitalization or Therapeutic Leave
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish a valid basis for discharge for two residents who were not permitted to return after hospitalization or therapeutic leave, contrary to facility policy and regulatory requirements. For the first resident, who had chronic conditions including COPD, stroke, and polyneuropathy, the facility issued a 30-day discharge notice for non-payment, which was appealed and overturned by the state. Despite this, after the resident was hospitalized for respiratory distress, internal communications revealed the facility decided not to readmit the resident due to financial reasons, even though the resident's care needs had not changed and the discharge assessment indicated an anticipated return. For the second resident, who had diabetes, a right below-knee amputation, and COPD, and was cognitively intact and independent with an electric wheelchair, the facility failed to allow return after a therapeutic leave. The resident had planned to return after the leave but was directed by the DON to be evaluated in the ER due to a fall and skin breakdown. After ER evaluation, the facility informed the hospital that the resident would need to be reviewed as a new admission and could not return until the next day, despite no significant change in care needs being documented. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the first resident was denied readmission due to financial issues, not changes in care needs, and that the second resident was not permitted to return after ER evaluation, with staff expressing uncertainty about the rationale. Facility policy required residents to be permitted to return after hospitalization or therapeutic leave unless their needs had changed and could not be met, which was not followed in these cases.
Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Homelike Resident Environments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary and homelike environment in resident rooms and with bedside urinals for two residents. For one resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cachexia, and major depressive disorder, observations revealed a room with used gloves in the garbage, soiled and sticky floors, dried food on the floor, and a fly present. The resident’s bathroom had a strong urine odor and personal medical equipment, including two specialized bedside urinals, which were visibly soiled with a thick layer of dried sediment. Staff reported cleaning these urinals only with water, as the resident disliked the smell of cleaning chemicals, and no disinfecting solutions were used. The resident’s care plan did not document any preferences or interventions regarding cleaning solutions or the maintenance of personal equipment. Staff interviews confirmed that the cleaning process for the specialized urinals did not meet infection control expectations, and the infection preventionist was unaware of the specialized urinal or any plan for its cleaning, disinfecting, or storage. Housekeeping staff also reported using only hot water to clean the room due to the resident’s aversion to cleaning solution odors and had not attempted to use odorless or fragrance-free products. The daily cleaning routine was further complicated by the presence of numerous personal belongings in resident rooms, making it difficult to clean all surfaces effectively. For another resident with diabetes, circulatory complications, and a foot ulcer, observations found the room cluttered with personal belongings, food wrappers, empty soda bottles containing chewing tobacco and spit, and a fly present. The resident stated that their room was cleaned only two to three times per week and that housekeeping did not remove garbage unless it was placed in the trash can. The resident also reported that the counter and sink had not been cleared or wiped down in a long time. These findings indicate that facility policy for cleaning resident rooms and personal equipment was not followed for both residents.
Failure to Implement and Monitor Alcohol Reduction Plan for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement, monitor, and modify interventions to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents related to alcohol consumption for a resident with alcohol dependence and other significant health conditions. Despite a physician's order for a gradual reduction in alcohol intake and a plan involving staff supervision and documentation, there was no evidence that these interventions were put into practice or documented in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) or Treatment Administration Record (TAR) for several months. The resident was allowed to store alcohol in their room and personal vehicle, and staff did not consistently track or supervise the amount of alcohol consumed as required by facility policy and physician orders. Interviews with staff revealed that documentation of alcohol dispensation was inconsistent and that staff were not reviewing the total daily intake. The resident did not use the facility sign-out sheet when leaving the premises, and staff were only aware of their absences through verbal reports. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the required monitoring and documentation should have been implemented earlier, and the Administrator was unaware that the reduction plan was not being followed. These lapses in supervision and documentation placed the resident at risk for negative outcomes related to excessive alcohol consumption.
Failure to Honor Resident's Right to Use Personal Possessions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was able to use a personal possession, specifically a refrigerator, in accordance with facility policy and the resident's rights. The resident, who was cognitively intact and required assistance for personal care due to multiple sclerosis and depression, purchased a refrigerator online and had it delivered to the facility. The administrator informed the resident that they could not have the refrigerator in their room, without providing a clear explanation of the facility's policy. The resident subsequently arranged for family to pick up the refrigerator, but staff were unable to locate it, and the resident was not updated about the missing property. Further review revealed that the facility policy allowed residents to have a small refrigerator (2 cubic feet or less) in their room, and this was not clearly communicated to the resident. The refrigerator purchased by the resident exceeded the size limit, but this was only clarified after the resident expressed concerns about feeling retaliated against and not being allowed to have a refrigerator at all. Observations confirmed that other residents had personal refrigerators in their rooms, and the resident in question was only able to use a much smaller refrigerator without a freezer component.
Failure to Supervise Unsafe Smoking Leading to Resident Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision and monitoring for a resident with a history of hemiparesis, epilepsy, and moderately impaired cognition, who was assessed as unsafe to smoke independently. Despite a care plan and smoking evaluation indicating the need for supervised smoking, the resident was repeatedly observed smoking without staff supervision, obtaining cigarettes from other residents and visitors, and searching for discarded cigarettes in designated smoking areas and the parking lot. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was not safe to smoke independently and that current interventions, which focused on encouraging smoking cessation and education, were ineffective in preventing unsupervised smoking. The resident sustained two separate injuries related to unsupervised smoking: a burn to the inner thigh and a fluid-filled blister, both attributed to dropped cigarettes while smoking alone. Observations and staff interviews revealed that the resident was able to leave the facility unaccompanied and smoke without supervision, contrary to the facility's policy requiring supervision for residents deemed unsafe to smoke independently. The lack of effective supervision and failure to modify interventions placed the resident at increased risk for further smoking-related injuries.
Failure to Implement Abuse and Neglect Policies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its abuse and neglect policies and procedures effectively, as evidenced by the lack of identification, investigation, and reporting of abuse and neglect allegations. Three residents reported allegations of abuse and neglect through grievance forms, but these were not appropriately followed up. Resident 2 alleged that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was rude and verbally abusive, withholding pain medication. Resident 38 also reported similar issues with the same LPN, feeling that their requests for pain medication were ignored. Resident 62 reported missing medication for Parkinson's disease, which was later found in the medication cart, indicating a pattern of alleged medication errors by the LPN. The facility's grievance forms from June to November 2024 revealed additional allegations of abuse and neglect involving seven residents. These included residents being left unattended, not being repositioned, and experiencing rough treatment by staff. Despite these grievances, the facility did not recognize them as abuse or neglect, and no thorough investigations were conducted. The facility's incident reporting log showed no investigations into these allegations, indicating a systemic failure to address and report potential abuse and neglect. Interviews with facility staff, including the Administrator and Senior Director of Nursing, confirmed that no incident investigations had been completed related to the allegations against the LPN. The Administrator acknowledged the broken system for reporting abuse and neglect allegations, admitting that they were unaware of some grievances. This lack of awareness and action placed residents at risk and constituted an immediate jeopardy, as the facility did not protect residents or conduct timely investigations into the allegations.
Removal Plan
- Conducting facility wide interviews with residents and/or families specific to abuse or neglect to identify if any additional allegations were made to provide the necessary follow up.
- Providing education to staff on the grievance process and how to immediately identify and report abuse or neglect allegations to include protection of the resident during the investigation.
- Ensuring education was completed with all staff.
- Ensuring that all staff were trained on identifying and reporting abuse.
Neglect in Resident Care and Pain Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect Resident 35 from neglect, resulting in harm due to the staff's inaction in providing necessary care. Resident 35, who was admitted with diagnoses including Clostridium Difficile, malnutrition, and severe sepsis with septic shock, was dependent on staff for daily activities and had moderately impaired cognition. On multiple occasions, staff ignored Resident 35's requests for water, leaving the resident without hydration for an extended period. Despite the resident's visible distress and repeated calls for water, staff members either did not respond or delayed their response, resulting in a 31-minute wait before the resident received water. Additionally, the facility failed to assess and address Resident 35's skin excoriation in a timely manner. Staff documented extreme skin breakdown and excoriation of the perineum, but there was a delay in assessing and treating the condition. Despite reports of skin maceration and bleeding, the wound was not properly assessed until four days after the initial report. This lack of timely intervention contributed to the resident's discomfort and potential for further skin damage. Furthermore, the facility did not adhere to Resident 35's advance directive regarding pain management. Despite the resident's evident pain and a provider's order for pain medication, staff failed to administer the necessary medications consistently. The resident was left without adequate pain relief for 17.5 hours before passing away, contrary to their advance directive that emphasized the importance of being kept pain-free and comfortable. This neglect in pain management further exemplifies the facility's failure to provide appropriate care and comfort to Resident 35.
Deficiencies in Accident Reporting and Smoking Policy Enforcement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an environment free from avoidable accident hazards, resulting in harm to Resident 4. Resident 4, who required substantial assistance for activities of daily living, reported an injury to their right foot after hitting it on a roommate's bed while being pushed in a wheelchair. Despite Resident 4's complaint of pain, the injury was not promptly assessed or reported by staff. It was only after a state surveyor's intervention that the injury was properly evaluated, revealing a fracture in the fifth toe. The delay in assessment and reporting of the injury indicates a failure in following the facility's accident/incident policy. Additionally, the facility did not ensure a safe smoking environment for Residents 13, 27, and 45. The designated smoking area lacked protection from weather conditions, leading residents to smoke in unauthorized areas. Resident 13, who was supposed to have their smoking supplies stored at the nursing station, kept them in their room and smoked outside the designated area due to inadequate shelter. Similarly, Resident 45 smoked outside the designated area, and Resident 27 kept smoking supplies in their room, contrary to the facility's smoking policy. The facility's failure to enforce its smoking policy and provide a safe smoking environment placed residents at risk. The lack of adherence to the policy was acknowledged by the facility's administrator, who noted that residents did not comply with the smoking policy. This non-compliance with established procedures for accident reporting and smoking safety highlights significant deficiencies in the facility's management of resident safety and policy enforcement.
Staffing Shortages Impact Resident Care and Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient numbers of competent nursing staff to meet the needs of all residents, impacting their rights, social services, activities, and restorative nursing programs. This deficiency was evident in the experiences of 12 residents who were unable to exercise their right to vote, participate in dining room activities, or receive necessary social services and restorative care. Residents expressed disappointment and frustration over their inability to vote due to lack of assistance from staff, and some were not informed about voting procedures or given help to complete their ballots. The shortage of staff also affected residents' dining experiences, as the facility was unable to open dining rooms due to insufficient staff to assist with meals. Residents expressed a desire to eat in the dining room and socialize, but were confined to their rooms for meals. Staff confirmed that the dining rooms remained closed because there were not enough nursing assistants to cover both floor duties and dining room assistance. Additionally, the facility failed to provide individualized, meaningful activities for residents, leaving them bored and isolated. Residents reported spending most of their time in bed watching TV, with little to no engagement in activities they enjoyed. The lack of a restorative program further exacerbated the situation, as residents did not receive necessary exercises to maintain their range of motion and mobility. Staff acknowledged the absence of a restorative program and the overall staffing challenges, which affected the quality of care and services provided to residents.
Unqualified Dietary Manager Poses Risk to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the contracted Dietary Manager (DM) was certified and qualified for the position, which placed residents at risk of receiving unsafe dietary services. The facility's policy required that if a qualified dietician or other clinically qualified nutrition professional was not employed full-time, a DM of food and nutrition services who met the necessary qualifications would be employed. However, during an interview, Staff T, the DM, admitted they had not taken the certification test despite completing the course a long time ago. Furthermore, Staff A, the Administrator, acknowledged being aware since late September 2024 that Staff T was not certified and that the Registered Dietician was only part-time, providing no oversight to the DM.
Failure to Facilitate Resident Voting Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four residents were able to exercise their right to vote during the 2024 Presidential election. Resident 62, who has Parkinson's disease and depression, was not asked if they wanted to vote and expressed disappointment at not being able to participate. Resident 26, who has spinal stenosis and incomplete quadriplegia, completed their ballot but was unable to have it mailed despite asking staff for assistance. Resident 49, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety, was interested in voting but did not receive information on how to register or vote. Resident 8, who suffered a stroke and has diabetes, was unable to see their ballot and did not receive the necessary assistance to fill it out, leading to feelings of being cheated out of their rights. The facility lacked a structured process to support residents in exercising their voting rights. Staff H, the Activities Director, mentioned that the process involved including voter registration information in the resident newsletter and delivering ballots to some residents' rooms. However, Staff H admitted to forgetting to assist Resident 8 with reading their ballot and was unaware of any residents who did not vote. The Administrator, Staff A, acknowledged the absence of a formal process to ensure residents could vote and had relied on Staff H to manage this responsibility. This oversight resulted in several residents being unable to participate in the election, causing disappointment and frustration.
Failure to Inform Residents About Ombudsman Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were informed about the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which is an advocate for residents' rights in long-term care. This deficiency was identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews, revealing that five residents were not provided with accessible information about the ombudsman. The residents involved had various medical conditions, including dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease, with some having intact cognition while others had moderate cognitive impairments. During a Resident Council meeting, the residents expressed that they were unaware of what an ombudsman was, the services provided, or how to contact them. The facility's Activities Director admitted to not reviewing ombudsman information with the residents and was unaware of the ombudsman's role. The facility's Administrator stated that all staff were required to know about the ombudsman and how to direct residents to their advocate, indicating a lapse in staff training and communication regarding this requirement.
Incomplete Investigations of Abuse Allegations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and neglect for six residents, placing them at risk for further harm. Resident 2, who had mild cognitive impairment, reported that an LPN refused to administer pain medication and was verbally abusive. The investigation conducted by the Senior Director of Nursing was incomplete, as it only included interviews with Resident 2 and their spouse, without interviewing other residents or staff to identify a pattern of abuse. Resident 62, diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, reported not receiving an evening dose of medication, which led to increased tremors and anxiety. The investigation lacked an initial interview with the resident and failed to include interviews with other residents or staff. Similarly, Resident 38, who had chronic pain, filed a grievance against the same LPN for being rude and refusing pain medication. The investigation did not include interviews with other residents or staff to rule out abuse or neglect. Other residents, including Resident 4, 52, and 49, also reported incidents of abuse or neglect, such as rough handling and inappropriate behavior by staff. Investigations into these allegations were incomplete, as they did not include interviews with other residents or staff to substantiate or rule out abuse. The facility's failure to conduct thorough investigations and recognize patterns of abuse involving specific staff members highlights significant deficiencies in addressing and preventing abuse and neglect.
Failure to Provide Individualized Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide individualized, meaningful activities for several residents, leading to risks of boredom, social isolation, and depression. Resident 5, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and cerebellar ataxia, was observed to be consistently in bed watching TV without any activity supplies. Despite expressing interest in playing card games and going outside, Resident 5 reported that staff did not engage them in activities, and the Activities Director admitted to not having communicated with the resident or their representative about activity participation. Resident 14, with congestive heart failure, expressed a desire to participate in group activities such as bingo and crafts but reported that staff did not remind them of activity times. The resident was unable to read the small print on the activity schedule and stated that no one from the facility had interviewed them about their activity preferences. Similarly, Resident 51, who was cognitively intact, was observed sitting alone in a dark room and expressed feelings of loneliness and a lack of engagement in activities. Resident 41, with heart disease, dementia, and depression, was often found in bed or sitting by the nurse's station without participating in activities. The resident expressed interest in music and sports but was not informed about activity schedules. Staff members, including nursing assistants, were unaware of the activities happening in the facility and did not encourage residents to participate. The Activities Director acknowledged a lack of resources and communication with corporate support, while the Senior Director of Nursing and the Administrator recognized the broken system in place for resident activities.
Deficiency in Restorative Nursing Services Implementation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement restorative nursing services programs for four residents, leading to a deficiency in maintaining or improving their range of motion (ROM) and mobility. Resident 5, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and cerebellar ataxia, had no restorative nursing programs in place despite requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and having impairments in both upper and lower extremities. The resident and their representative expressed concerns about the lack of therapy or exercises provided, indicating that the resident spent most of their time in bed without any form of exercise. Resident 9, who had suffered a stroke and had diabetes, also lacked a restorative nursing program despite having impairments in one side of their upper extremities and both sides of their lower extremities. The care plan noted a risk for contractures, but no preventative measures or treatments were implemented. The resident reported that while a splint was applied to their right hand, no stretching or ROM exercises were performed by the nursing assistants. Resident 19, with a traumatic brain injury and stroke, required assistance with ADLs and had impairments in both upper and lower extremities. Although the care plan indicated a need for ROM exercises during dressing and bathing, staff interviews revealed a lack of training and implementation of these exercises. Resident 50, who had diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, was given a home exercise program upon discharge from skilled therapy services but received no assistance from staff, making it challenging for them to perform the exercises independently. Staff interviews confirmed the absence of a restorative nursing program due to staffing issues, with no training provided to staff on performing ROM exercises.
Medication Storage and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper disposal of expired and/or discharged residents' medications in three medication storage rooms and did not secure a medication cart when left unsupervised. In the East Hall, a medication cart was observed unlocked and unattended by nursing staff, with visitors passing by, which violated the facility's policy requiring medication carts to be locked when not in use or under direct supervision. In the North Hall medication room, discontinued medications for expired residents were found mixed with active medications for current residents on a dusty countertop. Staff R, an LPN, was unaware of the process for returning or disposing of these medications. Similarly, in the East Hall medication room, bins contained expired and discontinued medications alongside newly delivered medications, with Staff J, an RN, also unaware of the proper disposal process, indicating a lack of adherence to the facility's medication storage policy. The [NAME] Hall medication room contained non-medical items such as a coffee maker and coffee supplies, alongside expired medications and unlabeled cigarette packs. Staff B, the Senior Director of Nursing, acknowledged the improper storage and disposal practices, noting that the medication rooms were not being checked regularly due to staffing issues. The facility's administrator confirmed the presence of expired medications and non-medical items in the medication rooms, which were not clean and did not comply with the facility's policies.
Deficiencies in Abuse Prevention, Accident Hazards, Activities, and Staffing
Penalty
Summary
The facility administration failed to effectively manage the facility in compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements, leading to several deficiencies. The administration did not implement the abuse prohibition policy adequately, failing to address five of eight key components necessary for preventing and identifying abuse and neglect. This included not recognizing allegations communicated through grievances, not protecting residents, and not reporting or investigating allegations in a timely manner. Staff interviews revealed a broken system for reporting abuse/neglect, with grievances not being reviewed by the responsible parties, and staffing issues contributing to burnout among staff. Additionally, the facility failed to prevent avoidable accidents, as residents were not supervised properly, and safety measures were not enforced in designated smoking areas. The activities program was inadequate, failing to support residents' physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, with nursing assistants not bringing residents to activities as expected. The facility also did not provide sufficient restorative nursing services to prevent a decline in residents' physical function. Staffing levels were insufficient to meet residents' needs, affecting dining services, restorative therapy, and overall quality of care, with reliance on expensive agency staff due to staffing challenges.
Inadequate Infection Control Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement effective infection control interventions for three residents, leading to a risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infectious diseases. Resident 320, diagnosed with colon cancer and Clostridioides difficile (C-Diff), was placed under contact precautions. However, staff failed to adhere to these precautions. A nursing assistant was observed removing personal protective equipment (PPE) and carrying it with bare hands to a soiled utility room without washing hands with soap and water, as required. Additionally, a hospice service provider did not dispose of PPE in the resident's room due to the absence of a trash can and used hand sanitizer instead of washing hands with soap and water. Resident 35, who had C-Diff, malnutrition, and severe sepsis, was also under contact precautions. Despite this, staff did not consistently follow hand hygiene protocols. During incontinent care, staff members were observed removing PPE and leaving the room without performing hand hygiene with soap and water. One staff member handled a package of wipes with ungloved hands and placed it on the resident's sink, further compromising infection control measures. Another staff member removed gloves and put on clean ones without washing hands, and a nursing assistant handled a resident's water jug with soiled gloves. Resident 19, with a spinal cord injury, dementia, and a bladder infection, required a urinary catheter. Staff providing care to this resident also failed to maintain proper hand hygiene. A nursing assistant was observed using soiled gloves to handle various items, including the resident's air mattress and clothing, without changing gloves or washing hands. Additionally, a registered nurse did not perform hand hygiene after removing gloves and before administering an intramuscular injection, further highlighting the facility's failure to adhere to infection control protocols.
Dining Room Closure Due to Staffing Shortages
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a homelike dining experience by not allowing residents to eat in the dining room, which was closed since a COVID-19 outbreak. This affected four residents who expressed a preference to eat in the dining room. Observations from 11/13/2024 to 11/19/2024 showed no residents were provided meals in the dining room. Resident 9, with moderate cognitive impairment, expressed missing dining with friends. Resident 14, also with moderate cognitive impairment, was unsure why the dining room was unused and preferred to eat there. Resident 51, cognitively intact, was observed eating alone in their room and expressed loneliness. Resident 2, with mild cognitive impairment, stated a desire to socialize in the dining room but was restricted to eating in their room. Interviews with staff revealed the dining room closure was due to staffing shortages, preventing the facility from providing assistance in both the dining room and resident rooms. Staff MM, a Nursing Assistant, and Staff F, an LPN Unit Manager, confirmed the dining room had been closed since the COVID outbreak due to insufficient staff. Staff B, the Senior Director of Nursing, acknowledged the residents' right to choose to eat in the dining room and recognized the issue with their rights. The facility's inability to reopen the dining room due to staffing constraints led to the deficiency, impacting residents' socialization and dining preferences.
Failure to Return Resident Funds to OFR
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to return the balance of funds to the Office of Financial Recovery (OFR) for three residents who had expired, as required by state regulations. The policy titled 'Resident Funds' mandates that when a resident passes away, any remaining funds in their trust account must be refunded via check with a final accounting within 30 days of death. However, for Resident 232, Resident 60, and Resident 231, the funds were either sent to the Genesis Healthcare Abandoned/Unclaimed Property account or a check was made out to the resident with the facility address, all actions occurring beyond the 30-day requirement. Interviews with staff revealed a misunderstanding of the process for returning funds. Staff GG, the Business Office Manager, stated that they would wait 30 days for a State Recovery letter from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) before taking action. If no letter was received, they would contact DSHS to verify if the funds needed to be returned. If not, the funds would be sent to the next of kin or Power of Attorney, or to the Genesis Healthcare Abandoned/Unclaimed Property account if no next of kin/POA was available. Staff A, the Administrator, acknowledged that the expectation was for the funds to be returned to the OFR within 30 days of a resident's death, indicating that the process was not followed as required.
Privacy Breach Due to Unauthorized Camera Installation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident's right to privacy, security, and confidentiality when a video/audio camera was placed in the room of a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety, who required substantial assistance for daily activities and had moderately impaired cognition. The camera was installed by the resident's representative without the resident's knowledge, and the facility's administrator did not obtain consent from the resident, despite acknowledging that the resident had moments of clarity. The camera, which had live streaming and recording capabilities, was placed to monitor the resident's care due to concerns about inadequate attention from staff. Staff members were aware of the camera's presence but expressed concerns about privacy for the resident and others, as the camera had audio and recording capabilities. Some staff members turned the camera away or covered it during care to maintain privacy. The administrator admitted to not being informed about the camera's installation and did not verify its capabilities. The lack of consent and awareness of the camera's presence by the resident and some staff members led to a breach of privacy and confidentiality, as the resident was not informed or asked for consent regarding the monitoring device.
Facility Fails to Maintain Sanitary and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary and homelike environment in several areas, including three shower rooms, a hall kitchenette, and multiple resident rooms. Observations revealed that the North Hall shower room had an overflowing trash can with soiled resident briefs, a mound of hard substance on the shower floor, and holes in the shower wall. The West Hall shower room had a torn rubber baseboard, a toilet with fecal matter, and a sink with crust and yellow substance. The East Hall shower room had a peeled rubber baseboard, exposed drywall, and debris. The East Hall kitchenette had a sink with standing water and food debris, and a cabinet covered in black-brown sludge. In the resident rooms, one bathroom had an overflowing trash can with soiled briefs, fecal matter on the toilet, and broken tiles with exposed debris. Another room had a wall with deep gouges and unpainted patches, while a third room had holes in the bathroom door and an unfitted toilet lid. Interviews with staff revealed that maintenance issues had not been addressed, and the areas were not considered homelike or in good condition. The Maintenance Director acknowledged the need for repairs and replacements, while the Infection Preventionist and Administrator were unaware of some of the issues. The facility's policy on Resident Rights Under Federal Law, revised in February 2023, states that residents have the right to a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. However, the observations and interviews indicate that the facility did not adhere to this policy, resulting in unsanitary and unpleasant living conditions for the residents. The staff's lack of awareness and failure to address maintenance issues contributed to the deficiencies observed during the survey.
Failure to Complete Required PASARR Level II Evaluation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a Level II comprehensive evaluation was obtained for a resident as required by the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) program. This deficiency was identified during a review of the medical records for a resident who was admitted with diagnoses including dementia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resident's PASARR, updated in August 2024, indicated the need for a Level II evaluation due to serious mental disorder indicators, which was not completed or documented in the medical record. During an interview, the facility's administrator was unable to confirm whether the required Level II PASARR screening form had been referred for evaluation, as there was no determination found in the resident's medical record. This oversight placed the resident at risk of not receiving necessary mental health care and services, as the PASARR process is designed to ensure appropriate placement and care for individuals with mental health needs.
Failure to Develop Timely Baseline Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a baseline care plan within 48 hours of admission for four residents, as required by their policy. This deficiency was identified during a review of the facility's records and interviews with staff. The baseline care plan is essential for providing effective and person-centered care, and its absence placed residents at risk for unmet care needs and possible complications. Resident 62 was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including Parkinson's Disease, kidney failure, and pneumonia. Despite requiring substantial assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) and having severely impaired cognition, the baseline care plan was not completed. Key elements such as ADLs, social services, psychotropic medication use, PASARR recommendations, dietary, and therapy orders were either delayed or missing from the care plan. Similarly, Resident 35, who was admitted with Clostridium Difficile, malnutrition, and severe sepsis, did not have social services documented in their care plan until six days post-admission. Resident 26, with heart failure, a seizure disorder, diabetes, and incomplete quadriplegia, lacked documentation on dietary orders in their baseline care plan. Resident 55, admitted with COPD, coronary artery aneurysm, and high blood pressure, had delays in documenting physician and dietary orders. The facility's administrator acknowledged the failure to follow the process for baseline care plans.
Deficiency in CPR Certification and Emergency Response
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff responsible for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had current CPR certification, as evidenced by two staff members, Staff C and Staff G, lacking up-to-date certification. This deficiency was identified during a review of the facility's policies and procedures, which required CPR-certified staff to be on duty at all times. The absence of current CPR certification for these staff members posed a risk of inadequate response during emergencies. The incident involved Resident 69, who was admitted with diagnoses including kidney failure, diabetes, and a stroke, and required partial/moderate assistance for activities of daily living. The resident's Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form indicated a wish for CPR in the event of cardiac arrest. On the day of the incident, Resident 69 was found unresponsive by Staff C, who then sought assistance from other staff members. There was a delay in initiating CPR, as it took approximately five minutes from the time the resident was found until CPR was started. Additionally, there was confusion and inconsistency in the documentation of the CPR/AED flow sheet, with discrepancies in the recorded times and personnel involved. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity and adherence to the facility's emergency response procedures. Staff members reported that there was no overhead announcement of a code blue, and the process for recording events during the code was not followed. Staff JJ, who completed the flow sheet, did so based on information provided by others rather than direct observation. Furthermore, there was no post-code meeting to review the process, and the unexpected death of Resident 69 was not documented in the reporting log, nor was an investigation conducted as required by regulations.
Deficiency in Dialysis Care Coordination
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that dialysis services met professional standards of care for a resident with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who required dialysis. The deficiency was identified through a review of the facility's policy and the resident's medical records, which revealed a lack of effective communication and coordination between the facility and the offsite dialysis center. Specifically, the facility did not maintain complete and accurate documentation of the resident's condition before and after dialysis sessions, as evidenced by 22 out of 50 incomplete communication forms. This lack of documentation placed the resident at risk for complications and unmet care needs. Interviews with facility staff highlighted the ongoing struggle to ensure that pre/post dialysis communication forms were completed and returned to the facility. The Unit Manager indicated that if the dialysis book containing the forms was not returned, nurses were expected to call the dialysis center to obtain the necessary information. However, the Senior Director of Nursing acknowledged the difficulty in consistently achieving this expectation, indicating a systemic issue in the communication process between the facility and the dialysis center.
Failure to Provide Trauma-Informed Care for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent care for Resident 62, who was identified as a trauma survivor. Resident 62, admitted with diagnoses including Parkinson's Disease, kidney failure, and depression, had a history of trauma related to the deaths of their son and daughter-in-law. Despite this, the facility did not accurately assess, monitor, or incorporate the resident's trauma history and potential triggers into their care plan. The comprehensive care plan lacked focus areas, goals, interventions, or triggers related to the resident's trauma, which could lead to re-traumatization. Interviews with facility staff revealed a breakdown in the process for trauma-informed care. Staff B, the Senior Director of Nursing, acknowledged that the process involved social services completing an assessment and communicating findings with the nursing department. However, this process was not followed for Resident 62, as their trauma and triggers were not care planned or discussed in morning meetings. Staff A, the Administrator, confirmed that the facility's process for trauma-informed care was not adhered to, resulting in the failure to document and plan for the resident's identified trauma and triggers.
Failure to Verify Nursing Assistant Registry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain registry verification to ensure that two staff members, Staff N and Staff OO, met competency evaluation requirements before allowing them to serve as nursing assistants. Staff N was hired on 09/23/2024, and Staff OO was hired on 05/20/2024, but neither had documentation of OBRA registry verification in their personnel files. This oversight was identified during interviews with Staff I, the Scheduler/NA responsible for maintaining accurate human resources files, and Staff A, the Administrator, who confirmed that the new hire process, which includes verifying OBRA registry status, was not followed for these staff members. This failure placed residents at risk for abuse, neglect, and unmet care needs.
Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meals that were palatable and served at an appetizing temperature for three residents. Resident 17, who had diabetes and cancer, reported that their meals were usually cold, and specifically mentioned that their pureed eggs were like ice. Resident 13, with diabetes, heart disease, and an absence of the left lower leg, stated that the facility's food was tasteless and never hot, leading them to rely on outside food deliveries. Resident 19, who had a traumatic brain injury and stroke, was observed with a breakfast tray containing cold coffee, eggs, and milk, which were confirmed to be below safe temperature ranges by the Dietary Manager. Observations of the facility's steam table and test trays revealed that both hot and cold foods were not maintained at safe temperatures. The steam table showed apple juice, milk, apple sauce, red baked potatoes, pureed chicken, and mashed potatoes all outside the safe temperature range. Similarly, a test tray showed pizza, broccoli, orange juice, and milk also not within safe temperature ranges. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that the foods were not within the acceptable temperature range and stated that the process for addressing this would be to reheat the food to a safe temperature.
Failure to Honor Dietary Preferences for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor food preferences for two residents, leading to dissatisfaction with their dining experience. Resident 17, who has diabetes and cancer, requested eggs with gravy for every meal but reported that their meal trays were often returned to the kitchen due to unmet preferences. The resident's medical record lacked documentation of dietary preferences, and no Food Preference Interview assessment was completed. The care plan also did not list any dietary preferences, indicating a failure to document and accommodate the resident's specific requests. Resident 22, with a diagnosis of non-traumatic brain dysfunction and severely impaired cognition, was reported by their representative to prefer Japanese foods, yet the facility only provided American foods. The representative occasionally brought preferred foods for the resident. The resident's diet order did not document any preferences, and the last Food Preference Interview assessment was outdated, having been completed in 2021. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the process for updating dietary preferences was not consistently followed, contributing to the deficiency.
Failure to Integrate Hospice Plan of Care for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and maintain a current hospice plan of care (POC) in collaboration with contracted hospice services for Resident 17, who was receiving hospice care due to esophageal cancer. The facility's POC did not incorporate the hospice orders or input, which is a requirement to ensure the resident's highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This oversight was identified during a review of the resident's medical records and the facility's policies. Resident 17 was admitted to the facility with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer and had moderately impaired cognition, requiring assistance from one to two staff members for activities of daily living. Despite being placed on hospice services, the facility's POC for Resident 17 was not tailored to the specific needs of hospice care. During an interview, the facility's administrator acknowledged that the process for integrating the hospice POC into the facility's POC was not followed for this resident.
Deficiency in Providing ADL Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services for residents dependent on staff for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically bathing and grooming. This deficiency was observed in five out of seven residents reviewed. The facility's policy required each resident to be assessed for the amount of assistance needed for ADLs, and their care plan should address how these services would be provided. However, the records showed that residents were not receiving adequate bathing assistance, with some residents receiving assistance only once or twice in a month, and others not at all. Resident 1, with moderate cognitive impairment, was observed with unkempt hair and facial hair growth, indicating a lack of grooming. Resident 2, who was cognitively intact, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of bathing and grooming assistance, which they felt contributed to a persistent rash. Resident 3, also cognitively intact, reported not having received a shower since admission, citing insufficient staff as a reason for unmet care needs. Resident 4, with moderately impaired cognition, received bathing assistance only once in the month, and Resident 5, who was cognitively intact, received no bathing assistance before their discharge. Interviews with staff revealed consistent understaffing issues, particularly in the short-term rehabilitation halls, which affected their ability to provide basic care, including showers. Staff members acknowledged the importance of bathing for skin health and the role of nursing assistants in observing signs of skin breakdown during personal care. The facility's failure to provide adequate staffing and ensure proper documentation of care contributed to the deficiency in meeting residents' ADL needs.
Failure to Monitor and Assess Skin Integrity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly assess and monitor skin integrity concerns for a resident, leading to a deficiency in care. Resident 2, who was admitted with conditions including an amputation, cellulitis, and diabetes, developed an itchy rash on the trunk and arms. Despite being prescribed an antihistamine, there were no treatment or monitoring orders documented in the Treatment Administration Records (TARs) for the rash. Nursing progress notes indicated the rash persisted, but there was no follow-up with a facility medical provider as recommended by an emergency room evaluation. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of reassessment and communication with the medical provider regarding the ineffectiveness of the antihistamine treatment. Staff acknowledged that the resident should have been evaluated by a facility medical provider, as the rash continued for 38 days with little improvement. The interim administrator confirmed that follow-up on identified skin concerns was not being conducted properly, contributing to the deficiency in care for Resident 2.
Failure to Accurately Assess and Manage Pressure Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to thoroughly and accurately assess pressure-related skin impairments for Resident 4, as per professional standards of practice. Resident 4 was admitted with a history of aspiration pneumonia, muscle weakness, and falls, and had experienced an unwitnessed fall at home leading to rhabdomyolysis. This condition likely contributed to the development of several skin impairments, including a deep tissue injury on the right heel and unstageable pressure injuries on the left lower back and right upper back. However, the facility's admission assessment documented only the right heel and left lower back injuries, omitting the right upper back wound. The facility's Treatment Administration Records (TARs) for October 2024 showed a lack of treatment and monitoring orders for the identified skin impairments until 12 days after admission. This delay in initiating treatment and monitoring orders for the pressure injuries was a significant oversight. The initial consultation by a contracted wound provider later identified two wounds requiring treatment, including a Stage 4 pressure injury on the thoracic spine and an unstageable pressure injury on the left lumbar spine. Interviews with facility staff revealed gaps in the wound management process. Staff E, the RN-Wound Nurse Manager, returned from personal leave and initiated the wound management process for Resident 4, but was unsure who was responsible during their absence. Staff F, the LPN-Unit Manager, stated that the admission process required a complete and accurate skin assessment on the day of admission, but was unaware of any concerns regarding Resident 4. Staff H, the RN-MDS Coordinator, emphasized the importance of thorough and accurate skin assessments on admission to trigger appropriate follow-up, highlighting a breakdown in communication and responsibility among the staff.
Latest citations in Washington
A resident with cerebral palsy and a court-appointed guardian experienced multiple episodes of nausea, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and later refusal of meals and medications, leading to changes in the care plan including close monitoring, lab testing, and IV fluid administration. Despite a facility policy recognizing court-appointed guardians as resident representatives with decision-making authority, staff did not document any notification to the guardian during these changes in condition or treatment decisions. The guardian reported not being contacted when the resident stopped eating or developed stomach issues and felt the facility did not respect the guardianship, while the DON acknowledged there were multiple missed opportunities to notify the guardian of the resident’s change from baseline.
A resident with depression, anxiety, moderate cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence, care-planned for q2h checks and assistance with toileting, was found by a visitor to be soaking wet, unusually agitated, and reporting they had been told to wait to be changed and referred to with a derogatory remark. The visitor filed a written grievance alleging abuse/neglect related to delayed incontinence care and removal of the resident’s tablet as a consequence. Although an incident report noted that the matter was reported to the state and that the resident was not soaking wet, a CNA who actually changed the resident later reported the resident’s brief, pants, wheelchair, and socks were soaked and that the resident was acting timid and repeatedly saying they had to sit for five minutes, but this CNA was never interviewed. The DON acknowledged not investigating the resident’s behavior or interviewing this CNA, and the grievance official acknowledged the facility did not fully investigate or communicate findings and resolution to the complainant, resulting in a failure to follow the facility’s grievance policy.
A resident with dementia, respiratory failure, and heart failure developed new shortness of breath with an O2 sat of 90%, and a physician ordered transfer to the ED for tx and eval. An RN completed an SBAR, notified the MD and family, and reported to the oncoming nurse that the resident needed ED transfer and that paramedics should be contacted, then left the facility. Instead of calling 911 for this emergent respiratory distress, staff arranged non-emergent transport through a contracted ambulance service, resulting in the resident remaining at the facility for several hours without pickup until the dispatcher later instructed staff to call 911. The DON stated that 911 is expected to be used for emergent conditions and the contracted service only for non-emergent transport.
A resident with anoxic brain injury, dysarthria, and documented lack of decisional capacity alleged physical abuse and expressed fear of their identified representative, yet social services only reported the allegation to the state and did not complete an incident report, revise the care plan, or implement protective interventions. The same representative continued to be treated as the resident’s decision-maker and visited frequently, with staff noting suspicious odors of foreign substances and concerns about possible illicit substance use. Psychiatry later documented concern that the representative was providing illicit substances, and the resident was subsequently hospitalized for altered mental status and overdose, after which the representative was banned. Key staff, including the DON, unit manager, and administrator/abuse coordinator, were unaware of the initial abuse allegation, and social services did not timely explore or clarify legal decision-making authority or alternative representation for the resident.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, osteoarthritis, and spinal spondylosis, care planned for 2-person Hoyer transfers, was being moved by two CNAs using a mechanical lift when one corner loop of the sling became disengaged, causing the resident to fall about four feet, strike the floor and the lift, and sustain head abrasion, multiple rib fractures, and lumbar vertebral fractures. Facility policy required staff to verify secure sling attachment, examine hooks, clips, fasteners, and strap stability, and ensure the sling bar was sound before lifting, but during this transfer the sling loop detached despite staff believing it was properly fastened and hearing it click into place; post-incident assessment showed the loop had come loose, the sling appeared in good condition, and a CNA later reported thinking one of the round metal disks on the lift might have been slightly loose, while maintenance logs documented no prior concerns with the lifts or slings.
The facility failed to revise and individualize care plans to reflect current needs and preferences for multiple residents, including one cognitively intact resident with hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and mononeuropathy who had bilateral shoulder surgery and could not tolerate BP measurements on the upper arms but preferred forearm readings. Despite repeatedly informing staff, this preference was not documented in the care plan or Kardex, and direct care staff and the RN/UM were unaware of it. Another cognitively intact resident with hemiplegia, contractures, and weakness reported they were supposed to get out of bed for two hours daily, but some NACs did not know this, even though the MAR/TAR contained an order to document times up and back to bed. The surveyors concluded that care plans were not accurately revised for several residents, placing them at risk for unidentified and unmet care needs and diminished quality of life.
Surveyors found that two residents with hemiplegia, hemiparesis, weakness, and contractures did not receive restorative nursing services, including ROM exercises and splint/brace or orthotic assistance, after therapy discharge. Although PT and OT discharge summaries documented established restorative ROM and transfer programs, recommended PROM to affected extremities, and recommended splint/brace use and assistance with orthotic wear, these recommendations were not entered as restorative referrals in the EHR. As a result, the residents’ care plans and records showed no restorative programs, and both residents reported that therapy and restorative exercises had stopped, while the DON, rehab director, and MDS coordinator confirmed they were unaware of and had not implemented the recommended restorative services.
A resident with cancer, cognitive impairment, and declining strength experienced multiple unwitnessed falls, most occurring while attempting to toilet or move toward the bathroom, culminating in a fractured ankle requiring ED treatment. Although assessments identified fall and incontinence risks and the facility’s policy required individualized interventions, the comprehensive care plan lacked a toileting plan and did not include several interventions that were discussed in incident investigations, such as consistent wheelchair placement and frequent rounding for bathroom assistance. Staff reported relying on verbal reminders and education to use the call light, despite acknowledging the resident’s impulsivity and failure to call for help, and the resident’s bed remained furthest from the bathroom while repeated bathroom-related falls occurred without the trend being recognized or addressed in the care plan.
A resident with a history of acute urinary retention and acute kidney injury had a Foley catheter deemed permanent by the hospital, with instructions that it not be removed in the SNF. At a later urology visit, the catheter was removed, and the resident returned with no new orders documented. Facility staff did not document bladder assessments, post-void residuals, or urine output, and CNA documentation showed the resident did not void that evening. Over the next day, the resident had vomiting, poor intake, altered level of consciousness, tachycardia, hypotension, and no documented wet briefs. A bladder scan eventually showed more than 2000–2500 mL of retained urine, and a new catheter drained a large volume. The resident and a roommate reported moaning, crying out in pain, and repeatedly alerting staff that the resident was not urinating and that the catheter was not draining, while nurses documented catheter care when no catheter was in place and later had to flush and replace the catheter due to continued complaints.
Surveyors found that nurses and nurse aides did not consistently administer medications according to professional standards and facility policy. Multiple residents reported that agency nurses were slow with medications, did not fully follow instructions, and often gave routine meds late. Observations showed an LPN administering expired Humalog/Lispro insulin well past the scheduled time, an LPN giving several scheduled meds (including Tizanidine) late and all at once, and an RN attempting to give sliding-scale insulin nearly two hours late, which a resident refused after already eating. Another resident received Methocarbamol two hours late after questioning the RN, and a resident on scheduled Tramadol had doses given without timely documentation, with a discrepancy between the narcotic count and pills remaining. These events demonstrated failures in timely administration, use of non-expired medications, and immediate, accurate MAR and narcotic documentation.
Failure to Notify Court-Appointed Guardian of Resident’s Clinical Changes
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a resident’s court-appointed guardian of significant clinical changes and care decisions, contrary to its own policy and state requirements. The facility’s policy on Resident Representatives, revised 02/2021, states that a resident representative includes a court-appointed guardian or conservator and that the facility treats the representative’s decisions as those of the resident to the extent delegated or required by the court. Resident 1, admitted with cerebral palsy, had a Superior Court guardianship letter dated 02/07/2025 indicating a guardian of person and conservator of the estate with full authority, identifying Collateral Contact 1 (CC1) as the guardian. Despite this, multiple clinical events and changes in condition were documented without any corresponding documentation that CC1 was notified. Progress notes and provider notes show that Resident 1 experienced an episode of nausea and vomiting, frequent loose stools, abdominal discomfort, bloating, worsening fatigue, generalized weakness, and later refusal of meals and medications over at least a 24-hour period, with observations that the resident appeared frailer, more fatigued, and had no energy or interest to talk. The provider developed care plans including close monitoring for deterioration, sending stool to the lab, and later initiating IV fluids for rehydration, with a plan to call family/POA for discussion. However, there was no documentation that the guardian was notified at any of these points, including when IV fluids were started. CC1 reported that they were not contacted when the resident stopped eating or developed stomach issues, and expressed that the facility did not respect their guardianship and that involvement in care planning took too long. The DON confirmed on record review that there were many opportunities to notify the guardian when the resident’s condition changed from baseline and that there was no evidence staff did so.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate and Resolve Resident Grievance Regarding Incontinence Care and Staff Conduct
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate and resolve a grievance alleging neglect and disrespect toward a resident, as required by its grievance policy. The resident had depression, anxiety, moderate cognitive impairment, occasional urinary incontinence, and required moderate assistance with toileting, with a care plan directing staff to check the resident every two hours, ask about toileting needs, and ensure they were clean and dry. A collateral contact reported arriving to visit the resident and finding them soaking wet and agitated, with behavior that was not typical for the resident. The collateral contact documented in a written grievance that the resident’s tablet was off, the resident appeared upset, and the resident reported being told they had to wait five minutes to be changed and that staff would change their “nasty *ss” in five minutes, leading the collateral contact to believe the resident had been given a consequence of no tablet and sitting in wet clothes, which they characterized as abuse/neglect and requested immediate removal of the responsible staff and a report filed. The facility documented receipt of the grievance and created an incident report indicating the matter was reported to the state agency, and that the unit manager interviewed the collateral contact and the resident, with the resident described as confused and denying being soaking wet. The incident report stated that a different nursing assistant was assigned to assist with the brief change and that the unit manager believed the resident was not soaking wet, and that the resident and collateral contact were satisfied when they left the room. However, a CNA who actually changed the resident reported that the resident’s brief was soaked through their pants onto the wheelchair and their socks were soaked, and that the resident was timid, repeatedly saying they had to sit for five minutes, and not acting like themselves; this CNA stated they were never interviewed or asked about the grievance or the resident’s condition. The DON acknowledged not interviewing this CNA or investigating the resident’s behavior and why they were upset, and the unit manager did not recall whether the collateral contact was present during follow-up and did not believe they followed up with the collateral contact regarding the grievance. The administrator, identified as the Grievance Official, stated the facility should have thoroughly investigated the grievance and discussed findings and resolution with the collateral contact, indicating the grievance process was not fully carried out in accordance with policy and WAC 388-97-0460.
Failure to Obtain Timely Emergency Transport for Resident in Respiratory Distress
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to obtain timely emergency medical services for a resident experiencing new-onset respiratory distress. The resident had dementia, respiratory failure, and heart failure, with severe cognitive impairment and a need for substantial assistance with activities of daily living. On the day the resident was sent to the hospital, a collateral contact observed the resident having difficulty breathing, appearing unable to get enough air, and looking as if they were sleeping or unconscious, and reported this to staff with a request to contact the doctor. An SBAR Communication Form documented that the resident was experiencing shortness of breath that had not occurred before, with an oxygen saturation of 90%. The physician was notified and ordered the resident sent to the emergency department for treatment and evaluation, and the collateral contact was notified shortly thereafter. Progress notes later documented that, despite the order for emergency department transfer, the resident was still awaiting pickup by Olympic transportation several hours later, with no estimated time of arrival. At approximately 3:30 AM, the dispatcher informed the facility that they could not provide transportation and instructed that 911 be called; only then was 911 contacted and the resident transported to the hospital via ambulance for respiratory distress. The RN caring for the resident stated they completed the SBAR, notified the physician and family, and at the end of their shift reported to the oncoming nurse that the resident needed to be sent to the emergency department for respiratory distress and that paramedics should be contacted, then left assuming 911 would be called. The DON stated that staff are expected to contact 911 for emergent conditions such as shortness of breath or respiratory distress, and that Olympic Ambulance is used only for non-emergent transport.
Failure to Provide Social Service Advocacy After Abuse Allegation and Questionable Representative
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide appropriate medically-related social services and advocacy for a resident following an allegation of abuse and concerns about the resident’s representative. The resident had an anoxic brain injury, dysarthria, moderate cognitive impairment, and was dependent on staff for activities of daily living. A hospital palliative care note documented that the resident lacked decisional capacity, had no DPOA, that the legal next of kin (CC4) did not want to be part of care decisions, and that care decisions were being deferred to another contact (CC5). CC5 accompanied the resident on admission, signed admission forms, and was listed as the primary contact in the medical record profile. On a date in February, during communication therapy, the resident reported that CC5 had done something to them, pounded their hands on their chest, recalled being hit in the back of the head by an unknown person, and stated they were sometimes afraid of CC5. A social services staff member reported this allegation to the state agency but did not complete a facility incident report, did not initiate care plan changes or interventions, and took no further action. CC5 continued to be treated as the resident’s representative, and progress notes documented CC5 at the bedside on multiple dates, including an entry noting the room smelled like foreign substances and that CC5 was seen waking the resident and then asking the nurse to administer pain medications. A psychiatry note later documented concern that CC5 was providing the resident with illicit substances and stated it would be prudent for the resident to identify a POA. Subsequently, the resident was found unresponsive, transported to the hospital, and later readmitted after altered mental status and overdose, with a provider note stating that CC5 posed a significant danger to the resident and was banned from visiting. After readmission, staff attempted to contact CC4 for consent to treat but initially reached someone who stated they were not CC4. The social service director acknowledged that, beyond reporting the initial allegation, no additional interventions were implemented, that CC5 continued to be used as the resident’s representative after the allegation, and that they had not explored legal authority for decision making following the abuse allegation or concerns about substances. The social service assistant reported they did not speak with the resident about the hospital stay or CC5 and did not complete an incident report or care plan changes after the allegation. The unit manager and DON were unaware of the initial abuse allegation, and the administrator, who served as abuse coordinator, also stated they were unaware of the allegation and that an investigation should have been initiated and a representative for the resident investigated at a minimum.
Injury from Mechanical Lift Sling Detachment During Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe mechanical lift transfer when a resident was being moved with a Hoyer lift and sling, resulting in a fall and injury. Facility policy for using a mechanical lifting machine required staff to securely attach sling straps to the sling bar according to manufacturer’s instructions, double-check the security of the sling attachment before lifting, examine all hooks, clips, or fasteners, check strap stability, and ensure the sling bar was securely attached and sound. Despite these requirements, during a transfer for dinner, two CNAs placed the sling under the resident, attached the loops at each corner of the sling to the lift, and raised the resident off the bed into the space between the bed and wheelchair when the bottom left corner of the sling became disengaged from the lift. The resident involved had multiple diagnoses including osteoarthritis, cervical and thoracic spondylosis, and Alzheimer’s disease, with the Minimum Data Set documenting severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision-making. The resident’s care plan required the assistance of two staff during Hoyer lift transfers. During the transfer, the resident fell approximately four feet, landing on her buttocks, bouncing, and then falling backward and striking her head on the leg of the Hoyer lift. Hospital records documented that the resident sustained an abrasion to the back of the head, fractures of the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th ribs, and fractures of the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebra. Staff interviews and observations showed that staff believed the sling loops had been securely fastened and reported hearing the loops click into place before lifting. One CNA stated that they had barely lifted the resident off the bed when the bottom left loop became disconnected and the resident fell. Another CNA reported being shocked and unable to figure out what had happened. A nurse who assessed the resident and then examined the equipment after the fall noted that one of the loops of the sling had become disengaged but stated the sling appeared to be in good condition. During a later demonstration, a CNA indicated she thought one of the round metal disks on the lift might have been a little loose. Maintenance logs for Hoyer slings and lifts for the preceding months documented no concerns with the slings or lifts, and the DON acknowledged expecting a citation due to the resident’s injury from the fall.
Failure to Revise Care Plans to Reflect Resident Needs and Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to revise and individualize comprehensive care plans to reflect residents’ current needs and preferences, as required by its own care planning policy. For one resident with hemiplegia, hemiparesis following cerebrovascular disease, and mononeuropathy of the upper limb, the admission MDS showed intact cognition and upper extremity impairment. This resident reported having bilateral shoulder surgery and an inability to tolerate blood pressure measurements on the upper arms due to pain, and stated a preference for BP measurements on the forearms. The resident reported having informed multiple nursing staff of this preference, but staff continued to place the cuff on the upper arms. Review of the resident’s care plan and Kardex showed no interventions or instructions regarding forearm BP cuff placement. A NAC confirmed they were unaware of the preference until the resident told them directly and that this instruction was not documented in the Kardex. The RN/Unit Manager, who stated they were responsible for revising and reviewing care plans when there were changes, also confirmed they were not aware of the resident’s preference and that it should have been updated in the care plan. Another resident, readmitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, contracture of the left hand, and weakness, was cognitively intact and required maximum assistance for bed mobility per a quarterly MDS. This resident stated they were supposed to get out of bed for two hours every day, but some NACs were not aware of this care requirement. Review of the resident’s March 2026 MAR/TAR showed an order to document the time the resident got up and the time they returned to bed daily. The report states that, overall, the facility failed to revise care plans accurately to reflect residents’ needs for three of four residents reviewed for care plan revision, placing them at risk for unidentified and unmet care needs and a diminished quality of life.
Failure to Implement Restorative Nursing and Splint/Brace Programs After Therapy Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide restorative nursing services, including range of motion (ROM) exercises and splint/brace assistance, to maintain or prevent decline in mobility and contractures for two residents with significant motor impairments. The facility’s undated Restorative Nursing Services policy stated that residents would receive restorative care as needed to achieve and maintain optimal functioning and that residents may initiate a restorative program upon discharge from rehabilitative care. Despite this, surveyors found that residents with documented hemiplegia, hemiparesis, weakness, and contractures were not placed on restorative programs and had no restorative interventions documented in their electronic health records (EHRs). Resident 1 was admitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebrovascular disease, a left lower leg fracture, and weakness, and the admission MDS showed intact cognition, moderate assistance needs for bed mobility and transfers, and one-sided upper and lower extremity impairment. During observation, the resident was seen lying in bed with a bent inward left forearm and hand and reported no longer receiving therapy or nursing-assisted exercises. The care plan initiated in January showed no restorative services, and the care plan history and EHR contained no restorative nursing interventions. However, the PT discharge summary from February documented that restorative ROM and transfer programs had been established and trained, including PROM to the left upper and lower extremities and stand-by assist with transfers, and the OT discharge summary recommended a splint/brace to prevent contracture. The OT stated that the splint/brace was not tried due to lack of time before insurance was discontinued, and both the Director of Rehab and the MDS coordinator confirmed there was no restorative referral in the EHR and they were unaware of the recommendations. Resident 2 was readmitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, a left-hand contracture, and weakness, and the quarterly MDS showed intact cognition, maximum assistance needs for bed mobility, total assistance for transfers, bilateral upper and lower extremity impairment, and no therapy or restorative programs. The resident reported that therapy had been discontinued months earlier and that no restorative staff were assisting with exercises. The care plan and EHR showed no restorative services. OT evaluation documented left upper extremity ROM impairment, a left-hand contracture, and prior use of a left orthotic to manage flexion tone, and the OT discharge summary recommended restorative care and assistance with donning/doffing the orthotic. The PT discharge summary recommended restorative programs if Medicaid Part B services did not continue. The Director of Rehab confirmed therapy was discontinued and that restorative nursing programs were recommended, but both the Director of Rehab and the MDS coordinator stated there were no restorative referrals in the EHR after readmission, and the MDS coordinator confirmed the resident had no restorative programs since readmission.
Failure to Implement Effective Fall and Toileting Interventions for High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide adequate supervision, identify fall trends, and implement progressive, resident-centered interventions for a resident with multiple falls and declining strength. The facility’s own Falls and Fall Risk Management policy required staff to identify interventions related to residents’ specific risks and causes to prevent falls and minimize complications. The resident’s Care Area Assessment identified cancer-related risks for pain, falls, and ADL decline, and stated that falls and urinary incontinence would be addressed in the care plan with an objective of improvement and risk minimization. However, the comprehensive care plan did not include a urinary or ADL care plan and contained no toileting plan, despite the resident’s identified risks and prior fall history. Over a series of falls, the resident repeatedly fell while attempting to toilet or move toward the bathroom, yet the facility did not recognize or address this pattern in its investigations or care planning. The resident had multiple unwitnessed falls: next to the bed while getting up to use the restroom, in the bathroom while standing to use the toilet, and near or in the bathroom on several occasions. Incident investigations and post-fall assessments documented environmental factors such as clutter, items on the floor, water on the floor, and issues with footwear, as well as the resident’s increasing weakness, impulsivity, poor safety awareness, and poor insight into limitations. Interventions documented in investigations and risk reviews included encouraging use of the front-wheeled walker, keeping the wheelchair and walker accessible, ensuring proper footwear and non-skid socks, and providing resident education on safe transfers, ambulation, and assistive device use. However, several of these planned interventions, including placement of the wheelchair and frequent rounding/toileting assistance, were not added to or reflected in the care plan as stated. Staff interviews further showed that the resident frequently fell while trying to go to the bathroom and that staff relied on verbal education and reminders to use the call light, even though the resident often did not use it. Staff acknowledged the resident’s impulsivity and tendency to get up independently despite instructions, and one staff member stated that nursing assistants were verbally instructed to offer bathroom assistance, but this intervention was not documented in the care plan. The resident’s bed remained the one furthest from the bathroom throughout the stay, and none of the facility’s investigations identified the trend of bathroom-related falls or addressed toileting options in the care plan. Ultimately, the resident sustained a left ankle fracture after another bathroom-related fall, requiring transfer to the emergency department for evaluation and treatment, and later records documented additional fractures and a decline in condition. The surveyors concluded that the facility’s failures placed residents at risk of repeated falls and injuries.
Failure to Monitor Urinary Retention After Foley Removal Leading to Prolonged Pain
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to adequately assess and monitor a resident for complications associated with an indwelling urinary catheter and urinary retention, particularly after catheter removal. The resident had a history of acute kidney injury due to urinary retention, which improved after Foley catheter placement in the hospital. Hospital discharge documentation indicated the catheter was placed for acute urinary retention, was deemed permanent, and included instructions that, given the resident’s significant retention and acute renal failure, staff at the skilled nursing facility should not attempt Foley removal. The facility’s catheter care plan directed staff to empty the catheter as needed and record output in milliliters, but review of the last 30 days of documentation showed continence was not rated due to the indwelling catheter and there was no documented urinary output in milliliters on the treatment administration records. The resident had a scheduled urology appointment at which the urinary catheter was discontinued. Upon return from this appointment, nursing documentation initially indicated no new orders, and an alert note later stated the catheter was discontinued and staff were monitoring for retention or pain. However, there was no documented bladder assessment or urinary output following catheter removal. Nursing assistant documentation showed that the resident did not void on the evening shift that same day. Despite the catheter having been removed, the treatment administration record showed staff continued to document provision of catheter care on subsequent shifts when no catheter was in place. Over the next day, the resident experienced vomiting, decreased oral intake, and an altered level of consciousness, with vital signs showing tachycardia and low blood pressure, and staff documented decreased urine output. A bladder scan performed later revealed more than 2000–2500 milliliters of urine in the bladder, and an indwelling catheter was reinserted, initially draining a large volume of urine. The provider note indicated the resident had not eaten since the prior night, was unable to hold down fluids, and staff were unsure whether the resident had urinated in incontinence briefs, with no wet briefs reported since the resident’s return from the hospital after catheter removal. The provider expressed concern that the documented early-morning wet brief might not be accurate given the large bladder volume on scan and stated this should require further investigation. Subsequent notes described the resident moaning and complaining of pain, with limited urine output in the catheter bag and staff flushing and then replacing the catheter due to continued complaints. Interviews with the resident, the roommate, and staff indicated the resident was crying out and moaning in pain, the roommate repeatedly alerted staff that the resident was not urinating and that the catheter was not draining, and staff had to seek assistance to replace the catheter. Facility leadership and clinical staff later acknowledged that typical practice after catheter removal would include contacting the provider, placing the resident on alert, performing post-void residuals with bladder scans, and documenting monitoring, which was not done in this case.
Medication Administration Delays, Documentation Errors, and Use of Expired Insulin
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure sufficient nursing staff with appropriate competencies and skill sets to administer medications according to professional standards of practice, facility policy, and prescriber orders. The facility’s medication administration policy required medications to be given as prescribed, in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and good nursing principles, with no expired medications used, and doses administered within 60 minutes of the scheduled time and documented immediately after administration. Multiple residents reported that agency nurses often gave medications late, did not read full instructions, or were slow in bringing medications, and that routinely scheduled medications were not consistently provided without residents having to ask. Surveyors observed several specific medication administration failures. For a resident with diabetes, an LPN drew up and administered Humalog/Lispro insulin from a multi-dose vial that had been opened and dated “02/16” with no year, making it expired per policy, and administered the dose nearly 1 hour and 45 minutes after it was due. Another resident with care plan instructions to receive medications as ordered had multiple scheduled medications (Gabapentin, Oxybutynin, Baclofen, and Tizanidine) that were ordered at specific times throughout the day; the LPN was observed administering all four together and acknowledged that at least one (Tizanidine) was late, while the resident reported that receiving them together at that time was typical and not at their request. For another diabetic resident, an RN checked blood sugar and prepared sliding scale Humalog/Lispro insulin almost two hours after the scheduled time; the resident refused the insulin, stating they had already finished lunch. Additional deficiencies were identified with other residents’ pain and scheduled medications. One resident with a pain care plan and an order for Methocarbamol four times daily at set times approached the cart requesting Methocarbamol and Tylenol; the RN initially stated the Methocarbamol had already been given, but then administered it two hours after it was due when the resident pointed out the scheduled timing. For another resident with a risk for pain care plan and Tramadol ordered three times daily at specific times, an LPN retrieved a PRN pain medication while the electronic record showed no 8:00 AM medications documented; the LPN stated they had given them but had not yet documented. Later, an RN prepared the 2:00 PM Tramadol dose, and review of the narcotic count showed a discrepancy between the number of pills documented and the number remaining in the card. The RN stated they had given the 8:00 AM Tramadol but had not signed it out, then signed out both the 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM doses at that time. Residents interviewed consistently reported that medications were sometimes or frequently late, that agency nurses did not always follow instructions, and that they often had to request medications that were routinely scheduled.
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