Pavilion At Glacier Valley
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Slinger, Wisconsin.
- Location
- 1900 American Eagle Drive, Slinger, Wisconsin 53086
- CMS Provider Number
- 525461
- Inspections on file
- 28
- Latest survey
- February 17, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Pavilion At Glacier Valley during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to notify a resident’s primary POA of new skin abrasions identified during a care conference. The resident, who had an activated healthcare POA and intact cognition, developed a chronic open area on the left ear and an abrasion on the left side of the head related to phone use and BiPAP straps. Staff measured and documented the wounds and discussed them in person with the alternate POA, who attended the care conference at the request of the primary POA during a brief period of unavailability. However, the primary POA was not directly informed by facility staff of these new skin conditions and instead learned of them from the alternate POA, despite documentation indicating the primary POA remained the main healthcare agent when available.
A deficiency occurred when a resident receiving hospice care was not provided with coordinated end-of-life services due to a breakdown in communication between staff shifts. The hospice RN instructed a CNA that the resident should remain in bed, but this information was not passed on to PM or night shift staff, resulting in the resident being gotten out of bed as per routine. The resident, who had dementia and a lumbar fracture, exhibited signs of active decline, but the lack of shift-to-shift reporting led to care inconsistent with the hospice plan.
Staff did not follow enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) during high-contact care activities for two residents with wounds and indwelling devices. Despite posted EBP signs, staff either did not use required PPE or were unsure of the need for it, and PPE supplies such as gowns were not available near the rooms. The DON confirmed that PPE should have been used during these care activities.
The facility did not have a qualified individual designated as the food and nutrition services director. The Dietary Manager (DM-N) lacked the necessary certification and was not enrolled in an approved course, despite having a ServSafe certification. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA-A) confirmed this deficiency and stated that the facility was reviewing course options for DM-N and other kitchen staff. This oversight had the potential to impact all 72 residents.
The facility failed to provide adequate staffing, resulting in unmet resident needs. Residents experienced delays in assistance, with staff turning off call lights without providing help. Staffing shortages were noted on specific dates, and scheduled showers were inconsistently provided. Staff interviews confirmed concerns about insufficient staffing, particularly on weekends and night shifts.
The facility failed to provide timely and consistent assistance with ADLs for six residents, leading to multiple deficiencies. Residents experienced delays in transfers, inadequate toileting assistance, and inconsistent showering schedules. Documentation was incomplete, and staff often turned off call lights without providing necessary care.
The facility failed to properly store and label medications, as observed by surveyors. An unlocked and unattended medication cart was found with exposed resident information, and expired medications were present in the storage room. Additionally, a medication label discrepancy was noted for a resident, with the RN confirming the label was incorrect.
A resident's medications were administered late on several occasions due to staffing issues and emergencies, despite the facility's policy requiring timely administration. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had multiple diagnoses, experienced delays in medication administration due to an agency nurse arriving late, a resident in respiratory distress, and other emergencies. These issues were documented in the resident's medical record and were the subject of a grievance filed by the resident's Power of Attorney.
A resident with a traumatic brain injury and legal blindness was found without access to a call light, which was placed out of reach. The resident, dependent on staff for mobility, confirmed the inability to reach the call light and phone. An agency CNA, new to the facility, failed to ensure the call light was accessible, contrary to the resident's care plan and facility policy.
A resident reported missing personal items, but the facility failed to follow its grievance process. Despite the resident's cognitive intactness, staff did not complete a grievance form or communicate the issue to the appropriate personnel, resulting in unresolved grievances.
Three residents in a LTC facility did not receive adequate pressure ulcer care and prevention. A resident with a heel ulcer was observed wearing shoes against wound care recommendations. Another resident developed a pressure injury from unpadded oxygen tubing, and a third resident's care plan failed to address skin injury risks from a urinal placement. Staff did not follow care plans or adequately monitor skin integrity.
Three residents in the facility did not receive consistent restorative therapy as required by their care plans. One resident did not have therapy recommendations correctly entered into their medical record, leading to an incorrect MDS assessment. Another resident's therapy documentation showed significant gaps, and a third resident reported that ROM exercises were not consistently performed. Interviews and record reviews confirmed these deficiencies.
A resident with chronic kidney disease and recurrent hematuria, receiving hospice services, had an indwelling Foley catheter with a physician order for a privacy bag. The catheter drainage bag was observed uncovered and placed on the floor, contrary to the facility's policy to prevent CAUTI. The infection preventionist, a registered nurse, and the Director of Nursing confirmed the deficiency in catheter care.
A facility failed to ensure proper management of oxygen therapy for a resident with COPD, CHF, and CKD stage 3. The resident's oxygen tubing was not labeled with the date or initials of the staff who changed it, as required by facility policy. The Director of Nursing confirmed the oversight, noting that the tubing should have been labeled during the scheduled weekly change.
A resident with specific dietary needs due to medical conditions did not consistently receive meals according to their preferences at a facility. Despite having a clear plan of care, the resident was served inappropriate foods, such as meatloaf instead of a deli sandwich and wheat bread instead of white bread. The Dietary Manager had not updated the meal ticket system with the resident's preferences, leading to repeated dissatisfaction and the resident's family bringing in food.
A resident with venous ulcers requiring enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) did not have the necessary signage posted outside their room to inform staff of infection prevention measures. The absence of EBP signage was confirmed by the LPN, IP, and DON, despite the facility's policy requiring such signage for residents with wounds.
The facility failed to ensure timely medication administration for three residents, with medications given beyond the allowed time window. Additionally, improper handling of medications was observed, including incorrect disposal of a dropped aspirin and a refused sertraline tablet. A medication cart was also left unlocked and unattended, posing a security risk.
A resident experienced an 8.11% weight loss over one week, but the facility failed to notify the physician as required by policy. The resident, with multiple health conditions and intact cognition, was responsible for their healthcare decisions. Despite the facility's policy mandating notification for significant weight changes, the physician was not informed due to the resident's discharge, as confirmed by the DON.
A resident's representative submitted multiple grievances regarding care issues, including unsanitary conditions and late medication administration. The facility failed to document these grievances, investigate them, or provide resolutions, as required by their grievance policy. Interviews with the DON and NHA confirmed the lack of documentation and follow-up communication.
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to report a resident-to-resident altercation involving two residents with vascular dementia. The CNA separated the residents but did not notify a nurse or the NHA, contrary to facility policy. Interviews revealed that none of the nursing staff were informed of the incident, leading to a delay in reporting to authorities.
A resident with cerebral infarction and hemiparesis did not receive appropriate care to maintain or improve range of motion (ROM) and mobility. The resident's care plan failed to include a hand splint and passive range of motion (PROM) exercises as ordered by the physician. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in the application of the hand splint and PROM exercises, and the Director of Nursing confirmed the care plan omissions.
Failure to Notify Primary POA of Resident’s New Skin Abrasions
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify the primary Power of Attorney for Healthcare (POAHC-M) of a change in condition for a resident with an activated healthcare power of attorney. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, mild neurocognitive disorder with behavioral disturbance, delusional disorder, and muscle contractures, but had intact cognition with a BIMS score of 15/15. The POAHC document designated POAHC-M as the primary agent and POAHC-N as the alternate, to act only when POAHC-M was unavailable or unable, with POAHC-M resuming the role when again available. The resident’s facesheet instructed staff to call POAHC-M and, if there was no answer, to then call POAHC-N. On the date the new skin issues were identified, POAHC-M had emailed the facility stating they could not attend the care conference and had forwarded the invitation to POAHC-N, but there is no documentation that POAHC-M relinquished primary decision-making authority beyond this limited unavailability. On the day of the care conference, staff identified two new skin alterations: a chronic open area on the left ear related to phone use and poor neck strength, and an abrasion on the left side of the head from BiPAP straps. These areas were measured, documented, and discussed in person with POAHC-N, who attended the care conference and visited the resident weekly, but the facility did not notify POAHC-M of these new skin conditions. The wound care LPN confirmed discussing the left ear scab and head abrasion with POAHC-N at the conference. The Nursing Home Administrator stated that staff typically correspond with POAHC-M via email and that social services is designated to respond, and also acknowledged that POAHC-N, as the alternate POAHC, frequently interacts with staff and was present when the abrasions were discovered. POAHC-M later reported not being informed by the facility of the sores and learned of them from POAHC-N, who stated that POAHC-M had asked them to attend the care conference due to a brief period of unavailability and that they subsequently relayed information about the resident’s skin integrity to POAHC-M.
Failure to Coordinate Hospice Care and Communicate Resident Status Across Shifts
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure proper coordination and communication of hospice services for a resident receiving end-of-life care. The hospice registered nurse (HRN) informed a certified nursing assistant (CNA) during the morning shift that the resident was actively passing and should not be gotten out of bed, except in the case of a rally moment. This critical information was not communicated to the subsequent PM or night shift staff. As a result, the resident was gotten out of bed by night shift staff who were unaware of the resident's actively passing status, following the resident's usual routine. The resident in question had multiple diagnoses, including unspecified dementia and a lumbar vertebra fracture, and was under hospice care with an activated power of attorney for healthcare. On the morning in question, the resident exhibited signs of imminent decline, such as mottling, cool extremities, and increased pain during transfers. The hospice nurse had discussed with staff and family the need to focus on comfort measures, discontinue routine medications, and limit interventions to comfort medications as needed. However, the lack of effective communication between shifts led to the resident being transferred out of bed, contrary to the hospice nurse's instructions. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the facility's policy required collaborative communication and immediate notification of significant changes in a resident's condition. Despite this, the shift-to-shift reporting process failed, as the CNA who received the hospice nurse's instructions did not relay the information to the next shift, and the subsequent staff were not informed of the resident's change in status. This breakdown in communication resulted in the resident not receiving care consistent with their end-of-life needs as outlined in the coordinated hospice care plan.
Failure to Implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to follow the facility's infection prevention and control program by not implementing enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) during high-contact care activities for two residents. For one resident with chronic wounds, a posted EBP sign was observed outside the room, but no PPE cart or gowns were available nearby. A CNA assisted the resident with toileting and transferring while only wearing gloves, and stated that the resident was not on EBP and that the sign only indicated extra precautions were needed. The resident's treatment record confirmed EBP was required due to chronic wounds. For another resident with a history of traumatic subdural hemorrhage, MRSA infection, wounds, and an indwelling catheter, staff were observed preparing to transfer the resident without wearing any PPE, despite an EBP sign posted outside the room. Both the CNA and LPN involved were unsure about the need for PPE, and no gowns were available near the room. The Director of Nursing later confirmed that PPE, including gown and gloves, should be worn during high-contact care for residents on EBP, and that transferring and toileting are considered high-contact activities.
Lack of Qualified Dietary Manager in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to designate a qualified individual to serve as the food and nutrition services director, which is a requirement for ensuring proper dietary management. During a kitchen tour, the surveyor interviewed the Dietary Manager (DM-N), who admitted to not having a dietary manager certification. Although DM-N possessed a ServSafe certification, they were not enrolled in an approved dietary manager or food service manager certification course. The Nursing Home Administrator (NHA-A) confirmed that DM-N lacked the necessary certification and acknowledged that the facility was in the process of reviewing potential courses for DM-N and other kitchen staff. The facility's use of a part-time dietitian did not compensate for the absence of a certified dietary manager, potentially affecting all 72 residents in the facility.
Inadequate Staffing Leads to Unmet Resident Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient staffing to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by multiple instances of inadequate care. On several occasions, residents activated their call lights for assistance, but staff either turned off the lights without providing help or delayed assistance due to a lack of available personnel. For example, one resident activated their call light multiple times for toileting assistance, but staff turned off the light without providing help, resulting in the resident experiencing incontinence. Another resident requested assistance to bed, but a CNA turned off the call light and left the room without helping, citing the need for a second staff member who was unavailable. The facility's staffing policy was not effectively implemented, as demonstrated by low staffing levels on specific dates, which were attributed to call-ins and no-shows. The facility's staffing calculations indicated a need for more CNAs and RNs than were scheduled, leading to insufficient coverage. Interviews with staff members revealed that staffing shortages were a recurring issue, particularly on weekends and during night shifts, resulting in delayed response times to residents' needs and complaints about inadequate care. Additionally, the facility failed to consistently provide scheduled showers to residents, as evidenced by incomplete documentation and reports from a resident who did not receive the expected number of showers. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the problem and mentioned plans to trial a shower aide. Staff interviews further highlighted concerns about staffing levels, with some staff members indicating that they were responsible for caring for a large number of residents, which compromised the quality of care provided.
Deficiencies in Timely Assistance and Documentation for ADLs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely and consistent assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for six residents, leading to multiple deficiencies. Residents R11 and R17 experienced delays in receiving help with transfers, as their call lights were turned off by CNAs without providing the necessary assistance. R11, who required substantial assistance due to conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, was left waiting despite the availability of a mechanical lift. Similarly, R17, who was dependent on staff for transfers and receiving hospice services, was left unattended in a recliner for an extended period after activating the call light. Resident R50, who had moderate cognitive impairment, activated the call light for an evening snack but did not receive assistance from an LPN who was unfamiliar with the facility's layout. Additionally, R12 and R30 reported lengthy call light response times and inadequate toileting assistance, resulting in incontinence and discomfort. R12, who was not cognitively impaired, described instances of being left on wet bedding and not receiving a bedpan when requested. R30, who also had a high BIMS score, expressed fear of retribution and reported being treated like a second-class citizen due to the lack of timely assistance. Resident R26, who was dependent on staff for showering, did not consistently receive scheduled showers. Documentation for R26's bathing schedule was incomplete and inconsistent, with several missed opportunities for showers or bed baths. The facility's failure to document refusals or provide adequate bathing care was acknowledged by the Director of Nursing, who noted ongoing issues with shower scheduling and documentation. These deficiencies highlight significant lapses in the facility's ability to meet the basic care needs of its residents.
Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of drugs and biologicals, as observed by surveyors. A medication cart on the 600 wing was found unlocked and unattended, with a cup containing medication on top and a computer screen displaying residents' personal information left open. The LPN responsible for the cart indicated that it was not their usual practice to leave the cart and medication unattended but was called away for an emergency. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff should lock medication carts and secure computer screens when unattended. Additionally, the medication storage room on the long-term care unit contained expired medications and medical supplies, including acetaminophen suppositories, lidocaine, and various syringes and caps. The RN present was unaware of who was responsible for maintaining the medications and supplies. Furthermore, a discrepancy was noted in the labeling of a medication card for a resident, where the pharmacy label did not match the physician's order. The RN administering the medication confirmed the label was incorrect, and the current order was for a different dosage.
Medication Administration Delays for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications were administered within the ordered timeframe for a resident, identified as R1, among six sampled residents. R1's medications were administered late on multiple occasions, including 7/29/24, 8/2/24, 10/28/24, 10/30/24, and 11/7/24. The facility's Medication Management Program policy requires medications to be administered no more than one hour before or after the designated medication pass time. However, R1's medications were consistently administered outside of this timeframe. R1, who was admitted with diagnoses including traumatic brain injury, chronic skin ulcer, pain, and dysphagia, was cognitively intact with a BIMs score of 15 out of 15. Despite this, R1's medications were administered late due to various reasons, such as an agency nurse arriving late and needing a password reset, a resident in respiratory distress, room moves, and other emergencies. These delays were documented in R1's medical record and were also the subject of a grievance filed by R1's Power of Attorney. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and other staff revealed that the facility faced challenges with medication administration due to staffing issues and emergencies. The DON acknowledged that medication pass had improved with the introduction of Med Techs and nurses to assist with medication administration. However, during the period in question, R1's medications were not administered in a timely manner, leading to the deficiency noted by the surveyor.
Call Light Accessibility Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a call light was within reach for a resident who was dependent on staff for mobility and other care needs. The resident, who had a traumatic brain injury and was legally blind, relied on staff assistance to access necessary items. During an observation, the resident's call light and phone were found to be out of reach, placed on a nightstand approximately three feet away from the resident's Broda chair. The resident confirmed the inability to reach these items and stated that staff usually clipped the call light to their pants, but it was not done on this occasion. The incident involved an agency CNA who was working in the facility for the first time. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that call lights should be within reach of residents. The resident's care plan included instructions for staff to explain the location of the call light and other items, but these instructions were not followed, leading to the deficiency. The surveyor had to request assistance from another CNA to provide the resident with the phone and call light.
Failure to Investigate and Resolve Resident Grievance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a grievance was thoroughly investigated and resolved for a resident who reported missing personal items. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, informed staff about the missing items, which included a purple cat T-shirt and a polka dot blanket, both of sentimental value. Despite the resident's report, the staff did not follow the facility's grievance process, and no grievance form was completed. The resident's complaint was not communicated to the laundry supervisor or the social worker, who was the facility's grievance officer. Interviews with various staff members, including the laundry supervisor, laundry aid, nursing home administrator, and social worker, revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the resident's missing items. The laundry staff did not receive any grievance forms, and the nursing home administrator and social worker were unaware of the issue. The facility's policy required that missing items be reported and documented through a grievance form, but this procedure was not followed, leading to a failure in addressing the resident's grievance effectively.
Inadequate Pressure Ulcer Care and Prevention
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pressure ulcer care and prevention for three residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident 67, who was admitted with a stage 2 pressure injury on the right heel, did not have the necessary interventions in place as recommended by the wound care provider. Despite the wound care provider's instructions to leave the wound open to air and avoid wearing a shoe on the right foot, the resident was repeatedly observed wearing shoes without heel boots. The care plan did not reflect these recommendations, and staff were not informed of the necessary interventions. Resident 17 developed a pressure injury from unpadded oxygen tubing, which caused redness and irritation behind the left ear. The care plan did not include an intervention to inspect the skin behind the ears, and staff failed to address the issue despite the resident's complaints. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff should have checked the placement of the oxygen tubing and assessed skin integrity every shift, but this was not done. Resident 1, who had a self-determination care plan allowing a urinal to be propped against the scrotal area, was at risk for skin injury. The care plan did not include interventions to monitor or prevent potential skin injury from the urinal placement. Despite family concerns and observations of red marks on the scrotum, staff continued to place the urinal as per the resident's request without adequate monitoring or documentation of skin assessments related to this practice.
Inconsistent Restorative Therapy for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care and services to maintain or improve the range of motion (ROM) for three residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident 14 did not receive restorative therapy as recommended upon discharge from therapy. The staff failed to correctly enter these recommendations into the resident's medical record, resulting in an incorrect Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment. The resident's care plan did not include the restorative program, and there was no documentation of the program in the medical record. Interviews with the resident and the Occupational Therapist revealed that the exercises were not being performed with staff assistance as intended. Resident 6 also did not consistently receive restorative therapy. The resident's care plan indicated the need for passive and active ROM exercises and splint brace assistance. However, documentation showed significant gaps in charting these activities over several months. Interviews confirmed that staff should consistently document restorative programs, including any refusals, to ensure accurate MDS coding. Resident 7's care plan required passive ROM exercises multiple times a day, but the resident reported that these exercises were not being performed consistently. Documentation reviewed by the surveyor showed numerous missed sessions over several months. The Minimum Data Set Coordinator confirmed that if ROM was not documented, it was not completed for that shift or day, indicating a failure to adhere to the care plan and provide necessary restorative services.
Failure to Prevent UTI Due to Improper Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) for a resident who was reviewed for catheter care. The resident, who was receiving hospice services and had diagnoses including chronic kidney disease stage 3 and recurrent hematuria, had a physician order for an indwelling Foley catheter due to acute urine retention. Despite having an order for a privacy bag to be in place every shift, the resident's catheter drainage bag was observed uncovered and placed on the floor, which is against the facility's policy to prevent contamination and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). During the survey, the infection preventionist confirmed that the catheter bag should not be on the floor and should be covered for infection control and privacy. Additionally, a registered nurse verified that the catheter bag was secured to the resident's bed frame but was still uncovered. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that catheter drainage bags should be covered and not in contact with the floor, indicating a lapse in adherence to the facility's catheter care policy.
Failure to Ensure Proper Oxygen Therapy Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and treatment for a resident requiring oxygen therapy. During an observation, it was noted that the resident's oxygen tubing lacked a date or initials to indicate when it was last changed, contrary to the facility's policy. The resident, who was receiving hospice services, had diagnoses including COPD, CHF, and CKD stage 3, and had a physician order for 1-6 liters per minute of oxygen via nasal cannula. The facility's nursing orders specified that oxygen equipment should be changed weekly during the night shift. However, the Director of Nursing confirmed that the tubing should have been labeled with the date and initials of the staff who changed it, which was not done in this case.
Failure to Meet Resident's Dietary Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently meet the dietary preferences of a resident, identified as R276, who had specific dietary needs due to medical conditions. R276 had a history of surgical aftercare on the digestive system, hyperkalemia, protein-calorie malnutrition, and colon cancer. Despite having a BIMS score indicating no cognitive impairment, R276's dietary preferences, which included a dislike for certain foods and a preference for others, were not consistently honored. The resident had difficulty swallowing meats not in thin deli form and required specific food textures and types to accommodate their digestive and swallowing issues. During the survey, it was observed that R276 did not receive meals according to their specified preferences. For instance, R276 was served meatloaf instead of a deli sandwich, and the bread provided was wheat instead of the preferred white bread. Additionally, the resident received foods that were not suitable for their dietary restrictions, such as a banana despite having high potassium levels. The resident expressed frustration with the facility's inability to meet their dietary needs and was unaware of an alternative menu or the option to communicate meal preferences in advance. The Dietary Manager (DM) acknowledged that R276's meal preferences were not entered into the system and were only posted in the kitchen, which did not inform the staff serving from the dining room steam table. The DM had not personally met with R276 and was unaware of the resident's dissatisfaction. The lack of communication and proper documentation of R276's dietary preferences led to the resident receiving inappropriate meals, causing frustration and reliance on family to provide suitable food.
Failure to Post EBP Signage for Resident with Venous Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program for a resident who was on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP). The resident, identified as R275, was admitted with right lower leg venous ulcers with copious drainage and had diagnoses including chronic venous hypertension with ulcer, inflammation of the right lower extremity, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Despite the resident's condition requiring EBP, there was no signage posted outside the resident's room to inform staff of the necessary infection prevention precautions. The deficiency was observed during a survey when it was noted that EBP signage was missing outside the resident's room. Interviews with the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Infection Preventionist (IP) confirmed that the signage should have been posted to alert staff of the precautions needed. The Director of Nursing (DON) also verified that EBP should be assigned for residents with wounds, and acknowledged the absence of signage outside the resident's room.
Medication Administration and Handling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accurate administration of medication for three residents, as observed during a medication pass. Specifically, medications for residents R2, R6, and R7 were administered late, beyond the one-hour window allowed by the facility's policy. For instance, R2's medications, scheduled for 8:00 AM, were administered at 9:16 AM, and R6's medications, also scheduled for 8:00 AM, were administered at 9:20 AM. Similarly, R7's medications were administered at 10:00 AM, well past the scheduled time. Additionally, the facility did not adhere to safe handling practices for drugs and biologicals. During the medication pass, RN-E was observed dropping R4's aspirin on the floor and disposing of it in the garbage instead of the designated Drug Buster container. Furthermore, RN-E failed to administer R4's carvedilol as ordered. MT-J was also observed improperly disposing of R7's sertraline tablet in a Sharps container after the resident refused it. The surveyor noted a security lapse when a medication cart was left unlocked and unattended in the hallway, with residents nearby. MT-J acknowledged forgetting to lock the cart, which is against the facility's policy. Interviews with RN-E and the Director of Nursing confirmed that medications administered after the designated time are considered late, and wasted medications should be discarded in a Drug Buster.
Failure to Notify Physician of Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a physician of a significant change in condition for a resident, identified as R3, who experienced a substantial weight loss. R3, who had diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, femur fracture, atrial fibrillation, and cognitive communication deficit, was admitted to the facility and had a treatment order for weekly weights. The resident's Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment indicated intact cognition, and R3 was responsible for their healthcare decisions. Between April 8 and April 15, 2024, R3's weight dropped from 172.6 pounds to 160.8 pounds, resulting in an 8.11% weight loss, which was significant according to the facility's policy. Despite the facility's policy requiring notification of the physician for a 5% or more weight change in one month, R3's physician was not informed of the weight loss. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the physician was not notified because R3 was discharged, but acknowledged that a reweight and notification should have been completed per the facility's policy. This oversight was identified during a surveyor's review of R3's medical record and interviews with the DON.
Failure to Document and Resolve Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that grievances submitted by a resident's representative were documented, investigated, and resolved. The resident's representative submitted multiple grievances via email and phone over several months concerning the care of the resident, including issues with unsanitary conditions, improper use of medical equipment, and late medication administration. Despite these submissions, the facility did not document these grievances in their grievance log, nor did they conduct thorough investigations or provide resolutions. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the Nursing Home Administrator revealed that while corrective actions were claimed to have been taken, there was no documentation to support these actions or any follow-up communication with the resident's representative. The facility's grievance policy requires that all grievances be documented, investigated, and resolved with a written decision, but this process was not followed, leading to a deficiency in handling the grievances appropriately.
Failure to Report Resident Altercation
Penalty
Summary
The report identifies a deficiency in the facility's handling of a resident-to-resident physical altercation involving two residents, both diagnosed with vascular dementia and severely impaired cognition. The incident occurred in a lounge area where one resident kicked and struck the other, prompting a staff member to separate them. However, the staff member, a CNA, did not follow the facility's policy of immediately reporting the altercation to a nurse or the Nursing Home Administrator. The CNA was unsure of the proper steps to take during such incidents and could not recall notifying a specific nurse. Interviews with the nursing staff, including LPNs and RNs on duty, revealed that none were informed of the altercation. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing were also unaware of the incident until informed by the surveyor. The facility's policy requires immediate reporting of such incidents to ensure resident safety and compliance with state regulations. The failure to report the altercation promptly resulted in a delay in notifying the appropriate authorities, highlighting a breakdown in communication and adherence to established procedures.
Failure to Provide Appropriate ROM Care for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for a resident, identified as R2, to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM) and mobility. R2, who was admitted with diagnoses including cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, had physician orders for a hand splint and passive range of motion (PROM) exercises. However, the hand splint was not included in R2's care plan, and PROM was not completed as ordered nor included in the care plan. During an interview, R2 reported that therapy was discontinued due to lack of progress, and staff no longer provided daily PROM or assistance with the hand splint. The surveyor's review of R2's Treatment Administration Record (TAR) confirmed that the PROM order was not documented, and the care plan did not address R2's hemiparesis or restorative care needs. Interviews with staff, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Registered Nurse (RN), revealed a lack of awareness and inconsistency in the application of the hand splint and PROM exercises. The Director of Nursing (DON) verified the omission in the care plan and acknowledged the expectation for restorative care to be included in the care plan.
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Two residents did not receive skin care and monitoring consistent with professional standards or their expressed preferences. One resident sustained a right knee abrasion from a fall that was noted on a fall report but not reflected in subsequent weekly skin assessments, MAR/TAR entries, or progress notes; the resident later showed the surveyor a visible wound and reported that staff had not followed up after the initial fall. Nursing staff gave conflicting accounts about the existence and monitoring of this wound, and the DON was unaware of it and unable to describe its progression, while relying on CNAs to observe and report changes. Another resident developed a U-shaped area on the left back that a CNA described as a previously bruised, weeping area and a family member described as a bruise, yet weekly skin checks continued to document intact skin with no open areas and no specific description of this site. A later photo taken by the DON showed a U-shaped scar on the back, but there were no prior measurements, photos, or detailed documentation to track its development or characteristics.
Two residents experienced deficiencies in transfer safety when staff did not follow or update care-planned transfer methods. One resident with CVA and hemiplegia, care-planned for a Lumex transfer with two staff, was transferred by a single RN using the Lumex and was lowered to the floor when unable to continue standing. Another resident with MS, CVA, and severely impaired cognition, care-planned for pivot disc transfers with one staff, was observed being transferred with a Lumex by a CNA, despite the care plan not being revised to reflect this method and no documented therapy re-assessment for renewed Lumex use.
A resident with stroke-related hemiplegia and documented colonization with carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) was care-planned for Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), and the facility’s policy required gown and glove use for high-contact activities such as transfers. Despite EBP signage on the door and PPE available, a CNA and the NHA transferred the resident with a mechanical lift, physically holding and positioning the resident, without wearing gowns or gloves, and then continued tasks in the room. In interviews, the CNA, NHA, and DON stated they believed EBP applied only to direct care and did not include transfers, resulting in noncompliance with the facility’s infection prevention and control program.
A resident was admitted to hospice, which the facility’s DON identified as a significant change in condition requiring a Significant Change in Status Assessment (SCSA) MDS to be completed within 14 days per the RAI User Manual and facility policy. The last MDS for this resident had been completed earlier, and although an SCSA was started after the hospice admission, it was never completed or submitted. The resident later died, and the DON acknowledged that the significant change MDS was not completed within the required timeframe.
A resident with obesity, weakness, and type 2 DM with polyneuropathy, who had no cognitive impairment and required a sit-to-stand mechanical lift with two-person assist per the care plan, experienced a fall during a transfer when a CNA performed the lift alone. The CNA unhooked one side of the sling, had difficulty reaching the other side, unlocked the lift while the resident was partially on the bed with feet on the device and holding a trapeze, and the lift moved forward as the resident pushed with their legs, causing the resident to slide to the floor. Staff interviews confirmed that transfer requirements are obtained from the care plan/Kardex, that mechanical lifts may require two staff depending on the plan, and that this resident specifically required two-person assistance, but only one CNA was present at the time of the fall.
The facility failed to maintain required RN coverage and a full-time DON, resulting in no RN on duty for multiple days and no documented RN supervision of nursing staff. In this context, LPNs completed admission and readmission assessments for several residents with complex conditions such as diabetes, COPD, CHF, sepsis, ESRD, and osteomyelitis, and administered IV antibiotics, including via PICC lines, sometimes without appropriate IV certification. CMA/MTs independently assessed pain, administered PRN oxycodone, and injected insulin for a resident with diabetes and pressure ulcers, all without an RN employed to provide direct supervision. Leadership acknowledged reliance on LPNs and CMAs for these functions and on off-site or sister-facility DONs for support, but could not provide documentation of on-site RN coverage, leading surveyors to cite an immediate jeopardy deficiency.
A resident with COPD, emphysema, and leukemia, who was cognitively intact, reported shortness of breath and wheezing and received a PRN nebulizer treatment documented as effective, but no vital signs or comprehensive respiratory assessment were completed. Later, the resident told an LPN that she might need to go to the hospital due to ongoing shortness of breath; the LPN acknowledged this but did not immediately assess the resident, citing that the resident often complained and did not appear in dire need. The resident and her family member reported that she clearly requested to go to the hospital and that staff did not act, leading the family member to call 911. EMS transferred the resident to the hospital, where she was found to be hypoxic and was diagnosed with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, chronic PE, and bronchiectasis with acute lower respiratory infection.
A resident with a history of lumbar discitis/osteomyelitis and chronic myeloid leukemia had IV daptomycin discontinued after imaging showed improvement, and an ID physician faxed new orders for PO levofloxacin and PO vancomycin. Although the fax was confirmed as received and scanned, nursing did not transcribe these antibiotics into the EMR or MAR, and they were not administered for approximately two months, even as the resident reported to the ID physician via telehealth that she was tolerating levofloxacin, believing she was taking it. The oral antibiotic orders did not appear in the physician order listing until after the resident was hospitalized again for fever and pain, when imaging showed recurrent discitis/osteomyelitis and the hospital continued or resumed levofloxacin and PO vancomycin. In a separate incident, an LPN administered another resident’s IV ertapenem instead of the ordered IV daptomycin to this resident after taking the wrong medication from the refrigerator, contrary to facility policies requiring medications to be administered according to physician orders and pending orders to be checked and confirmed after physician visits.
The facility failed to provide enough qualified nursing staff and allowed improper delegation of nursing and medication tasks. On an evening shift, only three CNAs (one for a partial shift) were assigned to 34 residents, despite the facility’s own staffing plan calling for higher CNA coverage. A resident with multiple serious conditions, dependent for transfers and incontinent, reported waiting over three hours for toileting assistance and described routinely long call-light response times, while a family member reported chronic delays in staff response. A CMA/MT had been independently assessing pain and administering PRN oxycodone, including using a nonverbal pain scale, even though facility policy and state guidance restrict unlicensed staff from performing assessments or making PRN decisions. Multiple residents’ admission and readmission assessments and baseline care plans were completed and signed by LPNs without RN assessment, and LPNs were administering IV ertapenem via PICC lines without documented IV training or formal RN delegation, contrary to facility policy and Wisconsin scope-of-practice standards.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to follow its own food safety and sanitation policies, resulting in expired and improperly labeled food items stored in the walk-in cooler and freezer, including multiple juices and fish past their use-by or manufacturer expiration dates, as well as a torn-open package of hot dog buns exposed to air. They also observed cobwebs, dead insects, and accumulated dust and debris on the wall behind shelving where clean dishes were stored, with nearby window air-conditioning units that could blow contaminants onto the dishes. A dietary aide acknowledged that dietary staff should be monitoring expiration dates, and leadership later confirmed the expectation that expired items and unsanitary conditions should not be present, while 34 residents were placed at risk of foodborne illness.
Failure to Assess and Monitor Skin Wounds and Scars for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and care consistent with professional standards and resident preferences for two residents with skin impairments. For the first resident, who had diagnoses including cerebrovascular accident and hemiplegia and an intact BIMS score of 15, a fall report documented a right front knee abrasion at the time of a fall. Despite this, subsequent weekly skin assessments repeatedly documented intact skin with no indication of a right knee abrasion. When interviewed, the resident reported having a fall that caused a rug burn on the right knee and showed the surveyor a circular wound with a reddened periwound area, yellow center with visible depth, and red lines across the front of the knee. The resident stated staff looked at the wound when the fall occurred but did nothing afterward and expressed a desire for staff to look at and address the wound. Nursing staff interviews revealed inconsistent awareness and monitoring of this wound. An LPN initially stated the resident had no wounds or abrasions and confirmed there was no documentation or monitoring of a right knee wound in the medical record, despite the fall report noting an abrasion. The LPN later acknowledged the right knee wound was related to the fall and that the resident had been picking at it, describing a plan to keep it open to air and monitor, though this plan was not reflected in the record. Another nurse stated that if a wound or bruise is identified, it should be monitored and appear on the MAR or TAR until healed, but also indicated the resident did not have any wounds and only knew of a picked scab from report. The DON was not aware of the wound, found no documentation of it in progress notes, and later stated nurses were not expected to monitor the wound because CNAs observe wounds and report changes, while being unable to state whether the wound had changed in size or wound bed characteristics. For the second resident, who had diagnoses including heart failure and muscle weakness and a moderately impaired BIMS score of 12, the care plan identified potential or actual impairment to skin integrity related to multiple medical conditions. A CNA reported that this resident had a U-shaped area on the left back that had previously been a bruise and had been weeping, and stated this change had been reported to a nurse. A progress note documented a faded bruised area on the left back rib cage with scant blood related to a recent fall, but there was no further documentation of this area in the medical record. Weekly skin check forms over several months repeatedly documented skin as intact, dry, and fragile, with no open areas, and did not identify the U-shaped area on the back. A family member reported observing a U-shaped mark on the resident’s left back rib cage that appeared to be a bruise. Later, the DON presented a photo showing a U-shaped scar on the left back, approximately one inch wide with a line about 1/8 inch thick, but there were no prior photos or measurements to compare, and the scar’s details and location had not been documented on weekly skin assessments. The DON acknowledged that more thorough documentation on the skin check forms would have been helpful and stated that information for these forms was based on CNA observations and nursing assessments, which might not cover all skin areas depending on resident positioning.
Failure to Follow and Update Transfer Care Plans Leading to Unsafe Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an environment free of accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision during transfers for two residents. One resident with a history of cerebral vascular accident and hemiplegia, and with intact cognition per a BIMS score of 15/15, had a care plan dated 2/11/26 specifying transfers with a Lumex (manual stand assist lift) and assistance of two staff. Despite this, on 2/15/26 the resident was transferred from a chair to a shower chair by a single RN using a Lumex, during which the resident could no longer stand and was lowered to the ground. The DON confirmed that the care plan required two staff for transfers and that only one staff assisted during the incident, and the RN acknowledged transferring the resident alone, stating they believed only one staff was required. The second resident, with diagnoses including multiple sclerosis and cerebral vascular accident and a BIMS score of 7/15 indicating severely impaired cognition, had an ADL self-care performance care plan dated 2/11/26 that specified transfers with a pivot disc and one staff. However, surveyor observation on 3/31/26 showed a CNA transferring this resident from bed to wheelchair using a Lumex, which the resident successfully completed by following verbal cues. The DON reported that staff had used a Lumex with this resident for four years and verified that the care plan still indicated use of a pivot disc, acknowledging the care plan was incorrect. Therapy documentation showed that a pivot disc had been trialed and recommended for toilet transfers due to a custom-fit wheelchair that did not accommodate the Lumex, and that prior to this trial the resident had used a Lumex for transfers. The DON could not locate therapy notes indicating the resident had been re-assessed for renewed Lumex use, and the care plan had not been revised to reflect the resident’s current transfer method.
Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its infection prevention and control program, specifically its Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy, for a resident colonized with carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). The facility’s EBP policy, revised 9/9/25, requires gown and glove use during high-contact resident care activities, including transfers, and specifies that EBP should be followed outside the resident’s room when performing transfers. The resident had a diagnosis of stroke with hemiplegia and an MDS assessment showing intact cognition with a BIMS score of 15/15. A care plan dated 2/18/26 documented CRPA colonization and included an intervention to observe EBP for infection control. On observation, an EBP sign was posted on the resident’s door and PPE was available next to the room. Despite this, a CNA entered the room without donning a gown or gloves and attached a lift sling to a mechanical lift. The Nursing Home Administrator then entered without gown or gloves and operated the lift while the CNA held the resident in the sling and maneuvered the resident into a wheelchair, including holding the resident’s leg and guiding the resident into the chair. After the transfer, the NHA sanitized the lift while the CNA provided the resident a hat and made the bed. In interviews, both the NHA and CNA stated they did not believe EBP was required because they did not consider the transfer to be direct care, and the DON reported being told that EBP was only required for direct care, which they understood did not include transfers.
Failure to Complete Timely Significant Change MDS After Hospice Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a Significant Change in Status Assessment (SCSA) Minimum Data Set (MDS) within the required timeframe after a resident experienced a significant change in condition. Facility policy on comprehensive assessments, last revised on an unspecified date, states that comprehensive assessments are to be conducted according to the criteria and timeframes in the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User Manual, which requires that an SCSA be completed by the end of the 14th calendar day following determination of a significant change. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that MDS assessments are completed on admission, annually, quarterly, with a significant change, and as needed, and that a significant change includes a decline or improvement in two or more areas of care or when a resident is admitted to or removed from hospice, with a completion timeframe of 14 or 15 days after recognizing the change. Surveyor review of the resident’s electronic health record showed that the last completed MDS assessment was done on a prior date, and the resident was later admitted to hospice, which the DON identified as a significant change requiring an SCSA. An SCSA was initiated after the hospice admission but was left incomplete and never submitted. The resident subsequently expired, and the DON acknowledged during interview that the significant change MDS had not been completed and was past the 14-day requirement.
Failure to Follow Two-Person Mechanical Lift Transfer Care Plan Resulting in Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and adherence to the care plan for a resident requiring assistance with mechanical lift transfers. The facility’s own policies on falls and person-centered care planning require implementation of resident-specific fall prevention measures and provision of services as outlined in the care plan. For this resident, the comprehensive care plan identified self-care deficits related to type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity and specified that all transfers were to be completed using a sit-to-stand mechanical lift with the assistance of two staff. The resident, who had diagnoses including abnormal posture, weakness, type 2 diabetes with polyneuropathy, and morbid obesity, and who had no cognitive impairment per a BIMS score of 13/15, experienced a fall during a transfer. Progress notes document that a CNA was performing a sit-to-stand mechanical lift transfer to bed with only one staff member present, despite the care plan requirement for two-person assistance. During the transfer, the CNA had unhooked one side of the sling and was attempting to unhook the other side, had difficulty reaching, and then unlocked the sit-to-stand lift while the resident was partially on the bed, with feet on the lift and holding the bed trapeze. Because the resident was pushing with their legs, the lift moved forward and the resident slowly slid to the floor. Interviews confirmed that staff were aware that mechanical lifts, including sit-to-stand devices, may require two staff depending on the care plan, and that this resident specifically required two-person assistance for transfers. The resident reported that only one CNA was present at the time of the fall and that usually two staff assist due to the resident’s size. Nursing and CNA staff described that they rely on the care plan or Kardex in the computer to determine transfer needs and acknowledged that sit-to-stand lifts can require one or two staff based on the resident’s plan of care. The DON acknowledged that the CNA involved was working alone during the transfer when the fall occurred and was not following the resident’s care plan.
Lack of RN Coverage and Oversight Leading to Out-of-Scope Nursing and Medication Practices
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to employ a full-time RN designated as the DON and to ensure RN services were provided at least eight consecutive hours a day, seven days a week, as required by regulation and by the facility’s own nursing services policy. Payroll-Based Journal staffing data for the first quarter of 2026 showed a one-star staffing rating and multiple days with no RN hours. Review of daily staffing schedules for several consecutive days in March showed no RN scheduled on any of those dates, indicating there was no RN assigned to supervise nursing staff or oversee resident care. The Administrator confirmed that the DON, who had been the only full-time RN, resigned and her last day was mid-March, and the ADON confirmed that since that resignation there had been no RN employed by the facility and that even when a DON was employed, most weekends did not have RN coverage. In the absence of consistent RN presence and oversight, LPNs were performing admission and readmission nursing assessments and administering IV medications, and CMA/MTs were performing pain assessments, administering PRN pain medications, and administering insulin, all of which were outside their scope of practice as described in the report. Multiple residents’ records showed admission data collection and baseline care plan tools completed and signed by LPNs rather than an RN. For example, one resident admitted with diabetes type 2, osteomyelitis of vertebra, and orthopedic aftercare had a 72-hour admission/re-admission assessment documented by an LPN. Another resident admitted with COPD and traumatic ischemia of muscle had admission data collection and baseline care plan tools completed and signed by an LPN, with a late-entry health status note by a sister-facility DON added seven days after admission. Additional residents admitted with chronic congestive heart failure, sepsis, diabetes type 2, congestive heart failure, and ESRD also had admission data collection notes completed by LPNs. The report further documents that LPNs administered IV medications, including through PICC lines, without RN oversight, and in at least one case outside the LPN’s own training and certification. One resident with an order for IV ertapenem had doses administered on three consecutive days by an LPN and the ADON, who is also an LPN. The ADON stated that most LPNs had been trained to administer IV medications, but identified two LPNs who were not certified, while the former DON stated she believed those LPNs were certified and had allowed them to administer IV medications after observing them. CMA/MTs were documented as completing pain assessments and administering PRN oxycodone and insulin injections without an RN employed to provide direct supervision. One resident with diabetes type 2, bilateral stage II heel pressure ulcers, chronic pulmonary embolism, and vertebral osteomyelitis had multiple pain assessments and PRN oxycodone doses documented by a CMA/MT, as well as several insulin doses administered by the same CMA/MT. Interviews with the RDO and Medical Director confirmed that RN coverage was expected to be provided by DONs from sister facilities, but there was no documentation of their presence in the building, and the Medical Director emphasized that RNs are responsible for assessments, IVs, and staff supervision to ensure practice within scope. These combined actions and inactions led surveyors to identify immediate jeopardy beginning in mid-March.
Removal Plan
- Employ a full-time interim DON
- Provide staff education on notification of changes in condition
- Assess nurses' IV competency
- Employ an agency RN to ensure RN coverage on Saturdays and Sundays
- Reassess all residents with IVs, pressure injuries, and new admissions
- Reassess all residents with a documented change in condition
Failure to Assess Resident’s Respiratory Change in Condition and Request for Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to assess and respond appropriately to a resident-reported change in condition related to respiratory symptoms. The resident had significant medical diagnoses including COPD, panlobular emphysema, osteomyelitis of the lumbar vertebra, and chronic myeloid leukemia. A recent MDS showed the resident was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and used a wheelchair for mobility. The care plan also identified a focus on the resident and spouse making inappropriate EMS 911 calls when no true emergency existed, with interventions focused on educating them about appropriate EMS use. On the day of the incident, the resident reported shortness of breath and wheezing and received a PRN nebulizer treatment of Ipratropium-Albuterol, which was documented as effective. However, the LPN did not collect additional assessment data or notify an RN of the resident’s complaint of shortness of breath. No comprehensive respiratory assessment or vital signs were obtained at that time despite the resident’s symptoms. Later that same day, the resident told the LPN that she "may need to go to the hospital" and reported feeling short of breath. The LPN acknowledged that the resident made this statement but did not immediately assess the resident, stating she believed the resident was not in dire need and that the resident often complained of various ailments. According to the resident’s account, she specifically told the LPN that she needed to go to the hospital, was wheezing a lot, and tried to stay calm while waiting about an hour without staff action, after which she called her husband. The husband reported that the resident was crying, calling out in the hallway, and that he called 911 because staff were not doing anything. The facility’s grievance file and staff statements documented that the LPN was aware the resident said she "may need to go to the hospital" but did not complete an assessment before EMS arrived. The resident was transferred to the hospital, where she was found to have hypoxia with low oxygen saturation and was diagnosed with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, chronic pulmonary emboli without acute cor pulmonale, and bronchiectasis with acute lower respiratory infection. The Medical Director later stated her expectation that when a resident states they want to go to the hospital, staff should conduct an assessment, obtain vital signs, and report to the provider.
Failure to Transcribe and Administer Ordered Antibiotics and Wrong IV Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident was free from significant medication errors, specifically related to transcription and administration of ordered antibiotics and the administration of another resident’s IV antibiotic. The resident had a history of lumbar discitis/osteomyelitis and chronic myeloid leukemia and had been receiving IV daptomycin via PICC line following a hospital stay. An MRI in mid-January showed improvement, and the infectious disease (ID) physician initially ordered discontinuation of IV daptomycin, PICC removal, and discontinuation of weekly labs. The following day, after further review of the MRI and inflammatory markers, the ID physician ordered a transition to oral levofloxacin 750 mg daily and oral vancomycin 125 mg daily for several weeks, including vancomycin for C. diff prophylaxis. These orders were faxed to the facility and were later confirmed by the fax company and the Business Office Manager as having been received by the facility. Despite receipt of the faxed orders, the facility did not transcribe the oral levofloxacin and oral vancomycin into the resident’s physician orders or MAR for January or February, and there was no evidence on the MAR that these medications were administered during that period. The physician order listing for the resident showed that the oral levofloxacin and vancomycin orders did not appear until mid-March, when the resident returned from the hospital with those medications ordered. During telemedicine follow-up with the ID physician, the resident reported doing well and tolerating levofloxacin, believing she was taking the ordered antibiotics, even though the MAR showed no administration. The resident, who was cognitively intact per a BIMS score of 15, later stated she only took medications provided by the facility and did not know the oral antibiotics had not been given. The Assistant DON and consultant pharmacist both confirmed that no orders for oral levofloxacin or vancomycin were received by the pharmacy or entered into the system in January or February. In March, the resident was sent to the ER with fever and left knee pain, and imaging showed extensive osseous erosion at L1-2 concerning for discitis/osteomyelitis. The hospital documentation referenced the resident as being chronically on levofloxacin and oral vancomycin for discitis and continued or resumed these medications, which were then first documented as administered at the facility in mid-March. Separately, in January, a medication occurrence report documented that an LPN administered another resident’s IV antibiotic, ertapenem, instead of the ordered daptomycin to this resident. The LPN later stated she did not check thoroughly enough and took the wrong IV medication from the refrigerator, describing it as an honest mistake and noting that previously there had only been one resident with an IV. The facility’s own policies required medications to be administered according to physician orders and required licensed nurses to check and confirm pending orders after physician visits, but the faxed ID orders for oral antibiotics were not processed, and the wrong IV antibiotic was administered on one occasion. The Medical Director stated she was not aware that the resident was supposed to start two oral antibiotics in January as ordered by the ID physician and indicated her expectation that any faxed orders for oral antibiotics would be processed and administered. The Business Office Manager described the process for handling telehealth visit notes and faxed orders, explaining that nursing staff received faxed records and placed them in a bin for scanning into the EMR under a miscellaneous tab. With assistance from the fax company, the BOM confirmed that the fax containing the orders to start oral levofloxacin and add oral vancomycin was received by the facility. The facility’s policies on medication errors and physician orders emphasized preventing significant medication errors and ensuring orders were entered and confirmed, but the failure to transcribe and administer the ordered oral antibiotics and the administration of another resident’s IV antibiotic constituted significant medication errors for this resident.
Inadequate Staffing and Improper Delegation of Nursing and Medication Tasks
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide sufficient and appropriately qualified nursing staff to meet residents’ needs, and failure to ensure that LPNs and CMAs/MTs practiced within their legal scope and professional standards. The facility’s own facility assessment called for a CNA-to-resident ratio of one CNA for ten to sixteen residents on the evening shift, yet on the evening of survey entry there were only three CNAs for 34 residents, with one CNA scheduled for only a partial shift. Interviews and documentation, including a police body-worn camera narrative, showed that staff and leadership acknowledged difficulty providing needed care due to lack of staffing. The Nursing Home Administrator told police that one resident needed constant care that was difficult to provide because of staffing shortages, and an LPN stated she felt residents needed more attention than staff could provide. One resident with osteomyelitis of the lumbar vertebra, COPD, emphysema, and chronic myeloid leukemia, who was wheelchair-bound, dependent for transfers, and frequently incontinent of bowel, reported waiting over three hours for assistance after a bowel movement, prompting a call to local police. This resident later told the surveyor that call lights usually took 30–45 minutes to be answered and that care was timelier while surveyors were present. A family member reported that it took staff “forever” to respond to this resident’s needs and that he had complained to the ADON about response times. These accounts, combined with staffing records, demonstrated that the facility did not have enough staff on duty to meet residents’ immediate care needs. The facility also failed to ensure that CMAs/MTs and LPNs practiced within their scope and under appropriate RN oversight. A CMA/MT had been independently assessing residents’ pain and administering PRN oxycodone, including documenting pre- and post-administration pain levels, despite state guidance that assessments cannot be delegated to unlicensed personnel and facility policy stating that CMAs/MTs are not to assess pain or administer PRN medications without an RN’s assessment. The CMA/MT reported using both verbal reports and a nonverbal pain scale and believed this was within her scope, while the VPCO and FDON later stated it was not. Additionally, multiple admission and readmission nursing assessments and baseline care plan tools for several residents were completed and signed by LPNs without evidence of RN assessment, even though state standards limit LPNs to data collection and require RNs to complete resident assessments. The FDON and ADON acknowledged that, in the absence of an RN DON and because most admissions occurred on evenings, LPNs had been completing all initial nursing assessments for years. Further, the facility did not ensure that LPNs performing IV therapy had the required additional training and RN delegation as outlined in facility policy and state guidance. One resident with an order for IV ertapenem via PICC line received this medication on multiple days from LPNs, including an LPN whose personnel file contained no documentation of IV therapy training. The ADON confirmed that this LPN was not certified to administer IV/PICC medications, while the LPN stated she had been hanging IV medications via PICC lines since hire, without formal facility training, and was sometimes the only nurse available to administer PICC medications, with the other staff person being a CMA/MT. The FDON stated she supervised licensed staff and had observed LPNs administering IV medications without concerns, but there was no evidence of the documented training and competency validation required by facility policy for delegation of IV tasks to LPNs. Collectively, these findings showed that the facility did not maintain adequate RN presence, did not follow its own delegation and competency policies, and allowed LPNs and CMAs/MTs to perform assessments and IV tasks beyond their scope, affecting all residents in the facility.
Expired Food and Unsanitary Kitchen Conditions in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s food service operations related to failure to follow its own food safety and sanitation policies. The facility’s policies required that all local, state, and federal standards be followed, that food be protected from contamination, and that perishable foods be used prior to their use-by or expiration dates, with out-of-date foods discarded. During an observation of the kitchen’s walk-in cooler, surveyors found multiple juice containers labeled by the facility with use-by dates that had already passed, including cranberry juice, orange juice, and apple juice. They also found a container of concentrated lemon juice with a manufacturer’s expiration date that had already passed, despite the facility having applied a later “use by” date that extended beyond the manufacturer’s expiration. Further observations in the kitchen’s walk-in freezer revealed a torn-open package of hot dog buns with several buns exposed to air and an opened box of fish with a manufacturer’s expiration date that had already passed. Additional inspection of the kitchen area showed multiple cobwebs and dead insects on the wall behind portable shelving where clean dishes were stored, along with a buildup of black and gray dust and debris. Two window unit air conditioners were located next to this shelving, with the potential to blow debris and pests onto the clean dishes if turned on. A dietary aide acknowledged these conditions during the survey, stating that all dietary staff should be checking use-by and expiration dates. The Regional Director of Operations later stated it was her expectation that there would be no items beyond use-by or expiration dates and no dust or dead bugs in the kitchen. These failures placed all 34 residents at risk of foodborne illnesses.
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