Worland Health And Rehabilitation
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Worland, Wyoming.
- Location
- 1901 Howell Ave, Worland, Wyoming 82401
- CMS Provider Number
- 535048
- Inspections on file
- 18
- Latest survey
- February 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Worland Health And Rehabilitation during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
The facility failed to prevent accident hazards and provide adequate supervision related to hot beverage service. A resident with moderate cognitive impairment, stroke, hemiplegia, contractures, and dysphagia, who was care-planned to receive hot liquids only in a Kennedy cup and at non-scalding temperatures, was instead given hot coffee in a Styrofoam cup without a lid and left unsupervised, resulting in burns to the thighs requiring ED treatment. Surveyors also observed multiple residents independently dispensing very hot coffee or water directly from a machine into open cups, then ambulating with walkers while carrying these beverages, sometimes spilling them. Staff interviews confirmed that machine water was not supposed to be served directly to residents, that dining room staffing was often below the intended level, and that there were no clear interventions to prevent residents from independently accessing the hot beverage machine, leading to an immediate jeopardy finding.
Two cognitively impaired roommates, one with severely impaired memory and verbal behavioral symptoms and the other with moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and anxiety, became involved in a physical altercation after a CNA briefly left their shared room. Staff heard loud noises and found one resident with a raised fist and the other holding a Bible raised toward the first, with both admitting they had been fighting and one stating the other was in the way. The injured resident was found to have blood, scratches, and two small abrasions on the left cheek, while the other had no injuries, demonstrating a failure to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident.
A resident reported $200 missing from their bedside table, but the facility failed to report the allegation to the state survey agency as required by their policy. The resident, who was cognitively intact, informed the social services director, but the investigation was not reported, violating the facility's reporting policy.
A resident with dementia and behavioral symptoms was not engaged in activities as per their care plan, despite the facility's policy to provide resident-centered activities. Observations showed the resident pacing and not being assisted to participate in scheduled activities. The facility was short-staffed, affecting the implementation of the activities program.
A facility failed to follow the dietary orders for a resident with diabetes, serving a full cinnamon roll with glaze instead of the prescribed half portion without glaze. The resident, who was cognitively intact, confirmed the deviation from the diabetic diet plan. Interviews with the dietitian and dietary manager highlighted that the facility's protocol requires adherence to diet cards unless a resident requests otherwise, which was not the case here.
A facility failed to implement proper infection prevention practices during care for a cognitively impaired resident. A CNA, while assisting with incontinence care, did not change gloves before touching clean items and handled soiled laundry without bagging it. Interviews confirmed the CNA knew the correct procedures but was nervous, leading to the breach.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dementia was physically abused by another resident with similar impairments, resulting in a scalp laceration and severe pelvic fracture. The incident occurred after both residents were in the dining room and later assisted to their rooms. The perpetrator had recently undergone a dose reduction of antipsychotic medication.
Inadequate Supervision and Unsafe Hot Beverage Practices Leading to Burns and Accident Hazards
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and that residents received adequate supervision and appropriate devices to prevent accidents, particularly related to hot beverages. One resident with moderate cognitive impairment, a history of stroke, hemiplegia, hemiparesis with hand contractures, and dysphagia had a care plan requiring use of a Kennedy cup for all hot beverages and that food and fluids be served at non-scalding temperatures. Despite these interventions, the resident was given hot coffee in a Styrofoam cup without a lid during a period when the facility was using disposable dinnerware due to an influenza outbreak. The CNA who provided the coffee left the room to care for another resident, and the resident subsequently spilled the coffee into their lap, resulting in burns to the thighs that required ED evaluation and treatment. Surveyors identified additional concerns in the dining room where multiple residents independently accessed hot beverages from a coffee machine and water spout without lids or assistance. One resident independently obtained coffee in an open cup, placed it on a walker seat, and ambulated, causing the coffee to spill. Other residents independently obtained hot water from the coffee machine water spout into open cups and walked back to their tables while simultaneously pushing walkers, sometimes spilling coffee on themselves and tables, though without documented injury in those instances. Observations showed that residents were routinely allowed to obtain hot beverages on their own, often in open cups without lids, while using walkers. Further observations and staff interviews revealed that the water from the coffee machine measured 176.7°F and later 168.7°F, and dietary staff stated that water from the coffee machine was never supposed to be given directly to residents and that coffee and water temperatures were checked in the kitchen and not to be served directly from the machine. A CNA reported that residents were allowed to independently obtain beverages, that there was supposed to be two aides in the dining room prior to meals but usually only one was present, and that she was unaware of any interventions to prevent residents from filling cups from the coffee machine. She also stated that specialty adaptive items were identified on meal trays, but beverages were usually provided before trays came out, contributing to residents independently accessing hot beverages. These combined actions and inactions led to the determination of immediate jeopardy related to accident hazards and inadequate supervision.
Failure to Prevent Resident-on-Resident Physical Abuse Between Cognitively Impaired Roommates
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident when two cognitively impaired roommates engaged in a physical altercation. One resident had severely impaired memory, verbal behavioral symptoms directed toward others, and a diagnosis of non-Alzheimer’s dementia. The roommate had moderate cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 10/15 and diagnoses including dementia and anxiety. On the day of the incident, a CNA had taken the first resident into the shared room to watch television while the roommate was on their side of the room looking through personal belongings. After the CNA briefly left for the nurses’ station, loud noises were heard coming from the room. When the CNA returned, both residents were next to each other, with the first resident holding a fist up and the roommate holding a Bible raised toward the first resident. Both residents stated they had been fighting, and the roommate said the other was “in the way.” The CNA and RN observed blood and scratches on the first resident’s face, and assessment revealed two small abrasions to the left cheek. The roommate had no injuries. Staff interviews confirmed that the altercation occurred between the two roommates and that the injured resident required cleaning of the facial abrasion. This sequence of events constituted a failure to ensure the resident’s right to be free from physical abuse by another resident.
Failure to Report Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of misappropriation of resident property for one of the residents reviewed for abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a mental status score of 14 out of 15, reported to a housekeeper that $200 was missing from a bank envelope on their bedside table. The resident was unable to specify what happened to the money or when it went missing. Despite the resident informing the social services director about the missing money, the allegation was not reported to the state survey agency as required. The facility's policy on reporting and investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation mandates that any suspicion must be reported immediately to the administrator and other officials according to state law. The policy specifies that allegations not involving abuse or serious bodily injury should be reported within 24 hours. However, the social services director confirmed that the investigation into the missing money was completed but not reported to the state survey agency, indicating a failure to adhere to the facility's policy and state reporting requirements.
Failure to Engage Resident in Activities Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an activities program that met the needs and preferences of a resident with dementia and behavioral symptoms. The resident, who had a history of being a janitor and enjoyed being helpful, was observed pacing and not being engaged in activities as per their care plan. The care plan indicated the resident's interest in group activities, going outside, and participating in simple, structured activities. However, observations showed the resident was not assisted to participate in scheduled activities and was left to pace around the facility. On multiple occasions, the resident was observed pacing in the dining room and hallways without being engaged in any activities. Despite the activities calendar listing various activities, the resident was not invited or assisted to join them. The resident expressed a desire to help with cleaning tasks, but staff did not facilitate this interest, leaving the resident to attempt cleaning tasks independently without proper support or guidance. The facility's policy stated that activities should be based on comprehensive resident-centered assessments and preferences, yet the resident's needs were not met. The social services director acknowledged that the facility was short-staffed due to one activities staff member being on medical leave and another on vacation, which affected the implementation of the activities program. The expectation was for CNAs to perform structured activities, but this was not observed during the survey.
Failure to Follow Diabetic Diet Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to the dietary orders for a resident with diabetes mellitus, who was on a controlled carbohydrate diet. The resident, who was cognitively intact, was supposed to receive a half portion of a cinnamon roll without glaze, as per the diet card accompanying the meal. However, during an observation, the resident was served a full cinnamon roll with glaze, contrary to the prescribed diet. The resident confirmed that the facility did not follow the diabetic diet plan. Interviews with the dietitian and dietary manager revealed that the facility's diabetic diet protocol includes smaller portions of carbohydrates and sugar, and diet cards should be strictly followed unless a resident requests a deviation. The dietary manager confirmed that any requests for different items should be noted on the diet card, and in this case, the resident did not request a full cinnamon roll or glaze. The dietary manager also stated that aides are expected to catch such discrepancies and seek nurse approval if a resident requests a full portion, which did not occur in this instance.
Infection Control Breach During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection prevention practices during personal care for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and physical disabilities. The resident, who was frequently incontinent and dependent on staff for hygiene, was observed being assisted by a CNA and an OT. During the care, the CNA placed the resident's soiled pants on the floor and proceeded to perform incontinence care. Without changing gloves, the CNA touched various clean items in the room, including the resident's clean clothing and personal items, before finally removing the gloves and using hand sanitizer. The CNA then handled the soiled pants without placing them in a bag, contrary to infection control protocols. Interviews with the CNA and the infection preventionist confirmed that the CNA was aware of the expectation to remove contaminated gloves before touching clean items and to bag soiled items before leaving the resident's room. The facility's policies and CDC guidelines were reviewed, which clearly outlined the proper procedures for glove use and handling of soiled laundry. The CNA admitted to being nervous, which contributed to the failure to follow these protocols, resulting in a breach of infection prevention practices.
Resident-to-Resident Physical Abuse Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident, resulting in actual harm. The victim, who had severely impaired cognitive skills and a history of non-Alzheimer's dementia and pelvic fractures, was found on the floor of their room with a scalp laceration after being pushed by another resident. This incident occurred after both residents had been in the dining room together and were later assisted to their rooms. The perpetrator, also with severely impaired cognitive skills and a history of unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbances, entered the victim's room and admitted to pushing them down. The incident was discovered when a CNA heard a door slam and found the victim on the floor with a head injury. The victim was subsequently diagnosed with a severe pelvic fracture and exacerbation of degenerative joint disease. Interviews with staff revealed that the incident was unexpected, as the residents had been getting along well prior to the event. The perpetrator had recently undergone a gradual dose reduction of antipsychotic medication, which was increased following the incident.
Latest citations in Wyoming
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dementia had facility-managed trust funds used to purchase three Meta virtual reality headsets via Amazon. The corresponding debit was recorded in the trust account, but the devices were later found stored, largely unopened, in the activities room, with the activities director unaware of their ownership or use and unable to operate them. The resident’s representative was not informed of the purchase and believed the resident could not use such devices, while the NHA stated the items were bought as part of a Medicaid spend-down for the resident and possibly friends.
A resident with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and depression developed UTI symptoms and was started on Keflex after a positive urine culture, with multiple notes documenting the infection and antibiotic treatment. The resident later told their representative they were taking medication for an infection, leading the representative to contact the facility for information. Facility records showed the representative was only notified days later when a follow-up urine sample was collected to confirm clearance of the infection, with no documentation of notification at the onset of the UTI or initiation of treatment. The DON confirmed the absence of documentation, despite a facility policy requiring immediate notification of the resident, physician, and resident representative when a new treatment is started.
A resident who was cognitively intact but dependent for transfers and required a full body mechanical lift was being moved from bed to a recliner by two aides when a sling shoulder strap detached from the lift, causing a fall. Staff and witness statements confirmed that the lift in use lacked safety clips on the spreader bar, despite manufacturer instructions requiring safety clips to be present and properly used. The DON acknowledged that safety clips had been removed from the lifts because they were viewed as ineffective. The resident sustained a cervical fracture and subsequently went into cardiac arrest with death pronounced the same day, and the situation was determined to be immediate jeopardy.
Surveyors found that staff failed to follow infection prevention practices for urinal use and maintenance for three residents. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple comorbidities had a urinal containing urine with visible discoloration and dried residue that was not dated. Two urinals for another resident were still in place more than a month after the date written on them, and a third resident’s urinal showed staining and was not labeled with a date. CNAs reported that urinals were typically changed monthly and as needed, while an LPN and the infection preventionist stated that soiled urinals should be discarded and replaced, and that urinals should be labeled and replaced at least monthly. The DON confirmed urinals should be replaced when visibly soiled and acknowledged there were no written facility policies governing urinal use.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of hip fracture, stroke, anxiety, and depression had a care plan indicating a preference for twice-weekly baths and a need for maximum assist with bathing. Bathing records showed the resident initially received showers twice weekly, but the frequency was later reduced to once weekly after the resident moved to another unit, without documented reassessment of bathing preferences. The administrator acknowledged that preferences should have been reassessed after the move, while bath aides reported that bathing schedules are generally maintained and that they would ask new residents about their preferences. The current bathing schedule and medical record confirmed the resident was only scheduled for weekly showers, with no documented reevaluation or change in the care plan to support the reduced frequency.
The facility failed to prevent accident hazards and provide adequate supervision related to hot beverage service. A resident with moderate cognitive impairment, stroke, hemiplegia, contractures, and dysphagia, who was care-planned to receive hot liquids only in a Kennedy cup and at non-scalding temperatures, was instead given hot coffee in a Styrofoam cup without a lid and left unsupervised, resulting in burns to the thighs requiring ED treatment. Surveyors also observed multiple residents independently dispensing very hot coffee or water directly from a machine into open cups, then ambulating with walkers while carrying these beverages, sometimes spilling them. Staff interviews confirmed that machine water was not supposed to be served directly to residents, that dining room staffing was often below the intended level, and that there were no clear interventions to prevent residents from independently accessing the hot beverage machine, leading to an immediate jeopardy finding.
Two cognitively impaired roommates, one with severely impaired memory and verbal behavioral symptoms and the other with moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and anxiety, became involved in a physical altercation after a CNA briefly left their shared room. Staff heard loud noises and found one resident with a raised fist and the other holding a Bible raised toward the first, with both admitting they had been fighting and one stating the other was in the way. The injured resident was found to have blood, scratches, and two small abrasions on the left cheek, while the other had no injuries, demonstrating a failure to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident.
A resident was documented by nursing staff as calmly walking in the dining room, then suddenly punching another seated resident in the face, after which the aggressor was removed and placed on 1:1 supervision and the victim was assessed, showing only a pre-existing red cheek mark without swelling or pain. However, the facility’s internal incident report later characterized the event as a face "push" with no injury or distress, and the allegation was not reported to the state survey agency until more than 24 hours later. The administrator acknowledged that the original allegation of a punch was not accurately reported and that the facility reported the investigation’s conclusion instead of the actual allegation, contrary to the facility’s abuse reporting policy requiring prompt reporting of all abuse allegations.
A cognitively intact resident with stable mood and no recent behavioral issues intervened when another resident, who had bipolar disorder and a recent history of increased aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviors, refusal of care, and delusions following hospitalization for aspiration pneumonia, was teasing another resident in the dining room. In response, the behaviorally escalated resident directed profane and threatening language at the intervening resident, causing visible distress and a verbal exchange before staff arrived and the aggressive resident left the area. Surveyors found that the facility failed to protect the resident’s right to be free from verbal abuse by another resident.
Surveyors found unsanitary kitchen conditions and inadequate food safety monitoring, including a grimy Traulsen refrigerator with a sticky handle, a soap dispenser with dark buildup, and an ice scoop stored on top of the ice machine near hair nets. An undated, unlabeled package of ham and a partially uncovered, undated bowl of crushed vanilla wafers were observed in food storage areas, and the walk-in refrigerator thermostat showed no temperature. No temperature logs were available for the walk-in refrigerator, freezer, or the Ecolab XL dish machine, despite manufacturer requirements for specific wash and sanitizing temperatures and facility policies mandating daily logging of cooler, freezer, and dishwasher temperatures, as well as labeling and dating of refrigerated foods and maintaining clean, sanitary food service areas.
Misappropriation of Resident Trust Funds for Unused Virtual Reality Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from misappropriation of property when items were purchased with the resident’s trust account funds and not used for the resident’s benefit. The resident had severe cognitive impairment, with a BIMS score of 3/15 and diagnoses including dementia, non‑traumatic brain dysfunction, and Meniere’s disease, and the facility managed the resident’s funds through a trust account. Documentation showed that an Amazon order was placed for this resident that included three Meta virtual reality headsets at $399.99 each, and the resident’s trust account transaction history reflected a corresponding debit of $1,878.78 for Amazon purchases. Attempts to interview the resident were unsuccessful due to cognitive debilities. Surveyor observation found three Meta virtual reality headsets in their original boxes, one opened, stored in the activities storage room near the main dining room. The activities director stated she did not know who the devices belonged to, that they had been stored in the closet since February of the prior year, that the devices required internet access, and that she did not know how to use them. The resident’s responsible party reported having no knowledge of the Meta purchase and did not believe the resident would have been capable of operating the devices. The NHA stated that the resident was obligated to spend down the trust account as a Medicaid requirement and that three Meta virtual reality headsets were ordered for the resident and possibly some friends to use.
Failure to Notify Resident Representative of UTI and New Antibiotic Treatment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a resident’s representative of a change in condition when the resident developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) and was started on antibiotic therapy. The resident had a diagnosis of non-Alzheimer’s dementia and depression, with an annual MDS showing a BIMS score of 11/15 (mild cognitive impairment), no delirium, behaviors, or hallucinations, and independence with personal, oral, and toileting hygiene, and continence of bowel and bladder. On 2/2/26 at 8:02 AM, a health status note documented the resident’s complaints of dysuria, urinary urgency, and frequency, and that a urinalysis was collected. Later that day at 10:38 PM, another health status note documented that the resident was being monitored on Keflex (cephalexin) day 1 of 7 for a UTI with no adverse reaction. On 2/3/26 at 11:45 AM, a health status note documented the resident was on Keflex day 2 of 7 for a UTI, was up out of bed, alert to staff, and had no complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin reactions, or discomfort. An infection note on 2/3/26 at 1:30 PM documented a confirmed UTI diagnosis based on dysuria, increased urgency/frequency, and a positive urine culture, with a 7-day course of cephalexin ordered and instructions for good hygiene and fluids. The resident’s representative reported in a telephone interview that she learned of the infection only after the resident told her they were taking medication for an infection, prompting her to contact the facility for information. Review of communication notes showed the representative was notified on 2/12/26 that a urine sample was being collected to ensure the infection had cleared, but there was no documentation that the representative had been notified at the onset of the UTI or when treatment was initiated. The DON confirmed there was no documentation of notification, despite the facility’s policy requiring immediate notification of the resident, physician, and resident representative when there is a need to commence a new form of treatment.
Failure to Use Required Safety Clips on Mechanical Lift Resulting in Resident Fall and Cervical Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure safe staff practices and safe working conditions when using a full body mechanical lift for a resident who was dependent for transfers. The resident had a BIMS score of 15/15, indicating intact cognition, and medical diagnoses including morbid obesity, heart failure, and renal insufficiency, and required a full body mechanical lift for transfers. On the day of the incident, the resident was being transferred from bed to a recliner by two aides using a full body mechanical lift when the left shoulder strap of the sling came loose from the lift, causing the resident to fall to the floor. Witness documentation and staff interviews indicated the resident was found face down on the floor with legs over one leg of the lift, with all but one sling strap still attached. The incident report concluded that the resident had a tendency to shift weight and reposition while in the sling and that the sling strap likely came up on one side and then came off the lift. Further investigation showed that the mechanical lift in use at the time of the fall did not have safety clips on the spreader bar, as confirmed by both aides involved in the transfer and by an RN who responded to the incident. The RN identified the specific model used and confirmed that safety clips were not present at the time of the fall. A laminated Quick Reference Guide attached to the same model of lift, and the manufacturer’s Quick Reference Guide provided by the DON, both instructed staff to ensure safety clips on the spreader bar are in position after the sling is applied and to check that safety clips are present and used properly. The DON reported that safety clips had been removed at some point because they would come off and were considered ineffective. Based on the failure to follow manufacturer instructions for use of safety clips on the mechanical lift, the resident fell from the lift and sustained a mildly displaced fracture of the left C2 transverse process with extension into the C2 vertebral body, and later went into cardiac arrest with death pronounced the same day. This failure was determined to constitute immediate jeopardy.
Failure to Implement Proper Urinal Cleaning and Replacement Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control practices related to the use and maintenance of urinals for three sampled residents. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, cancer, depression, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, lower extremity impairment, who was wheelchair bound and required substantial to maximal assistance with toileting hygiene, was observed with a urinal hanging from a trash can next to a recliner that contained approximately 100 milliliters of amber-colored urine. The urinal showed dark blue and black discoloration inside and a dried yellow substance around the opening, and it was not labeled with a date. A CNA stated that residents’ urinals were emptied every two hours and replaced monthly, and later confirmed that this urinal was not dated and appeared discolored and soiled. Additional observations showed two empty urinals dated more than a month earlier hanging from a trash can next to another resident’s bed, with a CNA confirming they had not been replaced after one month of use. Another resident’s urinal was observed hanging from a nightstand, empty but with yellow, amber, and dark blue staining inside, and it was not dated; a CNA confirmed the urinal appeared soiled and undated and reported that urinals were changed monthly and as needed. An LPN stated staff were expected to discard soiled urinals and replace them when they appeared soiled. The infection preventionist reported that staff were expected to label urinals and replace them at least monthly or when visibly soiled, and the DON confirmed urinals should have been replaced when visibly soiled and acknowledged there were no facility policies regarding urinals.
Failure to Maintain Resident’s Preferred Bathing Frequency After Unit Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain a resident’s activities of daily living, specifically bathing, according to the resident’s assessed needs and stated preferences. A quarterly MDS dated 1/23/26 for resident #11 showed a BIMS score of 3/15, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and diagnoses including a history of hip fracture, stroke, anxiety, and depression. The care plan dated 10/24/25 documented that the resident preferred bathing twice a week and required maximum assistance with bathing and showering. Review of the bathing record from 12/10/25 through 1/6/25 showed the resident received showers twice weekly until 1/14/26, when the frequency was reduced to once weekly. The administrator stated on 3/12/26 that the resident had moved from another unit on 12/30/25 and that shower preferences should have been reassessed and had changed, but no evidence of such reassessment was found. Bath aide interviews indicated that bathing schedules were expected to be maintained when residents moved units and that staff would typically ask new residents about their bathing preferences. The current bathing schedule and medical record confirmed the resident was scheduled for and receiving only weekly showers, with no documented reevaluation of preferences or change in the bathing schedule.
Inadequate Supervision and Unsafe Hot Beverage Practices Leading to Burns and Accident Hazards
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and that residents received adequate supervision and appropriate devices to prevent accidents, particularly related to hot beverages. One resident with moderate cognitive impairment, a history of stroke, hemiplegia, hemiparesis with hand contractures, and dysphagia had a care plan requiring use of a Kennedy cup for all hot beverages and that food and fluids be served at non-scalding temperatures. Despite these interventions, the resident was given hot coffee in a Styrofoam cup without a lid during a period when the facility was using disposable dinnerware due to an influenza outbreak. The CNA who provided the coffee left the room to care for another resident, and the resident subsequently spilled the coffee into their lap, resulting in burns to the thighs that required ED evaluation and treatment. Surveyors identified additional concerns in the dining room where multiple residents independently accessed hot beverages from a coffee machine and water spout without lids or assistance. One resident independently obtained coffee in an open cup, placed it on a walker seat, and ambulated, causing the coffee to spill. Other residents independently obtained hot water from the coffee machine water spout into open cups and walked back to their tables while simultaneously pushing walkers, sometimes spilling coffee on themselves and tables, though without documented injury in those instances. Observations showed that residents were routinely allowed to obtain hot beverages on their own, often in open cups without lids, while using walkers. Further observations and staff interviews revealed that the water from the coffee machine measured 176.7°F and later 168.7°F, and dietary staff stated that water from the coffee machine was never supposed to be given directly to residents and that coffee and water temperatures were checked in the kitchen and not to be served directly from the machine. A CNA reported that residents were allowed to independently obtain beverages, that there was supposed to be two aides in the dining room prior to meals but usually only one was present, and that she was unaware of any interventions to prevent residents from filling cups from the coffee machine. She also stated that specialty adaptive items were identified on meal trays, but beverages were usually provided before trays came out, contributing to residents independently accessing hot beverages. These combined actions and inactions led to the determination of immediate jeopardy related to accident hazards and inadequate supervision.
Failure to Prevent Resident-on-Resident Physical Abuse Between Cognitively Impaired Roommates
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a resident from physical abuse by another resident when two cognitively impaired roommates engaged in a physical altercation. One resident had severely impaired memory, verbal behavioral symptoms directed toward others, and a diagnosis of non-Alzheimer’s dementia. The roommate had moderate cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 10/15 and diagnoses including dementia and anxiety. On the day of the incident, a CNA had taken the first resident into the shared room to watch television while the roommate was on their side of the room looking through personal belongings. After the CNA briefly left for the nurses’ station, loud noises were heard coming from the room. When the CNA returned, both residents were next to each other, with the first resident holding a fist up and the roommate holding a Bible raised toward the first resident. Both residents stated they had been fighting, and the roommate said the other was “in the way.” The CNA and RN observed blood and scratches on the first resident’s face, and assessment revealed two small abrasions to the left cheek. The roommate had no injuries. Staff interviews confirmed that the altercation occurred between the two roommates and that the injured resident required cleaning of the facial abrasion. This sequence of events constituted a failure to ensure the resident’s right to be free from physical abuse by another resident.
Failure to Accurately and Timely Report Resident-to-Resident Abuse Allegation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately and timely report an allegation of resident-to-resident abuse involving one sampled resident. A nurse’s progress note documented that a resident was walking calmly in the dining room, approached another seated resident, and, without any cue, drew back a clenched fist and punched the seated resident in the face. The aggressor was immediately redirected, removed from the situation, and placed on one-to-one supervision, and was noted to have no recollection of the event. A separate allegation form for the involved resident who was struck stated that this resident had been sitting in the dining room when another resident punched them in the face, that they had done nothing to incur the event, and that they did not recall the situation moments later. The resident who was struck was assessed and found to have a red mark on the cheek that appeared pre-existing, with no swelling or pain noted. A facility-reported incident created later the same day described the event differently, stating that one resident walked near another and “pushed” the other resident’s face, with both residents separated and redirected and no injury or distress noted. This incident was not reported to the state survey agency until the following day at 5:45 PM, approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes after the alleged incident. The administrator confirmed that the allegation that one resident punched another was not accurately reported, explaining that the facility’s investigation concluded the action was a push, and that the facility reported the results of the investigation as the allegation rather than reporting the original allegation itself. The facility’s abuse reporting policy required the Executive Director or designee to report all allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, mistreatment, injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of resident property immediately but not later than 2 hours when the events involve abuse or result in serious bodily injury.
Failure to Protect Resident From Verbal Abuse During Dining Room Altercation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from verbal abuse by another resident during a dining room incident. One resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15, a low mood score, and no documented behaviors or refusal of care during the look-back period, intervened when another resident was teasing an unidentified resident. The second resident, who also had a BIMS score of 15, a mood score of 4, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, had recently experienced aspiration pneumonia requiring hospitalization and readmission, and subsequently exhibited increased aggressive and inappropriate sexual behaviors toward staff, refusal of care, and delusional behavior over several days. On the date of the incident, when the cognitively intact resident asked the behaviorally escalated resident to stop teasing another resident, the latter responded by calling the resident a “fat bitch,” telling the resident to “shut the fuck up,” and threatening to “knock [their] fucking teeth out.” The verbally abused resident became visibly upset and responded by challenging the other resident to hit them. The altercation occurred in the dining area before additional staff arrived, at which point the aggressive resident left and returned to their room. The survey determined that, in this event, the facility failed to protect the resident’s right to be free from verbal abuse by another resident.
Unsanitary Kitchen Conditions and Lack of Temperature Monitoring for Food and Dishwashing Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to unsanitary conditions and inadequate food safety practices in the facility’s kitchen. Observation of the kitchen preparation area showed the Traulsen refrigerator had visible grime and dried food particles on its surface and a sticky handle. The handwashing sink’s soap dispenser had a dark, reddish buildup on the pump, and the ice machine scoop was stored on top of the machine next to packaged hair nets. In the food storage areas, surveyors observed an undated, unlabeled package of ham in the Traulsen refrigerator, and a partially uncovered, undated bowl of crushed vanilla wafers on a bottom shelf of the walk-in pantry. The walk-in refrigerator did not display a temperature on its thermostat, and there were no visible temperature logs for the walk-in refrigerator or freezer. Further review and interviews showed additional failures in monitoring and documentation of required temperatures. There were no temperature logs available for the Ecolab XL dishwashing machine, despite manufacturer’s instructions specifying minimum operating temperatures of 150°F for the wash cycle and 180°F for the sanitizing rinse. The assistant dietary manager confirmed there were no dish machine temperature logs, acknowledged the ham was undated and should have been labeled with the food name and open date, and stated the ice scoop was washed after each use and placed on top of the dish machine. He was unsure about the buildup on the soap dispenser and incorrectly reported that the walk-in refrigerator temperature should have been 20–30 degrees. He believed the dietary manager kept the walk-in logs, but the director of maintenance confirmed there were no temperature logs for the walk-in refrigerator or freezer and that the outside refrigerator temperature reading was incorrect. These practices were inconsistent with facility policies requiring daily logging of cooler/freezer and dishwasher temperatures, maintaining specific temperature ranges for refrigerated and frozen storage, and ensuring refrigerated food is labeled, dated, and monitored, as well as policies requiring all food areas to be kept clean and sanitary.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release May 27, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.
