Citations in California
Comprehensive analysis of citations, statistics, and compliance trends for long-term care facilities in California.
Statistics for California (Last 12 Months)
Financial Impact (Last 12 Months)
Some of the Latest Corrective Actions taken by Facilities in California
- Provided facility-wide in-service training on medication-administration policies, emphasizing verification of resident and drug information, parameter-based holds, and physician notification (K - F0760 - CA)
- Delivered targeted one-on-one coaching to identified nurses on Epogen administration according to laboratory parameters (K - F0760 - CA)
- Created a dedicated Epogen injection log and instituted weekly audits of orders, MARs, and laboratory values to confirm parameter compliance (K - F0760 - CA)
- Launched a QAPI initiative to monitor Epogen practices and adjust measures for ongoing state and federal compliance (K - F0760 - CA)
- Conducted in-service education for all licensed staff on reconciling GACH discharge orders, resolving discrepancies, and monitoring anticoagulant side-effects (J - F0684 - CA)
- Assigned RN Supervisor to review clinical-alerts reports daily for continuity-of-care issues and bleeding indicators (J - F0684 - CA)
- Required DON/ADON or RN Supervisor to perform medication reconciliation against GACH discharge orders for every new admission (J - F0684 - CA)
- Implemented a QAPI Performance Improvement Project with daily audits of discharge-order compliance, anticoagulant use, and adverse-effect monitoring (J - F0684 - CA)
- Engaged Quality & Safety consultant to audit medication reconciliation and anticoagulant monitoring for newly admitted residents (J - F0684 - CA)
- Mandated monthly submission of audit results to the QAA committee for oversight until sustained compliance is achieved (J - F0684 - CA)
Significant Medication Errors: Epogen Administered Outside Physician Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents were not administered Epoetin Alfa-epbx (Epogen) injections outside of the parameters specified in their physician orders. Both residents had orders to hold Epogen injections if their hemoglobin (Hgb) levels exceeded 10 g/dl. Despite these clear instructions, staff administered multiple doses of Epogen to both residents when their Hgb levels were above the prescribed threshold. One resident, with a history of end stage renal disease, dependence on dialysis, and anemia, received 19 unnecessary doses of Epogen over a period when their Hgb level was documented at 11.5 g/dl. The medication administration records and interviews with licensed vocational nurses revealed that the nurses did not check the most recent Hgb levels or review the physician's order before administering the medication. The nurses acknowledged that they failed to follow the order to hold the medication and recognized this as a medication error. Another resident, with a history of kidney transplant and anemia, received three unnecessary doses of Epogen when their Hgb levels were 12.3 g/dl and 12.9 g/dl. The nurse responsible admitted to not checking the latest Hgb level or reading the physician's order accurately before administration. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility did not follow the physician's orders and that licensed nurses were required to check current Hgb levels before administering Epogen. Facility policy required medications to be administered as prescribed, including adherence to any parameters set by the physician.
Removal Plan
- Notify the pharmacist regarding Resident 35 receiving extra doses of Epogen injections.
- Communicate with the Nephrologist to have the dialysis center administer Epogen injections based on lab work during dialysis treatments.
- Follow up with Resident 35's Primary Physician to clarify the order for Epogen to be given at the dialysis center.
- Assess Resident 35 for overall health condition and status.
- Notify Resident 89's Primary Physician regarding Resident 89 receiving extra doses of Epogen injections when Hgb was above the prescribed parameter.
- Continue the Epogen order for Resident 89 with the same parameter (hold Epogen injections when Hgb > 10 mg/dl), pending a complete blood count result.
- Notify the pharmacist regarding Resident 89 receiving Epogen injections when Hgb was above the prescribed parameter.
- Assess Resident 89 for overall health condition and status.
- Notify the Medical Director of the Immediate Jeopardy and develop a removal plan.
- Notify all licensed nurses of the Immediate Jeopardy findings and provide in-services regarding the Medication Administration policy and procedure, including checking/verifying resident and medication information, holding/discontinuing medication per parameters, and notifying physicians of medication-related issues.
- Notify the specific RN and LVNs responsible for the identified findings and provide one-on-one in-services regarding medication administration policy, focusing on Epogen injection administration based on parameters, following disciplinary action.
- Complete in-services regarding medication administration policy and procedure for all licensed nurses.
- Initiate a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan to address the findings.
- Review all current residents with Epogen injection orders.
- Provide in-service regarding medication administration policy and procedure for all licensed nurses.
- Review all residents with Epogen injection orders, medication administration records, and laboratory results after admission, then weekly and as needed to ensure compliance.
- Create an Epogen injection administration log including resident name, Epogen injection order, medication administration following parameter, and laboratory monitoring.
- Review all residents with Epogen injection orders, medication administration records, and laboratory results after admission, then weekly and as needed, and document findings with corrective action on the monitoring log.
- Review the QAPI program and adjust measures to ensure effective and ongoing compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Failure to Prevent Resident Elopement Due to Inadequate Supervision and Policy Implementation
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a diagnosis of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in the brain stem, severe cognitive impairment, and at risk for elopement was not adequately supervised, resulting in the resident leaving the facility unsupervised. The resident had previously been assessed as low risk for elopement, but on the day of the incident, was observed by a CNA packing belongings and expressing a desire to leave. Despite this, the resident was not immediately reassessed for elopement risk, and no detailed monitoring plan or interventions were implemented in accordance with the facility's elopement policy. Staff, including the DON and Social Services Assistant, were made aware of the resident's intent to leave and were instructed to monitor the resident and ensure the facility doors were supervised. However, the doors were not continuously monitored, as the receptionist responsible for this task was not present and no other staff were specifically assigned to this duty. As a result, the resident was able to exit the facility undetected, travel to a previous residence, and remain away from the facility for over six hours before being returned by an unidentified individual. Interviews and record reviews confirmed that staff failed to follow the facility's policy and procedure for elopement prevention, including reassessment of risk and implementation of appropriate interventions when a resident demonstrates behaviors such as packing belongings and verbalizing a desire to leave. The lack of immediate supervision and failure to monitor facility exits directly led to the resident's elopement.
Removal Plan
- Resident agreed to be transferred to the acute care hospital for further evaluation. The attending physician issued the order for transfer.
- Resident will remain on 1 to 1 (1:1) supervision for safety until transportation arrives for pickup. An order was obtained by the physician, and a log was used by the staff to document.
- The facility will implement 24-hour monitoring of the doors to strive and prevent harm to all our patients.
- Resident refused to be transferred to the General Acute Care Hospital (GACH) when transport arrived.
- Received orders from physician to apply a wander guard to Resident.
- Obtained informed consent from Resident's Responsible Party (RP).
- Resident continued to refuse the wander guard despite several attempts and education on safety. Physician and Resident's RP made aware.
- Resident will remain on 1:1 monitoring with a log for staff to document to ensure safety and continuous 24-hour monitoring of doors to prevent another incident reoccurring.
- Resident's elopement assessment was updated to reflect Resident being at high risk for elopement.
- Situation, Background, Assessment Recommendation (SBAR) documentation initiated for Resident and 72-hour SBAR documentation initiated.
- Resident's care plan was updated with interventions implemented to prevent a repeat event.
- Resident spoke with a psychiatrist via resident's telephone for evaluation for psychological support and emotional distress. The psychiatrist ordered a follow-up with social services for discharge. Resident was placed on psychological monitoring.
- Resident will be seen by a psychologist for evaluation for psychosocial distress related to the recent event of elopement.
- All residents have had an elopement risk evaluation assessment. All residents will be assessed upon admission, quarterly and in the event of a significant change with care plans updated.
- Residents who are at high risk for elopement will be added to the quarterly Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee to identify other residents who have the potential to be affected.
- Care plans will be updated for all residents who are at low, moderate or high risk for elopement and will include strategies and interventions to maintain the residents' safety.
- The facility has identified only one resident at high risk for elopement which is Resident.
- The facility will put a system in place for residents who are identified as low to moderate elopement risk for frequent visual monitoring.
- The facility has put into place 24-hour door monitoring to ensure the deficient practice does not reoccur.
- The Director of Nursing (DON) and Director of Staff Development (DSD) in-serviced staff members concerning the facility's policy to preserve and maintain resident safety by instituting measures to monitor and prevent resident from opportunities of wandering and eloping away from facility. DSD will in-service all licensed staff and before working assigned shift, staff will be in-serviced. As new hires come in, they will be educated and in-serviced on the elopement policy as well.
- The facility will place an elopement binder at each nursing station identifying which residents are at low, moderate, and high risk for elopement. Included in the binder will be policy and procedures related to elopement, face sheets with clear picture identifiers of residents at risk and protocols for the event of an elopement.
- The facility will implement a system that when an employee observes a resident leaving the premises he/she should attempt to prevent the resident from leaving in a courteous manner, get help from staff immediately in the vicinity, instruct the charge nurse and or DON that the resident is attempting to leave or has left the premises.
- The facility will implement a system that when a resident is missing, the facility will initiate the elopement/missing resident emergency procedure, initiate a search of the building and premises and notify the Administrator (ADM), the DON, the resident's responsible party, physician, law enforcement, ombudsman, and CDPH.
- The facility will implement a system for when the resident who eloped is found, the DON and or charge nurse will examine the resident for injuries, contact the physician, report findings and conditions of the resident, notify the resident's responsible party, notify local law enforcement that the resident has been located, and initiate 72-hour SBAR documentation.
Failure to Verify Discharge Orders and Monitor Anticoagulant Use Leads to Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide treatment and services in accordance with professional standards of practice for a resident who had recently undergone lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. The facility did not ensure that the admitting RN reviewed and verified the hospital discharge records with the attending physician, specifically regarding the start date for Plavix, an antiplatelet medication. The hospital discharge orders clearly indicated that Plavix was to be started nine days after admission, but the facility's licensed nurses began administering the medication immediately upon admission, based on an incomplete faxed medication list that lacked start dates. The facility also failed to provide continuity of care by not following the neurosurgeon's specific order to delay the initiation of Plavix. The medication was administered for four days prior to the intended start date, and there was no evidence that the nurses clarified the discrepancy with the attending physician. Additionally, the facility did not assess, monitor, or document the resident for signs and symptoms of bleeding, hematoma, or hemorrhage, despite the resident's recent spinal surgery and use of an antiplatelet medication, both of which increased the risk for such complications. As a result of these failures, the resident experienced a change of condition, becoming unresponsive and requiring emergency transfer to a hospital, where imaging revealed multiple intracranial hemorrhages. The resident subsequently died, with the immediate cause of death listed as nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Interviews with facility staff and physicians confirmed that the medication was given earlier than ordered and that appropriate monitoring and verification of orders did not occur.
Removal Plan
- The DON and designee provided in-service education to all licensed nurses and direct care staff regarding reviewing and verifying any discrepancies with the ordering physician by clarifying the faxed medication discharge order and the GACH discharge papers that were given to the resident. In addition, clarify medication orders that are missing the start and end dates.
- The DON and designee provided in-service education to all licensed nurses and direct care staff regarding monitoring the resident status post-surgery and the use of anticoagulant therapy for potential side effects such as signs/symptoms of bleeding.
- The DON and designee provided in-service to the licensed nurses regarding: Review and verify GACH discharge orders with facility's attending physician. Status post-surgery residents with anticoagulant use and signs/symptoms of bleeding. Following GACH discharge orders. Any licensed staff, who were not present, the DON will do in-service education upon returning to work.
- Residents on anticoagulants were assessed for any signs/symptoms of bleeding, potential side effects of anticoagulant use and black box warning monitoring.
- The Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor will check clinical alerts report daily for any COC and any signs/symptoms of bleeding.
- DON, ADON or RN Supervisor/designee will conduct medication reconciliation with the residents GACH discharge orders and admitting orders carried out by licensed nurse.
- Newly admitted residents will have random audits following GACH discharge orders and completion of medication reconciliation. Three residents weekly for four weeks, then two residents weekly for two weeks, then two residents a month for two months. Inservice would be given to licensed nurses involved. Findings will be presented in the monthly QAA meeting.
- DON implemented a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Performance Improvement Project (PIP) for the following: Review and verify GACH discharge orders with attending physician. Use of anticoagulant and its side effects. Following GACH discharge orders. PIP resulted in DON/ADON doing daily audits in reviewing compliance for following GACH discharge orders, continuity of care, use of anticoagulant and identification of potential adverse side effect of the medication.
- The Quality and Safety (QS) RN/Consultant will complete audits on medication reconciliation, the use of anticoagulants, and its side effects for newly admitted residents.
- ADM, DON or Designee will submit audit findings to QAA committee monthly until compliance is met.
- The facility will develop a QAPI-PIP for the use of anticoagulant to be submitted in the next QAA committee meeting.
- ADM and DON are responsible for implementing, monitoring and evaluating the Plan of Correction (POC).
Failure to Provide Treatment and Monitoring for Resident with Mental Health Crisis
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder was identified as being a danger to self and others (DTSO) after verbalizing intentions to harm self and others. Despite a physician's order for transfer to a general acute care hospital (GACH) and recommendations for psychiatric and psychological consultations, the resident refused these interventions. The facility failed to implement 1:1 sitter observation, did not monitor or document the resident's behavior after being identified as DTSO, and did not develop or implement a care plan to address the resident's refusal of transfer or psychiatric consultation. There was no evidence in the medical record that the facility monitored the resident's behavior or provided additional interventions after the resident refused psychiatric consultation. Staff interviews confirmed that no hourly monitoring, documentation, or care planning was initiated following the resident's refusal of transfer and ongoing verbalizations of self-harm or harm to others. The interdisciplinary care team did not meet to address the situation, and there was no documentation of behavioral observations or safety interventions in the resident's chart during the period of risk. As a result of these failures, the resident was later found unresponsive in their room with opened prescription medication containers not dispensed by the facility. The resident was transferred to the hospital via emergency services, where toxicology confirmed an intentional overdose of tricyclic antidepressants. The resident required intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. The facility's lack of assessment, supervision, monitoring, and care planning for a resident identified as DTSO directly preceded this critical incident.
Removal Plan
- The charge nurse will immediately notify the physician if the resident refused to go to the hospital, refusal of care and treatment for psychiatry and psychologist.
- If a resident has an order to be transferred to the hospital for further evaluation who exhibits any behavior, and refused to be transferred to the hospital licensed nurse will immediately notify MD.
- The Director of Social Services completed a Psychosocial Assessment of identified residents who has a diagnosis of depression, reviewed and updated Care Plan as necessary.
- Licensed staff were instructed to document behavioral observations in the monitoring log such as DTSO every hour and notify the nurse or RN supervisor and/or designee.
- The Medical records Director generated an audit of all residents with diagnoses including anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, and Depression; and provided the list to the Assistant Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator for further review and analysis.
- The Director of Social Services completed a psychosocial assessment of all residents with a diagnosis of depression to identify residents who may be DTSO and no other residents were identified at risk of harming themselves or others.
- Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) / Change in Condition (COC) was implemented, and in-service was conducted by Assistant DON and Clinical Consultant to licensed nurses that the facility promptly notifies the resident, the resident's physician and the resident's representative of any changes in the resident's medical/mental condition and/or status.
- 72-hour monitoring including mood/behavioral changes, interactions with staff and peers, response to redirection, and safety observations will be implemented for the resident/s. The Assistant DON and clinical consultant conducted an in-service to licensed nurses to include mood/behavioral changes, interactions with staff and peers, response to redirection, and safety observations.
- The care plan was reviewed and updated for identified residents who has a diagnosis of depression. Assistant DON and clinical consultant provided in-service to license nurses regarding Care plan documentation for residents that addressed a psychiatric crisis and refusal to comply with the physician's recommendation for hospital transfer for resident's safety.
- The Administrator conducted 1:1 in-service to SSD regarding Care plan documentation for residents that addressed a psychiatric crisis and refusal to comply with the physician's recommendation for hospital transfer to ensure resident's safety.
- Crisis Intervention Plan included: Provide safe and clean environment; Visual check and document monitoring of resident behavior every hour for resident safety; Administer medication as ordered; Diet as ordered; Encourage to verbalize feelings; Always approach in calm and friendly manner and unhurriedly; To ensure all needs are met; Provide emotional support; Maintain comfort and dignity; To call doctor of medicine (M.D) for any noted change of condition.
- Social Services will re-evaluate and update initial psychosocial assessment of the resident when a resident refused for psychiatric consult and licensed nurse will inform MD.
- Social services will make daily visits to re-engage the resident and residents who are identified with diagnosis of depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder and documented in the progress notes and provide resident's education on the importance of psychiatric evaluation.
- Behavioral and Crisis intervention care plan will be implemented to reflect ongoing risk for harm to self and others. Interventions included: PRN and scheduled psychiatric medication management; Behavior tracking and psychiatric consultation follow-up; Staff re-education on management of residents with psychosocial adjustment difficulties; Development of a crisis intervention care plan to Resident 1's behavior that triggers and de-escalation techniques.
- The ADON and Clinical consultant conducted in-service licensed nurses regarding policy and procedure SBAR/COC with emphasis on immediately reporting resident for any change in the resident medical/mental condition.
- Licensed staff in-services will continue until compliance is met.
- All licensed nurses and social services staff were in-serviced by Administrator, ADON and Clinical consultant regarding the existing policies and procedures: Charting and Documentation Policy for management of residents with psychiatric/psychologist who has a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and danger to self and others; Requesting, Refusing and/or Discontinuing Care or Treatment; Initial Psychosocial Assessment, Intervention and Monitoring Policy and Implementation of Crisis Intervention Policy.
- The Director of Nursing (DON) and/or ADON will audit all residents with behavioral risks for residents who have diagnosis of depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and danger to self and others weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 3 months.
- All refusals of psychiatric care or hospital transfers will be reviewed by the IDT within 24 hours of occurrence and to notify primary care physician.
- Results of audits and compliance monitoring will be reported by the DON and/or ADON monthly to the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee.
Failure to Secure Rehab Equipment Leads to Resident-to-Resident Assaults
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the rehabilitation (Rehab) room and its equipment were secured and supervised at all times, resulting in unauthorized access by residents. Specifically, a resident with a history of anxiety disorder, cognitive decline following a stroke, and intact cognition according to the Minimum Data Set (MDS), was able to enter the Rehab room without staff knowledge and obtain a dowel, a piece of equipment used for physical therapy. The Rehab room door was routinely closed but not locked when staff were not present, and weighted dowels and free weights were left unsecured and accessible on the wall. This lack of supervision and security allowed the resident to use the dowel to physically assault two other residents on separate occasions. In one incident, a resident was struck on the left arm, and in another, a resident was hit on the right arm, right shoulder, and face, then pushed to the floor, resulting in a non-displaced fracture of the mid sacrum. Staff interviews and progress notes confirmed that the dowel used in the assaults was taken from the Rehab room, and that staff were unaware of the resident's access to the equipment until after the incidents occurred. Observations conducted nearly three weeks after the second incident revealed that the Rehab room equipment remained unsecured. The facility's policy required individualized safety assessments and targeted interventions to reduce accident hazards, including appropriate supervision based on residents' needs and environmental risks. However, the interdisciplinary care team did not identify or address the risk of residents accessing Rehab equipment unsupervised, nor did they implement interventions to prevent such access. The failure to secure the Rehab room and its equipment, combined with insufficient supervision and lack of timely care plan updates, directly led to the incidents of resident-to-resident physical aggression and injury.
Removal Plan
- Resident 1 and Resident 3's incident was reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with final investigation completed and submitted. Resident 1 and Resident 3 were immediately separated from each other.
- Resident 3 was transferred to another room in a different wing with ongoing monitoring by staff of Resident 3's psychosocial wellbeing. Resident 3 was transferred to the hospital for assessment and returned the same day. Resident 3's care plan was updated to include a resident-to-resident altercation.
- Resident 1's care plan for behaviors was reviewed and updated to include physical aggressive behavior. Resident 1 was referred to a psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner but refused. The IDT met with Resident 1 and her family to assist Resident 1 to be seen by a psychiatrist. Resident 1 was sent to GACH for in-patient psychiatric evaluation and returned with a UTI diagnosis and antibiotics. Resident 1's care plan and IDT note was updated to address Resident 1's use of a dowel during the episode of aggressive behavior.
- A tracking system was implemented requiring Rehab staff to sign weighted dowels, free weights, and ankle weights in and out, noting their location and assigned user. If any item is found missing, staff must immediately notify the Rehab Manager and complete an incident log to initiate a prompt search and resolution process.
- The Executive Director was assigned to the Rehab Manager to ensure that weighted dowels, free weights, and ankle weights were properly locked and secured at the end of each treatment day. A log was created to document and verify daily compliance with this security measure.
- The Executive Director designated the Rehab Manager to ensure that access to the Rehab room is secured when staff were not present to supervise the gym. A log was created to document daily compliance and serve as evidence of adherence to this protocol with rehab staff assigned with responsibility of documenting the time the room was secured and verification that no residents remain inside.
- The IDT was in-serviced by the Senior Nurse Executive to review how to conduct an IDT meeting when reviewing resident to resident incidents.
- An ad hoc QAPI Committee meeting was scheduled to conduct a root cause analysis to determine key issues stemming from the recent resident to resident altercation to determine process breakdowns, including communication breakdowns, inconsistent documentation, and training gaps in high-risk monitoring protocols/interventions.
- The Executive Director will oversee corrective actions initiated and monthly thereafter during QAPI meetings, based on the results of the RCA and plan of corrections for the findings during the survey. Any corrective actions not meeting the 100% compliance benchmark, as determined by medical record audits and safety equipment monitoring of rehab equipment random audits, will be reviewed and revised with the QAPI Committee.
- Any new issues found during medical record audits on resident to resident altercation will be presented to the IDT members for immediate action. The Chief Clinical Officer will monitor the immediate actions for implementation of monitoring/audit needs at least monthly for the next 3 months or until compliance is 100% or is achieved.
- Medical Director, Executive Director, Chief Clinical Officer, Director of Staff Education, and Regulatory Compliance Nurse will perform specific roles in monitoring, oversight, education, compliance, and corrective action implementation.
- All residents were identified as potentially affected by the deficient practice.
- The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in-service by the Senior Nurse Executive to review how to conduct an interdisciplinary team meeting when reviewing resident to resident incidents.
- A log was created to document and verify daily compliance with securing weighted dowels, free weights, and ankle weights and locking the rehab room when no staff were present to supervise. The Activity Director and/or designee will use a monitoring tool to document compliance of logs created by the Rehab Department. Audits will be conducted daily for three days, then weekly for two weeks, and monthly thereafter. Issues found will be referred to the ED for further review and revision of the action plan and/or to determine any further training needed for staff involved.
- The Medical Records Department will use a monitoring tool to audit the documented IDT and care plan for change of conditions related to any resident-to-resident altercations. Audits will be conducted daily for three days, then weekly for two weeks, and monthly thereafter. Any issues found will be referred to the Chief Clinical Officer immediately for further review and revision of the action plan and/or to determine any further training needed for staff involved.
- Inservice training for staff license nurses was started on updating comprehensive care plans for residents that have been identified with physical aggression. The facility will continue training until all staff nurses have attended.
- Inservice training for IDT was started on updating comprehensive care plan and interdisciplinary team investigation and documentation for residents that have been identified with physical aggression and those with resident-to-resident altercations. Training will continue until all IDT members have attended.
- Inservice training for rehab staff was started on how to secure weighted dowels, free weights, and ankle weights and the rehab room door when no staff are present in the gym to supervise, as well as additional in-service initiated on how to track and sign equipment in and out, noting its location and assigned user. Training will continue until all Rehab staff have attended.
Failure to Notify Physician of Change in Condition Results in Resident Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly notify a resident's physician of significant changes in the resident's condition, despite clear symptoms and facility policies requiring such notification. The resident, who had a history of constipation and was at risk due to medication use and decreased mobility, experienced abdominal distension, firmness, and pain, and had not had a bowel movement for two days. Although the nursing staff assessed the resident and noted these symptoms, they did not communicate the full extent of the findings—including abdominal distension, firmness, and pain—to the physician. Instead, only the complaint of constipation was relayed, and the physician ordered magnesium citrate. After administration of magnesium citrate, the resident's symptoms did not improve. The resident continued to experience abdominal distension, firmness, and developed shortness of breath requiring increased supplemental oxygen. The resident also reported severe abdominal pain rated 8 out of 10. Despite these worsening symptoms and the lack of response to treatment, the nursing staff did not notify the physician of the resident's deteriorating condition. Instead, communication remained within the nursing team, and the physician was not informed of the new or worsening symptoms, nor was the resident transferred for higher-level care. Ultimately, the resident was found unresponsive with coffee ground emesis, was not breathing, and had no pulse. Emergency services were called, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The physician later confirmed that, had they been notified of the full clinical picture, additional interventions such as diagnostic imaging or hospital transfer would have been considered. The failure to notify the physician of the resident's change in condition was identified as a deficiency by the survey agency, as it prevented timely medical intervention and contributed to the resident's rapid decline and death.
Removal Plan
- An in-service was initiated by the DON and the Assistant DON to all licensed nursing staff (all RNs and LVNs) on contacting the physician as soon as possible for any resident's COCs specifically for residents with constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and abdominal firmness; contacting the resident's physician as soon as possible when there is a delay in medication and when a resident's symptoms do not improve or worsen during a COC; ensuring accurate, complete, and timely documentation; completing an accurate assessment of the residents' overall condition and thorough documentation.
- The DON provided an in-service to direct care staff including nursing assistants in recognizing subtle but significant changes in the resident condition and how to communicate these changes to the LNs. CNAs were re-educated and encouraged to use the Stop and Watch Early Warning Tool to communicate subtle changes in the residents' condition.
- The medical records team conducted an audit of change in a resident's condition or status with emphasis on timely physician notification. The audit results showed residents were identified as not having a BM for three days.
- The facility identified residents who had no BM for three days, the residents were assessed by assigned LNs and the steps stated below were followed. The audit results are reviewed by the RN Supervisor to ensure: any changes to the residents' condition are communicated to the primary physician for any recommendations and for new orders; the nursing team has documented in the residents' medical record relative to changes in the residents' medical/mental condition or status; the residents' CP is updated to reflect the residents' COCs; the licensed nursing staff documents in the residents' clinical record for the COC reported or assessed by licensed nursing staff; the RN Supervisor has validated the completion of the SBAR by LNs.
- The DON and Regional Clinical Consultant initiated Competency Skill Checks for all RNs on COCs, notification of physicians, changes/worsening conditions, specific system assessment with emphasis on bowel management, Point Click Care clinical alert and hand-off communication. Competency Skill Checks will be completed for any RN currently on medical leave or vacation before providing patient care. In-services will be continued by the DON until all licensed staff are re-educated.
- The facility has created a bowel management tool for significant COCs identifying the need to notify the physician. LNs are responsible for identifying significant COCs on bowel management: License nurses will identify Residents who have not had BMs for 72 hours, with new or worsening symptoms, and other associated abnormal changes but not limited to frequency and consistency of bowel, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, decreased peristalsis, and signs of GI bleeding; upon identification LNs will utilize the tool and document the notification of the physician; LNs will continue documenting the COCs through the SBAR in the clinical health records; LNs will obtain recommendations from the physicians and will carry the recommendations out; the tool will be completed daily during each shift by the charge nurses, the tool will be collected by medical record staff and retained for review.
- The medical records team also conducted an audit of the alert system in PCC. The PCC alert notifies the nursing team when a resident does not have BMs for 24 hours or more.
Failure to Ensure Safe and Appropriate Discharge Planning
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a facility failed to ensure a safe and appropriate discharge for a resident with a complex medical and psychiatric history, including epilepsy, encephalopathy, anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia. The resident had fluctuating capacity to make medical decisions, was at risk for falls, and required assistance with ambulation, medication management, and activities of daily living. Despite these needs, the resident was discharged to an unlicensed board and care (B&C) facility that could not provide the necessary level of care, including ambulation assistance, epilepsy management, or medication administration and storage. The facility did not follow its own discharge and transfer policy and procedures, as the interdisciplinary team (IDT) did not conduct a discharge planning meeting prior to the resident's transfer. Key departments, including nursing, activities, and rehabilitation, were not notified or involved in the discharge planning process. The resident's care plan, which required coordination with rehabilitative therapies and community resources, was not implemented, and the discharge planning review form was incomplete. The facility also failed to verify the B&C's license, assess the appropriateness of the discharge location, or provide a hand-off report to the receiving facility regarding the resident's medical conditions and care needs. As a result of these failures, the resident experienced a series of adverse events after discharge, including a fall with head injury at the B&C, subsequent hospitalization, transfer between multiple facilities, and an episode of elopement that led to police intervention and further hospitalization. Interviews with facility staff and external providers confirmed that the resident's needs exceeded the capabilities of the B&C, and that critical steps in the discharge process, such as medication reconciliation, communication with the receiving facility, and post-discharge follow-up, were not performed.
Removal Plan
- The Social Services consultant initiated an educational in-service to licensed nurses and IDT regarding facility Discharge and Transfer policy and procedures. In-service included Surrogate Decision Maker-Informed Consent, Discharge and Transfer of Residents, Personal Representatives of Residents, Resident Rights, Treating Residents Without Decision-Making Capacity, Conducting IDT prior to discharge, and the importance of initiating discharge planning prior to discharge or transfer of a resident. In-service education is ongoing by the facility's Director of Nursing (DON)/Director of Staff Development (DSD)/Designee including the new processes implementation related to identified concerns to all active license nurses and IDT members.
- The facility has 30 licensed nurses and 24 have been provided with in-service and education. Facility does not have a licensed staff on vacation, leave nor FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).
- The Social Services consultant worked 1:1 with the Social Services Director (SSD). The SSD completed the Discharge Planning Review form, sections 1 (Discharge Goals/ General Information) A (Discharge Goals/ General Information) & B (Caregiver Responsibilities), 2 (Self Care Evaluation and Equipment) Q (equipment and supplies), Contacts and Sign and Date of the Discharge Summary, for training purposes.
- The facility DON and Medical Records initiated an audit to residents who have been discharged to a lower level of care in the past 30 days to ensure proper discharge planning was conducted prior to discharge with resident/responsible party, an IDT meeting was conducted prior to discharge, an endorsement of the resident's medical history and medication reconciliation was provided to receiving facility. No similar issues were identified.
- For those residents who lack capacity or with fluctuating capacity, the Office of Public Representative (OPR) will be contacted by the facility's SSD/Designee to act as an advocate in the discharge plan IDT prior to the discharge to ensure location is safe and appropriate given the residents' conditions. If the OPR does not wish to participate, the facility IDT in conjunction with the physician will hold an IDT meeting to review and document appropriateness.
- For those residents who lack capacity or with fluctuating capacity and have resident representatives, an IDT meeting will be held with the responsible party to review and discuss the discharge location for safety and appropriateness.
- Discharge planning will begin on the residents' admission to the facility.
- The Attending Physician and the IDT will review the residents' progress and determine a possible discharge date and document in resident's health record.
- The facility Admin notified Resident 1's attending physician, by phone of the concerns related to the resident's transfer to the Board and Care, the fall sustained and readmission to the hospital.
- The facility Admin notified facility Medical Director by phone of the Immediate Jeopardy that was issued, deficient practice and plan to correct.
- The facility Admin initiated a QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) regarding the Transfer and Discharge of residents.
- The facility staff will assist the physician and the resident to obtain medications after discharge from the facility. When discharged, remaining medications that have been administered to the resident while in the facility may be provided to the resident at the time of discharge if the medications were specifically ordered to be sent home with the resident.
- The Licensed Nurse will assure that the medication orders are reviewed with the resident and/ responsible party and explanation of all discharge medication orders occur at the time of discharge and documented on the resident's health record.
- The facility will ensure that the resident receives adequate follow-up including the ability to have a physician's prescription available to procure drug supply immediately after discharged from the facility and conduct a proper endorsement of resident's ordered medications and discharge instructions to the receiving facility and documented on the resident's health record.
- The facility's SSD and Admin located Resident 1. Resident 1 resided in Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 2 and was doing well.
- The facility's SSD/Designee will conduct a post discharge follow up call within 72 hours to ensure that the resident has transitioned adequately to the new facility/location moving forward.
- Newly hired licensed nurses/IDT will be educated by the facility's DON/DSD on facility's P&P pertaining to Discharge and Transfer of residents during their orientation and as needed.
Failure to Prevent Elopement of Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively impaired resident, who was assessed as being at risk for elopement, was able to leave the facility's secured unit unsupervised. The resident's care plan required staff to conduct visual checks every 15 minutes and to follow specific protocols to prevent elopement. On the day of the incident, a CNA exited the secured unit without ensuring the door was closed and locked behind them, and did not confirm that no residents were following. Surveillance footage showed the resident holding the door open after the CNA exited, then proceeding through the lobby and out the facility's main entrance, which was neither locked nor alarmed at the time. No staff were present in the lobby to monitor the exit. The resident's whereabouts were not documented in the 15-minute monitoring log for several hours, and the assigned CNA later stated that it was unrealistic to monitor and document all assigned residents every 15 minutes due to workload. The facility's receptionist was not present at the front desk during the time of the elopement, and the main entrance door was not secured or alarmed, allowing the resident to exit undetected. The resident was not discovered missing until later in the evening, after which a search was initiated. The resident had a history of exit-seeking behaviors, including wandering, expressing a desire to leave, and packing belongings. Medical records indicated diagnoses such as paranoid schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, epilepsy, and diabetes mellitus, and the resident required regular medication and supervision. The facility's policies required regular checks and supervision for residents at risk of wandering or elopement, but these protocols were not followed, resulting in the resident's unsupervised exit from the secured unit and the facility.
Removal Plan
- The DON provided a verbal one-on-one in-service via phone regarding the elopement policy to CNA 6, following a disciplinary Performance Correction.
- The Registered Nurse Supervisor contacted nearby hospitals and the local police department to locate Resident 3. The ADM contacted private investigators who were also utilized to find Resident 3. A flyer of the missing resident was also provided by the PI.
- The local police found Resident 3 and dropped Resident 3 off at Clinic 1. The DON communicated with Clinic 1's Nurse who confirmed Resident 3 was currently in Clinic 1 with stable vital signs. The DON notified Resident 3's Primary Physician/Medical Doctor who instructed to transfer Resident 3 back to the facility.
- Two CNAs picked up Resident 3 from Clinic 1 and brought Resident 3 back to the facility.
- The Registered Nurse Supervisor conducted a comprehensive assessment of Resident 3 upon Resident 3's return to the facility. Resident 3's vital signs were stable, no signs or symptoms of major injury were noted. The Medical Doctor ordered to transfer Resident 3 to a General Acute Care Hospital for further evaluation. Facility staff notified Resident 3's conservator regarding Resident 3 was found.
- The DON posted a virtual alert sign at secured unit exit areas, reminding staff to keep doors closed before walking away from all secured exit areas, as ongoing safety education.
- The facility assigned a staff member to the reception area to assist with visitation and supervise individuals entering and exiting the facility.
- The DON and the Director of Staff Development provided in-services to staff members regarding the elopement policy, covering the following topics: supervise and redirect residents who are close to the exits, to mitigate the risk of elopement; while entering or existing the secured unit, staff members must check/confirm that no resident is existing from the secured unit before walking away from the exit doors; the importance of conducting rounds every 15 minutes in the secured unit and as needed for adequate supervision; the importance of supervision in the front lobby and the activation of the front lobby gate alarm to enhance overall supervision.
- Elopement Trainings: RNs, LVNs, CNAs, department managers and assistants, activity assistants, housekeeping and laundry employees, and dietary service staff received the in-service training for elopement. Staff need to complete the in-service regarding elopement upon returning to work and prior to providing resident/resident care. Staff not working due to medical, emergency leaves, vacation, and leave of absence will complete their in-services upon their return.
- The ADM notified the Medical Director of the IJ findings in the IJ template. The Medical Director assisted in developing the IJ removal plan.
- The facility also installed a new door keypad for safety in the front lobby.
- There were residents residing in the secured unit.
- The ADM, the DON, and the DSD made rounds, observed staff members entering/exiting the secured unit. No issues were identified.
- The maintenance supervisor inspected all exit doors, gate, and door/gate alarms. No issues were noted.
- The DON would repeat the in-service regarding Elopement policy to staff members every month, for 3 months. The in-services would cover the following topics: supervise and redirect residents who are close to the exits, to mitigate the risk of elopement; while entering or exiting the secured unit, staff members must check/confirm that no residents are exiting the secured unit before walking away from the exit doors; the importance of conducting rounds every 15 minutes and as needed for adequate supervision; the importance of supervision in the front lobby and the activation of the front lobby gate alarm to enhance overall supervision.
- The DON developed an Elopement Monitoring Log, which included supervision and redirection, precautions for entering/exiting the secured unit, and monitoring of the front gate alarm to prevent elopement.
- The facility would conduct a head count at every shift on the secured unit station for 3 months, using the current day's census to enhance supervision.
- The DON, the DSD or the Registered Nurse Supervisor would conduct daily rounds to observe staff entering/exiting the secured unit to ensure compliance and document the monitoring findings/actions in the monitoring log.
- The ADM and the DON developed a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement for elopement to address the deficient practice in the IJ findings.
Failure to Prevent Elopement and Provide Supervision Results in Resident Injury
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to provide adequate supervision and accident prevention for a resident identified as an elopement risk. The resident, who had diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and dementia and was assessed as lacking capacity for decision-making, had a documented history of wandering and previous attempts to leave the facility without informing staff. The resident's care plan specifically identified the risk for elopement and included interventions such as anticipating needs, encouraging activity participation, and frequent visual checks for safety. Despite these documented risks and interventions, the resident was left unsupervised in a wheelchair in the hallway after being assisted to the restroom, and staff did not maintain the required level of monitoring. On the day of the incident, the resident was observed propelling herself down the hallway and was later seen in the front lobby. The facility's front exit door was left wide open and unmonitored when the receptionist left her post unattended to use the restroom. No staff were present to observe or redirect the resident, and the door alarm was not responded to in a timely manner. The resident exited the facility unsupervised, traveled to an adjacent property, and fell from her wheelchair onto the street. The incident was not immediately noticed by staff, and the resident was found by a passerby who called emergency services. As a result of the elopement and fall, the resident sustained multiple injuries, including fractures to the nose, jaw, and ribs, a laceration to the lip, a hematoma, and damage to dental implants. Interviews with staff and review of records confirmed that the facility did not follow its own policies and procedures regarding supervision, elopement prevention, and door monitoring. The lack of supervision and failure to ensure the function and monitoring of exit doors directly led to the resident's elopement and subsequent injuries.
Removal Plan
- Resident 1 was placed on 1:1 supervision with staff educated on supervision until a safe plan is determined by the IDT.
- In-service education was provided to the weekend and evening receptionist regarding not leaving their post unattended.
- In-service education regarding monitoring/supervision, wandering, and elopement policy was provided to the receptionist and facility staff on shift, including licensed nurses, CNAs, therapists, environmental services, social services, activities, dietary services, and administrative personnel.
- Facility doors were checked for appropriate function by the Maintenance Director.
- A head count of all in-house residents was initiated and all residents were accounted for.
- Elopement assessments were completed on all residents by the DON/designee.
- Two residents identified at risk for elopement were reviewed by the DON/designee for appropriate care plan interventions.
- In-service education regarding wandering and elopement was provided to facility staff, including licensed nurses, CNAs, therapists, environmental services, social services, activities, dietary services, and administrative personnel. Staff on leave or PRN will be in-serviced on their next scheduled shift.
- An IDT meeting was conducted for the two residents identified as at risk for elopement.
- The DON or designee will audit new admissions with elopement risks and ensure appropriate interventions are in place.
- The SSD or designee will review all new admissions to ensure an elopement risk assessment has been completed, and those residents identified at risk are updated in the Elopement binder. Audits will be conducted until substantial compliance is achieved.
- New hires will receive education on wandering, elopement, and resident safety by the DON, SSD, or designee(s) upon hire and annually thereafter. Ongoing in-service trainings regarding wandering, elopement, resident safety, and resident monitoring/supervision will be performed.
- Elopement risk binders were reviewed and updated by the DON and Administrator. Binders are available at each nursing station and reception area, updated by the SSD with oversight by the DON.
- Elopement code drills were initiated on all shifts and will continue by Administrator/DON and/or DSD.
- A check of facility doors and alarms was performed by the Maintenance Department to ensure function and securement. Frequency increased.
- A check of facility doors and alarms will be performed by the Maintenance Department until substantial compliance is achieved. Any findings will be corrected immediately and trends reported to the QA/QAPI Committee.
- The QAPI Committee will review and discuss elopement and supervision for all residents during QAPI meetings to determine effectiveness and provide feedback and program modification until compliance is maintained.
Latest Citations in California
A nurse left a medication cart unlocked and unattended in the hallway while administering insulin to a resident with diabetes, cardiac, and post-surgical conditions. The cart was out of the nurse's direct line of sight, contrary to facility policy requiring medication carts to be locked when not in use. The DON confirmed that medications should be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
A resident with multiple medical conditions was sent to a medical appointment wearing a hospital gown instead of personal clothing, despite having 'street clothes' provided by a family member. The CNA offered the resident the option to change only once, did not document the refusal, and failed to notify nursing staff, resulting in the resident feeling embarrassed and not being treated with dignity as required by facility policy.
Staff failed to follow infection control protocols for a resident on contact precautions for scabies, including not donning an isolation gown before care and improperly discarding used PPE in a regular trash bin. Additionally, clean linens were placed on a dirty hamper, leading to contamination. These actions were confirmed by facility leadership and staff.
Nursing staff did not administer medications within the required timeframes, as confirmed by direct observation and resident interviews. Several residents reported receiving their medications late, and staff attributed the delays to attending to other residents' changes in condition or medical appointments. The DON acknowledged the late administration and confirmed that all sampled residents were affected.
A resident with significant cognitive and physical impairments, along with their responsible party, was not informed of the right to choose or change the attending physician. Facility staff confirmed there was no documentation or evidence that this right was discussed at admission, despite facility policy requiring such notification.
A resident with significant cognitive and physical impairments was admitted without any personal belongings, and staff did not document or recall any attempts to retrieve the resident's possessions from a previous facility, despite facility policy requiring such efforts.
A resident who lacked decision-making capacity and required total assistance was moved to a different room after testing positive for COVID-19. The facility failed to verify and notify the correct responsible party of the room change, as required by policy, resulting in a breakdown of communication regarding the resident's care.
During a facility inspection, an unsealed four-inch penetration was found in the ceiling of the electrical room, with a conduit passing through. The Maintenance Consultant stated that this resulted from recent utility upgrades where the vendor did not seal the opening after completing their work. The deficiency affected one of two smoke compartments.
Surveyors found that a sprinkler pendant in a shower room was corroded and discolored, and required signage was missing from the sprinkler backflow piping and Fire Department Connection (FDC). The Maintenance Consultant explained the corrosion was due to shower moisture and believed signage was unnecessary since only one building was connected. These issues affected all residents and both smoke compartments.
Surveyors found that a corridor door to the small dining room did not fully close, leaving a half-inch gap between the door and frame. The Maintenance Consultant noted ongoing building shifting as a likely cause. This failure to maintain the door compromised the smoke compartment's integrity as required by NFPA 101.
Medication Cart Left Unlocked During Medication Pass
Penalty
Summary
During a medication pass for a resident with a history of surgical aftercare, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a licensed nurse prepared and administered Novolog insulin using a pen-injector. The nurse left the medication cart unlocked and unattended in the hallway, approximately two feet outside the resident's bedroom doorway, while administering the injection inside the room. The cart was out of the nurse's direct line of sight during this time. The nurse acknowledged that the cart was left unlocked and should have been secured when not in direct view. Facility policy and procedure documents reviewed indicated that medication carts must be kept closed and locked when out of sight of the medication nurse or aide, and that compartments containing drugs and biologicals are to be locked when not in use. The Director of Nursing confirmed that medications should be locked and secured to prevent unauthorized access by unlicensed staff and residents. The failure to lock the medication cart during the medication pass was observed and confirmed through interviews and record review.
Plan Of Correction
From 4/4/2025 through 4/7/2025, the DON, DSD, and ADSD completed 1:1 inservices with licensed staff regarding the facility policy and procedure titled Storage of Medications. Medication carts must be kept locked when unattended. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 3 times a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 2 times a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will monitor medication carts being locked when unattended 1 time a week for 2 weeks. DON, IP, MDS, ADSD, or DSD will random monitor medication carts being locked when unattended for 1 month. System effectiveness will be evaluated during the facility's monthly Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee meetings for three (3) months.
Failure to Assist Resident with Dressing for Appointment
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to ensure that a resident was treated with respect and dignity by not assisting him with getting dressed in his personal clothing prior to leaving for a medical appointment. The resident, who had diagnoses including acute kidney failure, type 2 diabetes, and a colostomy, was cognitively intact and had 'street clothes' provided by a family member for the appointment. Despite this, the resident was sent to the appointment wearing a hospital gown, which led to feelings of embarrassment. The family member reported the incident, expressing concern about the resident's emotional well-being. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the CNA offered the resident the option to change into his clothes only once, and upon the resident's refusal, did not document the refusal or notify the charge nurse as required by facility policy. The facility's policies emphasized the importance of treating residents with dignity and supporting their rights, including the right to wear preferred clothing. There was no documentation in the clinical record of the resident's refusal or any communication to responsible parties regarding the incident.
Plan Of Correction
F-tag 557 1. Corrective Action for residents found to have been affected: • Resident 1 was discharged from the facility and admitted to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center on 5/30/2025. Resident did not return to the facility. DSD held a 1:1 verbal counseling with responsible CNA on 05/30/2025. The DSD started an in-service to staff including licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse assistants regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment, started on 05/30/2025. II. Facility's identification of other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and corrective action taken: • On 6/18/2025, the DON conducted a visual audit of residents who went out for appointments to ensure they were dressed in their own personal clothing. On 6/18/2025, one resident went out for an appointment, and she was wearing her own personal clothing when she went to the appointment. No findings were identified. • The DSD started an in-service to staff including licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse assistants regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment, started on 05/30/2025. • The DSD conducted an additional in-service to certified nurse assistants regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment on 7/2/2025. • The DON conducted an additional in-service to licensed vocational nurses on 7/1/2025 regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment. III. Facility measures and systemic changes to ensure the deficient practice does not recur: The DSD started an in-service to staff including licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse assistants regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment, started on 05/30/2025. The DSD conducted additional in-service to certified nurse assistants regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment on 7/2/2025. The DON conducted an additional in-service to licensed vocational nurses on 7/1/2025 regarding the importance of maintaining resident respect and dignity by ensuring they are dressed in their own personal clothing when going out for an appointment. The DSD/designee will conduct audits that residents will go to their appointment wearing their own personal clothing/appropriate clothing by providing a visual check on a random day of the week, weekly for 1 month, then monthly for 90 days. The DSD will be notified of the scheduled appointments by reviewing residents' orders on the computer system. If the residents are not dressed appropriately during the visual check on a random day of the week/monthly, the DSD/designee will report the findings to the DON, and the DON/designee will provide an in-service to staff including certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses. IV. Facility's plan to monitor corrective actions to achieve and sustain compliance; integrate the POC into the QA process: The DSD/designee will conduct audits that residents will go to their appointment wearing their own personal clothing/appropriate clothing by providing a visual check on a random day of the week, weekly for 1 month, then monthly for 90 days. The DSD will be notified of the scheduled appointments by reviewing residents' orders on the computer system. If the residents are not dressed appropriately during the visual check on a random day of the week/monthly, the DSD/designee will report the findings to the DON immediately. Thereafter, the DON/designee will provide immediate re-education through an in-service to staff including certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses, and implement progressive discipline if repeated to ensure compliance. The DSD/designee will report findings from the conducted weekly/monthly audits that residents will go to their appointment wearing their own personal clothing/appropriate clothing during the monthly QAA meeting for 3 months. Compliance Date: 07/07/2025
Infection Control Deficiencies: PPE Use and Linen Handling
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to adhere to infection prevention and control practices for a resident placed on contact precautions due to scabies. During an observation, a CNA was seen inside the resident's room feeding the resident without wearing an isolation gown, despite a contact precautions sign posted outside the room instructing staff to don PPE before entry. The CNA stated that there was no isolation gown available at the designated supply area and acknowledged that a gown should have been worn. After donning a gown and completing care, the CNA discarded the used gown in a regular trash bin, which was overflowing with used gowns, instead of the designated biohazard bin. The CNA explained that the appropriate bin was not available in the room at the time. Further interviews with the Infection Preventionist (IP) and Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the CNA did not follow proper gowning and disposal procedures. The IP stated that gowns must be donned before entering isolation rooms and disposed of in the correct bin. The Environmental Services Director also acknowledged the lack of a designated trash bin for used PPE in the room and stated that designated bins had been provided and checked the previous day. Additionally, improper handling of clean linens was observed. A CNA was seen placing clean linen on top of a dirty hamper outside the resident's room. Both the CNA and the Environmental Services Director confirmed that this was not in accordance with facility policy, which requires clean linens to be handled and stored in a manner that prevents contamination. The IP verified that the clean linens were now considered contaminated due to this action.
Plan Of Correction
F880 Infection Prevention & Control A. How the facility plans to correct the specific deficiencies cited: * Failure to ensure staff donned an isolation gown and properly discarded it: Immediate in-service education was provided to CNA 4 on June 17, 2025, regarding proper donning, doffing, and disposal of isolation gowns, emphasizing the importance of donning prior to entering an isolation room and proper disposal in designated biohazard bins. All nursing staff and environmental services staff will receive mandatory re-education on June 25th regarding the facility's Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures, specifically focusing on: * Correct application and removal of all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), particularly isolation gowns, when providing care to residents on transmission-based precautions. * Proper disposal of contaminated PPE into designated biohazard waste receptacles immediately after removal. * The importance of ensuring designated biohazard bins are readily available and not overflowing in isolation rooms. Environmental Services will implement a daily checklist for all isolation rooms to ensure adequate stock of PPE (including isolation gowns) at the designated supply area outside the room and the availability of empty biohazard waste bins within the room starting June 25th, 2025. This checklist will be reviewed by the Environmental Services Director or designee. * Failure to handle clean linens to prevent the spread of infection: Immediate re-education was provided to CNA 5 on June 18, 2025, regarding the proper handling and storage of clean linens, emphasizing that clean linens must never be placed on dirty hampers or other contaminated surfaces. All nursing staff and environmental services staff will receive mandatory re-education on June 25th, 2025 on the facility's policy for Handling Clean Linen, reinforcing the importance of: * Maintaining separation between clean and dirty linens at all times. * Transporting and storing clean linens in clean, designated containers or carts. * Never placing clean linens on or near contaminated surfaces, including dirty hampers. Nursing staff will be re-educated on the proper procedure for bringing clean linens into resident rooms to ensure they remain free from contamination. B. How other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice will be identified and what corrective action(s) will be taken: * All residents requiring transmission-based precautions will be identified through daily review of the facility's infection control log and resident care plans by the Infection Preventionist (IP) and Director of Nursing (DON). * An audit will be conducted for all residents currently on transmission-based precautions to ensure proper PPE is available outside their rooms and that appropriate waste receptacles are provided within their rooms. Any discrepancies will be immediately corrected. * The IP and DON will conduct focused observations during routine rounds to ensure all staff are consistently adhering to proper PPE utilization and disposal for all residents on transmission-based precautions. All nursing staff and environmental services staff will be re-educated on June 25th, 2025 on proper linen handling procedures to prevent contamination, ensuring all residents receive care with uncontaminated linens. C. What measures will be put into place or systemic changes made to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur: * Enhanced Staff Education and Competency: Comprehensive in-service training on Infection Prevention and Control, including proper PPE use, disposal, and clean linen handling, will be conducted for all nursing staff (RNs, LVNs, CNAs) and environmental services staff by July 15, 2025. This training will include practical demonstrations and return demonstrations to ensure competency. New employee orientation will include a dedicated and enhanced module on infection prevention and control practices. Annual competency evaluations will include observation of proper PPE use and linen handling for all staff involved in resident care. * Increased Environmental Monitoring during Angel Rounds: The existing Angel Rounds checklist will be revised to include specific checks for all resident rooms, especially those with residents on isolation precautions: * Verification of PPE availability: During Angel Rounds, nursing supervisors/designees will visually confirm that appropriate PPE (e.g., isolation gowns, gloves) is stocked and readily accessible at the designated supply area outside isolation rooms. * Trash Bin Monitoring: During Angel Rounds, nursing supervisors/designees will visually inspect all trash bins within resident rooms and bathrooms to ensure they are not overflowing with used PPE or other waste and that designated biohazard bins are present and utilized for waste disposal. The QAPI Committee will review all infection control incidents, audit results, and staff competency records on a monthly basis for a period of six months, and quarterly thereafter. Specific data points to be monitored will include: * Number of observed instances of non-compliance with PPE use and disposal. * Number of observed instances of improper clean linen handling. * Completion rates of staff education and competency evaluations related to infection control. * Findings from Angel Rounds related to PPE and trash bin monitoring. The QAPI Committee will track trends related to infection control practices and identify areas requiring further intervention, such as additional staff training, revised procedures, or environmental modifications. Corrective actions will be implemented as needed based on QAPI findings, and their effectiveness will be continuously evaluated by the QAPI Committee. The Administrator, DON, and IP will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this Plan of Correction and ensuring ongoing compliance.
Failure to Administer Medications Within Prescribed Timeframes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications were administered to residents within the prescribed timeframes, as required by their own policies and federal regulations. Facility policy stated that medications should be administered within 60 minutes of the scheduled time unless otherwise ordered by a physician. Observations and interviews revealed that medications scheduled for 0900 hours were not administered on time to multiple residents. Nursing staff confirmed that they were late in administering medications due to being occupied with other residents experiencing changes in condition or needing assistance with medical appointments. Multiple residents reported that they sometimes received their medications late, and this was corroborated by direct observation of nursing staff administering medications past the scheduled times. For example, one nurse began medication administration at 0830 hours but was still administering 0900 medications to several residents after 1000 hours. Another nurse also confirmed being late with 0900 medications for several residents. Residents interviewed during the survey confirmed that they had not yet received their scheduled medications or that late administration was a recurring issue. The facility's documentation and interviews with staff indicated that the delays in medication administration were not isolated incidents but affected all 16 sampled residents. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the late administration and stated that the expectation was for medications to be given on time. The facility's failure to provide timely medication administration did not align with their established procedures and had the potential to negatively impact resident care.
Plan Of Correction
1. The corrective action(s) accomplished for the residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice: Resident 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 was affected by this deficient practice. Immediately, Residents' primary care provider was notified by Licensed Nurse and DON about late medication administration. All affected residents were monitored for any adverse reaction. On 6/13/2025, DON provided 1:1 education to LVN 6 about medication administration policy and procedure. 2. How the facility will identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken: All residents were potentially affected by this deficient practice. On 6/24/2025, DON and Medical records audited medication administration x 1 month and found no other concern. 3. Measures that will be put into place or systematic change the facility will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur: DON or designee will oversee the process and monitor medication administration through observation of medication administration daily for 4 weeks. From 6/24/2025, DON and ADON in-service all licensed nurses about medication administration policy and procedure and their responsibilities when they are aware that they might not meet the medication administration time-frame, including asking for help from RN supervisor or Unit Managers to make sure all residents received their medications on time. 4. Facility plans to monitor effectiveness of the corrective actions and sustain compliance; Integrate QA Process: The DON and designee will monitor daily medication administration x 4 weeks. Any findings will be presented to the Monthly QA&A meeting. The Plan of Correction was presented at the Quality Assurance (QA&A) committee meeting on 07/9/2025. Ongoing findings from audits will be reported to the QAPI/QAA monthly meetings for three months. Corrective action completion date: 7/04/2025
Failure to Inform Resident and Responsible Party of Right to Choose Attending Physician
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident and their responsible party were informed of the right to choose or change the attending physician. Upon admission, the resident, who had diagnoses including cerebral palsy, altered mental status, and quadriplegia, was not provided with documentation or evidence that the right to select an attending physician was discussed with either the resident or their responsible party. The resident's medical records indicated a lack of cognitive capacity to make decisions, and the Minimum Data Set confirmed total dependence on staff for activities of daily living. Interviews with facility staff, including the Social Services Director and the Director of Nursing, revealed that while the facility has a process for informing residents of their rights, including the right to change physicians, there was no documentation that this process was followed for this particular resident. The Social Services Director was not employed at the time of the resident's admission, and the Director of Nursing confirmed that there was no record of any discussion or documentation regarding the choice of attending physician for the resident or their responsible party. A review of the facility's policy on the choice of attending physician confirmed that residents have the right to choose their own physician and that the facility should not interfere with this process. However, the lack of documentation and failure to inform the resident or responsible party of this right resulted in the resident and their responsible party not being made aware of the option to select or change the attending physician, as required by federal regulations.
Plan Of Correction
F 555 RIGHT TO CHOOSE/BE INFORMED ATTENDING PHYSICIAN CFR(s): 483.10(d)(1)-(5) IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION: Resident 1 was discharged on 1/3/21. ACTION TAKEN TO IDENTIFY ALL OTHER RESIDENTS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN: All residents had the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. The Social Services Director and Designee interviewed 10 newly admitted residents in the last two (2) weeks to determine if they were aware of their rights to choose an attending physician and if they needed assistance with changing their attending physician. No other residents were found to be affected by this deficient practice. PROCESS AND ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE DEFICIENT PRACTICE DOES NOT RECUR: The Director of Nursing Services (DON) conducted an in-service education with the licensed staff on 6/30/25, regarding facility policy and procedure on Change of Physician, ensuring that residents are aware of their rights and assistance is available when they request a change of physician. The Administrator conducted an in-service with Social Services department staff on 7/7/25, regarding facility policy on Choice of Attending Physician focusing on the right of the resident to choose his or her own attending physician. Effective 7/7/25, the Activity Director will review residents' rights to include the right to choose an attending physician during the monthly Resident Council meeting for the next three months and quarterly thereafter. If the resident subsequently chooses another attending physician who meets the requirements and responsibilities of an attending physician, the facility will honor that choice. ACTION TAKEN TO IDENTIFY ALL OTHER RESIDENTS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN: All residents had the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. The Social Services Director and Designee interviewed 10 newly admitted residents in the last two (2) weeks to determine if they were aware of their rights to choose an attending physician and if they needed assistance with changing their attending physician. No other residents were found to be affected by this deficient practice. PROCESS AND ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE DEFICIENT PRACTICE DOES NOT RECUR: The Director of Nursing Services (DON) conducted an in-service education with the licensed staff on 6/30/25, regarding facility policy and procedure on Change of Physician, ensuring that residents are aware of their rights and assistance is available when they request a change of physician. The Administrator conducted an in-service with Social Services department staff on 7/7/25, regarding facility policy on Choice of Attending Physician focusing on the right of the resident to choose his or her own attending physician. Effective 7/7/25, the Activity Director will review residents' rights to include the right to choose an attending physician during the monthly Resident Council meeting for the next three months and quarterly thereafter. If the resident subsequently chooses another attending physician who meets the requirements and responsibilities of an attending physician, the facility will honor that choice. Effective 7/7/25, the Social Service Director or the Social Services Designee will notify the resident and/or resident's RP during the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting of their right to choose a physician and assist them as needed. If the resident subsequently chooses another attending physician who meets the requirements and responsibilities of an attending physician, the facility will honor that choice. The DON and/or her designee will conduct a random review of five (5) residents or residents' RP weekly for the next 30 days to ensure that they are aware of their rights to choose an attending physician and that assistance is provided if they need to change physicians. MONITORING PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE THAT CORRECTION IS ACHIEVED AND SUSTAINED: As part of the facility's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, the DON and/or her designee will report findings of the weekly random reviews to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee (QAA) at the next monthly meeting. The DSS will also report her daily findings at the next monthly QAA meeting. The Administrator will monitor compliance through review of the DON's report. CORRECTIVE ACTION COMPLETION: July 7, 2025
Failure to Assist Resident in Obtaining Personal Belongings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was treated with respect and dignity by not assisting with obtaining personal belongings from the resident's previous facility. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including cerebral palsy, altered mental status, and quadriplegia, was documented as having no personal belongings upon admission. The resident's medical records indicated a lack of cognitive capacity and total dependence on staff for activities of daily living. Despite facility policy requiring efforts to retrieve personal property for new admissions, there was no documentation or evidence that staff attempted to contact the previous facility or retrieve the resident's belongings. Interviews with the Social Services Director and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the standard practice is to contact the previous facility or arrange for staff to collect a resident's belongings. However, both were unable to provide any documentation or recall any attempts made in this case. The facility's own policies emphasized the importance of residents retaining personal possessions to maintain a homelike environment, but these procedures were not followed for this resident.
Plan Of Correction
RESPECT, DIGNITY / RIGHT TO HAVE PERSONAL PROPERTY CFR(s): 483.10(e)(2) IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION: Resident 1 was discharged on 1/3/2021. ACTION TAKEN TO IDENTIFY ALL OTHER RESIDENTS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN: Residents admitted from other facilities had the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. The Social Services Director and Social Services Designee interviewed 10 residents admitted in the last two weeks if assistance is needed in retrieving any belongings from prior facility. No other residents were affected by this deficient practice. PROCESS AND ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE DEFICIENT PRACTICE DOES NOT RECUR: The DON conducted an in-service education with licensed staff and social services staff on 6/30/25, regarding facility policy on Residents' Rights and Personal Property to ensure that assistance will be provided in securing belongings if the resident came from another facility. The Administrator conducted an in-service education with social services staff on 7/7/25, regarding facility policy on Residents' Rights and Personal Property to ensure that assistance will be provided in securing belongings if the resident came from another facility. Effective 7/7/25, the Social Services Director and the Social Services Designee will check newly admitted residents' inventory lists to ensure residents have personal belongings brought to the facility and provide assistance in obtaining personal belongings from the previous facility if needed. The DON and/or her designee will conduct random reviews of five (5) newly admitted residents weekly for the next four (4) weeks, then monthly for two (2) months of all new admissions to ensure the belongings checklist is completed and assistance is provided in securing and locating belongings from other facilities if needed. MONITORING PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE THAT CORRECTION IS ACHIEVED AND SUSTAINED: As part of the facility's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, the DON will report findings at the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee (QAA) regarding weekly random checks at the next monthly meeting. The Administrator will monitor compliance through review of DON reports. CORRECTIVE ACTION COMPLETION: July 7, 2025
Failure to Notify Correct Responsible Party of Room Change
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the correct responsible party (RP) for a resident was accurately documented in the medical record and failed to notify the correct RP of a room change. The resident in question was admitted with diagnoses including cerebral palsy, altered mental status, and quadriplegia, and was determined to lack the capacity to make decisions. The resident required total assistance with activities of daily living and was dependent on staff for care. When the resident tested positive for COVID-19, a room change to the COVID-19 unit was required. Documentation showed that the facility notified an RP listed on the admission record, but did not verify that this was the correct RP. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the standard procedure is to notify the resident or their RP of any room change, complete the necessary documentation, and inform the ombudsman. However, in this instance, the DON acknowledged that although a listed RP was contacted, staff did not confirm that this was the correct RP as documented in the admission record. The facility's policy requires advance written notice to all involved parties prior to a room or roommate change, but this was not properly followed in this case.
Plan Of Correction
F 559 CHOOSE/BE NOTIFIED OF ROOM/ROOMMATE CHANGE CFR(s): 483.10(e)(4)-(6) IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION: Resident 1 was discharged on 1/3/25. ACTION TAKEN TO IDENTIFY ALL OTHER RESIDENTS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEFICIENT PRACTICE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN: All residents had the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. The Medical Records Director (MRD) reviewed five (5) residents with room change requests in the last 30 days, to check if written notice of room change was provided to the resident and/or resident's RP. No other residents were affected by this deficient practice. PROCESS AND ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE DEFICIENT PRACTICE DOES NOT RECUR: The Director of Nursing Services (DON) conducted an in-service education with the licensed staff on 6/30/25, regarding facility policy on Room Change, ensuring that advance notice is provided to the resident and/or RP prior to room change. The Administrator conducted an in-service with Social Services department staff on 7/7/25, regarding facility policy on Room Change, ensuring that advance notice is provided to the resident and/or resident's RP prior to room change. Effective 7/7/25, the MRD or her designee will review weekly room change requests to ensure completion of the advance notice and notification of resident and/or resident's RP. The Social Services Director or the Social Services Designee will immediately correct any deficient practice identified in the audit. The DON and/or her designee and the MRD will randomly review five (5) resident charts weekly for the next 30 days to ensure residents' RPs were notified and documentation completed regarding room changes. MONITORING PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE THAT CORRECTION IS ACHIEVED AND SUSTAINED: As part of the facility's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, the DON will report findings to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee (QAA) regarding weekly random reviews for the next 30 days. The MRD will also report findings to the QAA regarding weekly random reviews for the next 30 days. The Administrator will monitor compliance through review of DON and MRD reports. CORRECTIVE ACTION COMPLETION: July 7, 2025 This page intentionally left blank
Unsealed Ceiling Penetration in Electrical Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified during a facility tour and interview with the Maintenance Consultant, where an unsealed penetration was observed in the ceiling of the electrical room. The penetration, approximately four inches in size, was located on the south side of the electrical room ceiling, with a conduit passing through the space. This condition was noted during an inspection and was directly observed by the surveyor. The Maintenance Consultant explained that the facility had recently undergone utility upgrades, and the vendor responsible for the work failed to seal the penetration after completing the project. This unsealed opening was present in one of two smoke compartments within the building. No information was provided regarding any residents or their medical conditions in relation to this deficiency.
Sprinkler System Maintenance and Signage Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain its automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 25 and NFPA 101 requirements. During a tour of the building, a sprinkler pendant in the shower room adjacent to the MDS Office was observed to be green, corroded, and had a green-tinted fusible link. The Maintenance Consultant attributed the corrosion to moisture and steam from the showers. Additionally, the inspection revealed that the sprinkler backflow piping and Fire Department Connection (FDC) were missing the required signage to indicate the system or portion of the system they control. The Maintenance Consultant stated that the missing signage had not been previously cited and believed it was unnecessary due to the building being the only structure connected to these pipes. These deficiencies affected all five residents and both smoke compartments in the facility. The lack of proper maintenance and required signage on the sprinkler system components was directly observed and confirmed through staff interviews during the survey.
Plan Of Correction
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Standards K353 Sprinkler Maintenance and Training The sprinkler pendant in the shower room was replaced and a sign with the facility address was placed on the sprinkler backflow piping. (See attached photos) To monitor the fire sprinkler pendants in the building and to verify that the signage is on the backflow piping, the Director of Maintenance will perform a monthly audit for 3 months. The Administrator will review the monthly audits and bring the findings to the Quality Assurance Team on a quarterly basis to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. This corrective action was completed June 20th, 2025. K 353
Corridor Door Fails to Fully Close, Creating Gap in Smoke Compartment
Penalty
Summary
During a facility tour, surveyors observed that the door to the small dining room, when closed, left an approximately one-half inch gap between the door leaf and the doorframe. This observation was made in the presence of the Maintenance Consultant, who attributed the gap to the continual shifting of the building structure. The report specifies that this issue affected one of two smoke compartments in the facility. The deficiency was identified as a failure to maintain corridor doors in accordance with NFPA 101: Life Safety Code requirements. Specifically, the door did not fully close, which could delay the prevention of smoke spread during an emergency. The report does not mention any residents or staff being directly involved or affected at the time of the observation, nor does it provide any additional medical history or conditions related to individuals.
Plan Of Correction
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Standards K 363 Corridor- Doors The corridor doors were adjusted and the gaps were fixed (See attached photos). The Director of Maintenance will audit the corridor doors weekly, ensuring that the fire doors are free of gaps and close completely for the next 3 months. The Administrator will review the audits and bring findings to the Quality Assurance Team on a quarterly basis to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. This corrective action was completed June 20th, 2025.
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