Polaris Transitional Care
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Anchorage, Alaska.
- Location
- 910 Compassion Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99504
- CMS Provider Number
- 025018
- Inspections on file
- 19
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 12
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Polaris Transitional Care during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with ESRD and dependence on hemodialysis did not receive post-dialysis care according to physician orders, the care plan, and facility policy. The post-dialysis pressure dressing on the AV fistula was not documented as removed within the ordered timeframe, despite dialysis center instructions specifying timely removal. Although an LN later reported that the access site was bleeding and a dressing change was performed, the TAR documented the site as clear and nursing notes did not reflect any dressing change. Required shift assessments of the fistula site for bleeding, redness, and tenderness were not accurately documented, and there was no evidence that the physician was notified of the bleeding access site, contrary to facility policy and referenced CDC dialysis safety standards.
The facility's assessment contained inaccurate information regarding bed capacity and physical layout, with documentation stating a higher licensed capacity and a different building structure than what was confirmed by state licensing records and staff interview.
A resident with significant medical needs was admitted to the facility and, despite having personal belongings available, their room remained unpersonalized for over a month, with items left in boxes and minimal personal effects displayed. Staff did not contact the family or representative to assist with unpacking or personalizing the room, contrary to facility policy, resulting in the resident being denied a homelike environment.
The facility failed to ensure proper food storage and labeling, with expired and unlabeled food items found in the main kitchen and dining room kitchens. Missing temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers were also noted. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the lapses, which could potentially lead to foodborne illness among residents.
A facility failed to obtain informed consent before changing the medication regimen for a resident with schizophrenia and anxiety. The resident's Hydroxyzine dosage was increased from twice to three times daily, and Aripiprazole was increased from 25mg to 30mg daily without informing the resident's representative. Interviews confirmed the lack of communication, violating the facility's policy on psychotropic medications.
A facility failed to provide quarterly financial statements to a resident's designated financial representative, despite the resident having a POA for financial obligations. The statements were incorrectly sent to the resident's home address, and the Business Officer was unaware of the POA. This oversight was confirmed through interviews and document reviews, highlighting a failure to adhere to the facility's policy on managing resident funds.
A resident reported being catheterized without consent while in a ceiling lift sling, but the facility failed to investigate and resolve the grievance. Documentation showed no evidence of a thorough investigation or communication of the outcome to the resident. Interviews with staff revealed that the grievance process was not properly followed, with incomplete documentation and follow-up.
A resident lost their dentures, impacting their ability to chew and requiring a dietary adjustment. Despite this, the facility failed to update the resident's care plan to reflect their current dental status, as acknowledged by the DON. The care plan remained outdated, not addressing the resident's edentulous condition and dietary needs.
A facility failed to label medications and supplies used for wound care, risking the use of expired products on a resident. During wound care, two LNs used an opened tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment and two bottles of Vashe wound cleansing solution, none of which were labeled with the date opened or the initials of the person who opened them. This was against the facility's protocol, which requires such labeling to ensure medications are not expired.
The facility failed to ensure accurate medication transcription, leading to a resident receiving incorrect doses of Lovenox in addition to Heparin, resulting in an anemic crisis and death. Another resident experienced a delay in receiving their prescribed medication due to the same error.
The facility failed to ensure residents were free from significant medication errors, leading to the concurrent administration of two anticoagulants to a resident, resulting in severe health complications and eventual death. The error occurred due to incorrect transcription of a physician's handwritten order and failure to follow the 24-hour chart check protocol.
Failure to Follow Post-Dialysis Orders and Document AV Fistula Complications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide dialysis-related treatment and care in accordance with physician orders, the resident’s care plan, and facility policy for one resident dependent on hemodialysis with ESRD and PVD. Physician orders and the MAR directed that the post-dialysis pressure dressing on the resident’s AV fistula be removed after a specified number of hours, and dialysis communication from the dialysis center reiterated that the fistula dressing must be removed within a defined timeframe to prevent clotting or narrowing of the AV graft. Record review showed no documentation that the post-dialysis dressing was removed within the ordered timeframe, and there was no indication on the MAR or in nursing progress notes that a dressing change was performed during the relevant dates. The facility also failed to assess, document, and communicate the condition of the dialysis access site as ordered and per policy. The care plan required daily checks and dressing changes at the access site with documentation and monitoring for signs and symptoms of complications, and the TAR included an order to assess the fistula site every shift for clarity, tenderness, redness, and bleeding. A nurse reported that upon the resident’s return from dialysis, the access site was bleeding and a dressing change was performed, but the TAR documentation for that shift indicated the site was “clear,” and nursing progress notes contained no record of a dressing change. Additionally, despite facility policy requiring monitoring for complications and immediate physician notification for bleeding, the medical record contained no evidence that the physician was notified about the post-dialysis bleeding AV fistula. CDC dialysis safety guidelines cited in the report state that standards of care require reassessment of the access site after dressing removal for bleeding, redness, or swelling, with accurate documentation and timely communication of findings, which was not demonstrated in this case.
Inaccurate Facility Assessment Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that its facility-wide assessment was up to date and accurate, as required. Record review revealed discrepancies in the reported bed capacity and facility description. The facility assessment stated a licensed capacity of 96 residents, while the State of Alaska license indicated the facility was licensed for 50 beds. During an interview, the Director of Community Liaison confirmed the correct bed capacity was 50 beds, highlighting the inaccuracy in the assessment documentation. Additionally, the facility assessment described the physical layout as consisting of 8 cottages, 8 courtyards, and a common building, whereas the initial licensing application described the facility as a single building with two wings, each containing specific hallway and room arrangements. These inconsistencies demonstrate that the facility assessment did not accurately reflect the facility's current resources and structure, as required for both day-to-day operations and emergency preparedness.
Failure to Provide Homelike Environment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a homelike environment was established and maintained for a resident who had been admitted over a month prior. Despite the resident's history of having a personalized room at a previous facility, observations revealed that the resident's personal belongings remained packed in boxes, with minimal personal items displayed in the room. The only visible personal effects were a few pictures on a corkboard, which was obscured behind a television and not easily visible from the resident's bed. The room otherwise lacked any personal touches or homelike features. Interviews with facility staff indicated that it was the responsibility of the assigned CNA to inventory and put away personal items upon admission, and that family members were typically contacted to assist with unpacking. However, there was no documentation that staff had reached out to the family or the resident's representative for assistance, nor was there any record of resistance from the resident or representative regarding the personalization of the room. The facility's policy required social services to contact family or responsible parties to help personalize the resident's environment, but this was not done, resulting in the resident being denied a homelike environment.
Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Facility Kitchens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food safety, as evidenced by improper labeling and storage of food items in the main kitchen and dining room kitchens. During an inspection, it was observed that several food items in the dry storage, walk-in cooler, and walk-in freezer were either expired or lacked proper labeling with received, open, or use-by dates. Specifically, expired cans of Monarch Pork & Beans, Premier Protein Chocolate Shakes, and various other food items were found in the main kitchen. Additionally, the Northside and Southside dining room kitchens had missing temperature logs for their refrigerators and freezers, and several food items were found without open date labels. The Dietary Manager confirmed that all containers should have been labeled with received, open, and use-by dates, and that expired food should be discarded. The facility's policy on labeling and storage of food items was not followed, as evidenced by the presence of expired and unlabeled food items. This failure to comply with food safety standards had the potential to cause or spread foodborne illness to all residents receiving food from the affected kitchens.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medication Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain informed consent prior to administering psychotropic medications to a resident, which is a violation of the residents' rights to be informed about their treatment. Specifically, the facility made changes to the medication orders for a resident diagnosed with schizophrenia, anxiety, agitation, and insomnia, without obtaining informed consent from the resident or their representative. The resident was prescribed Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine used for anxiety, and Aripiprazole, an antipsychotic for schizophrenia. The facility increased the frequency of Hydroxyzine administration from twice daily to three times daily and increased the dosage of Aripiprazole from 25mg to 30mg daily without documenting the risks and benefits or obtaining approval from the resident's representative. Interviews with the resident's representative and the nursing supervisor revealed that the facility did not inform the representative about the changes in medication dosage and frequency. The facility's policy on psychotropic medications requires that residents or their representatives be advised of the potential risks and benefits of psychotropic medication therapy. However, the facility did not adhere to this policy, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and communication regarding the changes in the resident's medication regimen.
Failure to Provide Quarterly Financial Statements to Resident's POA
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide quarterly statements for personal fund accounts to the resident's designated financial representative, which is a requirement according to the facility's policy. The resident in question, who has schizophrenia, had a Power of Attorney (POA) assigned for financial obligations. However, the facility was sending the quarterly bank statements to the resident's home address instead of the POA. This oversight was confirmed during interviews with the resident's representative and facility staff, including a Licensed Nurse (LN) and a Business Officer (BO). The Business Officer was unaware of the POA designation and stated that the facility had been sending the statements directly to the resident. A review of the resident's face sheet incorrectly listed the resident as the financially responsible party, despite the existence of a POA document that clearly designated the resident's representative as the agent for banking transactions. This failure to provide accurate and complete accounting of the resident's personal funds to the appropriate representative placed the resident and their representative at risk of not receiving necessary financial information.
Failure to Investigate and Resolve Resident Grievance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to investigate and resolve a grievance for a resident who reported being catheterized without consent while in a ceiling lift sling. The resident expressed feeling violated and stated that their complaints were not always investigated and resolved. Documentation revealed that the facility did not show evidence of a thorough investigation or inform the resident of the outcome of the grievance process. The incident involved a resident who was somnolent and unable to void, leading to a bladder scan that showed 590 ml of urine. A straight catheterization was ordered, but the resident felt uncomfortable and requested the procedure to stop. Despite this, the resident later reported being catheterized without consent while in a sling, which was not documented as having occurred. The facility's grievance log showed incomplete documentation and follow-up regarding the resident's complaint. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON and DOQ, revealed that the grievance process was not properly followed. The DON admitted to not documenting the follow-up with the ombudsman or the resident, and the DOQ acknowledged that the investigation and resident follow-up were incomplete. The facility's grievance policy requires prompt resolution and written follow-up, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Update Care Plan for Resident's Dental Status
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update a comprehensive care plan according to a resident's current dental status, which placed the resident at risk of not receiving appropriate care. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including a femur fracture, facial weakness, and dysphagia, reported losing their dentures in their room. Despite the staff, including the Director of Nursing (DON), searching for the dentures, they were not found. The resident expressed difficulty chewing foods and was downgraded to a soft and bite-sized diet texture by the nurse supervisor. The resident also reported being unable to eat the provided meals and requested specific food items that were easier to consume. The care plan, dated prior to the loss of dentures, indicated the need for dentures due to swallowing problems and required staff assistance with denture care. However, the care plan was not updated to reflect the resident's edentulous status and dietary needs following the loss of dentures. The DON acknowledged that the care plan should have been updated to indicate the absence of dentures and confirmed that the comprehensive care plan was not revised according to the resident's current dental status. The facility's policy requires the care plan to be updated every 90 days and as changes occur, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Label Medications and Supplies for Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications and supplies used for wound care were appropriately labeled, which placed a resident at risk of receiving expired medications and wound cleansing solutions. During an observation of wound care for a resident, two licensed nurses placed wound care dressing supplies on a clean field. Among these supplies was an opened tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment with a manufacturer's expiration date of January 2027, which was marked only with a handwritten letter 'B' and lacked any indication of who opened it or when it was opened. Additionally, two opened bottles of Vashe wound cleansing solution with a manufacturer's expiration date of August 2025 were used, but they also lacked labels indicating the date they were opened or the initials of the person who opened them. In an interview, one of the licensed nurses admitted that the ointment and wound cleanser were not labeled with the necessary information, such as the initials of the person who opened them and the date they were opened, acknowledging that they should have been properly labeled. The facility's nursing protocol for medication labeling, dated March 2024, requires that medications with defined expiration periods be labeled with open and expiration dates, as well as the initials of the person who opened them. This protocol was not followed, leading to the use of potentially expired medications and wound cleansing solutions on the resident.
Medication Transcription Error Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement pharmaceutical services that ensured the accurate dispensing and administration of medications for two residents. Specifically, the facility did not have procedures in place to confirm the Five Rights (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time) during the transcription of prescriber's original hand-written medication orders into the electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR). This failure led to a medication error where a nurse transcribed an order for Lovenox intended for one resident into another resident's eMAR, resulting in the incorrect administration of the medication. Resident #1, who was already on Heparin therapy, received seven doses of Lovenox due to this transcription error. This error caused a significant drop in the resident's blood values, leading to an anemic crisis. Despite receiving multiple blood transfusions, the resident's condition did not improve, and they eventually passed away. The error was discovered and discontinued after four days, but the damage had already been done. Resident #2 experienced a delay in receiving their prescribed Lovenox due to the transcription error. The facility's process for handling medication orders involved physicians handwriting orders into paper charts, which were then transcribed into the eMAR by nursing supervisors. The pharmacy was alerted electronically but did not receive the original hand-written orders, leading to a lack of verification and control over the accuracy of transcriptions. This systemic failure in the medication order process contributed to the severe outcomes for the residents involved.
Significant Medication Error Due to Incorrect Transcription
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were free from significant medication errors, specifically involving two residents. The error occurred due to the incorrect transcription of a physician's handwritten order for an anticoagulant medication. A Licensed Nurse (LN) mistakenly transcribed an order for Lovenox, intended for one resident, into the electronic medication administration record (eMAR) of another resident who was already receiving Heparin. This resulted in the concurrent administration of two different anticoagulants to the wrong resident over several days, leading to severe health complications and eventual death of the resident due to an anemic crisis and critically low blood values. The resident who received the incorrect medication had a history of chronic kidney disease, liver abscess, and was on long-term anticoagulant therapy. The error was discovered after the resident's blood values showed a significant drop, prompting an emergency evaluation and hospitalization. Despite multiple blood transfusions, the resident's condition did not improve, and they were eventually placed on comfort care and passed away. The facility's process for handling medication orders involved handwritten entries by physicians, which were then transcribed into the eMAR by nursing supervisors. However, the 24-hour chart check process failed to catch the transcription error. The involved nurses admitted to not following the protocol correctly, leading to the oversight. The facility's policies and procedures did not include a step to ensure that all transcribed orders in the eMAR had corresponding written orders in the hard chart, contributing to the error.
Latest citations in Alaska
A resident with ESRD and dependence on hemodialysis did not receive post-dialysis care according to physician orders, the care plan, and facility policy. The post-dialysis pressure dressing on the AV fistula was not documented as removed within the ordered timeframe, despite dialysis center instructions specifying timely removal. Although an LN later reported that the access site was bleeding and a dressing change was performed, the TAR documented the site as clear and nursing notes did not reflect any dressing change. Required shift assessments of the fistula site for bleeding, redness, and tenderness were not accurately documented, and there was no evidence that the physician was notified of the bleeding access site, contrary to facility policy and referenced CDC dialysis safety standards.
A resident’s care plan was not revised to reflect a new PTSD diagnosis. The MDS listed chronic PTSD as an active diagnosis, but LTC care conference notes did not discuss it and the care plan had no related problem, outcomes, or interventions. The resident reported that loud noises triggered war-related memories, and the DON stated she was unaware of the resident’s specific PTSD triggers and confirmed the diagnosis should have been incorporated into the care plan.
Missed Mealtime Insulin Administration: A resident with DM, mild dementia, and anemia missed 74 ordered mealtime sliding scale insulin doses because staff documented the doses as not given due to the resident being asleep or due to nursing judgment. A nurse stated the facility would hold meds when the resident was sleeping and referenced an order that could not be produced in the EHR. The MAR and BG records showed repeated elevated BG readings during missed insulin opportunities, and the facility policy identified mealtime insulin as time-critical medication.
A facility used a decolonization protocol involving CHG soap substitution and mupirocin nasal swabs for multiple residents, but the MD stated residents and/or their representatives were not notified and the protocol was not discussed in care conferences. The DON found no documentation of notification, and the Administrator confirmed the planned resident council, ombudsman notice, and admission packet letter were not implemented. The facility’s rights documents stated residents have the right to information about treatments, risks, side effects, and to refuse proposed care.
The facility failed to provide accurate grievance officer contact information and clear instructions for submitting grievances. Posted notices identified a former Grievance Officer, while the admission agreement and grievance form did not explain how or where to submit a completed grievance. Residents stated they did not know who the GO was or how to formally file a complaint, and complaints were often handled informally through staff or the DON.
Food items were found unlabeled, improperly dated, and in some cases expired or without expiration information in the meal prep refrigerator, walk-in freezer, dry storage, and Wing B kitchen. Surveyors also observed tightly stacked boxes stored too close to the ceiling and sprinkler heads in the freezer and refrigerator areas. The KM stated labeling, dating, and storage expectations were taught mainly by verbal instruction and demonstration, and the Dietitian reported inconsistencies in labeling, training, and monitoring.
Failure to Monitor Decolonization Program in QAPI: The facility used a decolonization protocol involving CHG bathing and mupirocin nasal ointment for multiple residents, but there was no evidence that the program was tracked, trended, or monitored through QAPI. The MD said the protocol was a performance improvement initiative and that he was tracking it, but it was not reported in QAPI meetings, the IP was not actively involved in monitoring it, and QAPI minutes did not discuss the program.
Failure to Provide Individualized Resident Activities: Two residents with diagnoses including CHF, hemiparesis, dementia, OA, and a coccyx pressure ulcer had activity plans calling for regular group and individual programming based on their stated interests, but survey findings showed the posted calendar did not match the documentation, residents were mostly observed in their rooms, and one resident reported only bingo and little else. Residents and the resident council described limited, repetitive programming, while staff said CareTracker did not accurately reflect actual participation and the AD was overseeing the program remotely with limited on-site oversight.
The facility failed to obtain and document informed consent for psychotropic medications before administration for multiple residents with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and related behavioral and psychotic disturbances. In several cases, residents had OPA guardians or other representatives as medical decision-makers, yet there was no evidence that risks, benefits, alternatives, or treatment options for medications such as divalproex, valproic acid, olanzapine, quetiapine, pimavanserin, and antidepressants were discussed or that representatives were given an opportunity to choose among options. For one resident, consent for quetiapine was signed after the first dose had already been given. Staff interviews showed confusion about who was responsible for obtaining informed consent, when it should occur, and which medications required it, and leadership acknowledged that consents obtained via email were not consistently placed in the medical record and that consent audits were irregular, despite facility policies and resident rights documents requiring that residents or representatives be advised of psychotropic risks and benefits and that this be documented.
The facility failed to maintain sufficient RN, LPN, and CNA staffing levels as defined in its own facility assessment, particularly on weekends, and frequently relied on float staff to cover cottages without regularly assigned nurses. Staff and a resident reported that only one nurse and one CNA sometimes covered an entire cottage, that CNAs from other cottages had to pick up assignments when someone called in, and that staff shortages caused rushing and concerns about care. One resident with quadriplegia, fully dependent for bathing and preferring showers, missed multiple scheduled showers over several weeks and instead received bed baths or no documented hygiene care, and reported long call-light response times and staff declining small assistance due to being too busy. Another resident with multiple sclerosis and functional quadriplegia, dependent on staff and an overhead lift for transfers, was not consistently gotten out of bed on the days specified in their care plan and grievance resolution, and reported that requests to get up were often denied or deferred because staff said they were shorthanded.
Failure to Follow Post-Dialysis Orders and Document AV Fistula Complications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide dialysis-related treatment and care in accordance with physician orders, the resident’s care plan, and facility policy for one resident dependent on hemodialysis with ESRD and PVD. Physician orders and the MAR directed that the post-dialysis pressure dressing on the resident’s AV fistula be removed after a specified number of hours, and dialysis communication from the dialysis center reiterated that the fistula dressing must be removed within a defined timeframe to prevent clotting or narrowing of the AV graft. Record review showed no documentation that the post-dialysis dressing was removed within the ordered timeframe, and there was no indication on the MAR or in nursing progress notes that a dressing change was performed during the relevant dates. The facility also failed to assess, document, and communicate the condition of the dialysis access site as ordered and per policy. The care plan required daily checks and dressing changes at the access site with documentation and monitoring for signs and symptoms of complications, and the TAR included an order to assess the fistula site every shift for clarity, tenderness, redness, and bleeding. A nurse reported that upon the resident’s return from dialysis, the access site was bleeding and a dressing change was performed, but the TAR documentation for that shift indicated the site was “clear,” and nursing progress notes contained no record of a dressing change. Additionally, despite facility policy requiring monitoring for complications and immediate physician notification for bleeding, the medical record contained no evidence that the physician was notified about the post-dialysis bleeding AV fistula. CDC dialysis safety guidelines cited in the report state that standards of care require reassessment of the access site after dressing removal for bleeding, redness, or swelling, with accurate documentation and timely communication of findings, which was not demonstrated in this case.
Care Plan Not Updated for Resident’s PTSD Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update and revise the care plan for one sampled resident after a new diagnosis of chronic PTSD was entered into the record. Resident #5 was admitted with diagnoses including hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction. Record review showed a diagnosis of chronic PTSD first entered on 9/10/25, and a second PTSD diagnosis later entered on 2/25/26. The quarterly MDS assessment dated 12/8/25 listed PTSD, chronic, as an active diagnosis, and that diagnosis remained on subsequent assessments. Review of the resident’s quarterly LTC care conference notes from 9/24/25, 12/25/25, and 3/9/26 showed no discussion of the PTSD diagnosis. The care plan, last reviewed on 3/5/26, did not include a problem, outcomes, or interventions related to PTSD. During interview, the resident stated that loud noises such as doors slamming or the snow removal machine outside the room triggered memories of mortar shells and rockets from the war. The DON stated she was unaware of the resident’s specific PTSD triggers and confirmed the diagnosis should have been incorporated into the care plan.
Missed Mealtime Insulin Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to ensure that one resident with diabetes mellitus consistently received ordered mealtime sliding scale insulin. Resident #3 was admitted with diagnoses that included diabetes mellitus, mild dementia, and anemia, and the care plan stated that the resident required medication management daily and would be provided medications as ordered. The physician order for insulin aspart required subcutaneous administration after meals using a sliding scale based on blood glucose results. Record review showed that from 10/3/25 through 3/9/26, Resident #3 missed 74 insulin administrations. The MAR documented 72 missed doses with the rationale of "Patient Asleep" and 2 missed doses with the rationale of "Nursing Judgement." During an observation on 3/11/26 at 8:20 AM, a nurse withheld the resident's morning insulin dose and stated that the facility's process was to document the medication as not administered when the resident was sleeping. The nurse also stated there was a physician communication order allowing medications to be held if the resident was asleep, but could not produce documentation supporting that statement in the EHR. Review of the blood glucose records in relation to the missed insulin opportunities showed elevated readings during the periods when insulin was not administered, including multiple values above the ordered sliding scale thresholds. The resident stated that the insulin was very important and expected to be woken up when it was due. The facility policy identified mealtime insulin as time-critical medication and required administration within 30 minutes of the intended time, and the nursing standard required documentation of the reason when a medication was not administered.
Failure to Inform Residents About Decolonization Protocol
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the rights of 17 of 18 residents to be informed of, to participate in, or refuse the facility’s decolonization program. Record review showed residents had orders for mupirocin 2% topical ointment applied to both nares twice daily Monday through Friday, and the Medical Director stated the ointment was used as part of the facility’s decolonization protocol. He also stated the facility had been using chlorhexidine gluconate as a soap substitute during shower days and giving mupirocin nasal swabs every other week to remove bacteria in the nose and skin. The Medical Director stated the decolonization protocol was not experimental research and was considered part of the facility’s performance improvement efforts. He stated the residents and/or their representatives were not notified of the protocol, and that he did not discuss it during care conferences unless the topic came up. Licensed Nurse #1 stated residents were receiving mupirocin nasal swabs to bring down infection, but she was not sure what infection was being prevented. The DON stated he found no documentation that residents or their representatives had been notified, and the Administrator stated there should have been notification. Review of the facility’s Decolonization QAPI program showed planned resident communication activities including discussion at Resident Council, Ombudsman notification, and a letter in the admission packet, but the facility did not provide documentation that these approaches were used. The Administrator later stated the resident council, ombudsman notice, and admission packet letter were from a template from another organization and were neither adopted nor implemented. The facility’s posted rights statement and admission packet stated residents have the right to receive information about procedures and treatments, known risks and side effects, and to refuse proposed procedures and treatments without involvement in research or experimental procedures without knowledge and consent.
Grievance Process Information Was Inaccurate and Incomplete
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that accurate grievance officer contact information was available to residents and representatives through required postings or individual notice, and failed to provide clear instructions on how to file and submit grievances. During observations, the grievance notice posted in residents’ rooms listed Grievance Officer #1 with contact information, but that individual was no longer the facility’s current designated Grievance Official. The Administrator stated she had assumed responsibility for the grievance process in October 2025 after identifying a need for more formal tracking, and that the prior Social Worker had handled grievances before that time. The Administrator stated residents were generally informed about the grievance process through staff rather than formal postings, and that complaints were commonly routed through nursing staff or placed in a box. She also stated that grievance information should be included in the admission packet, but acknowledged that detailed instructions on the grievance form or process were not currently being included. Review of the admission agreement showed residents and families were told they could discuss concerns with the DON, Social Services, or Administrator, and that a grievance form was located in the lobby, but the document did not include instructions for submitting the completed form, where it should be submitted, or who the designated grievance officer was. The grievance form itself also did not include submission instructions. During a Resident Council interview, residents stated they did not know who the Grievance Officer was or how to formally submit a grievance. They were uncertain who they would go to with a complaint, and several residents said they were not aware of a formal grievance system or how to submit complaints in writing. One resident stated they did not speak up when first admitted because they did not know what was going on and did not know there were complaints. Another resident reported that a resident with missing items was reluctant to report the issue because they were scared to ask.
Food Storage, Labeling, and Clearance Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Food was not stored, labeled, and prepared in accordance with professional standards of practice for food safety. During the main kitchen tour, surveyors observed an open half-gallon carton of milk in the meal prep refrigerator that was unlabeled, a clear plastic bag of hot dogs in the walk-in freezer that was unlabeled and dated 3/1/26, and a clear plastic bag of Salisbury steak in the freezer that was unlabeled and had no best-used-by or expiration date. In dry storage, 26 packages of grape cranberry juice drink were found with a best-by date of 2/15/26. In the Wing B kitchen, a plastic bag containing an unidentified food item resembling white bread was also unlabeled and had no best-used-by or expiration date. Surveyors also observed storage conditions in the walk-in freezer and refrigerator that did not maintain the required clearance from sprinkler heads. Multiple rows of tightly stacked cardboard boxes were stored on metal wire shelving from the floor to the ceiling, with approximately 1 to 3 inches between the top box and the ceiling. The storage areas were described as congested and cluttered, with limited spacing between items, and several boxes were very close to two large industrial cooling fans. During interview, the Kitchen Manager stated staff were expected to write the name on items, store them, and routinely check refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage for proper labeling and dating. He/she confirmed that expired or mislabeled items would be discarded, but also stated that training was mainly verbal and demonstrated by showing new staff what to do. The Kitchen Manager said the facility followed a storage policy requiring items to be kept 18 inches from the ceiling, but described the instruction as something he/she told staff about verbally. The Dietitian reported serving 18 residents, noted inconsistencies in labeling practices, training, and monitoring, and stated that he/she worked remotely and did not have direct hands-on capability to ensure compliance.
Failure to Monitor Decolonization Program in QAPI
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to monitor the effectiveness of its performance improvement activities to ensure that improvements were sustained. Survey findings showed there was no evidence that the facility tracked, trended, or monitored its decolonization program, which was described by the Medical Director as a performance improvement initiative. The deficiency was identified during interview and record review, and it involved the facility’s use of chlorhexidine gluconate as a soap substitute during shower days and mupirocin 2% topical nasal ointment given on a recurring schedule. Record review showed that multiple residents had orders for mupirocin topical ointment, with 17 residents having completed courses documented over varying lengths of time. The quarterly MDS records also showed 15 residents had antibiotics checked as being taken with an indication noted. In addition, the medical record review showed that 16 residents had a diagnosis of Encounter for Prophylaxis. The Medical Director stated the mupirocin was used for the facility’s decolonization protocol to remove bacteria in the nose and skin. During interviews, the Administrator stated QAPI was tracking and trending other projects such as pressure injuries, but the decolonization program was not discussed in QAPI meetings. The Infection Preventionist stated she was aware chlorhexidine was being used and that nasal swabs were being initiated, but she was not actively involved in monitoring the program. The Medical Director stated he had implemented the decolonization program after reviewing a webinar and article, that he was tracking and trending the program, and that he had not reported or updated QAPI on it. Review of QAPI minutes dated 12/18/25, 1/15/26, and 2/19/26 showed the decolonization program was not discussed, and the facility’s QAPI plan stated that ongoing monitoring of PIPs would be documented and reported to QAPI on a regular basis.
Failure to Provide Individualized Resident Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an ongoing program of individualized, meaningful activities designed to meet the interests and needs of two sampled residents. For one resident, the record showed diagnoses including heart failure with hemiparesis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, insomnia, and colorectal cancer. The resident’s activity evaluation identified interests in card games, crafts, fishing-net related handwork, walking, music, Bible reading, worship, movies, seasonal events, and sightseeing. The care plan stated the resident would participate in group activities five times per week and be involved in individual activities daily, with interests including country and gospel music, Yup'ik radio call-in shows, TV/movies, outings, storytelling, fishing nets, Alaska Native culture, socials, and sports. For the second resident, the record showed diagnoses including chronic low back pain, microalbuminuria, osteoarthritis, a coccyx pressure ulcer, and dementia. The resident’s activity evaluation identified interests in bingo, hand crafts, low-impact exercise, music, mail, worship, movies, seasonal events, sightseeing, and social conversation with family, other residents, staff, and volunteers. The care plan stated the resident would participate in group activities five times per week and independent activities of choice daily, with interests including bingo, cooking, crafts, exercise, music/radio, church, TV/movies, van rides, community events, Native Alaskan culture, socializing, and mail. Survey findings showed that the activity documentation for both residents did not align with the posted activity calendar and did not clearly show individualized or goal-directed activities being provided as planned. Random observations throughout the survey found both residents were consistently observed in their rooms and were not observed participating in or being offered scheduled group or individual activities, with one resident observed participating in bingo only once. During resident council, multiple residents stated they had very limited activity options, that bingo was the only activity they were aware of, and that no activities were offered on the day of the interview. Staff also stated the facility did not have an effective way to accurately track or log activities, that CareTracker did not reflect actual participation, and that refusals could not be documented in the system. The Activities Director stated she was overseeing the program remotely, had not been on site since COVID, relied heavily on staff input, did not create the calendar because she was not there, and had fallen behind on audits and QAPI reviews.
Failure to Obtain and Document Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to obtain and document informed consent for psychotropic medications prior to administration, thereby failing to ensure residents or their representatives were informed in advance of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and options for treatment. For Resident #1, who had severe dementia with psychotic disturbance, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, the record showed extensive use of multiple psychotropic medications, including divalproex, lorazepam, olanzapine, quetiapine, sertraline, and trazodone over a defined period. The resident had an Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) guardian as medical decision-maker, yet there was no documented informed consent for any of these medications. Emails to the guardian referenced that Depakote and other psychotropics had been ordered or adjusted, but did not include information on risks, benefits, alternatives, or options, nor did they document that the guardian was given an opportunity to choose a preferred option. The guardian later stated the facility had never reviewed risks, benefits, alternatives, or options for any medications and that such information would have guided decision-making. For Resident #3, who had vascular dementia and cerebrovascular disease and also had an OPA guardian, the medical record showed long-term administration of valproic acid and a period of mirtazapine use, totaling hundreds of psychotropic medication administrations. The record contained no documented informed consent for these medications. A progress note indicated that a licensed nurse was unable to reach the resident’s representative and mailed a copy of notes, including the addition of mirtazapine, but there was no further documentation of efforts to contact the representative to discuss medications or obtain informed consent. The facility was unable to provide any proof of informed consent for Resident #3’s psychotropic medications, and the guardian similarly stated that information on risks and benefits would have guided decision-making. For Resident #4, who had Parkinson’s disease with dyskinesia, dementia due to Parkinson’s disease with behavioral disturbance, hallucinations, and Lewy body dementia with psychotic disturbance, the record showed an order and ongoing administration of pimavanserin, an antipsychotic, over approximately 90 days. The resident had a representative who made medical decisions, but there was no documented informed consent for this psychotropic medication, and the facility could not provide any proof when requested. For Resident #5, diagnosed with dementia with behavioral disturbance and Parkinson’s disease, quetiapine was ordered and first administered before the facility obtained a signed Psychotropic Risk/Benefits Verification of Informed Consent form; the consent was dated one day after the first dose was given. This demonstrated that consent was not obtained prior to initial administration. Interviews with nursing staff and leadership revealed confusion and inconsistency regarding responsibility for obtaining informed consent, when it should be obtained, and where it was documented. One licensed nurse believed physicians were ultimately responsible for obtaining consent and was unsure where signed consents were stored. Another nurse did not know who was responsible, when to obtain consent, or how to verify its presence before administering a new medication, and believed only antipsychotics required consent. A third nurse assumed that if a physician wrote an order, informed consent had already been obtained, and identified psychotropics and antipsychotics as requiring consent that included discussion of risks and benefits. The DON and LTC nurse manager stated that bedside nurses were trained to obtain informed consent before the first dose of medications needing consent and that the facility did not obtain new informed consent for psychotropics if a resident was already taking the same medication on admission, assuming the resident already knew the risks and benefits. The LTC nurse manager also stated that consents were sometimes obtained via email to representatives or guardians, but copies of those emails were not placed in the medical record, and audits of consents had not been done regularly. These practices conflicted with the facility’s resident rights document and its psychopharmacological drug use policy, both of which required that residents or their representatives be advised of potential risks and benefits of psychotropic medications and that this be documented.
Insufficient Nursing Staff Leading to Missed ADLs and Transfers
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide sufficient nursing staff, including CNAs and licensed nurses, to meet residents’ needs as established in its own facility assessment. The assessment specified minimum staffing levels of 6–8 licensed nurses on day shift, 5–7 licensed nurses on night shift, 8–10 CNAs on day shift, and 7–8 CNAs on night shift. Review of staffing schedules for December 2025 and January 2026 showed that on multiple weekend days, the number of licensed nurses and CNAs scheduled fell below these minimums. On specific dates, day and night shifts were staffed with fewer licensed nurses than required, and several day and night shifts were staffed with fewer CNAs than the assessment’s minimums. Payroll Based Journal data further showed the facility triggered for low weekend staffing for all four quarters of federal fiscal year 2025, establishing a history of low weekend staffing. In addition to low numbers, staffing patterns showed that licensed nurses and CNAs frequently picked up resident assignments in cottages that did not have regularly assigned staff. Staff interviews confirmed that some cottages, such as Aniak, did not have a regular nurse assigned and instead relied on float nurses from other cottages. A CNA reported feeling unable to provide good quality care because of rushing and expressed concern about resident falls due to having only one nurse and one CNA in the cottage. Another nurse stated there was only one CNA caring for residents and that if that CNA called in sick, CNAs from other cottages would pick up assignments. An anonymous resident reported that staff shortages were a big problem, with shared nurses and CNAs, and described long waits and receiving bed baths instead of showers when CNAs did not have time. The insufficient staffing directly affected the provision of ADLs for specific residents. One resident with quadriplegia, dependent on staff for showers and whose care plan required showers every Sunday and Thursday night using a Carendo chair, did not receive showers as scheduled. Shower logs showed a 14-day gap between showers in December 2025, with bed baths documented instead on some scheduled shower days and no documentation of shower or bed bath on another scheduled day in January 2026. This resident stated they had not been showered for three weeks in December and again on a recent scheduled day because staff told them there were not enough CNAs, and also reported long waits for call light responses and staff declining to assist with small tasks due to being too busy. Another resident with multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness, and functional quadriplegia, who was dependent on staff for transfers and required one-person assistance with an overhead lift, experienced reduced opportunities to get out of bed. Social service documentation noted the resident’s interest in being transferred to a chair more than once a week and identified staffing concerns as a primary factor because the transfer was a two-person assist, leading to decreased participation in usual activities when left in bed. The resident later filed a grievance stating they were concerned about only being able to get out of bed once per week and had been told this limitation was due to staffing, requesting to get up three times per week. CNA task logs showed that over several weeks in December 2025 and early January 2026, the resident was not consistently gotten up on the scheduled days, including an entire week with no documented transfers out of bed. The resident reported that when they asked to get up, staff often responded that they would see, which usually meant no, citing being shorthanded or too many people getting up at once.
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