Good Samaritan Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Live Oak, Florida.
- Location
- 10676 Marvin Jones Blvd, Live Oak, Florida 32060
- CMS Provider Number
- 105809
- Inspections on file
- 19
- Latest survey
- October 31, 2024
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Good Samaritan Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to perform and document required testing of backup generator batteries in accordance with NFPA 110. During record review, no documentation of generator battery testing was available, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged both the lack of records and a lack of knowledge of the NFPA 110 battery testing requirements. The report notes that this failure could result in loss of power affecting life support and life safety features for occupants.
Surveyors found that smoke/fire barriers in three of fourteen smoke compartments, including the hot water room, the barrier between the kitchen and a smoke compartment, and the smoke wall leading to the Alzheimer’s unit, had penetrations that were not properly fire-stopped. During the on-site interview, the Maintenance Director acknowledged that recent electrical work had been completed and that the contractor failed to seal these penetrations, resulting in noncompliance with NFPA 101 smoke barrier construction requirements.
Surveyors found unsanitary conditions in the kitchen and multiple nourishment and dining areas, including accumulated food debris, grease buildup, and dried residue on the kitchen floor under and around food preparation and cooking equipment, as well as food spillage and residue inside several refrigerators and food debris inside multiple microwaves. Review of facility policy showed staff were required to follow a comprehensive cleaning schedule, and interviews with the RD, kitchen manager, administrator, and DON confirmed that the cleanliness of these areas was not acceptable and did not meet expectations.
Surveyors found that two residents’ bathrooms had damaged and deteriorated walls and baseboards, with peeling paint, staining, gaps, and missing baseboards, despite prior entries in the maintenance log noting needed repairs. In the memory care common area, a recliner actively used by a resident had torn and cracked upholstery with exposed underlying material, and a built-in cabinet had a drawer missing its front panel, leaving unfinished wood exposed. The Administrator reported relying on verbal communication rather than consistent use of the maintenance log, and the Director of Environmental Services acknowledged awareness of these unrepaired environmental issues and described delays in completing the work.
A resident was admitted with documented diagnoses of panic disorder and hallucinations, supported by a patient summary, psychiatric provider note, and physician orders for Seroquel to treat hallucinations. However, the Level I PASRR completed prior to admission did not include these mental health diagnoses, despite the facility’s policy requiring all new admissions to be screened for mental disorders, ID, or related conditions through the PASRR process. The Administrator later acknowledged that the resident’s Level I PASRR needed to be updated, confirming that the preadmission screening was incomplete and inaccurate.
Surveyors found multiple hazardous cleaning and disinfectant chemicals stored in unlocked lower cabinets in two nourishment areas, one adjacent to a common living area and one within a dining room, both accessible to residents. Products such as disinfectants, insecticide aerosol, bleach germicidal wipes, hydrogen peroxide wipes, an acidic delimer, and other cleaners were observed without secure storage or access controls, despite SDS guidance that they be stored securely. The Dietician and the Administrator acknowledged that all chemicals were expected to be locked and secured, but this was not implemented in these dietary service areas.
Surveyors found that nurses failed to follow physician-ordered vital sign parameters for antihypertensive medications for two residents. One resident with multiple chronic conditions, including essential hypertension and mild cognitive impairment, received metoprolol doses despite heart rates below the ordered hold threshold. Another resident received hydralazine even when systolic blood pressures were outside the specified parameters. Nursing staff acknowledged administering these medications outside the prescribed limits, and the DON confirmed that facility policy requires medications to be given in accordance with physician orders and associated vital sign checks.
Surveyors found multiple instances where medications and biologicals were left unsecured at bedside, contrary to facility policy and staff expectations. A resident with type 2 DM and hyperglycemia had a metformin tablet left in a cup on the bedside table, while another resident’s zinc oxide ointment was left on the bedside table when the resident was not present. In a third case, three ampules of ipratropium-albuterol were left at bedside next to a nebulizer for a resident with a PRN order for SOB/wheezing, also while the resident was absent. Staff, including an LPN and the DON, acknowledged that medications and treatments should not be left unattended and that medications are to be stored in locked compartments with access limited to authorized personnel.
Surveyors found persistent unsanitary conditions in the kitchen and multiple nourishment rooms, including accumulated food debris, grease buildup, and dried food residue on floors, refrigerators, and microwaves. Staff, including the RD and kitchen manager, acknowledged that cleanliness was not acceptable. Leadership confirmed that a PIP focused on dietary sanitation and regulatory compliance had been initiated but that no meaningful progress or documented audits and education had occurred, and sanitation problems continued. The facility’s own QAPI plan and dietary sanitation policies required systematic monitoring, data use, and performance improvement for housekeeping and infection control, but these processes were not effectively implemented to correct the identified deficiencies.
A facility failed to conduct a Discharge MDS Assessment for a resident discharged with multiple diagnoses, including a fracture and chronic conditions. Despite the discharge plan being documented and agreed upon, the MDS Coordinator admitted the assessment was not completed, violating OBRA regulations.
The facility failed to ensure accurate MDS assessments for residents, leading to discrepancies in dietary orders, discharge statuses, and medication documentation. A resident's mechanically altered diet was not reflected in the MDS, while two residents had incorrect discharge statuses recorded. Additionally, a resident's antiplatelet medication was not documented under high-risk drug classes. These inaccuracies were acknowledged by the MDS Coordinator and Registered Dietitian.
A facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident with behaviors affecting their dining experience. Despite the resident's preference for eating in the dining room, they were consistently seated alone due to behaviors like wandering and interfering with others' meals. Staff interviews confirmed this practice, although the care plan did not address these behaviors. The facility's policies require individualized care plans, but these were not adequately implemented for the resident.
Failure to Perform and Document Required Generator Battery Testing
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain and inspect the backup generator batteries in accordance with NFPA 110 requirements. During a record review, surveyors requested documentation of generator battery testing and the facility was unable to provide any records demonstrating that such testing had been performed. The cited standards require testing of generator batteries to ensure the reliability of the prime mover starting system, but no evidence of compliance with these testing requirements was available in the facility’s maintenance records. During an interview conducted at the same time as the record review, the Maintenance Director acknowledged the absence of generator battery testing documentation and stated that she did not know the requirements for battery testing under NFPA 110. The report notes that failure to conduct these tests could result in the loss of power to the facility, which would endanger occupants due to loss of power to life support and life safety features. No specific residents or individual patient conditions are mentioned in the report.
Unsealed Penetrations in Smoke/Fire Barriers After Electrical Work
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s maintenance of smoke/fire-rated enclosures, specifically related to unsealed penetrations in smoke/fire barriers. During an observation on 4/27/2026 between 2:30 PM and 2:45 PM, surveyors found that the hot water room, the smoke barrier dividing the kitchen and smoke compartment 1, and the smoke wall leading to the Alzheimer’s unit all had penetrations that were not properly fire-stopped. These conditions were determined to affect 3 out of 14 smoke compartments in the building. During an interview conducted at the time of the observation, the Maintenance Director acknowledged the findings. The Maintenance Director stated that new electrical work had been performed and that the contractor had forgotten to properly seal the penetrations. The Maintenance Director also acknowledged the specific issues identified in the hot water room. The deficiency was cited under NFPA 101 (2021 Edition) 19.3.7.3 and 8.5.6, Class III, for failure to maintain the required smoke/fire barrier construction.
Unsanitary Kitchen and Nourishment Room Conditions Affecting Food Safety
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in food safety requirements related to unsanitary conditions in the main kitchen and multiple nourishment and dining room areas. During an initial observation, the kitchen floor was found with accumulated food debris, grease buildup, and dried residue under and around food preparation and cooking equipment. In the Camellia Dining Room, the interior walls and bottom surface of the refrigerator had food spillage and residue, and the microwave contained food debris on the turnplate and interior surfaces. In the Magnolia Nutrition Room, the refrigerator also had food spillage and residue on the interior walls and bottom surface, and the microwave had food debris on the turnplate and interior surfaces. In Camellia Nutrition Room 1, the refrigerator had food spillage and residue on the interior walls and bottom surface, and in Camellia Nutrition Room 2, the microwave had food debris on the turnplate and interior surface. A follow-up observation showed that the kitchen floor remained in an unsanitary condition with ongoing accumulated food debris, grease buildup, and dried residue under and around food preparation and cooking equipment, demonstrating that the lack of cleanliness persisted over time. Review of the facility’s Dietary Services Policies and Procedures Manual indicated that staff were required to maintain kitchen sanitation through compliance with a written comprehensive cleaning schedule. During interviews, the Registered Dietician stated that the cleanliness of the kitchen and nourishment rooms was not to expectations and required improvement, and the Kitchen Manager acknowledged that the condition of the kitchen floor was not acceptable and required cleaning. In a subsequent interview, the Administrator and DON confirmed that a Performance Improvement Plan related to kitchen sanitation had been initiated prior to the survey but that no progress had been made before the survey occurred.
Failure to Maintain Clean, Homelike Resident Rooms and Memory Care Common Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a failure to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment on one of three units, including resident rooms and a memory care common area. In one resident’s bathroom, the lower wall and baseboard area were in poor repair, with visible discoloration or staining, peeling or damaged wall finish, and cracked or deteriorated caulking or paint along the baseboard line, as well as separated or poorly sealed baseboard sections creating gaps. In another resident’s bathroom, the wall showed visible damage with peeling loose paint, gaps or holes, staining, and broken or missing sections, and there was no baseboard present. The facility maintenance log contained prior entries referencing needed repairs in both of these bathrooms. In the memory care common living area, surveyors observed a beige upholstered recliner in use by a resident, with both armrests torn and underlying material exposed; on a later observation, the same recliner’s seat cushion and armrests showed extensive cracking, peeling, and splitting of the upholstery. A built-in cabinet unit in the same memory care common area had a drawer with the front panel missing, exposing unfinished wood. During interviews, the Administrator acknowledged having observed the recliner but not consistently using the maintenance log to track such issues, and the Director of Environmental Services and Plant Services acknowledged awareness of the damaged cabinet, the unrepaired bathroom drywall and baseboards, and the worn recliner, noting delays in repair and that a blanket was usually placed over the recliner to cover the damage.
Failure to Complete Accurate PASRR for Resident With Serious Mental Disorder
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure completion of an accurate Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) prior to admission for a resident with a serious mental disorder. The resident was originally admitted with documented diagnoses including panic disorder and hallucinations. A PASRR Level I form dated one day prior to admission did not include either the panic disorder or hallucinations diagnoses, despite other clinical records at that time confirming these conditions. The facility’s own “Admission Criteria” policy required that all new admissions and readmissions be screened for mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, or related disorders per the Medicaid PASRR process, with a Level I PASRR conducted for all potential admissions regardless of payer source. Record review showed that the resident’s patient summary, dated two days before admission, listed hallucinations as a confirmed diagnosis. A psychiatric provider note dated the day after admission documented diagnoses of panic disorder without agoraphobia and unspecified hallucinations, with instructions for staff to monitor and report worsening anxiety symptoms and an order to increase Seroquel to 50 mg BID. A physician order dated on the admission date prescribed Seroquel 50 mg by mouth twice daily for unspecified hallucinations. During an interview, the Administrator acknowledged that the resident’s Level I PASRR needed to be updated, confirming that the PASRR completed prior to admission did not reflect the resident’s known mental health diagnoses.
Unsecured Hazardous Chemicals in Nourishment Areas Accessible to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves unsecured hazardous chemicals in two nourishment areas within the dietary service department that were accessible to residents. In the Dogwood nourishment room, which was adjacent to a common living area where eight residents were present, surveyors observed Odoban Deodorizer and Disinfectant and Aero Assault II Insecticide Aerosol stored in an unlocked lower cabinet. The nourishment room itself was not secured, lacked a locking mechanism or other access controls, and was not intended for resident use, yet residents had the opportunity to inadvertently enter and access these chemicals. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for these products documented potential hazards including skin and eye irritation, inhalation toxicity, and flammability, and indicated they should be stored securely to prevent unintended exposure. In the cafe nourishment area located within the dining room, surveyors observed seven additional chemicals stored in an unlocked lower cabinet: Fabuloso Multipurpose Cleaner, Clorox Bleach Germicidal Wipes, Odoban Deodorizer and Disinfectant, Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Wipes, Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes, and two clear spray bottles labeled "Delimer" and "Vinegar and Water Window Cleaner." This nourishment area was accessible to residents walking through or eating in the dining room, creating an opportunity for inadvertent access to these chemicals. SDS information for each product described various hazards such as skin and eye irritation, potential skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation, and specified that the products should be clearly labeled and stored securely. During interviews, the Dietician and the Administrator both stated that all chemicals were expected to be kept locked and secured to ensure resident safety, which was not occurring in these two nourishment areas.
Failure to Follow Physician-Ordered Parameters for Antihypertensive Medications
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failure to follow physician-ordered parameters for cardiovascular medications, resulting in administration of drugs outside specified vital sign limits. For one resident with diagnoses including essential primary hypertension, anemia, depression, hyperlipidemia, essential tremor, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, history of falling, hypothyroidism, overactive bladder, personal history of healed traumatic fracture, and mild cognitive impairment, the physician ordered metoprolol tartrate 12.5 mg by mouth twice daily with instructions to hold the dose if heart rate was less than 65 or systolic blood pressure was less than 100. Medication Administration Records for March and April 2026 showed that metoprolol was administered multiple times when the resident’s heart rate was below the ordered hold parameter, including documented heart rates of 61, 63, 64, 56, 58, 60, and 62. In interviews, an LPN and an RN acknowledged administering the metoprolol outside the ordered parameters and stated they should have followed the physician’s order. A second resident had a physician order for hydralazine 10 mg by mouth every 8 hours with instructions to hold the medication if systolic blood pressure was greater than 115. Review of this resident’s Medication Administration Records for March and April 2026 showed hydralazine was administered when systolic blood pressures were 112/73, 108/62, 108/66, and 104/58, which were outside the ordered parameters. The DON stated it was the expectation that nurses administer medications in accordance with physician orders, including adherence to ordered parameters. The facility’s “Administering Medications” policy required medications to be administered as prescribed and for vital signs to be checked or verified as necessary prior to administration, but the documented medication passes did not comply with the specific hold parameters ordered by the physicians.
Unsecured Medications and Biologicals Left at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a failure to ensure drugs and biologicals were stored and labeled in accordance with accepted professional principles on two of three units. In one room, a white oval tablet was observed in a medication cup on a bedside table; the resident stated it was metformin, and the physician’s order documented metformin 1000 mg by mouth twice daily for type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia. Nursing staff and the DON both stated that medications should not be left at a resident’s bedside and that staff are expected to remain with residents until medications are taken, indicating that the presence of the metformin tablet at bedside was inconsistent with facility expectations and that this resident would not be allowed to self-administer this medication. In another room, zinc oxide ointment was observed on top of a bedside table while the resident was not present, and an LPN acknowledged that the ointment should not have been there. In a third room, three ampules of ipratropium-albuterol were found at the bedside next to a nebulizer machine while the resident was not in the room; the resident had a physician’s order for ipratropium-albuterol inhalation every six hours as needed for shortness of breath or wheeze. The LPN stated that the ipratropium-albuterol should not have been in the room. The facility’s written policy on “Medication Labeling and Storage” stated that all medications and biologicals are to be stored according to manufacturer recommendations in locked compartments under proper environmental controls, with access limited to authorized nursing and pharmacy personnel, which was not followed in these instances.
Failure to Implement QAPI and PIP for Kitchen and Nourishment Room Sanitation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to fully and effectively implement its QAPI/QAA program and an existing Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) to correct identified quality deficiencies in kitchen sanitation. Surveyors observed that the main kitchen floor was in an unsanitary condition, with accumulated food debris, grease buildup, and dried residue under and around food preparation and cooking equipment. These unsanitary conditions were first observed during an initial tour and were still present on a subsequent observation, demonstrating that the facility did not maintain ongoing sanitation practices in the kitchen. Additional unsanitary conditions were observed in multiple nourishment and dining areas. In the Camelia Dining Room, there was food spillage and residue on the interior walls and bottom surface of the refrigerator, as well as food debris on the turnplate and interior surfaces of the microwave. In Camelia Nutrition Room 1, food spillage and residue were present on the interior walls and bottom surface of the refrigerator. In the Magnolia Nutrition Room, there was food spillage and residue on the interior walls and bottom surface of the refrigerator and food debris on the microwave turnplate and interior surfaces. In Camelia Nutrition Room 2, food debris was present on the microwave turnplate and interior surface. These findings showed that sanitation issues extended beyond the main kitchen into multiple nourishment areas. Interviews with facility staff confirmed awareness of the sanitation problems and the lack of effective corrective action. The Registered Dietician and the Kitchen Manager both acknowledged that the cleanliness of the kitchen and nourishment rooms, including the kitchen floor, was not acceptable and required improvement. The Administrator and DON confirmed that a PIP related to kitchen sanitation had been initiated on 04/06/2026, following concerns identified through rounding and a Department of Health inspection, but no progress had been made prior to the survey. The facility’s own policies and QAPI plan required comprehensive cleaning schedules, systematic data collection, monitoring, and performance improvement activities focused on sanitation and infection control, yet the facility did not provide documentation of audits, education, or sustained corrective actions, and unsanitary conditions persisted at the time of survey. The facility’s QAPI and PIP documents showed that kitchen sanitation and regulatory compliance had been identified as ongoing concerns, including inconsistent compliance with food safety regulations, inappropriate food safety and storage practices, and lack of follow-up on deficiencies from internal audits and infection control observations. The PIP outlined expectations for maintaining full compliance with dietary and sanitation regulations, conducting weekly sanitation and infection control audits, and holding dietary leadership accountable for monitoring and addressing identified concerns. However, during interviews, the Administrator reported that audits showed only minimal improvements and that there was no evidence that identified issues were consistently corrected. As of the time of the survey, no additional documentation of effective implementation of the PIP or QAPI-driven corrective actions was provided, and the observed unsanitary conditions remained uncorrected, demonstrating a failure to implement the facility’s QAPI program and PIP to address kitchen sanitation deficiencies.
Failure to Conduct Discharge MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct a comprehensive assessment in accordance with the specified submission timeframes for a resident reviewed for discharge status. The resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including a fracture of the upper end of the right humerus, hypertension, chronic pain syndrome, GERD, and anxiety disorder, was discharged to home with home health care. The physician's order indicated the discharge plan, and the interdisciplinary notes confirmed the resident's agreement to the discharge plan. However, the facility did not complete a Discharge MDS Assessment when the resident was discharged. During an interview, the MDS Coordinator, a registered nurse, acknowledged that the discharge assessment was not opened for the resident. The facility's policy and procedure on resident assessments, which aligns with OBRA regulations, mandates that a comprehensive assessment, including a Discharge Assessment, must be performed for all residents of Medicare and/or Medicaid certified nursing homes. The failure to conduct the required Discharge MDS Assessment constitutes a deficiency in adhering to these regulations.
Inaccurate MDS Assessments for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accuracy of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for several residents, leading to discrepancies in their records. For one resident reviewed for nutrition, the MDS did not reflect the prescribed mechanically altered diet, as confirmed by both the MDS Coordinator and the Registered Dietitian. This oversight was acknowledged during interviews, indicating that the dietary section should have been coded to reflect the resident's dietary order. Additionally, two residents reviewed for discharge had incorrect discharge statuses recorded in their MDS assessments. One resident, who was transferred to a hospice facility, was incorrectly coded as discharged to a short-term general hospital. Another resident, who had passed away, was mistakenly coded as discharged to an Intermediate Care Facility instead of being marked as deceased. Furthermore, the facility failed to accurately document the medication regimen for a resident reviewed for unnecessary medication. The resident was prescribed Plavix, an antiplatelet medication, but the MDS did not reflect this under the section for high-risk drug classes. The MDS Coordinator admitted that the system should have automatically triggered the correct classification, indicating a need for modification. The facility's policy requires that all individuals completing any portion of the MDS sign the document to attest to its accuracy, ensuring consistency with progress notes, care plans, and resident observations, which was not adhered to in these cases.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident's Dining Behavior
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident with behaviors affecting their nutritional services. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dementia, and chronic congestive heart failure, had a care plan that addressed nutritional status and risk for social isolation but did not include interventions for behaviors related to eating in the dining room. Observations revealed that the resident was consistently seated alone in a common area away from other residents during meal times, despite a preference for dining in the dining room. Staff redirected the resident to eat alone due to behaviors such as wandering and interfering with other residents' meals. Interviews with staff, including a CNA and an LPN, confirmed that the resident was isolated during meals due to these behaviors, although the care plan did not reflect this practice. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the resident was often seated alone for behavioral reasons but noted that the care plan should have addressed these behaviors, whether the resident ate in the dining room or not. The facility's policies on care area assessments and comprehensive person-centered care plans emphasize the need for individualized care plans that address residents' physical, psychological, and functional needs, including behavioral implications, but these were not adequately implemented for the resident in question.
Latest citations in Florida
Surveyors found that the facility failed to comply with 42 CFR 483.73(a) by not conducting the required annual review and update of its Emergency Preparedness (EP) plan. During record review, no documentation showed that the EP plan had been reviewed or updated within the past year, and the Administrator confirmed that the Emergency Management Plan had not been reviewed or revised as required.
Surveyors found that smoke/fire-rated enclosures were not properly maintained, with penetrations in smoke barriers in several general storage rooms across multiple smoke compartments. The Maintenance Director stated that insulation and fiberglass were used to pack and cover these holes but could not confirm that the materials were approved for fire-rated construction. Inspectors observed penetrations covered with fiberglass and noted a hole in one fiberglass panel in a storage room, resulting in a deficiency under NFPA 101 requirements for smoke barrier construction.
Surveyors found that fixed patient-care electrical equipment was not properly maintained or inspected in accordance with NFPA 99. In one room, a bedside remote had mismatched insulation and exposed wiring, and in another room, a call button receptacle had exposed low-voltage conductors. The Maintenance Director acknowledged both issues and reported that new bed remotes had been received but not yet installed.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment, with strong, persistent urine and feces odors noted throughout multiple halls and confirmed by staff. On two nursing units, hallways and resident rooms contained torn flooring, food debris, broken blinds, dirty and leaking toilets and sinks, rusted and corroded fixtures, missing outlet covers with oxygen concentrators plugged in, exposed light sockets, unmade and visibly soiled beds, and black, mold-like substances on walls and around toilet bases. Bathrooms had missing ceiling tiles, cracked door facings with brown stains, used briefs and torn toilet paper on floors, and toilets with brown or rust-like buildup. Outside, the patio and fencing area had broken and rotted railings, exposed rusted nails, fallen palm fronds, and overgrown vegetation, and the Administrator acknowledged the area was not safe for residents. Housekeeping and maintenance staff described daily cleaning and a work-order process, but the Maintenance Director reported being unaware of many of the observed issues, and the DON confirmed there was no specific environmental cleaning policy despite job descriptions and a general policy requiring a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment.
A resident exited the building through a bedroom window, walked off the property, and was observed and redirected by staff with assistance from law enforcement, who encountered the resident down the road and helped escort the resident back. The facility’s internal documentation lacked staff or witness statements and characterized the event as the resident remaining on facility grounds without injury. Despite the resident’s account, a police report, and a maintenance staff report confirming that the resident left the premises and that law enforcement responded, the DON did not report the incident to required state and federal agencies, even though the DON acknowledged that any incident involving law enforcement response must be reported.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and a history of stroke was repeatedly observed over several days in visibly soiled clothing and bedding, with a strong urine odor, despite stating multiple times that he had requested assistance with changing and hygiene. Documentation indicated he was independent with toileting and personal hygiene and only occasionally incontinent, but his care plan lacked detail on the level of assistance needed, while an LPN reported he actually required staff help with bathing, grooming, toileting, and care. Laundry practices involved leaving clean, labeled clothing bagged in the linen room for nursing staff to distribute rather than returning it directly to rooms, and the DON reported that staff were expected to round every two hours and as needed to keep residents clean and dry, although there were no written ADL or resident care policies in place.
Surveyors observed four full O2 cylinders on one nursing unit stored unsecured directly on the floor under a sign labeled "FULL CYLINDERS" instead of in a secured storage rack. The ADON confirmed the cylinders were full and should not be on the ground. Reference to NFPA 99 showed that freestanding cylinders must be protected from damage and properly chained or supported in a stand or cart. The DON and Maintenance Director both acknowledged that O2 cylinders are required to be stored in a secure rack, should never be on the floor, and that unsecured cylinders on the floor present a safety risk.
A resident with multiple cardiopulmonary conditions and a documented full code status was found unresponsive without pulse or respirations during the night shift. A CNA notified the RN, who either instructed CNAs to clean and cover the resident or, per her and an LPN’s account, called a code blue and performed CPR with the LPN for about 20 minutes before stopping, without calling 911. The RN believed the resident was on hospice and did not verify code status, then notified the DON, provider, and family instead of EMS. Several hours later, after the DON called the facility and asked whether 911 had been contacted, the RN called 911 and briefly reinitiated CPR shortly before EMS arrived and pronounced the resident deceased, documenting postmortem changes. The facility’s investigation and root cause analysis found that staff failed to follow policy requiring immediate EMS activation and continuous CPR for full code residents until EMS arrival, leading to an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
A resident with full code status was found unresponsive without respirations or pulse during the night shift. An RN and an LPN initiated CPR but did not activate EMS, and they discontinued CPR after about 20 minutes. The RN, who lacked documented orientation and competency assessment and had obtained BLS certification through a fully online, non–instructor-led course, pronounced the resident deceased without authority and later stated she believed the resident was on hospice and did not verify code status. The LPN’s BLS certification was expired, and a CNA with an expired BLS certification performed several chest compressions despite facility policy that CNAs were not to perform CPR. The RN had not participated in documented code blue drills, and leadership confirmed that required clinical orientation and skills competencies had not been completed for her, leading surveyors to determine that staff were not adequately trained or competent to respond to a cardiopulmonary arrest for a full code resident, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
Surveyors found multiple instances of improper use of relocatable power taps (RPTs) and extension cords during a facility tour with the Maintenance Director. In the social services office, an RPT was plugged into another RPT connected to a wall outlet, with the cord running across a walkway and taped to the floor. In the multipurpose room, a television was plugged into an extension cord, and in the MDS office, an RPT was plugged into another RPT with an outlet adapter in use. These conditions did not comply with NFPA 101, NFPA 99, and NFPA 70 standards governing electrical equipment, power strips, and extension cords.
Failure to Annually Review and Update Emergency Preparedness Plan
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s Emergency Preparedness (EP) Program under 42 CFR 483.73(a). During record review at 4:00 PM, surveyors examined the facility’s EP documentation and found no evidence that the emergency preparedness plan had been reviewed or updated on an annual basis as required. The regulation mandates that LTC facilities develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that is reviewed and updated at least annually to comply with applicable Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness requirements. In an interview, the Administrator acknowledged that the facility’s Emergency Management Plan had not been reviewed or updated. No documentation was provided to show that the required annual review and update of the EP plan had occurred. The deficiency is based solely on the lack of documented annual review and update of the emergency preparedness plan by facility administration; no specific resident cases or clinical events were described in the report.
Plan Of Correction
Preparation and/or execution of the Plan of Correction does not constitute admission or agreement of the provider of the truth of the facts alleged or conclusions set forth in the statement of deficiencies. The Plan of Correction is prepared and/or executed solely because it is required by the provision of Federal and State law. Facility EP was reviewed and signed off on by the DON, Maintenance Director and Administrator. The facility has determined that all residents have the potential to be affected. An in-service education program will be conducted by the administrator. The administrator will conduct monthly random checks to verify completed documentation.
Improper Repair of Smoke Barrier Penetrations in Multiple Smoke Compartments
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s maintenance of smoke/fire-rated enclosures, specifically related to penetrations in smoke barriers in multiple smoke compartments. During an interview, the Maintenance Director reported that insulation was used to pack holes and then covered with fiberglass in general storage rooms in smoke compartments 1, 2, and 3, but was unable to confirm whether these materials were approved for use in fire-rated walls. Subsequent observation showed that the penetrations were indeed covered with fiberglass, and one general storage room in smoke compartment 2 had a hole in one of the fiberglass panels. The report states that this failure to properly maintain penetrations through smoke/fire-rated construction could allow smoke and flammable gases to spread to other areas and cause the smoke/fire-rated construction to fail to perform as designed.
Failure to Maintain and Inspect Patient-Care Electrical Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s compliance with NFPA 99 requirements for testing and maintaining fixed patient-care electrical equipment. During an observation in one resident room, the bedside remote was found to have two different types of insulation and exposed wiring. In another resident room, the call button receptacle was observed with exposed low-voltage conductors. These conditions were noted during a survey of two of six smoke compartments. During an interview conducted at the time of the observations, the Maintenance Director stated that the facility had just received a new shipment of bed remotes and had not yet replaced the existing ones. The Maintenance Director also acknowledged the issue with the exposed conductors at the call button receptacle. The surveyors cited this as a failure to properly inspect and maintain fixed patient care electrical equipment in accordance with NFPA 99 (2012 Edition), sections 10.3 and 10.5.2.1.
Widespread Odors and Environmental Disrepair in Resident Care Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment as required by 42 CFR 483.10(i). Upon entrance to the building on multiple days, surveyors noted a strong, pungent odor of urine and feces throughout the facility, with the odor particularly strong on the 200, 300, and 400 halls. Staff interviews confirmed that the building "usually smells like" urine, and staff attributed the odor to residents defecating and urinating on the floor, an old building structure, and cleaning products that sanitize but do not deodorize. Housekeeping staff reported that they clean resident rooms daily but that nursing staff must first clean fecal and urine waste before housekeeping can sanitize, and delays by nursing staff in doing so postponed housekeeping’s ability to address the odors. On the 300 unit, surveyors observed multiple environmental and sanitation issues in resident rooms and bathrooms. The hallway had torn flooring, food particles, and a butter knife on the floor. Individual rooms had food debris, a straw on the floor, and broken blinds. Bathrooms contained dark brown stains on walls, rusted ceiling tile trim, toilets with brownish substances inside, and wet floors around toilets. Trim was missing around toilet bases, exposing a black, mold-like substance. Corroded and rusted sink faucet handles, leaking faucets, rusted pipes under sinks with buildup of corrosion, and rusted sprinklers were observed. Some toilets and three-in-one commodes had duct tape on them, and bathroom walls had black, mold-like substances. Doors and door facings showed rust, scrape marks, chipped and peeling paint, and exposed wood. In some rooms, electrical outlets had no covers while oxygen concentrators were plugged into them, boards covered windows, light fixtures over beds lacked covers with sockets exposed, and one fixture had only one bulb. A resident bed appeared dirty with a black substance on it, and dresser drawers were broken with drawer fronts on the floor. On the 400 unit, surveyors again noted a strong odor of urine upon entry and found additional environmental deficiencies. Bathrooms had missing ceiling tiles, broken emergency light covers with no pull strings, and toilet tank covers that did not fit properly, exposing the inside of the tank. In one bathroom, torn toilet paper and used briefs were lying in the corner of the floor, and toilets had brown, rust-like substances inside the bowls. Door facings appeared cracked with brown substances along the sides, and toilets had brownish-black buildup around the bases with broken, peeling trim. Light bases on walls had rust-like appearances, multiple rooms had broken or missing blinds, and some outlets lacked covers while oxygen concentrators were plugged into them. Some rooms had unmade beds, exposed wires at outlets, toilets with dark brown-black rings around the base and flooring, uncovered light fixtures, leaking sinks with rusted pipes, loose flooring, loose toilet seats, and dry red substances on door frames. Surveyors also observed deficiencies in the outdoor patio area adjacent to the locked unit. The gate code was broken, and a resident lock was placed on the gate. The patio and surrounding fencing had fallen palm fronds on the grass, broken and rotted wooden fence railings, unsteady railings, and multiple exposed rusted nails protruding from the railings where boards were broken or detached. Overgrown trees and bushes from the perimeter extended through the fence railings. When asked, the Administrator acknowledged that the area was not safe for residents and stated that they planned to have it redone in the future. The Maintenance Director reported that he and one other maintenance person relied on work orders and verbal reports to identify needed repairs and stated he was not aware of the specific room and equipment issues on the 300 and 400 units. Housekeeping staff stated they would report broken items via a work order book or text to maintenance, but one housekeeper, who cleaned the 400 unit daily, denied noticing stains or biohazard-like materials on walls and door frames despite the surveyors’ observations. Review of facility documents showed that the housekeeper job description required staff to maintain assigned work areas in a clean, safe, comfortable, and attractive manner and to report maintenance problems noted during cleaning. A facility policy titled "Policies and Practices - Control" stated that the facility must maintain a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for personnel, residents, visitors, and the public. The DON stated that blinds had been changed out and new cabinets and door handles purchased, and that staff were directed to use standard precautions when cleaning rooms, but also stated there was no policy specific to cleaning the environment. These observations and interviews demonstrated that the facility did not maintain sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior conditions, did not adequately control offensive odors, and did not ensure that the physical environment, including resident rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, was maintained in a safe, clean, and homelike condition as required by regulation.
Failure to Report Elopement Incident Involving Law Enforcement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an elopement incident to required state and federal agencies as mandated by 42 CFR 483.12(c). On the referenced date, Resident #5 exited the building through his bedroom window around 12:15 PM and walked across the facility property toward the perimeter fence. A CNA observed the resident outside and called for assistance, after which staff redirected and escorted the resident back into the building and placed him on one-to-one supervision. The facility’s internal incident documentation noted the window exit and subsequent maintenance inspection of the window seals but did not include any staff or witness statements. The DON later stated that the resident never left facility grounds and was returned without injury, and therefore the incident was not considered reportable. However, interviews and external records showed that the resident did leave the facility premises and that law enforcement was involved. Resident #5 recalled being outside the facility, being brought back by staff and a “police man,” and being told by the officer not to leave again. A police report from the local police department confirmed an encounter with the resident outside the facility and that an officer assisted staff in escorting him back. Maintenance staff (Staff G) also reported that the resident climbed out the window, left the facility property, and was stopped “down the road,” then redirected back with law enforcement assistance. In interviews, the DON initially denied that law enforcement had been notified or involved, then later acknowledged that law enforcement had responded but asserted they did not come into the facility. The DON also confirmed awareness that any incident in which law enforcement investigates or responds is required to be reported, yet the elopement and law enforcement involvement were not reported to the State Survey Agency or other required officials within the required time frames.
Failure to Provide Timely ADL and Hygiene Care to a Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to provide necessary ADL care, including grooming and hygiene, to a dependent resident over multiple days. The resident was repeatedly observed in visibly soiled clothing with a strong odor of urine, first standing in his doorway holding onto a wheelchair with wet navy pants saturated down to his calves, stating he had been waiting for staff to change his clothes. More than an hour later the same day, he remained in the same soiled pants and shirt while seated in a wheelchair near the nurses’ station. The following day, he was again observed wearing the same soiled clothes, smelling of urine, with his shirt stained with food and a dark liquid. His room had a strong urine odor, his bed was soiled with urine, and only two pairs of pants were seen on a chair with no other clothing available in the room. On a subsequent observation, he was seated on the edge of his bed wearing different pants and no shirt, with yellow-stained sheets beneath him and his previously soiled clothes on the floor; he reported that he had requested assistance but no staff had come, so he changed himself. Record review showed the resident had a history of stroke and repeated unspecified conditions, with a recent Quarterly MDS indicating moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 10). The MDS documented him as independent for toileting, showering, personal hygiene, and related ADLs, and only occasionally incontinent, but his care plan did not specify the level of assistance he required for incontinence care and other ADLs. In contrast, an LPN familiar with the resident stated he required staff assistance with bathing, grooming, toileting, and care, and that he did not refuse such assistance and appropriately requested help. The LPN also explained that personal clothing was laundered at the facility and left bagged in the linen room for nursing staff to distribute, rather than being returned directly to resident rooms. The DON stated that staff were expected to follow best practices, including rounding every two hours and as needed to keep residents clean and dry, and acknowledged that all residents required some level of assistance with ADLs. The DON further stated the facility had no written ADL, resident care, or quality of care policies, despite these expectations.
Unsecured Storage of Full Oxygen Cylinders on Nursing Unit
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure safe storage of oxygen cylinders on the West 1 unit. At 9:03 a.m., four full oxygen cylinders were observed stored unsecured directly on the ground rather than in the designated secured cylinder storage rack, under a sign labeled "FULL CYLINDERS." Photographic evidence was obtained of this condition. At 9:18 a.m., the ADON confirmed that the four cylinders were full and acknowledged they should not be stored on the ground. Review of NFPA 99 (2021) 11.6.2.3(11) indicated that cylinders must be protected from damage and that freestanding cylinders must be properly chained or supported in a proper stand or cart. Later that day, the DON stated that oxygen cylinders should be stored in a secure rack and never directly on the ground, and acknowledged that unsecured cylinders on the floor were a safety risk. The Maintenance Director also confirmed that oxygen cylinders should be in a secure rack and never stored directly on the ground, stating that cylinders stored on the floor can tip over and cause damage. These observations and interviews demonstrated noncompliance with regulatory and NFPA standards for safe storage of oxygen cylinders.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction constitutes a written allegation of compliance for the deficiency cited. Submission of this plan of correction is not an admission that the deficiency exists or that one was cited correctly. This plan of correction is submitted to meet the requirements established by the State and Federal law. The four unsecured [R] cylinders on the West 1 unit were secured. The Nursing Department completed a baseline audit of [R] cylinder storage within the facility to ensure all [R] cylinders were secured and stored properly. Ongoing education will be completed with current facility staff regarding the facility's [R] storage policy and procedure; and will be completed during new hire and agency orientation to the facility by ADON/designee. Audits will be completed by the Director of Nursing/designee regarding adherence to the facility's [R] storage policy and procedure twice weekly x 4 weeks, then weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 4 months, or until continued substantial compliance has been met. Results of audits will be reported to the QAPI Committee on a monthly basis by the Director of Nursing/designee.
Failure to Provide Required CPR and Activate EMS for Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide immediate and appropriate basic life support, including CPR, to a resident with a documented full code status when the resident was found unresponsive. The resident had diagnoses including a slow-progressing circulatory condition involving narrowing or blockage of vessels, a condition that restricts airflow and makes breathing difficult, and other listed conditions. The physician’s order specified “Full Code,” and the care plan documented that the resident was under court-ordered guardianship with wishes honored as full code. The facility’s policy required that in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, staff immediately call for assistance, overhead page a code, begin CPR in the absence of a valid DNR, and continue CPR until EMS assumes responsibility or the resident responds. On the night of the incident at approximately 2:00–2:07 a.m., a CNA found the resident unresponsive in bed and notified the RN on duty. One CNA’s written statement indicated that the RN said she already knew the resident was going to die and instructed the CNA to clean and cover the resident. Another CNA’s account stated that the RN came to the room, took vital signs, and then instructed her to clean the resident. The RN’s own written statement and interview indicated that she called a code blue, that an LPN brought the crash cart, and that they performed CPR for approximately 20 minutes. The LPN’s statement corroborated that a code blue was called, that he brought the crash cart, and that CPR was performed for about 20 minutes before the RN stopped and stated that the resident was gone or words to that effect. The RN acknowledged that the resident had no vital signs but was warm and not responding, and she stated that she believed the resident was on hospice and therefore did not call 911. After CPR was discontinued, the RN did not activate EMS and instead notified the DON, the provider, and the resident’s family. The DON documented receiving a message from the RN that the resident had no pulse and no blood pressure and that the assigned nurse had initiated CPR but was unable to revive the resident. The DON later received a text from the RN that the resident had expired. The DON stated that at approximately 6:00 a.m. she called the facility and asked if 911 had been called, and upon learning it had not, she instructed the RN to call 911. The RN then reinitiated CPR at around 6:00 a.m., approximately four hours after the resident was first found without pulse or respirations, and stated that they tried to do something until EMS arrived because EMS had to see them doing CPR. EMS records showed activation at 6:18 a.m., arrival at 6:27 a.m., and pronouncement of death at 6:31 a.m., with documentation that CPR was not attempted by EMS because it was considered futile and that the resident exhibited postmortem changes. The Medical Director confirmed that the resident was full code and stated that staff should have started CPR and called 911 and that CPR should not be done four hours after a resident is pronounced dead. The facility’s investigation and a root cause analysis concluded that the RN and LPN did not follow the facility’s established policy and procedure to call 911 and administer CPR to a full code resident until EMS arrival. The root cause was identified as the nurse’s belief that the resident was on hospice and her failure to check the resident’s code status as outlined in facility policy. The surveyors determined that the failure to immediately activate EMS and to continue CPR until EMS arrival for this full code resident constituted noncompliance with the requirement to provide basic life support and resulted in an Immediate Jeopardy determination.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors' findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied. Resident #1 no longer resides in the facility as of 4.7.26. This has the potential to affect all residents in the facility. All codes to 1.1.26 were reviewed to ensure protocol was followed. No outliers were noted. All licensed nurses received education from the Director of Nursing and/or nursing management on [R] policy and procedure and Florida [R] policy. This includes where to find the code status. Education addressed what to do for full code hospice residents. Education completed with CNA's that protocol is that they do not assist with [R] or breaths during a [R] event. All education will be added to new hire orientation. Code drills will occur 3 x weekly x 4 weeks, followed by 2 x weekly x 4 weeks, followed by 1 x weekly x 4 weeks. Results will be brought to QAPI to determine need for ongoing auditing.
Removal Plan
- Educated licensed nurses on CPR policy and procedure and Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNRO) policy, including where to find code status and what to do for full code hospice residents; emphasized initiating emergency services immediately when resident is full code, continuing CPR until EMS arrives, and that nurses cannot pronounce death or stop CPR on a full code resident unless instructed by EMS.
- Implemented emergency response “Code Blue” drills on all three shifts, including full code and full code hospice scenarios, with emphasis on calling 911 immediately.
- Educated licensed nurses and CNAs on the facility abuse and neglect policy, including resident rights.
- Required licensed nurses to complete a CPR post-test; restricted staff who have not completed education/testing from working until completion.
- Educated licensed nurses regarding change in condition.
- Placed laminated instructions on how to overhead page during a code at all nursing station phones and other designated phones.
- Held a Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review root cause analysis findings and approve recommendations.
- Held a Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review progress of the plan and approve recommendations.
- Completed a “like resident” audit of all expired residents and rehospitalizations for a defined period to determine whether involved staff were the same as the code event and whether proper procedure was followed.
Failure to Provide Competent CPR Response and Verify Code Status for Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that nursing staff possessed and demonstrated the competencies required to respond appropriately to a cardiopulmonary emergency for a resident with full code status. Resident #1, who was designated as full code, was found unresponsive and without respirations or pulse at approximately 2:07 a.m. Clinical staff, consisting of an RN (Staff A) and an LPN (Staff B), initiated CPR but did not activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as required by facility policy for a full code resident. After approximately 20 minutes of CPR, the RN and LPN stopped resuscitation efforts without EMS involvement. The RN, without authority to do so, pronounced the resident deceased based on the absence of vital signs and did not verify the resident’s code status before discontinuing CPR. The RN later stated she believed the resident was on hospice and therefore did not call 911, and that she was confused about which residents were hospice and which were full code. The LPN reported that he assumed the RN had called 911 and continued CPR for about 20 minutes until the RN “called the code” and left, and he acknowledged that he knew CPR should continue until EMS arrival but did not speak up. Four hours after CPR was stopped, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the RN restarted CPR and activated EMS after receiving instructions from the DON. The investigation further identified that the RN had no documented orientation, onboarding education, or skills competency assessments since hire, despite being promoted to weekend supervisor. Her BLS certification had been obtained through a fully online course without an instructor or live feedback. The LPN’s BLS certification was expired, and a CNA who performed several chest compressions also had an expired BLS certification, even though facility policy did not permit CNAs to perform CPR. Facility records showed that monthly code blue drills had been conducted, but there was no documentation that the RN had ever participated in these drills. Leadership interviews confirmed that required clinical orientation and competency evaluations had not been completed for the RN, and that she had failed tests for a clinical manager position but was nonetheless functioning in a supervisory role. These actions and omissions led surveyors to determine that staff were not adequately trained or competent to respond to cardiopulmonary arrest for residents with full code status, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy determination. The facility’s own root cause analysis, as reflected in meeting minutes, identified that the nurse did not check the resident’s code status and lacked knowledge about when CPR could be discontinued and when 911 should be called. The analysis documented that the nurse believed the resident was hospice and therefore did not start or continue CPR appropriately or call EMS when the resident was found without respirations and pulse. The facility assessment tool and policies referenced the need for staff training and competencies in identifying changes in condition, end-of-life care, advance care planning, and adherence to the CPR policy, but the documented events showed that these expectations were not met in practice for the staff involved in this incident. Surveyors concluded that the failure to ensure nursing staff were trained and competent to respond appropriately to cardiopulmonary arrest for a full code resident, including immediate initiation and continuation of CPR and activation of EMS, constituted noncompliance with requirements for sufficient and competent nursing staff. The failure affected Resident #1 and placed other full code residents at risk, leading to an Immediate Jeopardy finding that was later reduced in scope and severity after verification of an acceptable Immediate Jeopardy removal plan.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors' findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied Resident # 1 no longer resides in the facility as of 4.7.26. This has the potential to affect all residents in the facility. All licensed nurses were audited to ensure current [R] certification. Facility will ensure [R] certification through a [R] provider whose training includes a [R] on session either in a physical or virtual instructor-led setting in accordance with accepted national standards. Human resources, or designee, will audit monthly to ensure all licensed nurses have a current [R] certification.Education was completed with licensed nurses on initiating [R] services immediately when a resident is full code. Education included that [R] is to continue on a full code resident until [R] arrives and that the nurse cannot pronounce [R] on the full code resident and/or stop [R] until instructed by [R].Education will be added to new hire orientation.7 random licensed nurses will complete a knowledge quiz related to code events. Per week x 4 weeks, followed by 5 nurses x 4 weeks, then 3 nurses x 4 weeks. Results will be brought to QAPI to determine need for ongoing auditing.
Removal Plan
- Regional Director of Clinical Services educated the Administrator and Director of Nursing regarding the CPR policy and the need to immediately contact emergency medical services (911) in the event of a full code; Administrator and DON signed the education
- Regional Director of Clinical Services provided documented education to the Administrator and Director of Nursing regarding the CPR policy and the need to immediately contact emergency medical services (911) in the event of a full code
- Director of Nursing and/or nursing management educated all licensed nurses on the CPR policy and procedure, including where to find code status and what to do for full code hospice residents
- Reinforced through education that CPR must be initiated immediately for full code residents, continued until EMS arrives, and that nurses cannot pronounce death or stop CPR on a full code resident unless instructed by EMS
- Conducted an Ad Hoc Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review root cause analysis recommendations related to the incident; recommendations approved
- Conducted a follow-up Ad Hoc Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review progress on the plan; recommendations approved
Improper Use of Power Strips and Extension Cords in Multiple Facility Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified deficiencies related to the use and maintenance of relocatable power taps (RPTs) and extension cords that did not comply with NFPA 101, NFPA 99, and NFPA 70 requirements. During a facility tour conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with the Maintenance Director, surveyors observed in the social services office an RPT plugged into another RPT, which was then plugged into a wall outlet, with the cord running across a walkway and taped to the floor. In the multipurpose room, a television was found plugged into an extension cord, contrary to standards that prohibit using extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring and require temporary extensions to be removed immediately after use. Further observations included the MDS office, where an RPT was plugged into another RPT and an outlet adapter was in use. These configurations did not meet the NFPA 99 provisions governing the proper use of power strips and extension cords, including requirements that power strips be appropriately rated and used only as intended, and that extension cords not be used as permanent wiring. During concurrent interviews, the Maintenance Director acknowledged these findings as they were observed by the surveyors.
Plan Of Correction
The RPT observed plugged into an RPT plugged into an outlet in the Social Services Office was removed. The extension cord used to plug in the television in the multipurpose room was removed. The RPT plugged into an RPT and outlet adapter in the MDS office was removed. Additional offices and resident care areas will be reviewed for the improper use of plug adapters, power strips and extension. The Executive Director/designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Electrical Equipment- Power and Extension specific to the improper use of plug adapters, power strips, and extension and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review. The RPT observed plugged into an RPT plugged into an outlet in the Social Services Office was removed. The extension cord used to plug in the television in the multipurpose room was removed. The RPT plugged into an RPT and outlet adapter in the MDS office was removed. Additional offices and resident care areas will be reviewed for the improper use of plug adapters, power strips and extension. The Executive Director/designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Electrical Equipment - Power and Extension specific to the improper use of plug adapters, power strips, and extension and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review.
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