St Augustine Health And Rehabilitation Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Saint Augustine, Florida.
- Location
- 51 Sunrise Blvd, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
- CMS Provider Number
- 105315
- Inspections on file
- 16
- Latest survey
- March 5, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 2 (2 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at St Augustine Health And Rehabilitation Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with obesity, lymphedema, seizure history, and an intact BIMS score was care planned for 2-person assistance with bed mobility and had a prior documented fall when care was provided by a single CNA. On a later date, a CNA who normally worked in activities was reassigned to the nursing unit, did not review the care plan, and relied on a brief verbal report that did not mention the 2-person bed mobility requirement. While providing incontinent care alone, the CNA turned the resident toward the window as the resident held the side rail; the resident’s heavy legs slipped off the bed, pulling his body to the floor. Nursing notes and an LPN’s account documented that the resident’s lower body was on the floor in a twisted position while he held the side rail, after which he complained of right hip pain. Imaging confirmed an acute proximal femur fracture, and the facility’s abuse/neglect policy defined neglect to include performing 1-person assistance when 2-person assistance is care planned.
A resident with obesity, lymphedema, prior right hip fracture, and a care plan requiring two-person assistance for bed mobility experienced a fall and new right femur fracture when an Activities Assistant/CNA, unfamiliar with the resident and working alone due to staffing call-outs, turned the resident on his side in bed without reviewing the care plan or providing preparatory instructions. The resident’s legs slipped off the bed, pulling his body to the floor while he held the side rail, and he later complained of hip pain; a STAT x-ray confirmed an acute transverse proximal femur fracture. This occurred despite prior documentation of a similar fall during solo in-bed care and existing policies requiring two-person assistance for turning and positioning and use of person-centered care plans to communicate individualized ADL needs to CNAs.
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen exhaust system in safe operating condition due to an expired inspection date on the kitchen hood. The CDM and Director of Maintenance were unaware of the overdue inspection, as the vendor typically conducted inspections automatically every three months. This oversight was contrary to the facility's policy aimed at preventing workplace hazards.
The facility failed to label medications according to professional principles and allowed expired medications to be used for four residents. An LPN was observed preparing expired insulin, and further inspection revealed additional expired prescriptions. Interviews confirmed lapses in the procedure for removing expired medications, and the facility's policy outlined the need for proper storage and labeling.
The facility failed to follow proper food handling and sanitation practices, as observed during a kitchen tour. Unlabeled and expired food items were found in the walk-in refrigerator and dry storage room, indicating non-compliance with the facility's policies. Interviews with dietary staff revealed inconsistencies in implementing food labeling and expiration management procedures.
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents, with issues such as broken air conditioning, flickering lights, pest infestations, and stained curtains observed in several rooms. Residents reported discomfort and unaddressed maintenance requests, highlighting a lack of coordination between housekeeping and maintenance departments.
The facility failed to provide appropriate ROM treatment for two residents with limited mobility. One resident with left-sided hemiplegia was not receiving assistance with ROM exercises, and another resident with Parkinson's disease and contractures was not receiving the prescribed ROM exercises. Despite care plans and recommendations, there was no documentation or communication among staff regarding the implementation of these programs, leading to inadequate care.
The facility failed to implement a policy for the use and storage of foods in personal refrigerators, resulting in unsanitary conditions. Multiple residents had expired and unlabeled food in their refrigerators, and a live roach was found in one. Staff interviews revealed unclear responsibilities and missing temperature logs. The DON confirmed the absence of a policy and acknowledged the need for improvement.
An LPN failed to perform hand hygiene during medication administration for two residents, contrary to the facility's infection control policy. The LPN did not wash hands before or after handling medications, which was acknowledged during an interview.
Failure to Follow Two-Person Bed Mobility Care Plan Resulting in Hip Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from neglect by not ensuring that a CNA followed the resident’s care plan requirements for two-person assistance with bed mobility. The resident had an active care plan, revised on 12/23/25, identifying a potential for falls related to seizure history, a history of placing himself on the floor when upset, and raising his bed to the highest position. Interventions included two-person assistance with bed mobility, floor mats on both sides of the bed, and two-person assistance for transfers. A prior nursing progress note dated 11/3/25 documented that the resident had a witnessed fall when a CNA provided morning care alone, turned the resident on his left side, and he slid out of bed onto the fall mat. On 11/4/25, the IDT met and documented that the resident was to have two aides perform care while in bed. The resident’s medical record showed multiple significant diagnoses, including a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur (subsequent encounter), peripheral vascular disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, obesity, lymphedema, seizures, major depressive disorder, ADHD, hereditary and idiopathic neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis. An annual MDS with ARD 12/09/25 documented a BIMS score of 14/15, indicating intact cognition. Active orders included an air mattress, antidepressant (venlafaxine), gabapentin for neuropathy, Lasix, levetiracetam for seizures, and, following the fall with hip fracture, orders for right hip surgical incision care, morphine for pain, and later a Hoyer lift transfer with two-person assist. These clinical details, combined with obesity and lymphedema, contributed to the need for two-person assistance with bed mobility as reflected in the care plan and staff documentation. On 2/3/26 at approximately 2:00 PM, CNA A, who normally worked as an Activities Assistant and was assigned to the nursing unit that day due to staffing call-outs, entered the resident’s room to provide incontinent care. CNA A reported that she had not reviewed the resident’s care plan at the beginning of the shift because she arrived at 8:00 AM to find that breakfast trays had already been passed and the previous shift staff had left, and she stated she did not have time to review care plans. She said she briefly asked two CNAs for a rundown of her assigned residents, and they did not mention that this resident required two-person assistance for bed mobility. While providing care alone, she turned the resident toward the window while he held the side rail; his large, heavy legs slipped off the bed, and the weight of his lower body pulled him off the bed so that his lower body was on the floor and his upper body remained elevated as he held the rail. Nursing documentation and LPN B’s interview confirmed that the CNA was alone, that the resident was found with his lower body on the floor in a twisted angle while holding the side rail, and that the resident complained of right hip pain after being assisted back to bed with a Hoyer lift and multiple staff. An x-ray showed an acute transverse fracture of the proximal femur, and the resident was sent to the ER and admitted for surgery. The facility’s abuse/neglect policy defined neglect to include performing one-person assistance when a resident is care planned for two persons and identified failure to implement effective communication systems across shifts as potential neglect, which aligned with the circumstances of this incident.
Failure to Provide Required Two-Person Assistance During Bed Mobility Resulting in Hip Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure adequate supervision and staff assistance to prevent an avoidable fall with major injury for a resident who required two-person assistance for bed mobility. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including a prior displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur, obesity, lymphedema, seizures, neuropathy, and other chronic conditions. The resident’s care plan, revised prior to the incident, identified a potential for falls related to seizure history and behaviors, and specifically required two-person assistance with bed mobility and transfers, as well as floor mats on both sides of the bed. The resident’s MDS showed intact cognition, and the record documented that he was dependent on staff for turning, repositioning, and other ADLs. Prior to the February incident, the resident had a documented fall on a previous date when a CNA provided morning care alone, turned the resident onto his side, and he slid from the bed onto a fall mat. Following that fall, the IDT documented that the resident was to have two aides perform care while in bed. Despite this, on the date of the later incident, an Activities Assistant (CNA A) who was covering on the nursing unit due to staffing call-outs provided incontinent care to the resident alone. CNA A reported that she did not have time to review care plans at the start of the shift, that the previous shift staff had already left, and that the two CNAs she briefly consulted did not tell her the resident required two-person assistance for bed mobility. She also stated she was unfamiliar with the resident and that this was her first time working with him. During the incident, CNA A turned the resident on his side in bed toward the window while he was holding the side rail. Because of his large, heavy legs related to lymphedema and obesity, his legs slipped off the side of the bed, pulling his lower body to the floor while his upper body remained partially supported by the side rail. The resident reported that he was not given instructions or preparation before being turned and that the turn happened quickly, after which he found himself on the floor. LPN B, the assigned nurse, found the resident with his lower body on the floor in a twisted angle and his upper body off the floor holding the side rail. The resident was assisted back to bed with a Hoyer lift and multiple staff, after which he complained of right hip pain. A STAT x-ray was ordered and showed an acute transverse fracture of the proximal right femur, and the resident was subsequently sent to the hospital for further evaluation and surgery. The facility’s own turning and positioning policy required use of two persons for the procedure as needed and explanation of the procedure to the resident, and the person-centered care plan policy required that individualized care plan interventions be entered into the electronic record to guide CNAs in meeting residents’ care needs.
Failure to Maintain Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that essential kitchen equipment was maintained in safe operating condition, specifically the kitchen exhaust system, which was not inspected to prevent excessive grease build-up. During a kitchen tour, it was observed that the inspection date on the kitchen hood above the cook area was expired. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) reported that the exhaust hood was supposed to be inspected every three months, with the Maintenance Department responsible for contacting the vendor. However, the Director of Maintenance was unaware that the inspection was overdue, as the vendor typically came automatically every three months. The CDM also stated that broken equipment was reported to the Maintenance Department, but she was not aware that the exhaust hood inspection was due, as the vendor usually came automatically. A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled Safety Principles indicated the purpose was to prevent injury to food service employees through exposure to workplace hazards.
Medication Labeling and Expiration Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to label drugs and biologicals in accordance with currently accepted professional principles and allowed medications to be used past their expiration date for four residents. During a medication administration observation, an LPN was seen preparing an insulin FlexPen for a resident, which was found to be expired. The LPN acknowledged the expiration but questioned if it was still acceptable to administer. Further inspection of the medication cart revealed additional expired insulin prescriptions for two other residents and one insulin without an opened or expired date. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and the Nurse Manager confirmed that one resident did not have current orders for insulin, although they did in the past. The facility's procedure for removing discontinued or expired medications involved the nurse in charge of the medication cart at the time of discontinuation. Additionally, nurse managers were responsible for weekly checks of the medication carts to remove expired or discontinued medications. The facility's policy outlined general storage procedures, including the requirement to separate expired or contaminated medications from others until they are destroyed or returned.
Improper Food Handling and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper sanitation and food handling practices, which are crucial to preventing foodborne illnesses. During a kitchen tour, surveyors observed that several food items in the walk-in refrigerator and dry storage room were not date-marked, including an open box of tomatoes, a bin of potatoes, and an open bag of onions. Additionally, expired food items, such as thickened lemon-flavored water containers, were found in the dry storage room and the south unit nourishment room refrigerator. These observations indicate a lack of compliance with the facility's policy on food labeling and expiration management. Interviews with dietary staff, including a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and dietary aides, revealed inconsistencies in the implementation of the facility's food handling policies. Staff members were responsible for stocking the dry storage room, refrigerator, and freezer, and were expected to label and date food items upon receipt and after opening. However, the presence of unlabeled and expired food items suggests a failure to follow these procedures. The facility's policy, which aligns with the FDA Food Code, emphasizes the importance of the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system and proper date marking to ensure food safety and prevent pathogen exposure.
Environmental Deficiencies in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by several environmental concerns observed during a survey. In five resident rooms, issues such as heavily stained privacy and window curtains, holes in window curtains, uncomfortable temperatures, and bug carcasses were noted. One resident reported that the air conditioning in her room had been broken for about a month, causing discomfort due to night sweats, and despite notifying staff, the issue remained unresolved. Another resident experienced a flickering bathroom light that had not been fixed despite multiple requests to maintenance. Additionally, a resident reported pest issues, with a dead roach observed in the bathtub and an overall unkempt room appearance. Further observations included a broken toilet in one resident's room, requiring the resident to use another restroom down the hall. A personal refrigerator in another room was found to have a live roach inside, and the floor in front of it was heavily stained. Interviews with the Housekeeping Supervisor and Director of Maintenance revealed a lack of coordination and responsibility for addressing these issues, with no established policies and procedures to manage the environmental concerns identified during the survey. The Director of Maintenance acknowledged the ongoing issues with the flickering light and the need for further repairs.
Failure to Provide Appropriate ROM Treatment for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and services to two residents with limited range of motion (ROM), leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident #29, who has left-sided hemiplegia and other medical conditions, was observed without the necessary splint and reported not receiving assistance with ROM exercises. Despite having a care plan that noted the potential for contractures and the need for a functional maintenance program (FMP), there were no orders or documentation indicating that such a program was in place or being followed. Resident #55, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and multiple contractures, was also not receiving the prescribed ROM exercises. Although the resident was supposed to be on a restorative nursing program for active ROM and a splint and brace program, there was no documentation of these services being provided. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of communication and documentation regarding the residents' participation in the FMP, with staff unaware of any refusals or discontinuations of the program. The facility's policy on restorative services requires comprehensive reviews and documentation to ensure residents receive necessary rehabilitative services. However, the lack of documentation and communication among staff members led to the failure to implement and monitor the prescribed ROM programs for both residents. This deficiency highlights a gap in the facility's adherence to its own policies and procedures, resulting in inadequate care for residents with limited ROM.
Lack of Policy for Personal Refrigerators Leads to Unsanitary Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a policy regarding the use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors, leading to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. During an initial tour, it was observed that multiple residents had personal refrigerators in their rooms without temperature logs, and expired food was found in several rooms. A live roach was also observed in one of the refrigerators. Interviews with staff revealed that the responsibility for checking these refrigerators was unclear, with overnight nurses supposedly in charge, but no current temperature logs were available. The Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of a policy and acknowledged the lack of structure in monitoring these refrigerators. The deficiency directly impacted residents in four rooms and had the potential to affect all residents with personal refrigerators. The facility did not maintain a list of residents with personal refrigerators, and there was no system in place to ensure the safe storage and handling of food items. The lack of a policy and proper monitoring led to expired and unlabeled food items being stored in residents' refrigerators, posing a risk to their health and safety. The Director of Nursing admitted that there was room for improvement in addressing these concerns.
Infection Control Breach During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program during medication administration, as observed in the cases of two residents. During a medication administration observation, an LPN was seen preparing medication for a resident at the nurses' station without performing hand hygiene before handling the medication. After administering the medication, the LPN also failed to perform hand hygiene before proceeding to administer medication to another resident. This was contrary to the facility's policy, which requires staff to perform appropriate hand hygiene before and after direct resident contact. The LPN acknowledged forgetting to perform hand hygiene during an interview conducted shortly after the observation.
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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