Kith Haven
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Flint, Michigan.
- Location
- G 1069 Ballenger Highway, Flint, Michigan 48504
- CMS Provider Number
- 235343
- Inspections on file
- 35
- Latest survey
- April 29, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 15
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Kith Haven during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A cognitively impaired resident with a history of stroke and dementia was assaulted by a roommate who had extensive psychiatric diagnoses, a history of domestic violence, substance abuse concerns, and documented episodes of psychosis, threatening behavior, and abusive language. Staff had previously observed this aggressive resident appearing intoxicated, making threats to harm others, rejecting care, and using vulgar and derogatory language, yet his initial care plan did not address his violent and aggressive history, and enhanced monitoring such as q15‑minute checks had been discontinued before the incident. On the day of the assault, CNAs and a nurse found the injured resident with facial bruising, swelling, bleeding from the mouth, and later a diagnosed facial contusion and closed head injury, while the aggressive resident admitted to hitting him. Care plans and the Kardex contained inconsistent and delayed behavioral interventions, and there was no ongoing close observation or 1:1 supervision in place at the time, despite the facility’s policies requiring protection from physical abuse.
Kitchen Sanitation and Cold Holding Deficiencies: The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen and failed to keep resident beverages at proper cold holding temperatures during meal service. The ice machine had detached trim, residue, and peeling interior surfaces; a clean mug cart was soiled; trash was placed against clean cookware storage; and the deli cooler had hardened buildup and black residue on seals. During meal service, milk and juice were observed out of proper cooling, with temperatures recorded above 41 F, and multiple meal services had no beverage temperature documentation.
Care Plan Not Properly Updated for Isolation Precautions: A resident with dysphagia, hemiplegia/hemiparesis, aphasia, gastrostomy, and dementia had a care plan for cough, SOB, and COVID isolation precautions that did not specify the type of precautions in place. The resident was observed on EBP, but not transmission-based isolation precautions, and staff interviews showed confusion over who was responsible for closing out infection-related care plans; the IC nurse acknowledged the care plan should have been discontinued.
Failure to Provide Required ADL Care: Multiple residents who were dependent for ADLs were observed with poor grooming, unshaven faces, greasy or uncombed hair, dirty nails, and unmet oral care needs. One resident was found soaked in urine with soiled linens, and staff interviews and record review showed repeated blank ADL documentation, missed care, and delayed incontinence care. The DON acknowledged that blank documentation meant the care task was not provided.
Surveyors found multiple failures in enteral tube care. A resident with a feeding tube was observed with the HOB below the level directed in the care plan, another resident had tube feeding equipment connected with a pump error and no staff able to explain the issue, a resident with a PEG tube had unclear documentation and monitoring of the tube despite not using it for feeding, and an LPN gave PEG medications without verifying placement or properly flushing the tube. Interviews and record review confirmed the deficiencies.
Vaccination Assessment and Documentation Deficiencies: The facility failed to consistently assess residents for Flu and pneumococcal vaccines on admission, provide vaccine education sheets, and document consent or declination in the medical record. Record review showed multiple residents with diagnoses including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, schizophrenia, cancer, stroke history, and respiratory failure had incomplete vaccine documentation, and an ICP stated she had not been offering Flu, Pneumonia, or Covid vaccines because she was busy with a Covid outbreak and often worked on the floor as a nurse.
Unclear indication and rationale for duplicate antipsychotic therapy. A resident with dementia, anxiety, adjustment disorder, psychotic disorder with delusions, and insomnia was prescribed two antipsychotics: paliperidone ER daily and quetiapine BID. Review of MH provider notes found no documented clinical rationale for the dual therapy, and the SW stated the chart did not explicitly address why both medications were being used.
Delayed Significant Change MDS After Hospice Admission: A resident with dysphagia, hemiplegia/hemiparesis after CVA, aphasia, and dementia was admitted to hospice, and the payor source changed to hospice, but the significant change MDS was not completed until later. The DON and MDS RN both acknowledged that a significant change MDS should have been completed when hospice services began, and no explanation was provided for the delay.
Failure to provide understandable communication for a resident with a language barrier: A resident with dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and a primary language of Romanian was observed without a communication board or translation device in the room. Staff gave conflicting reports about the resident’s language, with some saying Romanian and others saying Russian or English, and one CNA used a personal phone translation app because no facility device was available. The DON stated the translator had been taken away because it was no longer effective, but there was no EMR documentation showing discontinuation, and staff could not explain how complex communication was being completed without the device.
A resident with a history of stroke and cranial surgery wore a soft helmet that was ordered to be worn at all times, but the chart lacked documentation of skin assessment beneath the helmet despite the resident reporting heat, itching, and sweating. Another resident receiving IV vancomycin for MRSA sepsis and PNA did not have timely ordered trough monitoring entered on readmission, and the required weekly lab surveillance from the hospital discharge instructions was not initially included in the facility chart.
The facility failed to follow a behavior care plan for a resident with a history of poor impulse control and aggression, which required staff to avoid confrontation and adjust care to reduce aggressive incidents. After a prior argument between two residents, staff placed one resident on 15-minute checks but still allowed that resident to go outside to smoke at the same time as the other involved resident, despite knowing the second resident was already outside. While outside, one resident struck the other with a grabber, leading to a physical altercation in which one resident hit the other in the face and caused a cut. The Administrator and DON acknowledged that staff did not follow the aggression care plan or avoid placing the residents together in a confrontational situation.
A resident was not adequately prepared for a safe transfer or discharge, as the facility did not ensure the process met the individual's needs and preferences.
A resident with Huntington's disease and schizoaffective disorder, known for poor impulse control, was involved in two physical altercations with other residents after being inadequately supervised. Despite a history of aggression and behavioral triggers, staff relied on 15-minute checks without continuous monitoring or proper documentation, and there was a lack of clear communication among staff regarding the resident's supervision needs. This failure to provide adequate supervision led to repeated resident-to-resident altercations and minor injury.
Two residents with diabetes did not receive care in accordance with physician orders and professional standards. One resident's hospital discharge instructions for sliding scale insulin and blood glucose monitoring were not implemented or documented upon readmission, especially on dialysis days. Another resident received insulin glargine despite blood glucose readings below the ordered threshold, contrary to the physician's instructions. Facility policy requiring accurate implementation of orders and communication of out-of-range results was not followed.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions experienced repeated falls due to the facility's failure to update care plans and implement or document appropriate interventions. After several incidents, care plans were either not updated, interventions were not meaningful or relevant, or documentation of required checks was missing, contrary to facility policy and expectations outlined by the DON.
The facility's kitchen was found to have multiple sanitation deficiencies, including expired food items, dirty equipment, and incomplete cleaning logs. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the issues, noting that cleaning logs were often left blank, and the facility's policies on food storage and dish machine sanitation were not followed.
The facility failed to maintain residents' rights and dignity, as evidenced by missing clothing, untrimmed fingernails, and cold meals. Residents reported dissatisfaction with care, including long call light wait times and missed showers. Observations revealed inadequate hydration practices and staff rudeness, contributing to the deficiency.
The facility failed to provide consistent pre and post dialysis weights for two residents and did not ensure that two other residents received their medications post dialysis, leading to potential health risks. The facility's policies on hemodialysis and medication administration were not followed, resulting in missed medication doses and incomplete weight documentation.
The facility failed to ensure pharmacist medication regimen reviews were reviewed, acted upon, and documented for five residents, leading to unadjusted medications without physician responses. Missing documentation and unsigned pharmacy consultation reports were noted, with specific recommendations not located in residents' medical records.
The facility failed to properly store and label medications, with multiple instances of undated opened medications and loose tablets found in medication carts and on the floor. Temperature-sensitive medications were not consistently monitored, with several missed temperature checks. An unsecured treatment cart was also found unattended in a common area, posing a risk to residents. These deficiencies highlight lapses in medication safety and security protocols.
The facility failed to follow infection control standards in handling ice and storing personal items. An Activity Aide transported uncovered ice, contrary to protocol, and personal items like urinals and bedpans were improperly stored and lacked identification. The DON confirmed these items should be marked to prevent contamination.
The facility failed to provide a clean and homelike environment, with observations of soiled bathrooms, cluttered rooms, and malfunctioning sinks. Residents, despite having full cognitive abilities, experienced unclean and unsafe conditions, contrary to their care plans and rights.
The facility failed to update care plans for two residents, one with significant weight loss and another with a tracheostomy and feeding tube. The first resident struggled with eating due to shaky hands and was not assisted, while the second resident refused enteral nutrition but was observed eating orally. Care plans did not reflect these issues, leading to potential missed interventions.
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for two residents, leading to deficiencies in wound care and Life Vest management. A resident's wound care was not documented or updated, and another resident's Life Vest was not connected to the battery, with no documentation of the issue being reported. The facility's care plans lacked specific interventions for the Life Vest, and staff were not educated on its use.
A resident developed two new facility-acquired pressure ulcers due to poor nutritional intake and inadequate pressure relief measures. The resident, with impaired cognitive ability and dependent on assistance, had a low protein diet and significant weight loss. The facility's policies for nutritional evaluation and pressure ulcer prevention were not effectively implemented, leading to the development of a Stage IV ulcer and inadequate wound healing.
A facility failed to implement a restorative therapy program and develop a care plan for a resident with multiple diagnoses, including anxiety disorder and lymphedema. The resident reported that therapy had stopped prematurely and that staff did not follow through with planned exercises. Documentation showed inconsistent implementation of the restorative plan, and the DON acknowledged the lack of a care plan. The facility's policy emphasized maintaining residents' physical well-being, but the resident's care did not align with these guidelines.
A resident experienced a 5.6% weight loss and developed pressure ulcers due to inadequate nutritional support and lack of assistance with meals. Despite the resident's care plan indicating the need for supplements, these were not effectively implemented, and the resident's protein intake was insufficient for healing. The facility's policies on nutritional services and weight management were not adequately followed, contributing to the resident's condition.
A resident with COPD did not receive the prescribed oxygen therapy due to improper connection of the oxygen tubing. The resident's oxygen saturation was initially low until the tubing was correctly reconnected by a nurse. The DON was aware of the issue and addressed it with the staff.
A resident with a history of major depressive disorder was on suicide watch, but the facility failed to document and order suicide precautions in the care plan. Despite staff awareness and the initiation of 15-minute checks, there was no formal order for suicide precautions until over 24 hours after the resident's threat of self-harm. The facility's policy required immediate supervision and care plan updates, but staff had not received education on suicide precautions.
The facility failed to obtain informed consent for psychotropic medications for three residents, including one prescribed Risperidone without a documented diagnosis of psychosis. Additionally, pharmacy reviews for a resident's medication regimen were missing for two months, indicating lapses in medication management. The facility's social worker confirmed that consents were not used for anti-depressants or anxiety medications, despite their potential impact on residents' behaviors and moods.
A resident with chronic conditions was administered medications outside prescribed parameters, leading to potential adverse reactions. Medications like Nifedipine and Doxazosin were given despite vital signs being outside the ordered range. The nursing staff did not follow the facility's policy to consult the physician when inconsistencies arose, risking the resident's health.
A resident with a broken tooth experienced pain and infection due to the facility's failure to provide timely dental services. The resident, who required assistance with daily activities, was not informed of the dental care plan. The facility did not effectively communicate with the dental service provider, resulting in a delay in treatment as x-rays were needed before further action could be taken.
A resident with impaired cognition and physical limitations did not receive necessary adaptive eating equipment during meals, leading to frustration and difficulty in self-feeding. Despite the availability of a two-handled spouted cup and built-up utensils, these were not provided, contrary to the resident's care plan and meal ticket instructions.
Failure to Prevent Resident‑on‑Resident Assault Resulting in Head and Facial Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from abuse by another resident, resulting in physical injury. Resident #101, who had a history of stroke, dementia, seizures, diabetes, cognitive communication deficit, anxiety, and hypertension, was assessed as having moderate cognitive decline with a BIMS score of 8/15 and needing some assistance with care. On the day of the incident, CNAs entered the shared room of Residents #101 and #102 and observed Resident #101 with blood on his face, a swollen right eye and lip, facial bruises, and blood on his teeth. When asked what happened, Resident #101 pointed to his roommate, Resident #102, and stated that they had been in a fight and that the other resident had assaulted him. Nursing staff documented that Resident #101 reported his roommate said he had “cut him off,” then assaulted him while he was lying down. Resident #102’s record showed extensive psychiatric and behavioral history, including traumatic brain injury, psychotic disorder with delusions and hallucinations, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder, dementia, and a history of alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Prior facility and in‑house documentation described increased behaviors since admission, including rejection of care, yelling, abusive language, threatening behaviors, strange and inappropriate behaviors, refusal of care, suspected drug‑seeking behavior, and episodes of psychosis with poor judgment, poor insight, and poor impulse control. On a prior date, staff documented that Resident #102 appeared intoxicated, was loud and obnoxious, talking to himself, making threats to harm other residents, and had disorganized, slurred, and rambling speech. Social services also documented that his guardian reported a history of domestic violence. Despite this, his initial care plan after admission did not address his history of violent and aggressive behavior toward others. On the day of the altercation, staff reported that Resident #102 had been verbally abusive and agitated all morning, refused care, and did not take his medications the night before. After the incident, nursing and NP documentation indicated that Resident #102 first denied involvement, then stated that his roommate had been scratching his genitals and that he hit him; assessment showed only pre‑existing moisture‑associated skin damage to his scrotum with no new injuries. Resident #101, by contrast, had multiple red, raised, abraded areas on his forehead, a nearly swollen‑shut right eye with abrasions and swelling, swollen and abraded lips, and later hospital documentation of a facial contusion and closed head injury, as well as an imprint of a hand on his chest. The facility’s own abuse prohibition and resident rights policies required a safe environment and freedom from physical abuse, including hitting and similar acts, but the care planning and monitoring for Resident #102 did not consistently reflect or operationalize his known risk for aggression toward others. Care plan review for Resident #102 showed fragmented and delayed behavioral interventions. A care plan for substance abuse was initiated with an intervention for close observation such as q15‑minute checks or 1:1 “as needed,” but this was not clearly dated in the Kardex and was only formally revised later. A separate care plan for mood and hostility did not include interventions to prevent hostility toward other residents and staff until weeks after the assault, and those interventions were tied to the resident verbalizing a desire to harm self or others, which he had not done prior to attacking his roommate. Another care plan addressing potential physical and verbal aggression, agitation, abusive language, and yelling outbursts included 15‑minute checks for 72 hours, which were discontinued well before the assault occurred, leaving Resident #102 without enhanced monitoring at the time he attacked Resident #101. The inconsistency between the care plan and the Kardex regarding close observation and 1:1 supervision, along with the absence of timely, targeted interventions addressing his documented aggressive and threatening behaviors, contributed to the failure to prevent the assault on Resident #101. The facility’s DON acknowledged that Resident #102 had several instances of appearing intoxicated from alcohol or drugs and that the facility became aware of his violent behavior history through his guardian. Staff interviews confirmed that Resident #102 had a pattern of cursing, using derogatory names, being vulgar and disrespectful, and refusing care, including on the morning of the incident. Despite these known behaviors and risk factors, Resident #102 remained in a shared room with a cognitively impaired roommate and without ongoing close observation or 1:1 supervision at the time of the event. This sequence of known behavioral risks, incomplete and inconsistently implemented care planning, and lack of sustained monitoring led to Resident #101 being assaulted by Resident #102 and sustaining documented injuries requiring hospital evaluation and treatment.
Kitchen Sanitation and Cold Holding Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen and failed to keep cold foods at proper temperatures during meal service. During a kitchen tour with the Certified Dietary Manager, the ice machine was observed with a partially detached bin seal/trim, orange residue on the inside white flap, and peeling interior surfaces that had turned white/translucent. The bottom of a dolly cart holding approximately 35 clean mugs was soiled with debris and unknown food particles, and a trash can was positioned against a clean cookware rack. In the deli cooler, the bottom vent grates had hardened substances and the door seals had black residue; the Certified Dietary Manager stated the bottom grates had been difficult to clean and that the facility had not noticed the soiled areas inside the ice machine. During meal service in the 2nd and 3rd floor dining rooms, resident beverages including milk, juice, and mighty shakes were observed sitting out without adequate cooling in place. The dietary aide stated the beverages were brought upstairs based on resident meal tickets, and the Certified Dietary Manager stated ice was supposed to be placed on top of the beverages to maintain temperature. Temperatures taken during service showed milk at 48 F and juice at 45 F on the 2nd floor, milk at 48 F and juice at 42.1 F on the 3rd floor, and juice at 43 F on the 1st floor. Review of temperature records showed multiple meal services on the kitchen, 2nd floor, and 3rd floor where beverage temperatures were not documented, and the facility policy required cold foods at point of service to be held at 41 F or below.
Care Plan Not Properly Updated for Isolation Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure interdisciplinary review and revision of the comprehensive care plan for Resident #65. The resident was observed in their room on 3/18/26 and noted to have Enhanced Barrier Precautions in place, but not Transmission-based isolation precautions. When asked about recent illness or antibiotics, the resident did not know. Record review showed the resident had been admitted with diagnoses including dysphagia, left hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, aphasia, gastrostomy, and dementia, and the MDS indicated the resident was rarely or never understood and was dependent on staff for ADLs. Review of the EMR showed a care plan titled that the resident was on isolation precautions related to cough, SOB, and COVID, initiated 12/31/25, but the care plan did not specify what type of isolation precautions were in place due to COVID. During interview, the MDS RN stated infection control handled and discontinued all care plans related to infections and isolation precautions. The IC nurse later reviewed the record and stated the care plan had not been closed because it was in a custom care plan, then acknowledged it should have been discontinued. Facility policy stated each resident will have a person-centered plan of care developed and implemented, and that the care plan will be updated with significant changes, including resolving items that are no longer applicable.
Failure to Provide Required ADL Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide ADL care for multiple dependent residents, including grooming, oral care, bathing, and timely incontinence care. Surveyors observed residents with unshaven faces, long facial hair, greasy and uncombed hair, long and jagged fingernails with debris under the nails, disheveled appearances, and call lights not within reach. Documentation reviews also showed repeated blank entries for required ADL tasks and, in some cases, no documentation of refusal of care. One resident who was blind and cognitively impaired was observed in bed unshaven and disheveled, with a urinal containing dark yellow urine hanging beside the bed. The resident stated staff had only changed the brief and had not assisted with getting cleaned up or oral care, and said they preferred to be shaved but could not do it themselves. The resident’s care plan and MDS indicated moderate to maximum assistance was needed for ADLs, yet the documentation survey report contained multiple blank areas for ADL care and personal hygiene tasks with no refusal documented. Another resident with bilateral above-the-knee amputations, severe cognitive impairment, aphasia, and dependence for ADLs was observed in bed with a foul body odor, long jagged fingernails, and a call light on the floor. Staff acknowledged they had not provided morning ADL care. A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dependence for ADLs was observed with significant buildup and debris on the teeth and stated staff had not assisted with oral care that day. The LPN confirmed oral care still needed to be done, and the documentation report showed multiple blank entries for oral hygiene and personal hygiene tasks. A resident who was incontinent of bladder and bowel and dependent for toileting was observed with a strong odor of urine and a large brownish urine stain on the bed linens that was partially dry and partially wet. The resident later stated they had not been changed overnight and that sometimes staff did not get to it because they did not have enough people. The DON acknowledged staffing issues and that blank areas on daily care documentation meant the care task was not provided. Additional residents were observed with long chin and facial hair, greasy and uncombed hair, and missed shower documentation, with staff interviews confirming that some care was refused at times while other scheduled care was not completed as documented.
Enteral Tube Care and PEG Medication Administration Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide enteral tube care per professional standards of practice for four residents who had feeding tubes or PEG tubes. The deficiency involved improper management of tube feeding positioning, lack of appropriate monitoring of tube feeding administration, and failure to verify PEG tube placement before medication administration, as observed by surveyors and confirmed through interviews and record review. For one resident with a history of stroke, dysphagia, aphasia, hemiplegia, and a gastrostomy tube, surveyors observed tube feeding infusing while the head of the bed was positioned at 15 degrees and later at 24 degrees, despite the care plan directing that the head of the bed be elevated 45 degrees during tube feeding and for one hour afterward. A nurse later confirmed the bed was not elevated to 30 degrees. For another resident with dysphagia, hemiplegia, aphasia, gastrostomy, and dementia, surveyors observed the resident in bed with tube feeding equipment connected, the head of the bed at 20 degrees, and the pump displaying a feed error message while no staff were present in the hallway. A CNA who was questioned about the pump error did not know what it meant and could not state how high the head of the bed should be during tube feeding. The resident’s care plan directed head-of-bed elevation of 30 to 45 degrees during tube feeding. A third resident had a PEG tube in place but was also receiving a regular diet with thin liquids, and the record showed orders to flush the PEG tube and change the dressing, but the MDS did not indicate that the resident had a feeding tube or was receiving flushes through it. The NP stated the tube remained in place because the resident’s son wanted it kept until after a future craniotomy, but there was no documentation explaining the plan for the tube or routine monitoring of the insertion site. For a fourth resident with dysphagia and traumatic subdural hemorrhage, an LPN administered medications through the PEG tube without verifying placement first and did not properly flush the tube afterward. During interview, the LPN acknowledged not verifying placement, and the DON stated the resident was not supposed to have anything by mouth, while the medication orders included both oral and PEG administration. The facility policy required verifying tube placement before enteral medication administration and flushing the tube after medications.
Vaccination Assessment and Documentation Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently assess residents for Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccinations on admission, provide educational vaccination information sheets for each vaccination, and document vaccination information in the medical record, including consent or declination. During an interview, the Infection Control Practitioner stated that residents were usually assessed for vaccinations on admission and that vaccine history was reviewed with residents and responsible parties, but consent or declination was not provided at the initial care conference. She also stated that since a prior date through the survey date, she had not offered Flu, Pneumonia, or Covid vaccinations to residents because she had been busy with a large Covid-19 outbreak and often worked several days a week as a floor nurse, which prevented completion of her infection control duties. Record review showed deficiencies in the vaccination documentation for multiple residents. One resident with heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis had Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid vaccinations documented as received, but there was no additional consent or declination after that. Another resident with cancer, heart disease, stroke history, and peripheral vascular disease had Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid vaccinations refused in the electronic record, but no consent or declination form with educational information was identified. A third resident with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory failure had Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid refused, but only the Covid declination was documented; there was no indication that Flu or Pneumonia vaccinations had been reoffered. A fourth resident with hypertension, dementia, and schizophrenia had Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid refused, but no consent or declination forms were present. The record review also noted that consent or declination forms for vaccinations that included information on risks and benefits were not identified for the residents reviewed, and the residents or representatives were not able to make an informed decision on whether they wanted to receive the vaccinations. The facility policy stated that immunizations are to be offered as appropriate to residents and staff to decrease the incidence of preventable infectious diseases.
Unclear indication and rationale for duplicate antipsychotic therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to specify the indication for use and provide a clinical rationale for duplicate antipsychotic therapy for one resident. Resident #88 was admitted with diagnoses including Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dementia, Psychotic Disorder with Delusions, and Psychophysiologic Insomnia. Her medication record showed Paliperidone (Invega) ER 1.5 mg daily, ordered on 3/7/2025 for antipsychotic use, and Quetiapine (Seroquel) 25 mg twice daily, ordered on 4/9/2025 for psychotic disorder; both medications are classified as antipsychotics. Review of Mental Health Provider progress notes from June 2025 through March 2026 found no documentation of a clinical rationale for the dual antipsychotic therapy. During interview, the Social Worker reviewed the chart and stated that antipsychotic was not an appropriate indication for Invega and that the resident’s behaviors had decreased as she stabilized on her current medication regimen, but she did not believe the practitioner’s charting explicitly addressed the rationale for the duplicate antipsychotic therapy. The facility policy stated that when pharmacological interventions are indicated, licensed staff will verify that the physician order includes the appropriate clinically supported diagnosis.
Delayed Significant Change MDS After Hospice Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely completion of a significant change MDS assessment for a resident who was admitted with dysphagia, left hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, aphasia, and dementia. The resident’s MDS documented that the resident was rarely or never understood, was dependent on staff for ADLs, and was receiving hospice care. The resident’s HCP ordered hospice admission and the EMR showed the payor source changed to hospice on 6/23/25, but the significant change MDS related to decline and hospice admission was not completed until 8/11/25. The resident’s care plan related to hospice services was initiated on 6/23/25 and revised on 8/13/25. During interview, the DON stated that a significant change MDS should be completed when a resident is admitted to hospice services and acknowledged concern that the assessment had not been completed when the resident entered hospice in June 2025. The MDS RN later confirmed, after speaking with the Regional MDS Nurse, that a significant change MDS should have been done and was not completed, and no further explanation was provided for the delay.
Failure to Provide Understandable Communication for a Resident With a Language Barrier
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide care and services to ensure communication was completed in an understandable language for a resident who did not speak English. Resident #88 had diagnoses including heart disease, diabetes mellitus, psychotic disorder with delusions, and dementia, and the MDS identified Romanian as the resident’s preferred language and indicated that an interpreter was needed to communicate with staff. The resident was also documented as severely cognitively impaired and required supervision to moderate assistance with ADLs, with set-up assistance for eating. During observation, the resident was seen in the room without any communication or translation boards/devices present. When asked how they were doing, the resident responded, “No English.” Staff interviews showed inconsistent understanding of the resident’s language needs. One LPN stated the resident only spoke Romanian and said staff used communication boards and a translator device, while a CNA stated the resident spoke Russian and reported using a translator app on a personal phone because no other way to communicate was available. The CNA also stated the translator box was missing and that a communication board had not been seen in the room. Record review showed care plans that included use of a pocket talker, a talk box translator, a picture board, gestures, and staff encouragement to use a communication board. However, the resident’s room did not have a communication board or translation device present during survey observations. Staff later stated the translator device had been taken away by the DON because it was no longer working due to the resident’s advancing dementia, but there was no documentation in the EMR showing discontinuation of the device. The DON also stated staff were not allowed to use personal devices, yet staff reported using translation apps on their phones to communicate with the resident. The DON and unit staff were unable to explain how complex communication was being completed without the translator device, and the unit manager stated the resident could understand English, while also acknowledging the resident had progressed to communicating only in Romanian.
Failure to Monitor Skin Under Helmet and Vancomycin Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Resident #81’s skin was assessed and monitored beneath a soft helmet. The resident had a history of stroke, left-sided weakness, cranial surgery with skull flap, heart disease, neuropathy, frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder, and hypertension. The physician order required the head helmet to be worn at all times and directed nursing to inspect the skin around the helmet each shift, every day and night shift, starting 12/13/2025. On 3/18/2026, the resident was observed lying in bed awake and wearing the soft helmet. She stated the helmet made her head feel hot, itchy, and sweaty at times, and she removed it to show her hair underneath. She also reported having another soft helmet with holes for aeration that she wore in warm weather. Review of the MAR/TAR showed the helmet order and the instruction for nursing to inspect skin around the helmet each shift, but the Kardex did not mention a soft helmet or monitoring the skin beneath it. Review of the progress notes, skin checks, and care plans showed no documentation of assessing or monitoring the skin underneath the helmet. The fall care plan noted that the resident was supposed to wear her helmet at all times and frequently chose to remove it, but it did not include monitoring the skin under the helmet. The wound nurse confirmed that nurses should assess under the helmet each shift, yet the record contained no such documentation. The facility also failed to ensure timely laboratory monitoring for Resident #139 while receiving IV vancomycin. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including sepsis due to MRSA and pneumonia and returned to the facility with a PICC line for IV therapy. The hospital discharge prescription ordered vancomycin 1.25 grams IV every 24 hours for 35 days and specified weekly labs including CBC with differential, BUN, creatinine, WSR, C-reactive protein, and vancomycin trough. The record showed the last vancomycin peak and trough lab collection was on 03/09/2026, with the next weekly lab due on 03/16/2026. However, no vancomycin peak and trough order was placed in the facility chart on readmission. The readmission order set included only CBC, CMP, vitamin D, and lipid panel labs, and the contracted lab order produced by the ICP nurse also did not include vancomycin peak and trough monitoring. Staff interviews confirmed that the admission nurse sought help with orders, that the ICP nurse handled the vancomycin and labs, and that the DON placed batch orders, but the required vancomycin monitoring order was not present in the chart. The resident initially refused a stat blood draw on 03/18/2026, and the labs were obtained later after the NP spoke with him and explained why they were needed. The NP acknowledged that the discharge instructions from the ID physician had been missed and that vancomycin should have been monitored. The chart later showed an order for weekly labs including a vancomycin trough and to hold vancomycin until the lab was drawn.
Failure to Implement Behavior Care Plan to Prevent Resident Altercation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to consistently implement an existing behavior care plan for a resident with a known history of poor impulse control and aggression. The resident was an adult, alert and able to make their own decisions, with multiple diagnoses including end stage 5 kidney disease, alcohol use, PTSD, anxiety disorder, schizoaffective disorder, chronic migraine, diabetes, depression disorder, and heart failure. The resident required assistance with ADLs, had a left below-knee amputation, was wheelchair-bound, and received dialysis. The resident’s care plan for potential aggression, dated 1/14/25, directed staff to avoid confrontation and adjust the plan of care to reduce incidents of aggression where possible. The facility’s care plan policy required that care plans be specific, resident-centered, and address management of risk factors, including aggressive behaviors. On 1/7/26, an argument occurred between this resident and another resident regarding an accusation of theft, leading the facility to initiate 15-minute checks for the aggressive resident. Despite this known conflict and the active aggression care plan, on 1/8/26 staff allowed the resident to sign out for a smoking LOA at a time when they were aware the other involved resident was already outside. Video and documentation showed that as the resident wheeled past the other resident, the other resident struck them with a grabber, and both residents then hit each other, with the aggressive resident striking the other resident’s face and causing a cut. The 15-minute check sheet documented observation of the resident at 11:45 a.m. while outside, during the period of the altercation. In interviews, the Administrator and DON acknowledged that they did not follow the aggression care plan directive to avoid confrontation and adjust the plan of care to reduce incidents of aggression when possible, and confirmed that the facility did not prevent the two residents from being outside together despite the prior conflict.
Failure to Ensure Safe and Resident-Centered Transfer/Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the transfer or discharge process met the resident's needs and preferences, and did not adequately prepare the resident for a safe transfer or discharge. The report notes that the necessary steps to assess and address the resident's individual requirements and preferences during the transfer or discharge process were not completed. As a result, the resident was not properly prepared for a safe transition to the next care setting.
Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision Resulting in Resident-to-Resident Altercations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision for three residents with varying degrees of cognitive impairment and behavioral health diagnoses, resulting in multiple resident-to-resident altercations. One resident with Huntington's disease and schizoaffective disorder, who had a history of poor impulse control and previous physical aggression, was involved in two separate altercations on the same day. In the first incident, this resident was redirected from the front door by a receptionist, became upset after an interaction with another resident, and physically pushed that resident, who then retaliated. A third resident was present during this event. Shortly after the first altercation, the same resident re-entered the building from the back patio and was involved in a second altercation with another resident. This second incident escalated to physical violence, with the resident striking the other multiple times in the face, resulting in a small abrasion. Interviews revealed that staff were aware of the resident's behavioral triggers and history, but supervision was limited to 15-minute checks, and there was no continuous monitoring or documentation of these checks in the electronic medical record. Staff interviews indicated a lack of clear communication regarding the resident's supervision needs and the reasons for increased monitoring. The facility's policy required monitoring and interventions to prevent escalation of aggression, but staff actions did not align with these procedures. The activity director, who was responsible for the resident during part of the monitoring period, was not fully informed of the prior incident or the specific reasons for the increased supervision. Other staff members acknowledged that the resident should have been accompanied when re-entering the building, especially given the recent altercation and known behavioral risks. The lack of adequate supervision and failure to follow established protocols directly contributed to the repeated altercations among residents.
Plan Of Correction
F 689 Free of Accidents/Hazards Element 1 Resident #702 continues to reside within the facility. Resident continues to have a 1:1 for supervision. Resident care plans were reviewed and revised as appropriate. Resident #6 continues to reside in the facility. Resident care plans were reviewed and revised as appropriate. Resident #7 continues to reside in the facility. Resident care plans were reviewed and revised as appropriate. Element 2 Like residents are identified as residents that reside within the facility involved in a resident-to-resident incident. The IDT made rounds on the like residents to ensure care planned interventions were in place in accordance with the plan of care, and any concerns were addressed. Element 3 The procedure to implement the plan of correction included: 1. IDT reviewed F 689 2. IDT reviewed the "Abuse Policy" and deemed it appropriate. 3. IDT were reeducated on the "Abuse" policy with emphasis on ensuring interventions of supervision are in place and the care plans have meaningful interventions in place and have been implemented timely. All staff were reeducated to ensure they accompany the resident away from the environment in which the behavior has occurred. Element 4 The process to ensure that the specific citation remains corrected includes: 1. The Director of Nursing or designee will review with the IDT interventions to ensure adequate supervision is in place for resident incidents. 2. The Admin will conduct rounds to ensure there is adequate supervision for residents involved in an incident. 3. Audits will be conducted weekly for four weeks then monthly for two months. Any concerns will be immediately addressed. 4. The results of the audits will be reviewed by the QAPI committee monthly for 3 months for further recommendations. 5. Any area of non-compliance will be addressed. 6. The Admin will be responsible for sustained compliance.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for Diabetic Management and Insulin Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that services provided met professional standards of quality by not following hospital discharge recommendations for blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration for two residents with diabetes. One resident, who had a history of end stage renal disease, dependence on dialysis, and type 2 diabetes with ketoacidosis, was readmitted to the facility after a hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Hospital discharge instructions included a specific sliding scale insulin regimen to be administered three times daily before meals. However, the facility did not implement these orders upon readmission, with a delay in ordering the sliding scale insulin and a lack of documentation explaining the deviation from the hospital's recommendations. Additionally, on days when the resident returned from dialysis, blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration were not performed as ordered, and the medication schedule was not adjusted to accommodate the resident's dialysis schedule. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON revealed uncertainty about why the hospital discharge orders were not followed and confirmed that there was no documentation of any rationale for not adhering to the recommendations or of any discussion with the practitioner regarding these changes. The facility's own diabetic management policy required that orders be received and implemented accurately, with blood glucose monitoring and anti-diabetic agents administered per physician order, but this was not done in this case. The lack of adherence to the prescribed regimen was evident in both the medical record and staff interviews. A second resident with type 2 diabetes had a physician's order for insulin glargine to be held if blood glucose was less than 100. Despite this, the medication administration record showed that insulin was administered on three occasions when the resident's blood glucose was below the specified threshold. The facility's policy required that results outside of ordered parameters be communicated to the physician immediately, but there was no documentation that this occurred. These failures demonstrate that the facility did not ensure that care and services were provided in accordance with professional standards and physician orders for diabetic management.
Failure to Update Care Plans and Implement Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update care plans and implement appropriate interventions to prevent repeated falls for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including an above-the-knee amputation, dementia, anemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The resident experienced several falls, some of which were unwitnessed, and after each incident, the care plan was either not updated or interventions were not properly documented or implemented. For example, after one fall, a three-day sleep study was ordered, but the results were not found in the electronic medical record. On other occasions, the care plan was not updated at all, or interventions such as 15-minute checks were added but not documented as completed. Interviews and record reviews revealed that the facility's process for updating care plans and documenting interventions after falls was inconsistent and incomplete. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that interventions should be meaningful and relevant to the specific fall, and that documentation and follow-up were lacking. Facility policy requires that incidents and accidents be documented in the medical record, including clinical information, observations, and follow-up care, but this was not consistently done for the resident in question.
Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, which increased the potential for cross-contamination of food and foodborne illness. During a tour of the kitchen, several unsanitary conditions were observed, including spills and sticky floors in the walk-in cooler, expired food items, and dirty fan covers with debris buildup. The walk-in freezer contained items without expiration dates and expired products, while the dry storage area had expired canned goods and other food items. The kitchen area had dried substances under the pop machine spigots and inside the toaster, and the dishwashing area had observable debris and buildup around the dishwasher. The Dietary Manager, who started in the facility in a recent month, acknowledged the issues and noted that cleaning logs were often incomplete, with many daily tasks left blank. The facility's policies on food storage and dish machine sanitation were not adhered to, as evidenced by the expired food items and the lack of regular cleaning of the dish machine. The manager admitted that the cleaning logs from the previous month were similarly incomplete, indicating a systemic issue with maintaining cleanliness and proper food storage practices in the kitchen.
Deficiencies in Resident Care and Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain residents' rights and dignity, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. Resident #6 was observed in a wheelchair with a towel over his lap due to missing pants, which he had reported to staff without resolution. The resident expressed frustration over the missing clothing and lack of assistance from staff. Additionally, Resident #60 was found with long fingernails that were not trimmed by staff, despite the resident's need for assistance with personal hygiene. Several residents, including Residents #38, #81, and #82, reported receiving cold meals, with food trays often left in the hallway before being served. This resulted in meals being served at unpalatable temperatures, and residents expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food service. The Dietary Manager acknowledged complaints about cold food but had not conducted audits to address the issue. Furthermore, Resident #97 reported missed showers and long call light wait times, leading to incontinence incidents and further dissatisfaction with care. The facility's failure to provide timely hydration was also noted, with observations of water dated from previous shifts and call lights left on the floor, making them inaccessible to residents. Interviews with residents revealed complaints of staff rudeness and disrespect, with reports of staff ignoring residents' needs and failing to address concerns. The facility's policies on resident rights and hydration were not adequately followed, contributing to the overall deficiency in maintaining a dignified and respectful environment for residents.
Inconsistent Dialysis Care and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide consistent pre and post dialysis weights for two residents and did not ensure that two other residents received their medications post dialysis. This resulted in potential health risks due to the lack of medication therapy and monitoring of fluid retention. The facility's 'Hemodialysis' policy and 'Medication Administration' policy were not adhered to, leading to these deficiencies. Resident #107 did not receive several medications on multiple dialysis days in December 2024 and January 2025, including medications for blood pressure, GERD, and dialysis-related needs. The Director of Nursing (DON) was unable to explain why the medications were not administered as per the physician's orders. Similarly, Resident #22's medication regimen was not adjusted to accommodate dialysis treatments, resulting in missed doses of medications for hypertension, depression, and other conditions on dialysis days. Resident #21 and Resident #83 experienced inconsistencies in obtaining pre and post dialysis weights. Resident #21's Dialysis Communication Forms were often incomplete, missing crucial weight information, which is essential for assessing nutritional status and fluid retention. Resident #83's weights were not consistently obtained, and the dialysis center did not always provide the necessary weight documentation. This lack of documentation and monitoring could lead to complications related to fluid retention and other dialysis-related issues.
Failure to Document and Act on Pharmacy Recommendations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pharmacist medication regimen reviews (MRR) were properly reviewed, acted upon, and documented in the residents' clinical records for five residents. This resulted in medications not being adjusted with physician responses to accept or decline the pharmacy recommendations. The deficiency was identified through interviews and record reviews, revealing that the facility did not maintain signed copies of pharmacy recommendations within the medical charts or in a subsequent binder for other residents' MRR. For Resident #27, the pharmacist noted an irregularity on 9/24/2024, but the specifics were not documented in the resident's medical record. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the recommendation was addressed timely in early October 2024, but signed copies were not available. Similarly, for Resident #86, pharmacy consultation reports were provided but were unsigned by the physician and DON, and specifics of recommendations from March, May, and October 2024 were not located in the resident's medical record. Resident #40 had four MRR recommendations over the past year, but only one recommendation from 10/30/2024 was located. The recommendations from March and May 2024 were missing, and it was unclear if they were reviewed or acted upon. For Resident #42, two MRR recommendations were identified, but only one was found, and the recommended bloodwork was not located in the medical record. Resident #102's pharmacy reviews for June and August 2024 were missing, and the DON could not confirm if there were any recommendations for those months.
Medication Storage and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of medications across multiple medication carts and a treatment cart. Observations revealed that medications were not dated when opened, including insulin, Valproic acid, oxcarbazepine, Risperidone, and inhalers, which could affect their efficacy and potency. Loose tablets were found in medication carts and on the floor, indicating a lack of proper handling and storage procedures. Additionally, the facility did not consistently monitor refrigerator temperatures where temperature-sensitive medications were stored. The 'Vaccine Storage Temperature Log' showed several instances where temperature checks were missed, potentially compromising the integrity of the medications stored within. This lack of consistent monitoring could lead to medications being stored at incorrect temperatures, further affecting their effectiveness. The treatment cart was found unlocked and unattended in a common area, accessible to residents. This posed a risk as the cart contained dressing supplies and prescribed treatments. The nurse responsible for the cart acknowledged that it should have been secured, highlighting a lapse in protocol adherence. These deficiencies collectively indicate a failure in maintaining medication safety and security within the facility.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Ice Handling and Personal Item Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to infection prevention and control standards in two key areas: the safe handling of ice and the proper storage of personal items. An Activity Aide was observed transporting uncovered basins filled with ice in an elevator, which was intended for resident activities. This practice was contrary to the facility's protocol, which required the use of covered pitchers for ice transport. The Infection Prevention and Control Nurse confirmed that the aide should have used the covered pitchers, as per the facility's infection control practices. Additionally, multiple observations were made regarding the improper storage of personal items such as urinals and bedpans in resident rooms. In several instances, urinals and bedpans were found without proper identification, making it unclear which resident they belonged to. Some items were stored inappropriately, such as a bedpan placed upside down on a bedside table over personal and food items, and a denture cup without a lid positioned under a soap dispenser. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that these items should have been marked with identification to prevent contamination and ensure proper infection control.
Facility Fails to Maintain Clean and Safe Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by multiple observations of unclean and cluttered conditions in resident rooms. In one instance, a bathroom was found to be very soiled with brown smears on the toilet seat and discolored stains on the floor. Another room was observed to be cluttered with bags and boxes, obstructing a clear path. These conditions were noted despite the residents having full cognitive abilities and being independent or requiring minimal assistance with care. Additionally, a resident complained about a malfunctioning sink that overflowed before the water could get warm, causing inconvenience and potential hazards. Another resident's area was cluttered with overflowing bags of pop cans and bottles under the bed. These observations indicate a failure by the facility to ensure a clean and safe environment, as required by the care plans and resident rights to a homelike setting.
Failure to Update Care Plans for Residents with Nutritional and Swallowing Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to review and revise care plans for two residents, leading to potential missed interventions and unmet needs. Resident #64, who experienced significant weight loss, was observed struggling to eat due to shaky hands and was not receiving assistance with meals. Despite a 5.6% weight loss over 33 days, the care plan was not updated to reflect necessary interventions such as increased protein intake and assistance with feeding. The resident's nutritional care plan lacked updates for recent changes, and the Registered Dietitian was unaware of the resident's pressure ulcers, which required additional protein for healing. Resident #39, who has a tracheostomy and a feeding tube, was observed refusing enteral nutrition and water flushes, yet his care plan did not reflect these refusals or the fact that he was consuming food orally. The resident was scheduled for a swallow evaluation, but this was not documented in the care plan. Despite being observed eating food, including a hamburger, the care plan did not mention the resident's oral intake or the lack of current speech therapy services. The facility's failure to update and revise care plans for these residents indicates a lack of adherence to their own policies, which require care plans to be updated with significant changes. This oversight could lead to inadequate care and unmet needs for residents with complex medical conditions.
Deficiencies in Wound Care and Life Vest Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate care for two residents, leading to deficiencies in their treatment. Resident #383 was observed with a bandage on his left forearm that had not been changed since 1/27/2025, and there were no current orders for wound care on his Treatment Administration Record (TAR). The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed the absence of an appropriate order and noted that the dressing was loose and not covering the injuries. This oversight in wound care management highlights a lapse in ensuring timely and documented treatment for the resident. Resident #115, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including heart failure and was prescribed to wear a Life Vest, was found not to be using the device correctly. On 1/27/2025, it was noted that the Life Vest was not connected to the battery, and the resident refused to plug it in despite being educated on its importance. There was no documentation of this issue being reported to the physician or nurse practitioner. Additionally, after an unwitnessed fall on 1/29/2025, there was no mention of the Life Vest in the subsequent documentation, indicating a lack of monitoring and intervention related to the device. The facility's care plans and documentation for Resident #115 did not include specific interventions or instructions for the Life Vest, and there was no staff education on its use. The facility's policy on wearable cardioverter-defibrillators was not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and staff awareness regarding the Life Vest. These deficiencies in care and documentation for both residents reflect a failure to adhere to standards of practice and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Failure to Prevent Facility-Acquired Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the development of facility-acquired pressure ulcers for a resident, resulting in two new pressure ulcers. The resident, who had a history of impaired cognitive ability and was dependent on assistance for most activities, developed these ulcers due to poor nutritional intake, including a low protein diet, and subsequent weight loss. The facility's 'Skin Management' policy required a nutritional evaluation for residents with skin impairments, but this was not adequately implemented for the resident. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident had sores on the right foot, with one wound on the heel progressing to a Stage IV ulcer with exposed bone and tendons. The resident's care plan included interventions for offloading pressure, but these were not effectively executed, as the resident was noted to kick off the soft boot meant to relieve pressure. Additionally, the resident's nutritional care plan was not updated to address the significant weight loss and inadequate protein intake, which was only 58% of the required amount for wound healing. The Registered Dietitian was unaware of the resident's pressure ulcers and the recent significant weight loss. The resident's protein intake was insufficient, and the care plan did not reflect necessary interventions to address this deficiency. The lack of timely and appropriate nutritional interventions, combined with inadequate pressure relief measures, contributed to the development and worsening of the resident's pressure ulcers.
Failure to Implement Restorative Therapy Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement a restorative therapy program and develop a care plan for a resident, resulting in the potential for functional decline. The resident, who had diagnoses including anxiety disorder, depression, lymphedema, and an open wound of the lower leg, was admitted to the facility and required substantial assistance with daily activities. Despite having intact cognition, the resident reported that therapy had stopped prematurely and that the facility staff did not follow through with the planned restorative therapy, which included walking exercises and the use of weights. The resident's electronic medical record indicated a task for nursing rehab to maintain the ability to walk, but documentation showed inconsistent implementation, with many days marked as 'Not Applicable' and no care plan developed for restorative therapy. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the lack of a restorative therapy plan and was unable to find instructions from therapy in the electronic medical record. The facility's policy on restorative nursing emphasized the importance of maintaining residents' physical well-being, but the resident's care did not align with these guidelines.
Failure to Prevent Weight Loss and Provide Nutritional Support
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent significant weight loss and provide adequate nutritional support for a resident, resulting in a 5.6% weight loss over 33 days and the development of pressure ulcers. The resident, who had a history of shaky hands, was observed with uneaten meals and reported difficulty feeding himself without assistance. Despite the resident's nutritional care plan indicating the need for health shakes and Med Pass supplements, these interventions were not effectively implemented or documented in the care plan. The resident's protein intake was significantly below the required amount to promote healing of pressure wounds, and the dietary staff was unaware of the resident's pressure ulcers. The facility's policies on nutritional services and weight management were not adequately followed, as the resident's significant weight loss was not promptly addressed with appropriate interventions. The Registered Dietitian (RD) was not aware of the resident's pressure ulcers and did not adjust the care plan to meet the resident's increased protein needs. Observations revealed that the resident was not receiving assistance with meals, contributing to inadequate nutritional intake. The lack of timely and effective interventions led to the resident's continued weight loss and inadequate protein intake, which are critical for healing pressure ulcers.
Failure to Provide Ordered Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that oxygen was provided as ordered for a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among other diagnoses. The resident, who had severely impaired cognition and required assistance with daily activities, had an order for 2 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula to maintain oxygen saturation above 90%. However, during an observation, it was noted that the oxygen tubing was not properly connected to the concentrator, resulting in the resident not receiving the prescribed oxygen. The resident's oxygen saturation was initially recorded at 85% before the tubing was reconnected, after which it increased to 95%. The deficiency was identified when a nurse was summoned to the resident's room and observed the incorrect connection of the oxygen tubing. The nurse acknowledged that the staff responsible for changing the oxygen tubing had not connected it correctly. The Director of Nursing was aware of the issue and indicated that the staff had been informed about the importance of proper tubing connection. This incident highlights a lapse in ensuring the correct delivery of respiratory care as per the resident's medical orders.
Failure to Document and Order Suicide Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that suicide precautions were ordered and documented for a resident who was on suicide watch. The resident, who had a history of major depressive disorder and other significant health issues, was observed without a call light, which had been replaced with a bell as a precautionary measure. Despite the resident's threats of self-harm and the initiation of 15-minute checks by the staff, there was no formal order for suicide precautions in the resident's care plan or medical record. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident had been sent to the hospital for suicidal ideation and returned without changes in medication. The staff were aware of the resident's condition and had attempted to implement suicide precautions, but these were not documented in the care plan. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident had been on suicide precautions previously, but there was no documentation of the 15-minute checks in the medical record, as they were recorded on paper at the nurse's desk. The facility's policy on suicide/self-harm attempts required immediate 1:1 supervision and updates to the care plan when warning signs were exhibited. However, the staff had not received education on suicide precautions, and the necessary orders for suicide precautions were not placed until more than 24 hours after the resident's initial threat of self-harm. This lack of documentation and formal orders resulted in a deficiency in the continuity of care for the resident.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain informed consent prior to administering psychotropic medications to three residents, which is a requirement to ensure that residents or their representatives are fully aware of the potential effects and reasons for the medication. Resident #27 was prescribed Risperidone for psychotic disorder without a documented diagnosis of psychosis, and the facility was unable to provide a consent form for this medication. Similarly, Resident #90 was receiving Latuda and Zoloft for delusional disorder and depression, respectively, without the facility obtaining consent forms for these medications. The facility's social worker confirmed that consents were not used for anti-depressants or anxiety medications, despite their potential impact on residents' behaviors and moods. Additionally, Resident #102 was receiving multiple psychotropic medications, including Ativan, Depakote, and Zyprexa, for various psychological conditions. However, the facility failed to conduct pharmacy reviews for this resident's medication regimen in June and August 2024, as required. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the absence of these reviews and was unable to confirm if any pharmacy recommendations were made during those months. This oversight indicates a lapse in the facility's medication management and review processes, which are critical for ensuring the safe and appropriate use of psychotropic medications.
Failure to Follow Medication Administration Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to standards of practice and physician orders regarding medication administration for a resident, leading to potential adverse medication reactions. The resident, who had chronic kidney disease, dementia, bradycardia, and other conditions, was administered medications outside the prescribed parameters. Specifically, Nifedipine was given despite the resident's heart rate being below the ordered threshold, and Doxazosin was administered without applying the necessary parameters after the resident's return from the hospital. The resident's medical records indicated multiple instances where medications were administered despite vital signs being outside the prescribed parameters. For example, Nifedipine was given when the resident's heart rate was below 50, and Doxazosin was administered when the systolic blood pressure was below 100. Additionally, Midodrine was given when the blood pressure was above the hold parameter of 110. These actions were contrary to the physician's orders and the facility's medication administration policy. Interviews with the Director of Nursing revealed that the nursing staff did not follow the parameters and failed to contact the physician for clarification when vital signs were inconsistent with the medication orders. The facility's policy required that medications be administered according to the physician's written orders and that any inconsistencies be addressed with the physician before administration. The failure to adhere to these protocols resulted in the potential for adverse medication reactions and re-hospitalization of the resident.
Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely dental services for a resident, resulting in a broken tooth not being repaired or extracted, causing pain and infection. The resident, who had intact cognition and required assistance with daily activities, reported breaking a tooth around Thanksgiving and expressed frustration over not knowing when it would be addressed. An observation confirmed the presence of a broken tooth on the upper left side, which was painful and infected. The resident was unaware of the plan for dental care, and the facility did not communicate effectively with the dental service provider. The resident's medical record indicated that a dental hygienist had assessed the resident on December 2nd, noting a deep fracture in the tooth that was painful. The dentist was scheduled to visit the facility on January 29th, but the visit was canceled and rescheduled for February 5th. The facility was not informed that x-rays were needed before further treatment, and there was no hygienist available to perform the x-rays. The lack of communication and coordination between the facility and the dental service provider led to a delay in treatment, leaving the resident in pain and without a clear plan for care.
Failure to Provide Adaptive Eating Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adaptive eating equipment and utensils for a resident, resulting in difficulties during meal times. The resident, who had moderately impaired cognition and required assistance with eating, was observed struggling to manage a Styrofoam cup and utensils due to poor hand control. The resident expressed frustration and was unable to eat or drink without spilling, as the adaptive equipment specified in the meal ticket, such as a two-handled spouted cup and built-up utensils, was not provided. Staff interviews revealed that the adaptive equipment was available but not consistently provided to the resident. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the equipment should have been included with every meal, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that the resident should have received a two-handled cup for hydration. The resident's care plan and therapy communication documents also indicated the need for specific adaptive equipment to assist with eating, which was not adhered to during the observed meal.
Latest citations in Michigan
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including vascular dementia and thoracic spine fractures, had a care plan and Kardex requiring two-person assist for bed mobility and toileting at bed level. A CNA, who acknowledged knowing the resident was a two-person assist but did not seek help because staff were busy and was unfamiliar with the facility’s fall-prevention protocol, provided incontinence care and changed bed linens alone. During this one-person care, the resident rolled out of bed, sustained a head laceration, was found on the floor in a pool of blood, and required hospital evaluation and suturing before returning to the facility, where the resident was later observed crying and pointing to the sutured forehead.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of elopement, and daily wandering exited the building in the early morning while wearing an electronic elopement-prevention device. When the front door and device alarms sounded, the DON shut off the main alarm without an immediate overhead headcount or clear communication about which door had alarmed, and staff, affected by frequent door alarms from smokers, were confused about whether it was an elopement. While staff searched inside and around the building, the resident walked a significant distance along a main road without a coat in freezing weather before being located by nursing staff. Three additional residents with severe cognitive impairment and wandering behaviors were found to be wearing electronic devices, but for some there were no physician orders, no documented device checks, missing inclusion on the elopement risk list, and care plans that did not include the devices as interventions, demonstrating inconsistent elopement risk identification and planning.
A resident with a known history of attempting to leave the facility exited through the front door in the early morning, triggering both the door alarm and an elopement prevention device. The DON shut off the main alarm, looked outside but did not immediately exit the front door or make an overhead announcement, leading to confusion among staff about which door had alarmed and whether anyone was missing. CNAs searched the grounds, and an LPN used a car to search nearby streets, eventually locating the resident walking with a walker near a gas station, cold and without a coat, in freezing temperatures along a main highway. An RN then assisted in persuading the resident to return, with the total time away exceeding 25 minutes. The incident, which posed a risk to the resident’s health and safety, was not reported to the State Agency as required by the facility’s abuse, neglect, and exploitation reporting policy.
A resident at risk for elopement exited the facility through a front door in the early morning, triggering both the door alarm and an elopement device alarm. The DON shut off the main alarm and looked outside but did not immediately exit the front door, while CNAs and an LPN searched the building and surrounding areas. The resident, wearing everyday clothes and no coat in freezing weather, was eventually located by an LPN walking with a walker near a gas station on a busy road, and a second nurse assisted in persuading the resident to return. The facility’s investigation failed to preserve or document key information from available video footage, did not record specific times, route, distance traveled, or weather conditions, and included incomplete and delayed risk management documentation with limited witness statements, contrary to facility policy requiring prompt incident reporting and medical record entries after an elopement event.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, mobility limitations, and a history of falls was observed in bed with the call light wrapped around the television and out of reach, despite a care plan requiring the call light to be kept within reach. Another cognitively intact resident with neuromuscular impairment, care planned for weighted utensils and a plate guard, received a meal tray containing only a weighted fork and no weighted knife or spoon, causing visible difficulty and frustration while attempting to cut and eat a chicken breast. Resident Council minutes from two consecutive months documented repeated complaints from residents that call lights were not accessible and were not answered in a timely manner.
A resident with stroke-related hemiparesis, abnormal gait, dementia, CKD, and hypertension, care planned as at risk for falls, experienced an unwitnessed fall while attempting to use the bathroom, having taken an IV pole instead of a walker and tripping over IV tubing. A CNA found the resident on the bathroom floor, sitting upright and holding assist bars, and, seeing no obvious injury, helped the resident back to bed before notifying an LPN. The LPN’s documentation and post-fall evaluation reflected assessment only after the resident was already in bed, with no injuries identified. Facility leadership and written fall management guidelines state that after a fall, the nurse must be notified immediately and must evaluate the resident for possible head, neck, spine, and extremity injuries prior to moving them, which did not occur in this case.
A resident with hemiplegia, dementia, and moderate cognitive impairment had a documented ADL self-care deficit and a care plan specifying assisted evening showers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays per his and his family’s request. Facility records, including the Kardex and nursing notes, reflected this schedule, but shower documentation for one month showed three missed, undocumented showers out of 13 scheduled. A family member reported that showers were not always completed as scheduled, and the DON confirmed the three-times-weekly schedule but could not provide documentation that showers were offered or completed on the missing dates, contrary to the facility’s ADL policy requiring provision and documentation of hygiene care.
Surveyors found that staff failed to maintain accurate and complete treatment documentation for multiple residents, including missing TAR entries for ordered compression stockings, skin care, wound care, and monitoring, inconsistent and unexplained use of an incentive spirometer order with no supporting progress notes, and conflicting records about nebulized Ipratropium-Albuterol treatments that residents and the NP reported were never given due to lack of equipment. Nurses sometimes charted treatments as completed or used the "07-Other/See Progress Notes" code without any corresponding notes, while leadership acknowledged there was no systematic oversight of treatment documentation, contrary to the facility’s own documentation policy requiring factual, complete, and non-false entries.
A resident with dementia, heart disease, and multiple pressure and skin wounds had a complex care plan with numerous updates for conditions such as cognitive fluctuation, UTI, anemia, hypothyroidism, constipation risk, and nutritional risk, but the POA reported never receiving a copy of the care plan. Care conference documentation left the “Plan of Care” section blank, and although the SW stated it was standard to offer and provide the plan, there was no evidence this occurred. The resident’s representatives and POA repeatedly reported poor communication, including not being informed when PT and OT services ended and not receiving timely responses to messages and emails about care concerns. Wound orders and conditions changed over time, including new wounds and merging buttock wounds, yet the record did not show that the POA was notified of these significant changes, contrary to facility policy requiring notification of the resident and representative for major changes in condition and treatment.
Two residents did not receive appropriate treatment and care according to orders and needs. A resident with DM, peripheral vascular disease, prior toe amputation, and osteomyelitis had an in-house–acquired right second toe ulcer that was documented and treated, but dark eschar on the right third toe seen in a wound photo and described by a PA as eschar on the second and third toes was not added to the wound tracking spreadsheet or clearly documented as a separate wound before the resident was later hospitalized and underwent amputation of the second and third toes. Nursing notes and NP documentation focused on the second toe only, and staff interviews showed uncertainty about whether the entire foot was consistently assessed during dressing changes. Another resident with dementia and severe cognitive impairment had increasing difficulty hearing; the guardian reported requesting that the resident’s hearing be checked due to suspected earwax buildup, but no assessment or intervention was documented.
Failure to Provide Required Two-Person Assist During Bed Mobility Resulting in Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow a resident’s care plan requiring two-person assistance for bed mobility and toileting at bed level, resulting in a fall from bed. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including cerebral infarction, vascular dementia, thoracic spine wedge compression fractures (T11–T12), major depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, and had a BIMS score of 2/15 indicating severely impaired cognition. The resident’s care plan, in place prior to the incident, specified that two staff members were required to assist with bed mobility and toileting at bed level. On the day of the incident, a CNA provided incontinence care and changed bed linens for the resident without obtaining the required second staff member, despite acknowledging awareness that the resident was a two-person assist and having reviewed the Kardex that specified two-person assistance for bed mobility. The CNA reported not seeking assistance because other staff were busy and also stated unfamiliarity with the facility’s “Happy Feet” fall prevention protocol. During this one-person care, the resident rolled out of bed and fell to the floor. Following the fall, a nurse responded to the room and found the resident on the floor with a pool of blood and an abrasion on the right side of the forehead, later documented as a facial laceration requiring five sutures at the hospital. The resident was transported to the hospital for evaluation, including imaging and other diagnostic tests, and returned the same day with instructions for suture care and pain relief. Later observation documented the resident lying in bed, nonverbal, crying, and pointing to the forehead where the stitches were present. Interviews with the Administrator and DON confirmed that the fall was attributed to the CNA not following the care plan and not waiting for another staff member to assist with ADL care and bed mobility.
Failure to Prevent Elopement and Inadequate Elopement/Wandering Safeguards
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prevent an elopement and to ensure adequate elopement and unsafe wandering safeguards for multiple residents identified as at risk. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of elopement, and documented daily wandering exited the building in the early morning hours while wearing an electronic elopement-prevention device. The front door alarm and the device alarm sounded, but the DON shut off the main alarm and did not immediately initiate an overhead headcount or clearly communicate which door had alarmed. Staff described confusion about whether the alarm was due to smokers using the door or an elopement, and some staff reported they could not hear the device alarm from certain halls. While staff searched rooms and areas inside the building and around the exterior, the resident walked away from the facility in freezing temperatures without a coat. Interviews and record review showed that the resident who eloped had multiple psychiatric and cognitive diagnoses, a BIMS score indicating severely impaired cognition, and an MDS indicating daily wandering. The resident’s care plan identified her as an elopement risk with exit-seeking behavior, a history of elopement, and triggers such as frustration, desire to leave, and difficulty with change. On the same night as the elopement, documentation showed the resident was aggressive, frustrated, and disoriented after a room change, which matched her identified triggers. Despite these known risks and triggers, when the alarm sounded early that morning, staff did not immediately verify at the front door whether the resident had exited, did not keep the elopement alarm active until she was found, and relied on delayed, word-of-mouth communication to begin a headcount and search. Staff ultimately located the resident approximately a half mile away on a main road, walking with a walker and no coat, and reported that she was cold and initially refused to return. The deficiency also includes failures in elopement risk identification and care planning for three additional residents who wore electronic elopement-prevention devices. One resident with severely impaired cognition and documented wandering behavior was observed wearing a device, which triggered an alarm when she attempted to go through a service hallway door toward an outside exit. However, there was no physician order for the device, no order to check its function, and her care plan for wandering did not include the use of the device. Another resident with severely impaired cognition and daily wandering had a physician order to check the device’s function and was listed on the facility’s elopement risk list, but her care plan did not include the device as an intervention. A third resident with severely impaired cognition and daily intrusive wandering also wore a device and had an order to check its function, yet her care plan did not include the device, and she was not listed on the elopement risk list. The staff member responsible for tracking elopement risk residents presented a handwritten list that was supposed to include all residents with devices, but at least two residents wearing devices were not on that list, demonstrating inconsistent identification and care planning for elopement risk. Facility policy on Unsafe Wandering and Elopement Prevention stated that every effort would be made to prevent unsafe wandering and elopement while maintaining the least restrictive environment, and that nursing personnel must report and investigate all reports of missing residents. Staff interviews revealed frequent door and alarm use by smokers, contributing to what staff described as “alarm fatigue” and confusion when alarms sounded. In the elopement incident, staff reported that the elopement protocol required leaving the device alarm on and calling an overhead headcount, but this did not occur as required. The combination of alarm fatigue, failure to follow elopement procedures, incomplete or missing physician orders and care plan interventions for residents wearing devices, and inconsistent maintenance of the elopement risk list led to the cited deficiency for failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision and elopement prevention measures were in place.
Failure to Report Resident Elopement in Freezing Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an elopement incident to the State Agency (SA) as required by its abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy. A resident identified as R10, who was known by staff to have previously attempted to leave the facility and was considered an elopement risk, exited the building through the front door in the early morning hours. When R10 left, both the front door alarm and the elopement prevention device alarm were activated. The DON was in the building, went to the front door, shut off the main alarm, and realized the elopement prevention device was sounding. The DON looked outside but did not exit through the front door, and there was no immediate overhead announcement identifying which door had alarmed or whether a resident was missing, which created confusion among staff. Following the alarm, CNAs went outside to look in the parking lot and surrounding areas around the building, and another CNA spoke with the DON at the door. A head count was then called, and an LPN determined that R10 could not be found in the building. The LPN got into her car and drove to the main street to search for the resident. During this time, the service drive was described as snowed in with no footprints in the snow, and staff did not initially know which door had alarmed. The LPN eventually located R10 walking near a gas station but reported that the resident refused to get into the car, prompting an RN to drive to the location to assist. The RN later stated that it took about 20 minutes to find R10 and additional time to pick her up and convince her to get into the car. The facility’s investigation confirmed that R10 left the building at approximately 5:15 AM and was gone for over 25 minutes, walking with a walker outdoors. Historical weather data reviewed by the surveyor showed temperatures between 22 and 29 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of the incident, and the resident was described as cold and freezing, without a coat, while walking on a sidewalk next to the main highway. The surveyor determined that this situation represented a risk to the resident’s health and safety, and it was further found that the elopement incident was not reported to the SA, despite the facility’s policy requiring reporting of such events within specified timeframes.
Failure to Thoroughly and Timely Investigate Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to conduct a complete, thorough, and timely investigation of an elopement involving one resident. A complaint to the State Agency alleged that the resident left the facility in the early morning hours in freezing temperatures, walking several blocks on a highway with a walker and without a jacket, and that staff discovered the resident missing only after some time had passed. The complaint further alleged that the DON shut off the main door alarm that alerts staff when residents wearing an elopement prevention device leave the facility, did not immediately initiate a headcount, and returned to other tasks, while another nurse later determined that an elopement‑risk resident was not in the building and initiated a search. The resident was reportedly found 15–20 minutes later about a half mile away on a busy road and returned to the facility uninjured. The facility’s written investigation, presented nearly four weeks after the event, described that the resident exited the front door, triggering both the door alarm and the elopement device alarm. The DON responded to the alarm, shut off the main alarm, and looked outside but did not go out the front door, while CNAs searched the parking lot and surrounding areas and another CNA spoke with the DON. A headcount was called, and an LPN reported she could not find the resident, then drove her car to the main street, located the resident walking near a gas station, and reported that the resident initially refused to get into the car. A second nurse drove to the location, and together they persuaded the resident to return. The facility’s own summary of concerns noted that the resident was able to leave the building, that the DON did not go out the front door, that other staff exited through the back door, and that no one went immediately out the front door, and also noted that the resident had been triggered earlier and had previously attempted to leave the facility. The investigation was incomplete and inaccurate in multiple respects. The facility had camera footage of the exit door used by the resident, but the NHA reported that the footage was not saved because they did not know how to preserve it, and it was taped over. The Maintenance Director stated he viewed the video and could see the resident exit in everyday clothes and later re‑enter, but he did not record the times, and those times were not included in the investigation. The investigation did not document the time the resident exited, who went out the door, when the resident was found, or when she re‑entered the building. It did not address the route taken, did not measure the distance traveled, and did not document the weather conditions, even though historical data showed temperatures between 22–29°F and there was snow that might have shown the resident’s path. The risk management report, authored by the DON, contained an internal inconsistency in timing (stated as written before the alarm response time), included written witness statements from only a limited number of involved staff, omitted the second nurse who assisted in returning the resident, and the DON’s witness statement was linked to a late entry progress note written over two weeks after the event. A regional RN stated she would have expected the risk management report and documentation to be completed as part of the investigation as soon as possible and certainly sooner than two weeks later, and the facility’s own elopement policy required completion and filing of an incident report and appropriate medical record entries upon the resident’s return, which was not timely or thoroughly done in this case.
Failure to Ensure Accessible Call Lights and Consistent Provision of Adaptive Eating Devices
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failure to honor residents' rights to dignity, self-determination, communication, and exercise of rights by not ensuring call lights were accessible and answered timely, and by not providing ordered adaptive eating equipment. One resident with a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, deafness, nonverbal status, difficulty walking, and severely impaired cognition (BIMS score of 0) was observed lying in bed with the bed in the lowest position and the call light wrapped around the television, tucked away and far from the resident’s reach. The resident’s MDS documented dependence in toileting, showers, and ADLs, and the care plan identified risk for falls with interventions including keeping the call light within reach and orienting the resident to surroundings and use of the call light. During the observation, the RN confirmed the call light was not within the resident’s reach. Another resident with diagnoses including rhabdomyolysis, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, and a BIMS score of 15 indicating intact cognition, was care planned to receive adaptive equipment for eating, including weighted utensils and a plate guard. The resident reported that meal portions were sometimes too small and that they had been receiving double portions recently. While eating independently, the resident struggled to cut a chicken breast using only a weighted fork, became frustrated, and resorted to picking up the chicken breast with the fork and nibbling it, leaving crumbs and honey glaze on their face. The resident stated that a weighted knife and spoon were supposed to be provided but were not sent with the meal this time, and that sometimes they were provided and sometimes not. The lunch meal ticket documented that a weighted fork, weighted knife, and weighted spoon were ordered, but only a weighted fork was present on the tray. Resident Council minutes from two consecutive months documented repeated complaints that call lights were not answered timely, were not accessible, and were not within reach.
Failure to Perform Nurse Assessment Before Moving Resident After Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its fall management policy and professional standards of practice by not ensuring a licensed nurse completed a comprehensive post-fall assessment before the resident was moved. The resident involved was a male with right-sided hemiplegia/hemiparesis following a stroke, abnormal gait/mobility, depression, dementia with moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 9/15), chronic kidney disease, and hypertension with periods of hypotension. His care plan identified him as at risk for falls due to these conditions and potential medication side effects. On the date of the incident, an unwitnessed fall occurred in the resident’s room at approximately 1:15 AM. Documentation in the Incident/Accident Report and Post Fall Evaluation indicated the resident reported he had attempted to use the bathroom, took his IV pole instead of his walker, and tripped over the IV tubing. The report stated that upon the nurse’s entry to the room, the resident was sitting on the bed, his skin was assessed, vital signs were within normal limits, range of motion was performed, and neurological checks were initiated, with no injuries identified. The nursing progress note reflected similar information, indicating the fall was reported to the nurse by a CNA and that the assessment was conducted with the resident already in bed. However, interview statements revealed that the resident had actually been on the bathroom floor immediately after the fall. The CNA who responded to the bathroom call light reported finding the resident sitting upright on the floor with his hands on the assist bars and the IV pole in front of the sink. Believing he had no visible injuries, the CNA assisted him up from the floor and back to bed before notifying the nurse. The CNA stated she normally would not move a resident before the nurse’s assessment. The DON and ADON both reported that facility practice and the written Fall Management Guidelines require that when a resident falls or is found on the floor, the nurse must be notified immediately and the resident must be evaluated for possible injuries to the head, neck, spine, and extremities prior to moving the resident. This did not occur for this resident, resulting in the lack of a comprehensive assessment for injury by a licensed nurse while the resident was still on the floor post-fall.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers per Resident Preference and Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide bathing care according to a resident’s stated preferences and plan of care. A male resident with right-sided hemiplegia/hemiparesis following a stroke, abnormal gait/mobility, depression, dementia, and moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 9/15) had a documented self-care ADL deficit related to CVA, cognitive impairment, and history of failure to thrive. His care plan, revised on 3/18/26, and the Kardex both specified that he preferred showers on the evening shift, scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and that staff were to assist him to bathe/shower as preferred per the shower schedule and as needed. A nursing progress note dated 3/18/26 documented that his shower dates were updated per resident request to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Review of shower/bath documentation for the month of April showed that, out of 13 scheduled showers, there was no documentation of showers being provided on three scheduled days: 4/3/26, 4/20/26, and 4/27/26. A family member reported that the resident was supposed to receive showers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but these were not always completed as scheduled. The DON confirmed that the resident’s shower schedule had been changed to three times per week on those days per family request and was unable to provide documentation of showers offered or completed on the three missing dates prior to survey exit. This was inconsistent with the facility’s ADL policy, which required provision of appropriate hygiene care and documentation of the assistance needed in the care plan and Kardex.
Inaccurate and Incomplete Treatment Documentation for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain accurate and complete medical records and treatment documentation for multiple residents, resulting in uncertainty about whether ordered care was provided and conflicting information between records and staff reports. For one resident with muscle weakness and type 2 diabetes, review of the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) showed repeated missing documentation for several ordered treatments, including daily compression stockings for edema, daily vital signs with SpO2 monitoring, use and replacement of a PureWick external catheter, application of Calmoseptine for MASD every shift, monitoring of an alternating pressure mattress every shift, application of lymphedema boots every shift with progress notes for refusals, and wound care to the right lateral thigh every shift. On multiple dates in April, there was no documentation indicating whether these treatments were completed or missed, and no reasons recorded for any missed care. The DON stated that nurses were supposed to document completion or missed treatments with reasons, and acknowledged there was no one ensuring that nurses completed all treatment documentation and that she was unaware of the multiple missing treatment records for this resident. For another resident admitted with repeated falls and difficulty walking, the TAR contained an order to encourage use of an incentive spirometer every four hours, with staff assistance, for respiratory health. On numerous entries, nursing staff documented the code “07-Other/See Progress Notes,” but there were no corresponding progress notes explaining what occurred with the treatment. The TAR also showed the treatment documented as administered at certain times, while interviews with the family member, NP, RN, and DON revealed conflicting accounts about whether the resident had an incentive spirometer available and whether it was being used. The family member reported believing staff were not using the spirometer and that it might have been lost. The NP reported the order was placed at the family’s request, that the resident was not capable of using the device, and that she had heard staff might have lost it, creating a conflict with TAR entries showing the treatment as given. An RN reported the facility did not have an incentive spirometer and did not think the resident ever had one, and could not explain why she had documented “07-Other/See Progress Notes” without any corresponding note. The DON confirmed the resident had been admitted with an incentive spirometer and that nurses were supposed to write a progress note when using the “07” code, but she could not explain why some nurses documented the treatment as administered while others used “07” without explanation, leaving her unable to confirm whether the treatment was actually offered. For a third resident with sarcoidosis and muscle weakness, who was cognitively intact per a recent MDS BIMS score, the TAR showed an order for Ipratropium-Albuterol (DuoNeb) inhalation solution three times daily for three days for asthma exacerbation. The TAR reflected the treatment as administered twice on the first day, three times on the second day, and once on the third day, with subsequent entries coded as “07-Other/See Progress Notes” by an LPN, but without any related progress notes in the record. Progress notes from the NP documented that nebulizer treatments had been ordered for wheezing and cough, but later entries stated that the resident reported she never received the nebulizer treatments and that these were never administered because staff could not locate a nebulizer. In interview, the resident reported having a severe cough and shortness of breath since early in the month and stated that although albuterol treatments were ordered, nursing staff never administered them despite her informing staff and the NP. The NP confirmed the resident’s report that she had not received the treatments and stated she had informed the DON. The LPN who documented “07-Other/See Progress Notes” reported she did so because the facility did not have a nebulizer and she had to call to get one ordered, and she could not explain why other nurses had documented the treatments as administered when there was no nebulizer available. The DON acknowledged there was a delay in obtaining a nebulizer, which delayed the resident’s ordered treatments, and could not explain why staff documented administration of treatments that could not have been given. The facility’s own documentation policy stated that documentation should be factual, objective, accurate, relevant, complete, and that false information would not be documented, which conflicted with the observed charting practices.
Failure to Provide Care Plan Copies and Notify Representative of Significant Care Changes
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident and the resident’s representatives were provided with a copy of the person‑centered care plan and updates, and were adequately informed of significant changes in care and services. The resident, admitted on 03/27/26 with diagnoses including dementia, heart disease, and a sacral pressure ulcer, had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for most ADLs per the 04/02/26 MDS. The active care plan initiated at admission included multiple problem areas such as impaired vision and hearing, fall risk, chronic pain, self‑care deficit, indwelling urinary catheter, pressure ulcer, repositioning needs, and nutritional risk. Subsequent care plan additions documented multiple new or evolving conditions, including cognitive fluctuation, risk for behavior and mood changes, risk for dehydration, anemia, hypothyroidism, constipation risk, and an actual urinary tract infection, as well as nutrition‑related monitoring and RD involvement. Despite these care plan elements and changes, the resident’s POA reported not having received a copy of the care plan and recalled only an orientation meeting without receiving the plan at that time. Care conference notes dated 03/30/26 and 03/31/26 showed that section seven, titled “Plan of Care,” was left blank, indicating that documentation of offering or providing the care plan was not completed. The social worker stated that the POA and representatives attended the initial care conference and that the standard practice would be to offer and provide a copy of the plan of care and orders, but there was no evidence this occurred. The social worker also confirmed that any listed representative in the EMR could receive information, yet reported no prior contact with the resident’s representatives other than the POA. In addition, there were multiple documented concerns from the resident’s representatives and POA about lack of information and communication regarding the resident’s care, including therapy services and wound care. Representatives reported being told that PT and OT had stopped without explanation, and the Director of Rehab Services confirmed that the therapy end date was 04/27/26 and that no notification of the end of services had been given to the POA. The POA and representatives described leaving messages for the DON and emailing the social worker, administrator, and medical director about care concerns without timely responses. Progress notes and wound documentation showed changes in wound status, including order changes for heel wounds, a new right lower extremity wound, a skin tear on the left foot, and a note that three buttock wounds had merged into one, but there was no indication in the record that the POA was contacted about these changes in the care plan and wounds, despite facility policy requiring notification of the resident and representative for significant changes in condition and treatment.
Failure to Identify and Treat New Foot Wound and Address Reported Hearing Concerns
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to identify and appropriately treat a new wound on a resident’s right third toe and to address earwax buildup for another resident, despite reported concerns. One resident with diabetes mellitus, diabetic polyneuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, prior right great toe amputation, and a new diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis of the right ankle and foot was cognitively intact and able to make needs known. He reported that after his right great toe amputation, he developed a pressure ulcer on the top of the second toe and another on the third toe that tunneled through, and he stated staff never identified and did not treat the third toe wound appropriately. Review of his medical record and nursing progress notes showed documentation and ongoing treatment of a right second toe wound but no documentation of a third toe wound prior to the later amputation of additional toes. Wound care documentation and related tools showed that a new in-house–acquired wound on the right second toe was identified and tracked over several weeks, with measurements and treatments recorded on a spreadsheet used by the wound care nurse to communicate with the NP. However, a wound care note and photograph dated 03/09/2026 showed black/brown eschar on the tips of the right third and fourth toes, while the spreadsheet for that date did not list any new wound on the third toe. The wound care nurse stated she performed weekly skin assessments on Mondays and reported that there was nothing noted on the third toe on 03/09/2026, and she indicated she did not see concerns with the third and fourth toes in the photograph, attributing the dark areas to lighting until the surveyor zoomed in on the image. The NP reported that she did not make rounds with the wound care nurse and relied on the spreadsheet to write orders; her visit notes and wound care documentation referenced only the second toe ulcer and described it as stable, with no mention of a third toe wound. Additional record review revealed that a physician assistant note dated 03/11/2026 documented eschar present on the second and third toes of the right foot, with the third distal toe eschar described as irritated, and global swelling of the foot noted. Nursing progress notes showed frequent wound care entries referencing only the right second toe, including on the day before the resident went on a leave of absence, and a note on 03/15/2026 by the wound care nurse stating that upon the resident’s return there was a new open area on the right third toe and that the resident requested transfer to the hospital for wound evaluation. Hospital records from that admission described an infected ulcer on the right third toe with subcutaneous gas, recurrent diabetic foot ulcer, and chronic ulcer on the second toe, and the resident subsequently underwent amputation of the second and third toes. Interviews with nursing staff showed poor recall of the third toe wound, with one RN stating she usually assessed the entire foot during dressing changes but did not think she did so in this instance, and the wound care nurse and DON were unable to identify when the third toe wound was first recognized in facility documentation. The deficiency also includes failure to address reported earwax buildup for another resident with traumatic subdural hemorrhage and dementia, who had severe cognitive impairment on MDS assessment but only minimal hearing difficulty and did not use hearing aids. The resident’s guardian reported by telephone that the resident seemed to have increased difficulty hearing and that they had asked for the resident’s hearing to be checked, but nothing was done. There was no documentation in the report of assessment or treatment of earwax buildup or follow-up on the guardian’s request, indicating that the facility did not provide appropriate care in response to concerns about the resident’s hearing and possible cerumen impaction.
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