The Oaks At Radford Hills Healthcare Center
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Abilene, Texas.
- Location
- 725 Medical Dr, Abilene, Texas 79601
- CMS Provider Number
- 675330
- Inspections on file
- 51
- Latest survey
- March 19, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 12
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at The Oaks At Radford Hills Healthcare Center during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Food Storage and Labeling Deficiency: Surveyors observed multiple unlabeled, undated, and unsealed food items in the kitchen freezer and refrigerator, including chicken, chili, and mustard with inconsistent dating. The DM stated all food removed from original packaging should be labeled and dated, and the ADMN stated staff should have followed the facility policy for dating and labeling food when received.
Expired and unlabeled medications were found in a medication cart and medication room when staff observed an expired Nitroglycerin bottle for a resident, unlabeled medication cups with multiple pills left in the cart, and 3 expired Hep B vaccine vials in the med room refrigerator. An LPN said she did not know who the pills were for, had not checked the cart before accepting it, and stated meds should not be left in cups before administration. The DON said she was responsible for routine cart checks and proper labeling, but had not completed the audits.
Unlocked Medication Cart with Unlabeled Pills Left Unattended An LPN left the Hall C med cart unlocked and out of sight while in a resident's room, with an unlabeled med cup containing six pills sitting on top of the cart. The LPN gave conflicting statements about which resident the pre-popped meds belonged to and said she was in a hurry. The DON stated meds should not be pre-set up or left in cups on the cart, and the facility policy required meds and carts to be stored securely and attended by authorized staff.
Failure to Maintain Required Staff Training Records: The facility failed to ensure required dementia management, HIV, restraint reduction, and fall prevention training was completed and documented for multiple staff members. Record review showed several newly hired staff had no evidence of required orientation training, while long-term staff and leadership roles lacked evidence of annual training. The DON stated she could not monitor training in the system, and the Admn said the issue was tied to turnover in the HR Director position and a disconnect in onboarding and record maintenance.
Missing QAPI Training for Multiple Staff: Mandatory QAPI training was not documented for an RN, two CNAs, and the AD, despite their personnel records showing no evidence of completion upon hire or during employment. The DON and Admn stated HR was responsible for tracking training compliance, while staff interviews showed email reminders were used for due training and that some staff were not aware QAPI training was required.
Three medication carts containing prescription and OTC drugs were found unlocked and unattended, with residents and staff nearby. RNs responsible for the carts admitted to leaving them unlocked or not maintaining visual contact, contrary to facility policy requiring all medication storage to be locked and accessible only to authorized personnel. Facility leadership confirmed the expectation for carts to be locked at all times when not in use.
Three residents with cognitive impairment and incontinence were not provided with timely assistance for hygiene needs, including brief changes and scheduled showers. Staff failed to respond to direct requests and call lights, and documentation showed that showers were consistently missed. Residents and their families reported these concerns to management, but no improvements were made. Staff interviews and resident council minutes confirmed ongoing issues with short staffing, lack of nurse participation in care, and inadequate documentation of hygiene services.
The facility did not provide enough nursing staff to meet resident needs, resulting in multiple residents missing scheduled showers and experiencing delays in assistance with hygiene and call lights. Staff and resident interviews, as well as documentation, confirmed that short staffing led to inadequate care, with residents often left in soiled briefs and reporting infrequent showers. Facility records and council meeting minutes further supported ongoing concerns about insufficient staffing and unmet care needs.
Two residents were found in possession of and attempting to use methamphetamine within the facility. Staff confiscated the drugs and notified police, but did not report the incident to the state agency as required by policy. Interviews revealed that facility leadership did not consider the event reportable since they believed no drugs were ingested and no harm occurred.
Two residents with behavioral health and substance use histories were involved in incidents where they attempted to smoke methamphetamine in the facility. Despite documentation of these events by nursing staff and notification of facility leadership, their care plans were not updated to address substance abuse or include new interventions, in violation of facility policy requiring comprehensive, measurable care planning.
A medication cart was found unlocked and unattended in a facility, with residents and visitors nearby. LVN A, responsible for the cart, admitted to leaving it unsecured while assisting with resident care. The facility's policy requires carts to be locked at all times when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment left the facility unnoticed despite an alarm sounding. Staff failed to perform a head count or respond adequately, assuming another resident triggered the alarm. The resident was found wandering outside by the public, highlighting a lack of training and communication regarding elopement procedures.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a wander guard left the facility unnoticed, despite an alarm sounding. Staff failed to perform a head count or follow emergency procedures, resulting in the resident being found by the public over two hours later. Interviews revealed staff were untrained in door codes and alarm response, contributing to the neglect.
A facility failed to provide adequate supervision for two residents, leading to one resident with severe cognitive impairment eloping and being found outside in the rain. The staff did not promptly respond to the alarm, and a headcount was not conducted immediately. Additionally, another resident was found with smoking materials not properly stored, posing a risk of accidents.
The facility failed to ensure the DON did not serve as a charge nurse when the facility had an average daily occupancy of 60 or more residents. The DON worked the floor on several occasions due to staffing shortages, which prevented her from performing her administrative duties. Both the DON and the ADMN were unaware of the regulation prohibiting the DON from working as a charge nurse. The facility's policy for RN/DON coverage was requested but not provided.
The facility failed to resolve grievances for 12 residents, as concerns raised in Resident Council meetings were not addressed or communicated back. Issues included delayed call light responses and insufficient staff. Staff interviews revealed a lack of clarity in the grievance process, contributing to unresolved grievances.
The facility failed to develop comprehensive care plans for four residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing specific medical needs such as nebulized breathing treatments, oxygen therapy, trach care, and sleeping preferences. Observations and interviews revealed improper equipment management and a lack of staff awareness regarding care plans, resulting in potential risks to resident care.
The facility failed to provide adequate resident care due to a shortage of wipes, with supplies being locked in the DON's office and staff having to request them. This led to the use of paper towels for care, contrary to the facility's policy. Residents and staff reported issues with wipe availability, and the DON admitted to ordering failures, impacting care quality.
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff, resulting in unmet care needs for residents, including missed bathing schedules and delayed call light responses. Staffing records showed consistent shortfalls, and resident council meetings documented numerous complaints. Additionally, a resident with severe cognitive impairment exited the facility unsupervised, requiring police intervention. Interviews revealed systemic staffing management issues.
A facility failed to ensure a licensed pharmacist conducted a monthly drug regimen review for a resident on anti-psychotic medication. The resident, with schizoaffective disorder and dementia, was prescribed Abilify, but there was no documentation of a medication review since the last survey. Despite a request for a gradual dose reduction, there was no evidence of pharmacy recommendations or physician review. Interviews revealed missing documentation and lack of notification to the medical director about the GDR recommendation.
The facility did not follow the posted menus for two consecutive meals, serving different meals without informing residents. The Dietary Manager changed the menu due to a few residents' requests but did not communicate this to all residents. A group of residents expressed dissatisfaction with the inconsistency, and the Administrator was unaware of the changes, acknowledging potential disruptions to meal planning.
The facility failed to label and date food items in the freezer and did not ensure proper hand hygiene among dietary staff during meal preparation. An employee was observed handling trash and preparing food without washing hands or changing gloves, contrary to facility policy. The Dietary Manager acknowledged these lapses, which could lead to serving expired food and cross-contamination.
Three CNAs failed to follow proper infection control practices during peri-care for two residents, including improper wiping techniques and inadequate hand hygiene. The CNAs did not wash hands or change gloves appropriately, risking cross-contamination. The DON acknowledged the lack of training and monitoring as contributing factors.
The facility failed to provide effective communication training for four staff members, including the DON and a CNA during orientation, and an RN and LVN annually. Interviews revealed systemic issues in monitoring training due to recent leadership changes, with HR and corporate HR responsible for ensuring training completion.
The facility failed to ensure that RN I and LVN F received the required annual training on resident rights, as evidenced by missing documentation in their files. Interviews revealed a lack of accountability and clarity regarding training responsibilities, with department heads and HR cited as responsible parties. Leadership changes were mentioned as a contributing factor to the oversight.
The facility failed to ensure that two employees, an RN and an LVN, received required annual training on abuse, neglect, exploitation, and dementia management. This oversight was attributed to recent leadership changes and inadequate monitoring of staff training responsibilities. The ADMN acknowledged the expectation for staff to receive necessary training but noted no significant negative effects on residents due to the deficiency.
The facility failed to ensure required infection prevention and control training for four employees, including the DON and a CNA during orientation, and an RN and LVN annually. Interviews revealed systemic issues in the training process, with staff placed on the floor without completing necessary training. Leadership changes were cited as a contributing factor to the oversight.
The facility failed to provide required compliance and ethics training to four staff members, including the DON and a CNA during orientation, and an RN and LVN annually. Interviews revealed systemic issues in the training process, with the CHRL and ADMN acknowledging oversight and recent leadership changes as contributing factors.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment was transferred to another facility without prior written notice to her guardian or the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The transfer was due to the resident being an elopement risk, but the guardian was not informed until days later. Facility staff interviews revealed a lack of communication and responsibility regarding the notification process.
A facility failed to transmit a resident's discharge MDS assessment to CMS within the required timeframe. The resident, with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and colon cancer, was discharged to another facility. The MDS Coordinator and Regional MDS Coordinator were unaware of the cause of the delay, and the DON was not informed of the issue. The facility's policy mandates timely transmission of MDS assessments, but this was not adhered to in this case.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and on hospice care was inaccurately documented as having eaten 75-100% of her dinner, despite only consuming 1-2 bites. The CNA responsible admitted to the error, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation, especially for residents with specific dietary needs. Interviews with facility staff emphasized the expectation for accurate and timely documentation.
A resident's legal guardian was not informed of the resident's hospital transfer due to altered mental status, resulting in the resident lacking an advocate for decision-making at the hospital. The facility's staff acknowledged the failure, citing communication gaps, particularly with agency staff, as the cause. The facility's policy mandates prompt notification of changes in a resident's condition, which was not followed in this instance.
Two residents in a LTC facility were found to be living in unsanitary conditions due to the facility's failure to maintain a clean and homelike environment. One resident, who is legally blind, had a room with stained tiles, a wet floor, and a dirty oxygen machine. Another resident's bathroom had broken tiles and a loose toilet base. Staff interviews revealed issues with communication and maintenance, leading to persistent uncleanliness and disrepair.
A facility failed to notify the Ombudsman of a resident's discharge, as required by policy. The resident, with multiple health conditions, was discharged home against medical advice. The social worker, unaware of her responsibility, did not send the necessary notice, which had not been sent since March. This oversight could limit residents' access to advocacy services.
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment who frequently went out on pass for personal needs. Despite the resident leaving the facility 17 times, there was no care plan in place to address his outings, which could place residents at risk of not receiving the care required to meet their individualized needs.
The facility failed to obtain a physician's order for a resident to go out on pass daily, despite the resident leaving the facility 17 times. The resident had moderate cognitive impairment and diagnoses including respiratory failure and unsteadiness on feet. The physician was not informed, and the facility's policy was not followed, potentially putting the resident at risk.
A deficiency was identified in a facility where three high-risk residents experienced falls due to inadequate supervision and lack of appropriate interventions. One male resident with heart disease and COPD fell five times within 19 hours, resulting in hospitalization and death from a subarachnoid hemorrhage and lumbar spine fracture. Despite being a high fall risk, he lacked necessary interventions like 1:1 supervision. Another female resident with a history of falls and muscle weakness also did not have adequate fall prevention measures in her care plan. A third female resident with hemiplegia and muscle weakness experienced a fall due to insufficient supervision. The facility's failure to update care plans with fall risk assessments and implement tailored interventions contributed to these incidents.
The facility failed to develop baseline care plans within 48 hours of admission for two residents, leading to a lack of continuity of care. Interviews revealed confusion and miscommunication regarding responsibility for initiating these plans, contrary to the facility's policy.
The facility failed to develop comprehensive care plans for two residents with high fall risks, leading to deficiencies in addressing their needs. Miscommunication among staff regarding care plan responsibilities resulted in the omission of fall risk interventions, despite documented falls and high fall risk scores.
Food Storage and Labeling Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety in the kitchen. During an observation of the kitchen freezer and refrigerator, surveyors found a large unsealed bag of frozen chicken that was not labeled or dated, a large bag of thawing chicken that was undated and unlabeled, and two bags of chili thawing that were also unlabeled and undated. In the refrigerator, mustard was observed with an opened date of 3/30 and a received date of 2/19. During interviews, the DM stated that all food, even when removed from the original box, should be labeled with the product name and dated when opened, and that failure to do so could cause residents to become sick if the food were contaminated. The ADMN stated staff should have followed the policy on dating and labeling food and that this should be done when delivery was made, even when products were taken out of the original box. The facility policy required refrigerated foods to be dated, labeled, and tightly sealed, and the cited Food Code required food packaged in a food establishment to be labeled with the common name or an adequately descriptive identity statement.
Expired and Unlabeled Medications Found in Cart and Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist was not met when the facility failed to ensure medications were accurately acquired, received, dispensed, and administered on Hall C and in the medication room. During an observation, the medication cart for Hall C contained a bottle of Nitroglycerin for Resident #19 with an expiration date of 02/13/2026. During the same observation, the medication cart for C Hall contained medication cups with pills that were not labeled, including one cup with a purple pill and a blue pill and another cup with 1 green pill, 1 yellow pill, and 3 white pills. LVN-A stated she did not know who the pills were for or what medication they were, said they must have been left from the night shift, and stated she had not checked the cart before accepting it. She also stated she was the only person with access to the medication cart and that medication should not be placed into a cup until it was about to be given. During a later observation, the refrigerator in the medication room contained 3 vials of Hepatitis B vaccine that expired on 09/03/2025. The DON stated it was her responsibility to perform routine checks of the medication carts for expired medications and to ensure all medications were labeled and dated properly, but she had not had time to complete the audits since becoming DON in December. She stated all expired medication should have been removed from the medication carts and the medication room immediately. She also stated the Hepatitis vaccines were for staff only and that no residents had received the expired vaccines. The facility policy titled Medication Access and Storage stated outdated, contaminated, or deteriorated medications are to be immediately removed from stock, disposed of according to procedures for medication destruction, and reordered from the pharmacy.
Unlocked Medication Cart with Unlabeled Pills Left Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications on the medication cart for Hall C were labeled and stored properly when the cart was left unattended. During an observation on 03/18/2026 at 10:47 AM, the medication cart for C Hall was found unlocked with a medication cup containing six pills sitting on top of the cart and the cup was not labeled. LVN-A was in a resident's room while the cart was unlocked and out of sight. During an interview at 10:53 AM, LVN-A stated the cart was hers and that she was responsible for it, and she acknowledged she was supposed to lock the cart when it was not in use or out of sight. LVN-A initially stated the pre-popped pills belonged to the resident in the room she had come out of, then later stated the medication belonged to a different resident. She stated she knew there was a possibility of residents, staff, or visitors taking medications, but said she was in a hurry because a resident had a bowel movement. During an interview on 03/19/2026 at 11:22 AM, the DON stated medications should never be placed into a medication cup and left on the cart, and that medications are to be pulled and placed in cups only at the time of administration and never be pre-set-up. The facility policy stated medications and biologicals are to be stored safely and securely, and medication rooms, carts, and supplies are to be locked or attended by authorized persons.
Failure to Maintain Required Staff Training Records
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective training program for new and existing staff members. Record review showed that RN-A, CNA-D, CNA-E, and CNA-F had no evidence of required dementia management, HIV, restraint reduction, or fall prevention training upon hire. The same review showed that HK-G and the DOR had no evidence of annual dementia management, HIV, restraint reduction, or fall prevention training, and that AD and Maint had no evidence of annual fall prevention training. Personnel records reflected hire dates for RN-A in 12/2022, CNA-D in 04/2024, CNA-E in 03/2025, CNA-F in 09/2024, HK-G in 06/2001, AD in 11/2004, Maint in 09/2022, and the DOR in 09/2022. The Admn stated the Human Resources Director was responsible for monitoring training compliance and sending notifications when training was due. She also stated there had been three Human Resources Directors hired since June 2025 and that the current Human Resources Director had started two days before the interview. During interviews, the DON stated she did not have access to monitor staff training in the system and expected staff to complete all required training on time. The Admn stated she expected staff to have appropriate training during orientation and annually per regulation, and said the failure was related to a disconnect in onboarding new employees and maintaining training records for existing employees due to turnover in the Human Resources Director position. Facility staff also stated HR sent email reminders when training was due, and the facility policy stated orientation programs and in-service training classes are conducted to assist employees in understanding personnel policies and procedures.
Missing QAPI Training for Multiple Staff
Penalty
Summary
Mandatory training on the facility’s QAPI program was not included for all new and existing staff, as required, for 4 of 13 staff reviewed. Personnel records for RN-A, CNA-D, CNA-F, and the AD showed no evidence that they had completed QAPI training upon hire or while working at the facility. RN-A was hired in 12/2022, CNA-D in 04/2024, CNA-F in 09/2024, and the AD in 11/2004, and none of their files contained documentation of QAPI education. During interviews, the DON stated the HR director was responsible for tracking training compliance and that she did not have access to monitor staff training in the system. The DON said her expectation was that staff complete all required training on time and explained that keeping staff current on rules, regulations, and best practices was beneficial so residents received the best care possible. The Admn stated staff should receive appropriate training during orientation and annually per regulation, and that HR was responsible for monitoring compliance and sending notifications when training was due. Staff interviews reflected that HR sent email reminders for training, but LVN-B and CMA-G stated they were not aware that QAPI training was a requirement.
Medication Carts Found Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments and that only authorized personnel had access to the keys for medication carts. During observations, three out of four medication carts were found unlocked and unattended, with residents and staff in close proximity. Specifically, medication carts #1 and #2 were observed unlocked in the early morning with medication drawers facing outward, containing various prescription and over-the-counter medications. The responsible RN admitted to intentionally leaving the carts unlocked in anticipation of the day shift. Later, medication cart #3 was also found unlocked and unattended, with the responsible RN stating she believed she had visual contact with the cart, but her back was turned at the time of observation. She was unaware of the specific medications or the residents for whom they were intended. Interviews with facility leadership, including the administrator and assistant director of nursing, confirmed that all medication carts should have been locked when not in use and that only authorized personnel should have access. Both leaders acknowledged that the failure was due to staff being too busy or inattentive to proper medication storage protocols. Facility policy reviewed indicated that medications must be stored securely and only accessible to licensed or authorized personnel, with medication carts locked when not attended.
Failure to Provide Timely Hygiene Care and Dignity to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to treat three residents with dignity and respect by not providing timely assistance with hygiene needs, including brief changes and scheduled showers. One resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was frequently incontinent, was not assisted with a brief change after directly requesting help from nursing staff at the nurses' station. The resident's family member arrived at the facility to find the call light still on and the resident still soiled, with nurses present at the station but not responding. Documentation showed that this resident did not receive showers on any of his preferred days throughout the month, and the care plan specifically required keeping the resident clean and dry to minimize skin exposure to moisture. Two additional residents, both with moderate cognitive impairment and requiring assistance with hygiene, also did not receive showers on their preferred days for the entire month. Both reported only receiving showers infrequently, with staff citing short staffing as the reason. Observations confirmed foul odors coming from these residents and their rooms, and both residents expressed embarrassment and frustration over their hygiene and the lack of response to their needs. Both had reported their concerns to management, but no changes were made. Interviews with staff confirmed ongoing issues with short staffing, lack of nurse participation in direct care, and failure to answer call lights in a timely manner. The ADON acknowledged that there was no effective system for tracking or documenting showers, and that nurses were not thorough in documenting refusals. Resident council meeting minutes further corroborated these issues, with multiple residents voicing concerns about not receiving showers and call lights not being answered. Observations during the survey also noted multiple call lights ringing with nurses present at the station but not responding.
Insufficient Nursing Staff Resulting in Missed Care and Delayed Responses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by direct care staff hours falling below the required levels on multiple days. On specific dates, the number of direct care staff hours worked was significantly less than what was needed based on the facility's PPD budget and resident census. This shortfall resulted in inadequate care for residents, particularly in areas such as hygiene and timely response to call lights. Multiple residents with significant care needs, including severe cognitive impairment, incontinence, and mobility limitations, did not receive scheduled showers or timely assistance with hygiene. Documentation showed that several residents missed their preferred shower days repeatedly throughout the month, and interviews with residents and their families confirmed that showers were often skipped due to short staffing. Residents reported having to wait extended periods for assistance with soiled briefs, and some were observed to be in dirty briefs or in rooms with foul odors. Family members and residents consistently stated that staff cited short staffing as the reason for missed care. Staff interviews corroborated these findings, with CNAs reporting that it was nearly impossible to complete all required tasks, including showers and answering call lights, due to insufficient staffing levels. The ADON acknowledged that three CNAs were not enough to meet resident needs, especially during mealtimes. Resident Council meeting minutes further documented ongoing concerns about inadequate staffing, missed showers, and delayed call light responses. The facility's own assessment tool indicated that staffing assignments were based on acuity and needs, but actual staffing did not meet these requirements on the reviewed days.
Failure to Report Drug-Related Incident Involving Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, including injuries of unknown source and misappropriation of resident property, were reported immediately or within the required timeframe to the administrator and appropriate authorities. Specifically, two residents were found in possession of illegal drugs (methamphetamine) and were attempting to smoke them inside the facility. The incident was not reported to the state agency as required by both state policy and the facility's own procedures. One resident, with a history of bipolar disorder, stimulant use, and nicotine dependency, was admitted to the facility and had previously asked other residents if they had connections to obtain methamphetamine. This behavior was reported internally to the DON, ADON, and Administrator. On the day of the incident, the resident left the facility, returned, and was found with another resident in a room with smoke and drug paraphernalia. The DON and Administrator confiscated the drugs and notified the police, but no report was made to the state agency. The second resident, with a history of liver cancer and bipolar disorder, was also involved in the incident and admitted to being offered methamphetamine by the first resident. Interviews with facility staff, including the Administrator and DON, revealed that they did not consider the incident reportable because they believed the drugs were not ingested and no harm occurred. There was no investigation conducted beyond confiscating the drugs and notifying the police. The facility's policy and state guidelines require reporting of such incidents, especially those that pose a threat to resident health and safety, but this was not followed in this case.
Failure to Update Care Plans After Drug Use Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered care plans for two residents following incidents involving illegal drug use. Both residents had documented histories of behavioral health issues, including bipolar disorder and stimulant use, and were found in possession of and attempting to smoke methamphetamine within the facility. Despite these incidents, their care plans were not updated to reflect substance abuse or drug-seeking behaviors, nor were new interventions or measurable objectives added to address these new risks. For the first resident, records showed that after admission, the baseline care plan only addressed general behavioral needs and adjustment to the facility, with no mention of substance abuse. Progress notes documented that the resident sought methamphetamine from others and was later found with a suspicious substance and paraphernalia in another resident's room. The incident was reported to facility leadership and law enforcement, but the comprehensive care plan remained incomplete and did not address the substance abuse incident. The second resident, who also had a history of behavioral symptoms and nicotine dependency, was found in a similar situation with the first resident, attempting to smoke methamphetamine. The care plan for this resident focused on previous behavioral issues such as leaving the facility without signing out and not following the smoking policy, but did not include any interventions or objectives related to substance abuse following the incident. Facility policy required care plans to be updated with measurable objectives and timeframes after such events, but this was not done for either resident.
Medication Cart Security Lapse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored securely in permanently affixed compartments, as observed during a medication storage inspection. Specifically, medication cart #2 was found unlocked and unattended, with residents and visitors in close proximity. During an interview, the ADMN acknowledged the cart should have been locked at all times when not in use. LVN A, who was responsible for the cart, admitted to leaving it unlocked while assisting a CNA with resident care, forgetting to secure it. This oversight could have allowed unauthorized access to medications. The DON and ADON both emphasized the importance of keeping medication carts locked to prevent unauthorized access, which could lead to medication errors or drug diversion. The facility's policy on the security of medication carts mandates that they be locked during medication passes and when not in use. The policy also specifies that carts should be parked in a way that minimizes unauthorized access. Despite these protocols, the failure to lock the cart was attributed to a lapse in adherence to the policy, possibly due to hurriedness or lack of attention to detail.
Neglect Due to Inadequate Response to Elopement Alarm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident, identified as Resident #54, was free from neglect, as evidenced by an incident where the resident left the building unnoticed by staff. Despite the wander guard alarm sounding at the exit door, staff did not take immediate action to prevent the resident's elopement. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required supervision, exited the facility and was later found wandering outside by members of the public. The incident occurred when the resident pushed on the emergency exit door, triggering the alarm. However, staff, including CNA A, did not perform a head count or adequately respond to the alarm. CNA A assumed another resident had set off the alarm and did not verify the whereabouts of all residents. Additionally, two nurses at the nursing station did not respond to the alarm due to a lack of knowledge of the door codes. Interviews revealed that the facility's staff were desensitized to the alarm due to frequent false alarms caused by another resident. The facility's policies and procedures for handling such situations were not effectively communicated to agency staff, and there was a lack of training on door codes and elopement procedures. This oversight led to a delay in realizing the resident was missing, and the resident was exposed to potential harm while outside the facility.
Neglect in Monitoring Leads to Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement its written policies and procedures to prevent neglect, resulting in a resident with severe cognitive impairment leaving the building unnoticed. The resident, who was wearing a wander guard, exited through a 15-second emergency exit door, triggering an alarm that went unaddressed by staff for several minutes. Despite the alarm sounding, staff did not perform a head count or follow the emergency procedure for a missing resident, allowing the resident to remain outside the facility for over two hours. The resident was eventually found by members of the public, who noticed her wandering in a nearby apartment complex. The resident was cold, shivering, and appeared confused. The public identified the resident's wander guard and contacted the facility, prompting the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to retrieve the resident. Upon return, the resident was assessed and found to have no injuries, but the facility's failure to monitor and supervise residents with known elopement risks was evident. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge and training regarding door codes and procedures for responding to door alarms. Agency nurses and other staff members were unaware of the necessary actions to take when an alarm sounded, leading to a delay in response and failure to ensure resident safety. The facility's neglect in addressing the alarm and conducting a timely head count contributed to the resident's unsupervised absence and potential risk of harm.
Inadequate Supervision and Response to Elopement and Smoking Risks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents for two residents. One resident, who had a history of exit-seeking behaviors and severe cognitive impairment, managed to elope from the facility. The resident exited through a 15-second emergency exit door, which sounded an alarm. However, the alarm was not promptly addressed by the staff, leading to the resident being found wandering outside in the rain and cold by a member of the public. The resident was eventually returned to the facility without injuries but was exposed to potential harm due to the lack of immediate response from the staff. The staff's inaction was evident as the alarm was ignored for an extended period, and a headcount was not conducted immediately after the alarm was deactivated. The CNA who responded to the alarm did not perform a headcount, assuming another resident had set off the alarm. Additionally, two nurses at the nurse's station did not respond to the alarm because they were unaware of the door codes. This lack of knowledge and response contributed to the resident's prolonged absence from the facility. Another deficiency was noted regarding the improper storage of smoking materials for a resident listed as a smoker. The resident was observed with a lighter and cigarette in his possession, which was not provided by the supervising staff. This oversight posed a risk of accidents related to smoking materials, highlighting the facility's failure to ensure the safe storage and supervision of such items.
Removal Plan
- Resident #54 returned to the nursing home. Resident was assessed with no injuries. Resident behaving per norm. Increased supervision implemented with Resident #54 which included resident in line of sight of an employee at all times until discharge. Elopement assessment updated. RP & MD informed.
- Resident head count performed no additional findings.
- All residents received an elopement assessment. Residents' current elopement assessment will reflect on their face sheet and care plan.
- Elopement binder reviewed to ensure it matches the current residents who were deemed as elopement risks per their elopement assessments.
- Sign on door verified for placement notifying visitors to, Please do not allow residents to follow you out.
- Sign posted by keypads stating: When alarms were sounding, and the door was disengaged perform a resident head count.
- All doors checked for functionality. No concerns noted.
- Check for all residents with roam alerts for functionality. No concerns noted.
- Elopement drill performed each shift.
- Education provided to direct care staff, to include agency staff, regarding missing resident/elopement & over the facility's abuse & neglect policy. Direct care staff will be educated on the elopement binder, its location, and its contents (shows which residents were elopement risks/wander guard residents). Direct care staff, including agency staff, will know when the door was alarming, to respond to the alarming door immediately. If the door was disengaged (open) and alarming the direct care staff will ensure all residents were in house by performing a head count (signs placed for reminders for staff to ensure all residents were in house when alarms were sounding, and the door was disengaged by keypads). Direct care staff, including agency staff, will know the door codes/door code location through this education. Direct care employees will be educated prior to working their next shift. All new and temporary direct care staff will be educated prior to working.
- Residents deemed an elopement risk, that require a roam alert/wander guard will be rounded on every 2 hours to ensure facility was aware of residents' whereabouts.
- All residents with exit seeking behaviors will be reviewed during clinical meeting to ensure safety. Appropriate supervision will occur until residents with exit seeking behaviors, that have a greater need than the roam alert system, were appropriately placed. No concerns noted.
- Elopement drill performed weekly to ensure staff's retention of education to prevent recurrence.
- Ad hoc QAPI performed with medical director to inform them of the incident and the facility's plan to remove the immediacy. No further direction required.
DON Serving as Charge Nurse Due to Staffing Shortages
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Director of Nursing (DON) did not serve as a charge nurse when the facility had an average daily occupancy of 60 or more residents on specific dates. This failure was identified during an interview with the DON, who admitted to working the floor on six occasions due to staffing shortages. The DON stated that she was unaware of the regulation prohibiting her from working as a charge nurse and mentioned that corporate had instructed her to ensure floor coverage, even if it required her to work the floor. The DON also noted that working the floor prevented her from performing her administrative duties effectively. The Administrator (ADMN) confirmed that the DON frequently worked as a charge nurse due to staffing shortages and was also unaware of the regulation. The facility's policy for RN/DON coverage was requested but not provided. This lack of administrative oversight left residents without the necessary nursing administrative oversight that only the DON could provide, as the DON was occupied with charge nurse duties.
Failure to Resolve and Communicate Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly resolve grievances for 12 of 12 confidential residents reviewed for grievances. The residents reported that they were aware of how to file a grievance, but the concerns voiced during Resident Council meetings were not addressed, and resolutions were not communicated back to them. This lack of communication led to feelings of frustration among the residents, with one resident expressing that they no longer attended meetings because they felt it was ineffective. Record reviews of Resident Council meeting minutes from August to November 2024 revealed multiple unresolved issues, including delayed response to call lights, insufficient staff at night, and dietary discrepancies. Despite these concerns being documented, there was no evidence in the grievance logs that these issues were formally addressed or resolved. Interviews with staff, including the Social Worker (SW), Director of Nursing (DON), and Activities Director (AD), revealed a lack of clarity and communication in the grievance process, contributing to the unresolved grievances. The facility's grievance policy required grievances to be recorded and resolved within three working days, with findings communicated to the resident or their representative. However, the SW and DON admitted to lapses in following up with residents and completing the grievance process. The Administrator (ADMN) acknowledged the need for a more effective grievance handling process and recognized that unresolved grievances could lead to resident frustration.
Deficiencies in Comprehensive Care Planning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for four residents, which resulted in deficiencies in addressing their specific medical needs. Resident #6, a female with severe cognitive impairment, had a care plan that included continuous oxygen use but lacked any mention of nebulized breathing treatments, despite having a physician's order for such treatments. Observations revealed that her nebulizer was not stored properly, indicating a lack of adherence to care protocols. Resident #30, a male with moderate cognitive impairment, had a care plan that did not include oxygen therapy, even though there was a physician's order for continuous oxygen via nasal cannula. Observations showed that his oxygen equipment was not properly maintained, as the nasal cannula was found on the floor, and the nebulizer was not stored in a bag. This oversight in care planning and equipment management could lead to inadequate respiratory care. Resident #68, a female with a tracheostomy, did not have a comprehensive care plan addressing her trach maintenance and care needs until after the surveyors' entrance. Additionally, Resident #43, a female with no cognitive impairment, had a care plan that failed to document her preference to sleep in a recliner, which was a significant aspect of her care needs. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of communication and understanding of care plans, with some staff unaware of where to find them, leading to confusion about the care required for residents.
Deficiency in Resident Care Due to Wipe Shortage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice and residents' choices, as evidenced by the lack of availability of resident wipes. Observations revealed that cases of resident wipes were stored in the Director of Nursing's (DON) office, with supply closets on multiple halls lacking wipes. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and LVNs, confirmed that wipes were kept in the DON's office, and staff had to request them, often facing shortages during shifts. This practice led to the use of paper towels and toilet paper for resident care, which was not in line with the facility's policy for perineal care. Residents expressed dissatisfaction during a confidential meeting, with all 12 residents reviewed for quality of care reporting issues with the availability of wipes and briefs. Some residents had to personally request wipes from the DON or Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The DON acknowledged a shortage of wipes and admitted to not ordering them in time, resulting in insufficient supplies. The ADON noted that the lack of wipes could lead to skin breakdown and infection, emphasizing the importance of using wipes for resident care. The facility's admission agreement and perineal care policy highlighted the necessity of providing adequate supplies for resident care, which was not met in this instance.
Inadequate Staffing Leads to Unmet Resident Needs and Safety Concerns
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of its residents, as evidenced by multiple instances of inadequate care and unmet resident preferences. Resident #30, a female with severe cognitive impairment and mobility issues, did not receive her preferred bathing schedule on several occasions, with no documentation of refusals. Similarly, Resident #37, who requires extensive assistance, also missed her preferred bathing days, indicating a lack of adequate staffing to meet these basic care needs. The facility's staffing records revealed consistent shortfalls in direct care staff hours compared to the required hours based on the facility's assessment and census. This staffing inadequacy was corroborated by resident council meeting minutes, which documented numerous complaints about delayed call light responses, insufficient aides, and unmet care needs. Additionally, a confidential group meeting with residents highlighted prolonged wait times for call light responses, leading to incidents of incontinence and potential health issues like urinary tract infections. Further compounding the issue, Resident #54, who has severe cognitive impairment, was able to exit the facility unsupervised, resulting in a police intervention to return her. Interviews with staff and management revealed systemic issues in staffing management, with the Director of Nursing and Administrator acknowledging the challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels. The facility's reliance on agency staff and the lack of a robust system to address staffing concerns contributed to the ongoing deficiencies in resident care.
Failure to Conduct Monthly Drug Regimen Review for Resident on Anti-Psychotic Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a licensed pharmacist conducted a monthly drug regimen review for each resident, specifically for one resident who was on anti-psychotic medication. The deficiency was identified during a review of records and interviews, which revealed that there was no documentation of a medication regimen review for the resident's anti-psychotic medication since the last survey. This oversight could potentially place the resident at risk of not having their medications reviewed for appropriate dosing or pharmacy recommendations implemented. The resident in question was a female with a history of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and dementia, who was prescribed Abilify (aripiprazole) 10mg to be taken at bedtime. Despite a request for a gradual dose reduction in March 2024, there was no evidence of pharmacy recommendations or physician review of these recommendations. Interviews with facility staff, including the ADON and DON, revealed that documentation prior to July 2024 was missing, and there was no proof that the medical director had been notified of the GDR recommendation. The facility's policy required the attending physician and psychiatric provider to lead medication management, including evaluating residents for gradual dose reductions unless clinically contraindicated.
Failure to Follow Posted Menus and Inform Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to the posted menus for two consecutive meals, which were observed on 11/18/24 and 11/19/24. On 11/18/24, the lunch menu intended for Monday was not served; instead, the menu planned for Tuesday was provided without informing the residents. Similarly, on 11/19/24, the supper menu was not followed, and residents were not notified of the substitution. These deviations from the planned menu were not communicated to the residents, which could potentially affect their nutritional intake. Interviews revealed that the Dietary Manager (DM) decided to switch the menu due to a few residents' requests to avoid pork, but this change was not communicated to all residents. A group of 12 residents expressed dissatisfaction with the inconsistency of the menu, stating that they often relied on the posted menu to make meal decisions. The Administrator (ADMN) was unaware of these changes and acknowledged that such deviations could disrupt meal planning and food ordering processes. The facility's policy emphasizes the importance of following a standardized menu to ensure nutritional adequacy, which was not adhered to in these instances.
Deficiencies in Food Storage and Hand Hygiene Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food storage and preparation, as observed during a survey. In the kitchen's freezer, several food items, including pork loins, bread, turkey pot roast, and tater tots, were found without labels or open dates, which is against the facility's policy. The Dietary Manager (DM) acknowledged that all food should be labeled with expiration and receipt dates to prevent serving expired food, which could lead to illness. Additionally, the facility did not ensure proper hand hygiene among dietary staff during meal preparation. An employee was observed exiting and re-entering the kitchen without washing her hands, handling trash, and preparing food without proper handwashing or changing gloves between tasks. The DM confirmed that the staff was expected to wash hands frequently and change gloves between tasks to prevent cross-contamination and infection spread. Despite recent in-service training on hand hygiene, these practices were not followed, posing a risk of foodborne illness to residents.
Inadequate Infection Control Practices During Peri-Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by improper peri-care and hand hygiene practices observed among three CNAs during care for two residents. CNA-B and CNA-C were observed performing peri-care on a male resident with severe cognitive impairment and a chronic ulcer, using improper techniques such as wiping from back to front and reusing wipes. Additionally, they did not perform hand hygiene between glove changes, increasing the risk of infection. In another instance, CNA-B and CNA-D provided peri-care for a female resident with moderate cognitive impairment and irritant contact dermatitis. They failed to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer throughout the procedure. CNA-D was also observed folding wipes multiple times and using them repeatedly before discarding, and she did not change her gloves before touching the resident's call light and bed control, further compromising infection control. Interviews with the CNAs revealed awareness of the correct procedures, but they cited reasons such as nervousness and insufficient glove supply for their lapses. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the deficiencies, attributing them to a lack of standard training procedures and monitoring, which could lead to cross-contamination and serious health risks for residents.
Failure to Ensure Effective Communication Training for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four out of sixteen employees received the required effective communication training. Specifically, the Director of Nursing (DON) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA B) did not complete this training during their orientation, while Registered Nurse (RN I) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN F) did not complete it annually. This lack of training was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed no evidence of completed training in the employee files. CNA B confirmed during an interview that she had not undergone orientation or completed a checkoff list before starting work on the floor, as the DON allowed her to begin working immediately due to her prior experience as a CNA. Interviews with the facility's Compliance and Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Administrator (ADMN) highlighted systemic issues in ensuring staff training. The CHRL acknowledged that the DON and CNA B had only recently completed their communication training, while RN I and LVN F had not completed their annual training. The CHRL attributed these failures to recent changes in the leadership team, which disrupted the routine monitoring of training. The ADMN expressed an expectation for staff to receive required training but noted that the responsibility for ensuring training completion lay with HR and corporate HR. The ADMN also mentioned that the impact of incomplete training on residents depended on the employees' prior experience, and he had not observed significant negative effects from the training lapses.
Failure to Ensure Annual Resident Rights Training for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two employees, RN I and LVN F, received the required annual training on resident rights. Record reviews of the employees' files showed no evidence that these staff members had completed the necessary training. RN I was hired on 9/27/2022, and LVN F was hired on 2/22/2023, yet neither had completed the mandatory training by the time of the survey. This oversight could potentially place residents at risk of receiving care from staff who are not adequately trained in resident rights. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and accountability regarding the responsibility for ensuring training compliance. The CHRL acknowledged that RN I and LVN F did not complete the training and mentioned that department heads are responsible for their staff's training, with the ADMN ultimately holding supervisors accountable. The ADMN expressed an expectation for staff to receive required training but noted that HR and corporate HR were responsible for monitoring training completion. Changes in the leadership team were cited as a factor contributing to the failure in training compliance.
Failure to Provide Required Staff Training on Abuse and Dementia Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two employees, RN I and LVN F, received the required annual training on abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of resident property, as well as dementia management. This deficiency was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed that there was no evidence of these employees completing the necessary training. The CHRL acknowledged that the training was not completed and attributed the oversight to recent changes in the leadership team, which disrupted the routine monitoring of staff training. The responsibility for ensuring that staff received the required training was shared among department heads, HR, and ultimately the ADMN, who should hold supervisors accountable. During interviews, the ADMN expressed that the expectation was for all staff to receive the required annual and orientation training. However, he was unaware of why the training was not completed prior to his tenure at the facility. The ADMN indicated that HR was responsible for ensuring training completion, with corporate HR monitoring the process. Despite the lack of training, the ADMN had not observed significant negative effects on residents, suggesting that the impact might vary depending on the employees' prior experience. The facility's assessment tool and policy documents highlighted the importance of staff training and competencies, yet the failure to adhere to these requirements placed residents at risk.
Infection Control Training Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four out of sixteen employees received the required infection prevention and control program training. Specifically, the Director of Nursing (DON) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA B) did not complete the training during their orientation, while a Registered Nurse (RN I) and a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN F) did not complete the training annually as required. This lack of training was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed no evidence of completed training in the employee files. Interviews with staff highlighted systemic issues in the training process. CNA B reported that she was placed on the floor without completing orientation or a checkoff list, as the DON allowed her to work immediately due to her prior experience as a CNA. The Corporate Human Resources Leader (CHRL) acknowledged that the DON and CNA B eventually received training, but there was no documentation of when it occurred. The CHRL also noted that RN I and LVN F did not complete their annual training. The Administrator (ADMN) expressed that training completion was expected but was not aware of why it was not done before his tenure. The ADMN indicated that HR was responsible for ensuring training completion, with corporate HR monitoring the process. The facility's assessment tool outlined the necessity of staff training and competencies, but recent leadership changes were cited as a factor contributing to the oversight in training compliance.
Failure to Ensure Compliance and Ethics Training for Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that four out of sixteen employees received the required compliance and ethics training. Specifically, the Director of Nursing (DON) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA B) did not complete this training during their orientation, while a Registered Nurse (RN I) and a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN F) did not complete their annual training. This lack of training was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed no evidence of completed training in the employee files. Interviews with staff highlighted systemic issues in the training process. CNA B reported that she was placed on the floor without completing orientation or a checkoff list, as the DON allowed her to start working immediately due to her prior experience as a CNA. The facility's Compliance and Human Resources Lead (CHRL) confirmed that the DON and CNA B eventually received training, but RN I and LVN F did not complete their annual training. The CHRL noted that department heads are responsible for ensuring their staff receive necessary training, and recent leadership changes may have contributed to the oversight. The Administrator (ADMN) acknowledged the expectation for staff to complete required training but attributed the oversight to HR and corporate HR's monitoring responsibilities.
Failure to Notify Guardian Before Resident Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify a resident's guardian in writing before transferring the resident to another facility. The resident, a female with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses including hypertensive heart disease and schizoaffective disorder, was transferred to a facility with a locked unit due to being an elopement risk. The transfer occurred without prior written notice to the resident's guardian or the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, as required by regulations. The guardian was not informed of the transfer until several days later, which could have caused emotional distress to the resident due to the lack of visitors. Interviews with facility staff revealed a breakdown in communication and responsibility. The social worker acknowledged failing to notify the guardian and admitted to dropping the ball on this responsibility. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) completed the discharge summary and prepared the resident for transfer but did not contact the guardian, believing it was the social worker's responsibility. The facility's policy requires documentation of discussions with the resident or their representative, which was not adhered to in this case.
Failure to Transmit Discharge MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an encoded, accurate, and complete Minimum Data Set (MDS) discharge assessment was electronically transmitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) System for a resident whose records were reviewed for closed records. Specifically, the discharge MDS assessment for a resident was not transmitted to CMS within the required 14 days of completion. This oversight could potentially place residents at risk by not providing complete and specific information necessary for payment and quality measure purposes. The resident in question was a male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypokalemia, malignant neoplasm of the colon, and pain, who was discharged to another facility. The MDS Coordinator and the Regional MDS Coordinator both acknowledged the failure to transmit the discharge MDS within the proper timeframe but did not know the cause of the failure. The Director of Nursing (DON) was also unaware of any discharge MDS not being transmitted in a timely manner. The facility's policy requires all MDS assessments to be completed and transmitted in accordance with current OBRA regulations, and staff responsible for MDS completion are trained accordingly.
Inaccurate Meal Documentation for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the medical record was complete and accurately documented for a resident reviewed for resident records. Specifically, the facility did not ensure that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) accurately documented the dinner meal intake for the resident. This discrepancy was identified during an observation where the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) fed the resident, who only consumed 1-2 bites of her meal, yet the meal intake log inaccurately indicated that the resident ate 75-100 percent of her dinner. The resident in question was a female with severe cognitive impairment, requiring extensive assistance for daily activities, and was on hospice care with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Her diet was specified as regular fortified food with puree texture and thin fluid consistency. During an observation, it was noted that the resident was unable to swallow her food and required assistance to take drops of water, indicating a significant decline in her ability to eat independently. Interviews with the ADON, Director of Nursing (DON), and the Administrator revealed that the expectation was for accurate and timely documentation of diets by the person providing care. The CNA responsible for the inaccurate documentation admitted to making a mistake due to being in a hurry and acknowledged the importance of accurate documentation, especially for residents with specific dietary needs. The facility's policy on charting and documentation emphasized the need for complete and accurate records to facilitate communication among the interdisciplinary team regarding the resident's condition and response to care.
Failure to Notify Resident's Representative of Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to inform the representative of a resident about a significant change in the resident's physical status and the need to alter the resident's treatment. Specifically, the facility did not notify the resident's legal guardian of a hospital transfer, which occurred due to the resident's altered mental status. The resident, a female with a history of diabetes, amputation of the left leg, and altered status, was admitted to the hospital for a UTI and metabolic encephalopathy. The resident's electronic progress notes did not show any evidence of notification to the resident's representative about the hospital transfer. Interviews conducted during the investigation revealed that the facility's staff, including the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator, acknowledged the failure to notify the resident's representative. The DON attributed the failure to a lack of communication between nursing staff, exacerbated by the use of agency staff, which led to gaps in communication. The facility's policy required prompt notification of changes in a resident's condition to the resident, their physician, and their representative, but this was not adhered to in this case.
Unsanitary Living Conditions for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for two residents, leading to unsanitary and potentially harmful living conditions. Resident #2's room and bathroom were observed to be in poor condition, with discolored and stained tiles, a wet and stained floor, and a dirty oxygen machine. The resident, who is legally blind and has moderate cognitive impairment, struggled with mobility and incontinence, contributing to the uncleanliness of his environment. Interviews with staff revealed that while housekeeping was performed daily, the resident's blindness and frequent spills were not adequately accommodated, resulting in persistent unsanitary conditions. Resident #6's room and bathroom were also found to be in disrepair, with broken and cracked tiles around the toilet, a loose toilet base, and exposed drywall. The resident, who has severe cognitive impairment, was observed in a room with a pulled-back cover base and a sticky pink liquid stain on the wall. The maintenance supervisor acknowledged the unacceptable state of the bathroom and identified a breakdown in communication regarding work orders, exacerbated by the use of untrained agency staff. Interviews with facility staff, including the administrator and director of nursing, confirmed the unacceptable conditions in both residents' rooms and bathrooms. The maintenance policies and procedures were not effectively implemented, as evidenced by the lack of timely repairs and cleaning. The facility's failure to maintain a dignified and sanitary environment for its residents was acknowledged by multiple staff members, highlighting a need for improved communication and adherence to maintenance protocols.
Failure to Notify Ombudsman of Resident Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a written notice of transfer or discharge to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for a resident who was discharged home. This oversight was identified during a review of the resident's records and interviews with facility staff. The resident, a male with a history of osteomyelitis, shortness of breath, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, was discharged against medical advice with his prescriptions and personal items. A family member assisted with the discharge, and the resident was in stable condition at the time of discharge. The facility's policy requires that a copy of the transfer or discharge notice be sent to the Ombudsman at the same time it is provided to the resident and their representative. However, the facility had not sent any 30-day discharge notices or transfer/discharge reports to the Ombudsman since March. Interviews revealed that the social worker, who was new to the role, was unaware of her responsibility to send these notices. The facility's failure to send the required notice could affect residents by limiting their access to advocacy services and appeal processes.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident Outings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident who frequently went out on pass for personal needs. The resident, a male with a diagnosis including respiratory failure, unsteadiness on feet, and lack of coordination, had a BIMS score indicating moderate cognitive impairment. Despite leaving the facility 17 times between specific dates, there was no care plan in place to address his outings. The administrator and DON both acknowledged the oversight, with the administrator assuming the care plan was in place and the DON admitting that the resident was missed during recent audits for care plan updates. The MDS coordinator also believed the resident was going out with a friend, not on his own, and confirmed that such outings should be included in the care plan. The facility's policy requires a baseline care plan to be developed within 48 hours of admission, but this was not done for the resident. This failure could place residents at risk of not receiving the care required to meet their individualized needs.
Failure to Obtain Physician Order for Resident's Daily Pass
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that orders were provided for the immediate care and needs of a resident. Specifically, the facility did not obtain a physician's order to allow a resident to go out on pass daily. The resident, a male with a diagnosis including respiratory failure, unsteadiness on feet, and lack of coordination, had a moderate cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIMS score of 8. Despite leaving the facility 17 times between specific dates, there was no physician order in place for these passes. The physician overseeing the resident stated he had not received any request regarding the resident going out on pass and would have concerns due to the resident's cognitive behavior and steadiness on his feet. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that the facility had been conducting audits on all residents for updates and changes but admitted that this resident was missed. The DON explained that the normal process involves a request by family or the resident, an assessment, and then sending it to the physician for an order, which did not occur in this case. The facility's policy requires verifying or obtaining a physician's order for a resident to leave the facility, which was not followed, potentially putting the resident at risk of missing medications or getting hurt while not under the facility's supervision.
Inadequate Supervision and Assistance Leading to Falls in High-Risk Residents
Penalty
Summary
The report highlights a significant deficiency in a nursing home facility related to inadequate supervision and assistance to prevent accidents, specifically falls. The facility failed to ensure that three residents, identified as Resident #1, Resident #2, and Resident #3, received appropriate supervision and interventions to prevent falls. Resident #1, a male with multiple comorbidities including heart disease and COPD, experienced five falls within a 19-hour period, leading to hospitalization and subsequent death due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage and lumbar spine fracture. Despite being identified as a high fall risk, Resident #1 did not have appropriate interventions in place, such as 1:1 supervision, leading to multiple falls and serious injuries. Similarly, Resident #2, a female with a history of repeated falls and muscle weakness, had a documented high fall risk but did not have appropriate interventions in her care plan to prevent falls. Resident #3, another female resident with hemiplegia and muscle weakness, also experienced a fall due to inadequate supervision. The facility's failure to update care plans with fall risk assessments and implement resident-centered interventions for these high-risk residents contributed to the deficiency in preventing accidents and ensuring adequate supervision.
Failure to Develop Baseline Care Plans Within 48 Hours of Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a baseline care plan within 48 hours of admission for two residents, placing them at risk of not having continuity of care. Resident #2, a [AGE] year-old female with diagnoses including repeated falls, muscle weakness, anxiety, and depression, was admitted on 03/05/2024. Her clinical record revealed no evidence of a baseline care plan. Similarly, Resident #4, a [AGE] year-old male with diagnoses including kidney disease, heart disease, and amputation, was admitted on 03/22/2024, and his clinical record also lacked a baseline care plan. Both residents' MDS assessments indicated varying levels of cognitive impairment, with Resident #2 showing moderate cognitive impairment and Resident #4 showing no cognitive impairment. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the MDS Coordinator revealed confusion and miscommunication regarding the responsibility for initiating baseline care plans. The DON believed that floor nurses were responsible for starting these plans, while the MDS Coordinator stated that the DON and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) were responsible. The DON admitted to starting Resident #2's baseline care plan but was unaware that it had not been submitted. The facility's policy, revised in December 2016, mandates that a baseline care plan be developed within 48 hours of admission to meet the resident's immediate needs, but this was not adhered to in these cases.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plans for Fall Risks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for two residents, leading to deficiencies in addressing their fall risks. Resident #2, a [AGE] year-old female with diagnoses including repeated falls, muscle weakness, anxiety, and depression, was admitted on 03/05/2024. Despite a high fall risk score of 55% on the Morse Fall Scale and two documented falls, her care plan did not reflect any fall risk or interventions. Similarly, Resident #3, a [AGE] year-old female with hemiplegia, muscle weakness, anxiety, and lack of coordination, had a high fall risk score of 70% and experienced a fall, yet her care plan also lacked any mention of fall risk or interventions. Interviews with facility staff revealed significant miscommunication and confusion regarding responsibilities for updating care plans. The DON believed that floor nurses were responsible for initiating and updating care plans with acute and new issues, while the MDS Coordinator only added care areas triggered by the MDS completion. This miscommunication resulted in the failure to include fall risks and appropriate interventions in the care plans for both residents. The facility's policy on comprehensive person-centered care plans requires measurable objectives, timeframes, and a thorough overview of the resident's care and needs. However, the care plans for Resident #2 and Resident #3 did not meet these requirements, as they failed to address the residents' high fall risks and lacked appropriate interventions. The DON acknowledged the oversight and the need for staff education to ensure accurate and complete care plans in the future.
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Surveyors found that kitchen staff failed to follow facility policy and professional standards for food storage, leaving dry items such as spaghetti noodles, garlic powder, and salt unsealed, and refrigerated items such as a prepared drink, salad, and turkey lunch meat uncovered or undated. The DM and ADM both stated that all food should be sealed, labeled, and dated, that all staff are responsible for these tasks, and that staff had been trained, but observations showed food in both dry and refrigerated storage was not properly sealed or dated as required by the facility’s food receiving and storage policy.
The facility failed to enforce its smoking policy and safe smoking assessments for three residents who used tobacco. One resident with mild cognitive impairment and two residents without cognitive impairment were assessed as smokers who required the facility to store their cigarettes and lighters, yet they reported keeping these items in their rooms, and surveyors observed cigarettes and lighters in bedside furniture. An LVN and the housekeeping supervisor stated that all smoking was to be supervised and that supplies were to be kept at the nurse’s station, and the DON and ADM confirmed that residents were not supposed to keep smoking articles in their rooms. However, residents reported they had not been told they could not keep smoking supplies in their rooms, and the facility’s written policy stated residents may not have or keep smoking articles except under direct supervision.
A resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment, limited lower extremity range of motion, and a need for assistance with ADLs was twice observed lying in bed without an accessible call light, which was either hanging under the head of the bed or tucked between the mattress and bedframe. An LVN confirmed the resident could use the call light if available, and a CNA, another LVN, the DON, and the ADM all stated that call lights should always be within reach, that all staff are responsible for ensuring access, and that they were unaware this resident’s call light was not in reach. This was inconsistent with the facility’s policy requiring each resident to have a means to call staff directly for assistance from the bed and other areas.
A resident reported that bedroom hand sinks did not provide warm water, requiring handwashing with cold water and causing discomfort. Surveyors observed that in two rooms, the hot water remained cold despite running for several minutes, and thermometer readings at shared hand sinks showed temperatures in the 70°F range on the hot side, below the facility’s stated 100–110°F expectation. Further observation with the MD revealed that in one room the hot and cold valves were transposed, with hot water only available from the cold side. The MD, ADM, and DON each stated the MD was responsible for monitoring and maintaining water temperatures, but none were aware of recent issues, and the DON did not know the required temperature range. The facility’s maintenance request policy was requested twice but was not provided.
A resident with documented Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including recurrent severe and mild forms, was identified in multiple records such as the face sheet, MDS, care plan, physician orders, and diagnosis report, and was receiving Cymbalta for MDD. However, the resident’s PASRR Level I screening indicated no mental illness. The ADM stated the MDS nurse was responsible for PASRR accuracy and updates when mental illness diagnoses were made, and acknowledged the resident’s active MDD should have been reflected on the PASRR, but he was unaware of the inaccuracy. This resulted in an inaccurate and non-updated PASRR Level I for a resident with a mental illness diagnosis.
Two residents’ care plans were not accurately updated to reflect their assessed needs and physician orders. One resident with dementia, diabetes, and malnutrition had an active MD order and meal tickets for a large-portion, double-portion diet and was observed receiving double portions at meals, yet the care plan continued to list only a regular diet with thin liquids and did not specify the ordered double portions. Another resident with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder had a positive PASRR Level 1 for mental illness and a completed PASRR Level 2 evaluation, but the care plan, while listing the psychiatric diagnoses, contained no focus areas addressing the PASRR findings or related services. The ADM and DON acknowledged that care plans should have been updated to reflect these orders and PASRR results and were unaware that this had not occurred.
A resident with severe dementia, psychiatric comorbidities, and protein-calorie malnutrition had a physician order for weekly weights, but the facility failed to consistently obtain and document these weights over several months. Although the resident appeared adequately nourished and was observed eating most of a meal, multiple ordered weekly weights were missing from the treatment records. Facility leadership, including the DON and ADON, were unaware that the weekly weight order had not been followed, despite policies requiring adherence to physician orders and documentation of weights in the EHR.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and COPD, receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, was observed twice with the cannula lying on the floor beside the bed instead of stored in the bag on the oxygen concentrator as required. A CNA later picked up the cannula from the floor, wiped it with a non-disinfectant incontinent wipe, and reapplied it to the resident, despite having been trained that a cannula found on the floor should be replaced. An LVN, the DON, and the Administrator all confirmed that oxygen cannulas must be stored properly, replaced if found on the floor, and that incontinent wipes are not disinfectants, indicating a failure to follow the facility’s infection prevention and control policy.
Surveyors found loose pills in drawers on two medication carts, indicating medications were not stored in their original packaging or assigned resident-specific areas as required by facility policy. On one cart, two loose tablets later identified as Carbidopa-Levodopa and Zofran were discovered with a medication aide who stated she was responsible for checking the cart at the start of her shift. On the second cart, four loose tablets identified as Allopurinol, Metoprolol, Lasix, and Amlodipine were found with another medication aide, who also reported routinely checking the cart for cleanliness and loose medications. The DON and ADM both reported they were unaware of the loose medications and stated that medication aides, nurses, and charge nurses were responsible for proper medication storage, monitored through administrative and pharmacy cart audits.
A resident with CHF, COPD, morbid obesity, chronic wounds, and total bowel/bladder incontinence was discharged home by stretcher despite being a mechanical-lift resident who could not walk or toilet independently. Home health was not in place, the family reported difficulty reaching SW, and the resident was discharged without an AMA notice or Ombudsman notice. She soiled herself at home, could not clean up, and was hospitalized shortly after for CHF exacerbation and fluid overload.
Improper Sealing, Dating, and Storage of Dry and Refrigerated Foods
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s food storage and handling practices in the kitchen, based on observations, interviews, and record review. During a kitchen tour, they observed multiple instances of improperly stored food in dry storage and refrigerated areas. In dry storage, spaghetti noodles were kept in an unsealed zip lock bag, garlic powder was stored with its lid open, and salt was stored with its spout open. In refrigerated storage, a prepared drink was placed on a metal sheet pan without a cover, a plate of salad had no date, and a package of turkey breast lunch meat was undated and not sealed. In interviews, the Dietary Manager (DM) stated that all food in the refrigerator should be sealed and dated, and all dry storage food should be sealed and closed, explaining that sealing stored food keeps it fresh and prevents contaminants from entering. The DM also stated that all staff were responsible for dating and sealing stored food and that all staff had been trained in food storage. The Administrator (ADM) reported he was not aware that food was not properly stored, and stated that dating and sealing stored food was to maintain sanitary conditions, with everyone responsible for this task and all staff trained in food storage. Review of the facility’s “Food Receiving and Storage” policy, revised November 2022, showed that dry foods stored in bins must be removed from original packaging, labeled, and dated with a use-by date, and that all refrigerated and frozen foods must be covered, labeled, dated, and monitored so they are used, frozen, or discarded by their use-by date.
Failure to Enforce Smoking Policy and Control Resident Smoking Supplies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its established smoking policy for three residents who used tobacco. Record review showed that one resident with hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, depression, and hypertension had an annual MDS indicating tobacco use and a BIMS score of 09 (mild cognitive impairment), but there was no smoking care plan in her care plan report. Her safe smoking assessment indicated she required the facility to store her lighter and cigarettes and that she was safe to smoke without supervision. Two other residents, one with heart failure, diabetes, anxiety, and hypertension, and another with a history of cerebral infarction, depression, and hypertension, had MDS assessments indicating tobacco use and BIMS scores of 14 and 13 respectively (no cognitive impairment). Their care plans identified them as smokers, and their safe smoking assessments also indicated the facility should store their lighters and cigarettes and that they were safe to smoke without supervision. Staff interviews and observations revealed inconsistencies between the facility’s smoking policy and actual practice. An LVN stated that all resident smoking was to be supervised, that smoking supplies were kept in a box at the nurse’s station, and that staff supervised residents according to a smoking schedule, with the housekeeping supervisor assigned to supervise at a specific time. Observation confirmed the housekeeping supervisor was outside observing residents while they smoked. The housekeeping supervisor reported she was scheduled to supervise smoking, that all residents had their own cigarettes and lighters, and that she did not hand out smoking supplies, believing residents obtained them from the nurse’s station. Both the LVN and housekeeping supervisor stated they had been trained on the facility’s smoking policy. Resident interviews and room observations showed that residents were keeping smoking supplies in their rooms despite the policy and safe smoking assessments requiring facility storage. One resident reported keeping cigarettes in his nightstand and a lighter in his pants pocket and stated he had not been told he could not keep smoking supplies in his room. Another resident stated he kept cigarettes and a lighter in his nightstand, and the surveyor observed cigarettes and a lighter in the top drawer of the nightstand; he also stated he had not been told he could not keep supplies in his room. A third resident stated she kept her cigarettes and lighter in her room and that if you gave the nurses your cigarettes and lighter they would take them; she did not remember being told she could not have supplies in her room. The DON and ADM both stated that the policy required all residents to be supervised while smoking and that smoking supplies were to be kept at the nurse’s station, and they were not aware that residents had smoking supplies in their rooms. The written smoking policy stated that residents may not have or keep any smoking articles except when under direct supervision.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s call light was within reach, as required by facility policy and staff training. An elderly female resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 03), limited range of motion in both lower extremities, and a need for partial/moderate assistance with ADLs was observed on two separate occasions without accessible call light access. On one observation, the resident was lying in bed with the call light hanging on the bed frame under the head of the bed; on another, the call light was tucked between the mattress and bedframe at the head of the bed, making it unavailable for use. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the call light should always be within reach of residents and that there was no reason this resident should not have had access to it. An LVN stated the resident was able to use the call light if it was available and that it should always be in reach. A CNA, another LVN, the DON, and the ADM each stated that the purpose of the call light was for residents to call for assistance, that all staff had been trained on call light placement, and that all staff were responsible for ensuring residents had access to the call light. None of them were aware that this resident’s call light was not within reach. The facility’s written policy on the resident call system stated that each resident is to be provided with a means to call staff directly for assistance from the bed and toileting/bathing areas, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Maintain Adequate Hot Water Temperatures at Resident Hand Sinks
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure residents had access to safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable handwashing facilities in their rooms. A resident reported that there was no warm water in the hand sinks in residents’ bedrooms and that they often had to wash their hands with cold water, which made their hands feel cold. The resident also stated they felt the facility did not take the cold water issues seriously and expressed a desire to have warm water available to wash their hands and face. Surveyor observations confirmed that the hot water in two resident rooms remained cold even after running the water for several minutes. Subsequent temperature checks with a thermometer at the shared hand sinks in these rooms showed water temperatures of 73.6°F and 70.5°F on the hot water side, which were below the facility’s stated expected range of 100–110°F for resident room sinks. During a later observation with the Maintenance Director (MD), the hot water at one shared hand sink again measured 70°F on the hot side, and when the cold side was turned on, the water became warm, with a measured temperature of 100°F, indicating the hot and cold valves had been transposed after a plumbing repair. In interviews, the MD stated he was responsible for ensuring adequate water temperatures and that he conducted weekly spot checks of shared hand sinks, maintaining temperature logs, but he was not aware of any recent issues or reports regarding water temperatures. The Administrator (ADM) confirmed that the MD was responsible for water temperatures and that the expected range was 100–110°F, and acknowledged that a recent toilet repair in one of the rooms could have resulted in the hot and cold valves being transposed. The DON stated the MD was responsible for regular water temperature checks and repairs, was not aware of any concerns about hot water temperatures, and was unsure of the required temperature range. When the facility’s maintenance request policy was requested from the ADM on two occasions, it was not provided.
Failure to Maintain Accurate PASRR Level I for Resident With Mental Illness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an accurate and updated PASRR Level I assessment for a resident with a diagnosed mental illness. The resident, a female with hemiplegia following a cerebral infarction, had documented diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), recurrent, severe without psychotic features, and MDD, recurrent, mild, as reflected on her electronic face sheet, MDS, care plan, physician orders, and diagnosis report. Her Annual MDS identified active psychotic/mood disorders of anxiety and depression, and her care plan and physician orders both documented active MDD diagnoses and treatment with Cymbalta (duloxetine) for MDD. The diagnosis report showed onset dates for MDD recurrent severe without psychotic features and MDD recurrent mild well before the survey. Despite these documented mental health diagnoses, the resident’s PASRR Level I screening dated 07/28/2024 indicated "NO" for both primary diagnosis of dementia and mental illness. During an interview, the Administrator stated that the MDS nurse was responsible for ensuring PASRR Level I screenings were accurate upon admission and for requesting updates when new mental illness diagnoses were made, and acknowledged that the resident did have an active MDD diagnosis that should have been reflected as a mental illness on the PASRR. The Administrator reported he was unaware that the PASRR Level I was inaccurate and noted that PASRR screenings were supposed to be reviewed during the admission process and updated with any changes. The report states that this failure could place residents with inaccurate PASRR Level I screenings and no PASRR Level II evaluation at risk for not receiving needed care and services.
Failure to Maintain Accurate Care Plans for Dietary and PASRR-Related Needs
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s development and implementation of comprehensive, person-centered care plans with measurable objectives and timeframes for residents’ identified needs. For one male resident with dementia, type 2 diabetes, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency, the admission MDS showed moderate cognitive impairment and independence in eating, with no diet restrictions or weight loss documented in Section K. His care plan included focus areas for diabetes management and potential nutritional problems, with goals to avoid complications related to diabetes and malnutrition and to maintain weight. Interventions listed included dietary consults, monitoring meal intake percentages, providing a regular diet with thin liquids, monitoring for signs and symptoms of malnutrition, and having the RD evaluate and recommend diet changes as needed. Record review showed that this resident had an active physician order for a “Large Portions diet Regular texture, Regular consistency, Double Portions” starting in early February, and his weights increased from 132 lbs to 158 lbs over several months. His lunch meal ticket reflected a regular diet with double portions, and observations confirmed he was receiving double portions at meals, sometimes requesting additional items such as a salad when still hungry. However, the resident’s care plan did not reflect the physician’s order for large/double portions; it continued to reference a regular diet and thin liquids without specifying the ordered double portions. During interviews, the resident reported he sometimes asked for more food because he was hungry but was able to get second portions and felt full after meals. The ADM and DON both stated that the MDS nurse was responsible for updating care plans when diet orders changed, acknowledged that the care plan should have reflected the double-portion order, and were unaware that it had not been updated. For a female resident with hypertensive emergency, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, the annual MDS documented moderate cognitive impairment and active diagnoses of anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Her active physician orders also listed schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. PASRR Level 1 screening indicated no primary diagnosis of dementia and a positive finding for mental illness, and a PASRR Level 2 evaluation had been completed, documenting that she was not interested in enrollment in a community-based program. Despite these PASRR findings and active mental health diagnoses, the resident’s current care plan, while listing schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder as active diagnoses, contained no focus areas addressing the PASRR Level 1 screening or the PASRR Level 2 evaluation. In interviews, the ADM and DON both stated that the resident’s positive PASRR findings should have been reflected in the care plan and did not know why they were not. The facility’s policy on interdisciplinary care planning stated that resident care plans are to be developed according to the timeframes and criteria established by §483.21, but the care plans for these two residents were not accurate, consistent, or complete with respect to their dietary and PASRR-related needs.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for Weekly Weights
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to obtain and document weekly weights as ordered by the physician for one resident with significant nutritional risk factors. The resident was an elderly female with severe dementia with agitation, depression, schizoaffective disorder–bipolar type, and protein-calorie malnutrition. Her Quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 0, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and documented a weight of 120 pounds. A physician order dated 05/14/26 directed that weekly weights be obtained every Wednesday starting 01/21/26. Record review showed that, despite this standing order, multiple weekly weights were not obtained or recorded over several months. The Treatment Administration Records from 01/01/26 through 05/13/26 reflected missing weekly weight assessments on at least six ordered dates: 01/28/26, 02/11/26, 03/11/26, 03/25/26, 04/08/26, and 04/22/26. Progress notes documented weights on some dates (01/19/26, 01/21/26, 02/23/26, and 03/18/26), but these did not fulfill the requirement for consistent weekly weights as ordered. The facility’s own policy on Physician Orders stated that such orders are essential for comprehensive care, and the Weight Assessment and Intervention policy required that weights be recorded in the electronic health record. During observations, the resident appeared well-groomed, did not appear underweight or emaciated, and was seen consuming approximately 75% of a meal with staff assistance. However, interviews with the DON, ADON, and Administrator confirmed that they were not aware that the weekly weight orders had not been consistently followed for this resident. The ADON reported that the resident had significant cognitive impairment and often refused to be weighed, but there was no documentation in the report that these refusals were linked to the missed ordered weight dates or that alternative measures were taken to comply with the physician’s order. The deficiency centers on the facility’s failure to follow the physician’s weekly weight order and to ensure weights were consistently obtained and recorded in accordance with professional standards, the care plan, and facility policy.
Improper Handling and Storage of Oxygen Nasal Cannula
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its infection prevention and control program related to oxygen therapy equipment for one resident. The resident was an elderly female with dementia, COPD, depression, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, who had a comprehensive MDS indicating severe cognitive impairment and use of oxygen therapy. Her care plan identified risk for respiratory infections/distress related to COPD with an intervention to administer oxygen as ordered, and physician orders directed oxygen at 2–3 liters via nasal cannula to maintain oxygen saturation above 90% as needed for shortness of breath. On two separate observations, the resident’s nasal cannula was seen lying on the floor beside the bed instead of being stored in the bag on the oxygen concentrator when not in use, as required by facility practice. During interviews, an LVN, a CNA, the DON, and the Administrator all stated that oxygen nasal cannulas should be stored in a bag on the oxygen concentrator when not in use and that if a cannula is found on the floor it should be replaced. The CNA reported that she was unaware the tubing was on the floor until she entered the room to assist with the noon meal, then picked up the nasal cannula, wiped it with an incontinent wipe that did not contain disinfectant, and placed it back on the resident. She acknowledged she had been trained on oxygen tubing storage and should have replaced the cannula. The LVN, DON, and Administrator confirmed that incontinent wipes are for skin use and are not disinfectant wipes, and that staff had been trained on oxygen use and storage. The facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Program policy stated that the program is to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections, including instituting measures to avoid complications or dissemination, which was not followed in this instance.
Loose Medications Found on Two Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored properly on two medication carts. During an observation of the Station 1 medication cart with a medication aide, surveyors found two loose pills in a drawer. The medication aide acknowledged that the cart should not contain loose pills and stated she was responsible for the cart once she received the keys, usually checking it at the beginning of her shift for loose or expired medications and cleaning it prior to medication pass. The Director of Nursing (DON) later identified the loose pills as Carbidopa-Levodopa 25-100 and Zofran 4 mg. The facility’s policy on Medication Labeling and Storage, revised February 2023, states that medications and biologicals are to be stored in the packaging or dispensing systems in which they are received, and that medications are to be stored in an orderly manner with each resident’s medications assigned to an individual cubicle or drawer to prevent mixing. A similar issue was identified on the Station 2 medication cart, where four loose pills were found in the drawers during an observation with another medication aide. The DON identified these pills as Allopurinol 100 mg, Metoprolol 25 mg, Lasix 20 mg, and Amlodipine 5 mg. The second medication aide also stated that the cart should not contain loose pills and that she was responsible for checking the cart for cleanliness and loose medications at the beginning of each shift. In interviews, the DON and the Administrator both stated they were not aware that there were loose medications on the carts, and each indicated that medication aides and nurses or the charge nurse were responsible for proper storage of medications on the carts. Both referenced that nursing administration and the pharmacy consultant conducted periodic or monthly cart audits, and the DON and Administrator described potential negative outcomes such as residents missing medications or inventory control issues. These findings demonstrate that medications were not consistently stored in accordance with the facility’s policy and accepted professional principles.
Unsafe discharge without needed supports
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide and document sufficient preparation and orientation for the discharge of a resident with significant functional and medical needs. The resident had diagnoses including acute on chronic diastolic CHF, acute pulmonary edema, obesity, COPD, chronic lower-leg ulcer, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Her admission assessment showed a BIMS score of 15, but her functional status was highly limited: bed mobility required dependent to maximal assistance, transfers were not attempted due to medical/safety concerns, walking 10 feet was not attempted, and she was always incontinent of bowel and bladder. Therapy documentation identified her as a mechanical lift resident, and progress notes described persistent debility, high fall risk, and ongoing counseling about unsafe home discharge. Despite these limitations, the resident was discharged home by stretcher with no home health services in place. The discharge summary listed home care and durable medical equipment, including a wheelchair, hospital bed, and 3-in-1 commode, but the home health agency later reported that the referral was declined because of insurance denial. Facility staff and the resident’s family reported that the resident could not walk and could not get to the bathroom by herself. The resident’s family also reported difficulty reaching social services and stated they did not know who would care for her at home. The resident was discharged without an AMA discharge notice and without notice to the Ombudsman, despite facility policy describing requirements for facility-initiated discharge and resident notification. After discharge, the resident arrived home by EMS on a stretcher and was unable to ambulate. Within less than 24 hours, she urinated and defecated on herself and was unable to change her clothing or clean her body. She was then hospitalized for CHF exacerbation and fluid overload. Interviews with facility staff showed conflicting accounts about the discharge process, the availability of home health, and whether the discharge was safe. The attending MD stated she did not recommend the resident go home and recommended long-term care, while other staff stated the resident wanted to go home and that the discharge was insurance driven.
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