N0204
K

Neglect in Medication Management and Lab Follow-Up

Highland Pines Rehabilitation CenterClearwater, Florida Survey Completed on 04-17-2025

Summary

The facility failed to protect the residents' right to be free from neglect, particularly in the area of medication management and follow-up laboratory orders for medication therapeutic levels. Eleven residents were affected, with serious harm occurring to one resident whose medication levels were not monitored, and consultation was not obtained as requested by the provider. This resident experienced a significant medical event and had to be transferred to a higher level of care. The report details multiple instances where residents' medication levels were not properly monitored, and laboratory results were not communicated to the appropriate medical personnel. For example, one resident's medication levels were consistently low, yet there was no evidence that the physician was notified of these results. Additionally, there were lapses in ensuring that lab orders were entered into the lab portal, leading to missed or delayed lab draws. The Director of Nursing acknowledged a system failure in the facility's lab process, which contributed to these deficiencies. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clear responsibility for overseeing lab orders and results. The facility's process for managing lab work was described as broken, with no designated person to ensure that lab results were reviewed and communicated to providers. This systemic issue resulted in residents not receiving the necessary medical oversight, leading to potential harm and inadequate care.

Plan Of Correction

1. What corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practices? Residents #5 and #10 no longer reside in the facility. Laboratory orders for medication management were received for residents #1, #2, #3, #4, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #11. Results of labs were reported to resident physicians, documented in the clinical record, and new orders were transcribed as indicated. Consult was for resident #1 as requested by physician. 2. How you will identify other residents who have the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective actions will be taken. A facility-wide audit of current residents on medications was conducted by Director of Nursing/designee to ensure that residents on medications had appropriate lab monitoring orders in place and that consultation orders were completed as indicated. Any residents identified without lab monitoring orders or fully executed consults were reported to physician and new orders transcribed as indicated. 3. What measures will be put in place or what systematic changes you will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur. Director of Nursing/Designee will educate licensed nursing staff on the lab monitoring process to include ensuring that residents' medication receive proper lab monitoring, physician notification of abnormal lab values or refused labs, documentation of physician notification and new orders is recorded in the resident clinical record, and consultation orders for are properly executed. 4. How the corrective action(s) will be monitored to ensure the deficient practice will not recur. Director of Nursing/Designee will randomly audit residents on medications to ensure that appropriate lab orders for monitoring medication levels are in place weekly for four weeks and then monthly for two months. Results of the audits will be submitted by the Director of Nursing/designee to the Quality Assessment, Assurance, and Compliance Committee monthly for three months for further recommendations and guidance.

Penalty

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
See other N0204 citations
Resident Physically Abused by Staff Member
D
N0204
Short Summary

A resident with dementia and other medical conditions was physically abused by a mental health technician, who roughly pulled the resident from a chair, resulting in a fall and subsequent injuries. The incident was witnessed by another resident and confirmed through interviews and review of facility records, revealing that the staff member's actions were rough and unnecessary, causing physical harm.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Unauthorized Administration of Chemical Restraints
E
N0204
Short Summary

A nurse administered Melatonin and Benadryl to several residents without physician orders, using these medications to induce sleep during the night shift. This led to changes in resident behavior, including increased confusion and drowsiness, and was reported by staff and residents. The facility's investigation confirmed that the medications were not ordered for the affected residents and that the actions violated residents' rights to be free from chemical restraints and abuse.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Prevent Neglect and Misappropriation of Controlled Substances
E
N0204
Short Summary

A resident did not receive timely toileting assistance during the night shift, resulting in being found wet and soiled in the morning, with no documentation of care or refusals. Additionally, two residents experienced discrepancies in the administration and documentation of controlled substances, with records showing more doses given than prescribed and illegible, altered logs. Staff interviews confirmed these failures, and one LPN was linked to multiple documentation issues.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Protect Residents from Neglect and Mental Abuse by Staff
E
N0204
Short Summary

Two CNAs engaged in neglectful and verbally abusive behavior toward multiple residents, including leaving them in soiled briefs, failing to provide proper hygiene, and making derogatory comments. Several residents, many with significant care needs, reported being ignored or made to feel like a burden, while staff interviews confirmed a pattern of unprofessional conduct and lack of timely care. The issues were known among staff but not effectively addressed by management, resulting in ongoing neglect and mental abuse.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Protect Residents from Abuse and Neglect
N0204
Short Summary

The facility failed to protect residents from abuse and neglect, as evidenced by incidents involving CNAs who were verbally and physically rough with residents. A resident reported being handled roughly during a shower by a CNA, who also used inappropriate language. Another incident involved two residents who felt intimidated by a CNA's aggressive behavior. Despite reports and witness accounts, the facility's investigation was inconclusive, and the CNA's employment was terminated based on customer service concerns. The facility did not adequately communicate with residents about the outcomes, leaving them in fear.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Inadequate Staffing Leads to Resident Injury
G
N0204
Short Summary

A resident in a LTC facility, who was non-verbal and dependent on staff for all care, fell from bed and sustained a head injury due to inadequate staffing. The facility was understaffed, and only one CNA was available to assist the resident, despite the care plan requiring two-person assistance. The incident was not promptly reported or investigated, and the care plan was not active at the time, leaving staff unaware of the resident's needs.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Know what gets cited — and walk into your next survey with full visibility

We process and analyze inspection reports and Plans of Correction using AI to surface insights and trends — so you can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risk before your next survey.

Get ready for your next survey

See what surveyors are citing in your state and spot your risk areas before they do.

Monthly Citation Reports

Have you been cited for this tag?

Save hours drafting a compliant Plan of Correction — AI built on real approved POCs.

Plan of Correction Writer

Trusted data from CMS and state health departments

Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release June 24, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.

Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.

Allegria Senior Living logo
FHCA logo
WeCare Centers logo
Care Rehab logo
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙