Aviata At The Gardens - Tallahassee
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Tallahassee, Florida.
- Location
- 1650 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308
- CMS Provider Number
- 105764
- Inspections on file
- 38
- Latest survey
- April 16, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 12
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Aviata At The Gardens - Tallahassee during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to provide a clean, safe, and homelike environment, with persistent urine odors in hallways, unsanitary conditions for a resident reported by family and hospice aides, ongoing cockroach infestations in resident rooms, and inadequate housekeeping and linen services for another resident. Facility staff acknowledged ongoing issues with pest control and cleaning schedules.
Surveyors found that medication carts contained loose and unidentified tablets, expired insulin pens, and multi-use vials without proper dating. Narcotic medication cards for discharged residents were not promptly removed, and staff were unclear about medication identification and removal procedures. These deficiencies were observed across multiple units and involved both nursing staff and the DON.
Surveyors observed that the kitchen food cart storage area had damaged walls, broken sheetrock, a hole exposing metal grate, a split main door, chipped and dirty door frames, and a dirty, deteriorating floor with missing tiles and an uncovered drain. These issues were confirmed by dietary and maintenance staff, as well as documented evaluations, all indicating that repairs were pending and the area was not maintained in a safe or functional condition.
A resident reported persistent cockroach infestations in her room, with glue pads placed under the AC unit capturing both dead and live roaches on repeated observations. The Maintenance Director acknowledged ongoing pest issues despite recent changes in pest control methods and regular service visits. Pest Sighting Logs documented numerous roach sightings across multiple halls, demonstrating that the facility's pest control program was ineffective.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions was not promptly assessed for new or worsening pressure ulcers following re-admission. Wounds on the heels and right posterior lower leg were not identified during routine skin checks and were only discovered later, leading to hospital transfer where multiple severe wounds were documented. Facility staff interviews revealed delays and lapses in wound identification and assessment.
The facility failed to provide routine medications to a resident in a timely manner and did not maintain accurate controlled substance records. Nurses were observed signing out narcotics for each other and leaving medication count sheets blank, while a resident reported delays and omissions in receiving prescribed pain medication. The DON was unable to account for numerous narcotic cards belonging to discharged residents that remained on medication carts, and staff interviews confirmed improper documentation practices.
A resident was not invited to participate in care plan meetings, as confirmed by both the resident and a review of medical records. Although care plan meetings were held and documented by staff, there was no evidence that the resident was invited or attended, contrary to facility policy requiring advance invitations and documentation.
Persistent strong urine odors were observed in two hallways, with multiple residents reporting inconsistent housekeeping services, especially on weekends. Housekeeping staff confirmed limited coverage and increased workload when short-staffed, while the DON acknowledged no housekeeping presence during certain hours. The housekeeping manager could not provide documentation of daily cleaning, indicating a failure to ensure a clean and comfortable environment.
The facility failed to maintain proper isolation precautions and hand hygiene practices. Two residents requiring Enhanced Barrier Precautions did not receive care with appropriate PPE, as staff did not don isolation gowns during catheter and wound care. Additionally, two nurses failed to perform proper hand hygiene during medication administration, violating infection control policies.
A facility failed to create a comprehensive care plan for a resident, resulting in unmet needs for maintaining physical functioning. The resident reported difficulty with their wheelchair and right-sided weakness, preventing them from getting out of bed. Despite communicating these issues, no action was taken. The Unit Manager was unaware of the resident's needs, and the care plan lacked recommended restorative programs.
A resident with contractures in the left arm, wrist, and hand did not receive necessary equipment and restorative services to prevent further decline in range of motion. Despite recommendations for a Restorative Splint and Brace program, no orders for restorative services were found, and the resident confirmed not receiving splints. A lack of communication between nursing services and therapy contributed to the oversight.
A resident with a urinary catheter did not receive appropriate care, as staff failed to clean the catheter regularly and did not follow proper procedures during care. The resident, with a history of paraplegia and urinary tract infections, had physician orders for catheter care every shift. However, a CNA was unaware of how to perform catheter care, and an observation revealed improper techniques, such as using gloves from a pocket and not using a catheter securement device. The DON acknowledged concerns about staff competencies in catheter care.
The facility failed to maintain accurate medical records and manage medical equipment properly for three residents. A resident had outdated oxygen tubing, another lacked a care plan for oxygen use, and a third had an overdue PICC line dressing change. Documentation inaccurately reflected care activities, and staff interviews revealed a lack of accountability and verification in executing these tasks.
The facility failed to maintain vaccination consent forms for four residents who refused Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccines. The ADON confirmed the absence of these forms, which were supposed to be documented and retained according to facility policy. The missing documentation resulted from the disposal of original forms after scanning.
The facility failed to maintain COVID-19 vaccination consents for three residents who refused the vaccine. The missing consent forms were discovered during a review of the residents' electronic medical records. An interview with the ADON revealed that the facility's process of scanning and disposing of forms may have contributed to the deficiency.
The facility failed to ensure resident safety during smoking times, as staff were not dedicated to supervise smoking, leading to unsupervised smoking by residents, including those with impairments. Residents were observed with lighters and cigarettes, contrary to policy, and a temporary staff member left residents unsupervised. The facility's smoking policy was not followed, with incomplete evaluations and care plans for residents who smoke.
Two residents reported filing grievances about staff behavior and lack of assistance, but the facility failed to address these issues. The grievance logs showed no record of these complaints, and the Regional Director confirmed the previous administrator did not follow up on them. The facility's grievance policy was not adhered to, resulting in unresolved grievances.
Failure to Maintain Clean, Safe, and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for multiple residents. During facility tours on several dates, a strong odor of urine was present throughout multiple hallways, persisting over several days. Interviews with a resident's family member revealed that the resident was found dirty, soaking wet, and in unsanitary conditions, with hospice aides also reporting the resident being found in a mess. The family member attributed the persistent urine odor to staff leaving soiled linens at the foot of beds for extended periods before removal. Another resident reported a cockroach infestation in her room, confirmed by direct observation of glue pads containing multiple roaches and live roaches present. The Maintenance Director acknowledged ongoing pest control efforts but admitted they had not been effective, as evidenced by pest sighting logs documenting numerous recent roach sightings in various halls. Additionally, an observation of a specific room revealed a visibly soiled privacy curtain, dirty pillows without pillowcases, and a resident who reported not receiving linen changes or housekeeping services for a week despite repeated requests. The Housekeeping Director confirmed that the cleaning schedule for the month was not yet posted and described the general cleaning procedures, but did not address the lack of regular cleaning in the affected room. These findings demonstrate a failure to provide a clean and comfortable environment for residents, as required.
Medication Labeling, Storage, and Removal Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's medication management practices. On several medication carts across different units, there were loose tablets and unidentified medications, including medicine cups with unknown substances and tablets without proper labeling or identification. Expired insulin pens were found on the carts, with labels indicating they should have been discarded 28 days after first use, but they remained accessible. Multi-use vials, such as an opened Haldol injection, were present without any indication of the date they were first accessed. Additionally, medication carts contained narcotic medication cards for residents who had been discharged from the facility, some for over a month or two, and these were not promptly removed from the carts. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON revealed that nurses were instructed not to remove empty or discontinued medication cards from the carts due to a previous drug diversion incident. The DON stated she checks and removes narcotics from the carts every other week, but a significant backlog of narcotic cards for discharged residents was still present, particularly on the 600 unit. Despite these issues, recent pharmacy consultant reports did not document any problems with medication carts or controlled substance logs. The observed failures included improper labeling, failure to date multi-use vials, not following expiration instructions, and inadequate storage and removal of controlled substances.
Kitchen Area Not Maintained in Safe and Functional Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen food cart storage area in a safe and functional condition, as evidenced by direct observation of significant physical damage and uncleanliness. The walls in the kitchen storage area were found to have scuffed marks, deep scratches, scrapes, and broken sheetrock, including a fist-sized hole and exposed metal grate. The main door was damaged with split wood, and door frames had chipped paint and were dirty. The floor was dirty, with chipping material exposing concrete, and in the mop area, floor tiles were missing and the floor drain cover was absent. These deficiencies were confirmed through interviews with the Regional Dietary Manager and Maintenance Director, as well as documented evaluations by the Registered Dietician and Regional Dietary Manager, all indicating that the condition of floors and walls was unsatisfactory and repairs were pending.
Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of cockroaches in resident rooms and throughout multiple halls. One resident reported ongoing issues with cockroaches in her room, leading her family to purchase and place a glue pad under the air conditioner, which was observed to contain several dead and live cockroaches on multiple occasions. The Maintenance Director confirmed that pest control methods had recently changed from spray to dust and that glue strips were placed in resident rooms, but could not explain the continued presence of live roaches. Pest control invoices showed that services were performed twice monthly in resident rooms and monthly in common areas, kitchens, and other facility locations. Pest Sighting Logs documented numerous recent sightings of roaches across several halls, indicating the pest control measures in place were not effective in eliminating the infestation.
Failure to Timely Identify and Assess Pressure Ulcers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate care and services to prevent the worsening of wounds for a resident with multiple comorbidities, including Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy, COPD, Rheumatoid Disease, AFIB, and Chronic Respiratory Failure. Upon re-admission, the resident was identified as being at risk for pressure ulcers, and initial wound assessments documented two wounds that were subsequently resolved. However, additional wounds on the heels were not identified or assessed until several weeks after re-admission, and a significant wound on the right posterior lower extremity was not detected during weekly skin checks but was later found during wound care rounds. The resident was eventually transferred to an acute care hospital due to altered consciousness and concerns about worsening wounds. Hospital assessments revealed multiple chronic wounds, including unstageable pressure injuries with necrotic tissue and foul odor, as well as areas of tissue loss and discoloration on the sacrum, hips, and lower extremities. Interviews with facility staff indicated that there were lapses in timely wound identification and assessment, and the wound care nurse was unable to explain the delays in recognizing and treating the resident's wounds.
Failure to Ensure Timely Medication Administration and Proper Controlled Substance Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide routine medications to residents in a timely manner and did not ensure that controlled drug records were properly maintained and signed out by administering staff. During an observation of medication carts, a nurse was seen removing multiple narcotic cards from the narcotic medication drawer, where a loose tablet was also found. The medication count sheet for these narcotics was blank, yet the nurse admitted to signing it out at the instruction of another nurse. Additionally, a resident reported not receiving her prescribed pain medication over a weekend and experiencing a significant delay in receiving her pain pill in the morning. Review of her medication administration record confirmed that she only received Tylenol for pain during the period in question, despite having orders for other pain medications. Further investigation revealed discrepancies in the documentation and administration of controlled substances. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that a medication prescription label on a narcotic card had been altered, with the original dosage crossed out and a new dosage handwritten above. The DON described a process for removing controlled substances from medication carts after resident discharge, but was unable to account for a large number of medication cards belonging to discharged residents still present on the carts. Interviews with nursing staff revealed that nurses were signing out narcotics for each other, contrary to facility policy and regulations, and that signatures on narcotic count sheets did not always correspond to the nurse who administered the medication. Staff interviews and documentation review indicated a lack of adherence to established protocols for controlled substance handling, including proper documentation and timely removal of discontinued or discharged medications. Despite these issues, pharmacy consultant reports from the previous three months did not identify any problems with medication carts or controlled substance logs during their inspections.
Resident Not Invited to Participate in Care Plan Meetings
Penalty
Summary
A resident reported not having participated in any care plan meetings since admission and stated she had not been invited to attend. Review of the resident's medical record, conducted with the MDS coordinator, confirmed that care plan meetings had occurred on multiple occasions, but there was no documentation indicating the resident's attendance. Meeting forms were signed only by staff members. The MDS coordinator confirmed the resident did not participate in the meetings and was unsure of the reason. Facility policy requires that residents and/or their representatives be invited to care plan conferences, with invitations delivered 7-14 days in advance and a copy placed in the medical record, but there was no evidence this process was followed for the resident in question.
Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment Due to Inadequate Housekeeping
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and homelike environment in two out of four observed hallways, as evidenced by persistent strong urine-like odors in hallways 100 and 300. During the initial and follow-up tours, surveyors noted these odors, and interviews with residents confirmed that housekeeping services were inconsistent, particularly on weekends. Residents reported that housekeeping staff were not present on weekends, and when they did come, their cleaning was limited to picking up trash rather than mopping or wiping surfaces. One resident noted that housekeeping only came every two to three days, and during an interview, the floor in her room was found to be sticky with a strong urine odor in the bathroom. Staff interviews revealed that housekeepers were sometimes assigned additional hallways when other staff were absent, and one housekeeper stated she did what she could but did not work weekends. The Director of Nursing confirmed that no housekeeping staff were available in the facility during the evening, as they had already left for the day. The Manager of Housekeeping/Laundry stated that the expectation was for daily cleaning of rooms, including sweeping, mopping, and wiping surfaces, but was unable to provide documentation verifying that these tasks were completed daily.
Inadequate Infection Control and Hand Hygiene Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper isolation precautions for two residents who required Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). Resident #97, who had a urinary catheter, reported that staff did not clean the catheter regularly. During an observation, two CNAs performed catheter care without donning an isolation gown, despite the presence of orders for catheter care every shift and EBP. Similarly, Resident #67, who had multiple pressure injuries, received wound care from a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner who also failed to don an isolation gown, contrary to the facility's EBP policy. Additionally, the facility did not ensure proper handwashing practices during medication administration. Nurse J was observed dispensing medications to Resident #71 without washing her hands or using hand sanitizer, and then proceeded to prepare medications for another resident without sanitizing her hands. Nurse K, while administering an IV antibiotic to Resident #563, used contaminated gloves to handle medication equipment and did not wash or sanitize her hands between residents. These actions were in violation of the facility's infection prevention and control policies.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive person-centered care plan for a resident, resulting in unmet needs for maintaining the resident's highest practicable level of physical functioning. The resident expressed difficulty in maneuvering their wheelchair due to its size and reported right-sided weakness and pain, which prevented them from getting out of bed. Despite the resident's communication of these issues to the staff, no action was taken to address the need for a more suitable wheelchair. The Unit Manager, who was new to the position, was unaware of the resident's equipment needs and could not provide documentation of any refusal by the resident to get out of bed. The resident's medical record included a recommendation for a Restorative Splint and Brace program and a Bed Mobility Program, but these were not incorporated into the care plan. The care plan only referenced the resident's independent wheelchair use without addressing the recommended restorative nursing or splint and brace program for contracture prevention.
Failure to Provide Restorative Services for Resident with Contractures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary equipment and restorative services to prevent further decline in range of motion for a resident with contractures. The resident, who had contractures in the left arm, wrist, and hand, was observed without supportive devices in the room. Despite having been discharged from therapy with recommendations for a Restorative Splint and Brace program, no orders or tasks for restorative services or application of splints were found in the resident's medical records. The resident confirmed that she had never been offered or received splints for her wrist or legs. The deficiency was further compounded by a lack of communication between nursing services and therapy. The Director of Physical Therapy stated that he had not received any requests for equipment needs for the resident and was unaware of the extent of the resident's contractures. The Licensed Practical Nurse confirmed that equipment needs are provided through PT/OT, but the nurse must inform them if the resident is not receiving therapy. This breakdown in communication and lack of follow-through on therapy recommendations led to the resident's condition potentially deteriorating due to insufficient staffing and oversight.
Deficiency in Urinary Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate urinary catheter care for a resident with a urinary catheter, leading to a deficiency. During a facility tour, the resident reported that staff did not clean his catheter regularly. The resident's medical record indicated a history of paraplegia, hematuria, and urinary tract infections, with physician orders for catheter care every shift. However, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assigned to the resident was unaware of how to perform catheter care, despite having cared for other residents with catheters. An observation of catheter care revealed improper techniques, such as using gloves from a pocket, raising the catheter bag above the bladder level, and failing to use a catheter securement device. The CNA, assisted by another CNA, performed catheter care without following proper procedures. They used the same washcloth area repeatedly, did not initially replace the resident's foreskin, and only did so after the resident's reminder. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged concerns about staff competencies in catheter care, particularly for uncircumcised residents. The facility's policy outlined specific steps for catheter care, including using a catheter securement device, which were not followed during the observed care.
Inaccurate Medical Records and Equipment Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for three residents, leading to deficiencies in care. Resident #92 was observed receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula with tubing dated from two weeks prior, despite physician orders to change the tubing weekly. The Treatment Administration Record (TAR) inaccurately documented that the tubing was changed recently, contradicting the physical evidence. Resident #5 also had outdated oxygen tubing, and there was no care plan addressing his oxygen use, despite his medical history of chronic respiratory conditions. The TAR similarly showed incorrect documentation of tubing changes. Resident #105 had a peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) line with a dressing dated over a week old, contrary to the physician's orders for weekly changes. The Medication Administration Record (MAR) inaccurately indicated a recent dressing change, which was not supported by physical evidence. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity and accountability regarding the documentation and execution of these care tasks, with staff assuming tasks were completed without verification. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the facility's expectations were not met, as staff failed to accurately document care activities in the residents' medical records. The facility's policies required regular changes and proper labeling of medical equipment, which were not adhered to, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate medical records for the residents involved.
Failure to Maintain Vaccination Consent Forms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure vaccination consents were obtained and maintained for four out of five residents reviewed for Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccinations. Specifically, Resident #101, #51, #105, and #96 were missing consent forms for vaccines they had refused. Resident #101 and #105 were missing consent forms for the Pneumococcal vaccine, while Resident #51 was missing a consent form for the Influenza vaccine. Resident #96, who had been readmitted after an extended hospitalization, was also missing a consent form for the Pneumococcal vaccine from his initial admission. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) confirmed the absence of these consent forms after reviewing the records with the Medical Records Department. The facility's policy requires that refusals of vaccines be documented and placed in the resident's medical record. However, the ADON revealed that after documents are scanned into the residents' charts, the original forms are disposed of and not retained, leading to the missing documentation. This oversight indicates a failure to adhere to the facility's vaccination policies and procedures.
Failure to Maintain COVID-19 Vaccination Consents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that vaccination consents were obtained and maintained for three residents who were reviewed for COVID-19 vaccinations. Each of these residents had refused the COVID-19 vaccine, but their medical records were missing the required consent forms indicating their refusal. The absence of these forms was discovered during a review of the residents' electronic medical records and the facility's immunization consent forms. An interview with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) revealed that the facility's process for handling consent forms may have contributed to the deficiency. The ADON explained that after forms are scanned into residents' charts, they are disposed of and not retained. Additionally, it was noted that sometimes documents might get stuck together, potentially leading to the missing consents. The facility's policy requires staff to review the COVID-19 consent with residents or their representatives, obtain a signature for acceptance or declination, and file the consent form in the resident's electronic health record, which was not adhered to in these cases.
Inadequate Supervision and Policy Adherence During Resident Smoking Times
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the safety of residents during smoking times, as observed through staff and resident interviews, record reviews, and policy reviews. Staff members, including CNAs, reported that there was no dedicated staff assigned to supervise smoking, leading to residents, including those with impairments, going outside unsupervised. Residents were observed with lighters and cigarettes in their possession, contrary to the facility's smoking policy, which mandates that such items be stored at the nursing station. During observations, several residents were seen waiting at the door to the smoking area with lighters and cigarettes, and some began smoking without supervision. A temporary staff member, unfamiliar with the location of safety aprons and smoking supplies, left residents unsupervised for a brief period. The Assistant Director of Nursing later confirmed that residents should not have lighters and collected them from several residents. Additionally, a resident with impaired vision was not properly evaluated for smoking safety, and her care plan did not initially reflect her smoking habits or need for supervision. The facility's smoking policy, dated 2014, requires evaluations for residents who wish to smoke and mandates supervision for those identified as needing assistance. However, the policy was not followed, as evidenced by the lack of supervision, improper storage of smoking supplies, and incomplete evaluations and care plans for residents who smoke. This oversight led to residents smoking unsupervised and possessing lighters, posing potential safety risks.
Failure to Resolve Resident Grievances Promptly
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly resolve grievances for two residents, as evidenced by interviews and a review of the grievance log and policy. The husband of one resident reported filing two grievances with the previous administrator in July and August 2024, but no action was taken. Another resident reported filing grievances about disrespectful behavior and lack of assistance from two CNAs, but these issues were not addressed, and the same staff continued to work in the resident's hallway. The resident also experienced retaliation when a CNA skipped serving meal trays to her room after she had complained about the CNA's behavior. A review of the grievance logs from March 2024 to the present showed no recorded grievances for the two residents in question, despite their claims of having filed them. The Regional Director confirmed that these grievances were submitted to the previous administrator, who claimed to have followed up on them, but the failure to address these grievances was only discovered after the administrator's departure. The facility's grievance policy outlines a process for handling grievances, including a 14-day timeframe for follow-up, but this process was not followed in these cases.
Latest citations in Florida
Surveyors found that the facility failed to comply with 42 CFR 483.73(a) by not conducting the required annual review and update of its Emergency Preparedness (EP) plan. During record review, no documentation showed that the EP plan had been reviewed or updated within the past year, and the Administrator confirmed that the Emergency Management Plan had not been reviewed or revised as required.
Surveyors found that smoke/fire-rated enclosures were not properly maintained, with penetrations in smoke barriers in several general storage rooms across multiple smoke compartments. The Maintenance Director stated that insulation and fiberglass were used to pack and cover these holes but could not confirm that the materials were approved for fire-rated construction. Inspectors observed penetrations covered with fiberglass and noted a hole in one fiberglass panel in a storage room, resulting in a deficiency under NFPA 101 requirements for smoke barrier construction.
Surveyors found that fixed patient-care electrical equipment was not properly maintained or inspected in accordance with NFPA 99. In one room, a bedside remote had mismatched insulation and exposed wiring, and in another room, a call button receptacle had exposed low-voltage conductors. The Maintenance Director acknowledged both issues and reported that new bed remotes had been received but not yet installed.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment, with strong, persistent urine and feces odors noted throughout multiple halls and confirmed by staff. On two nursing units, hallways and resident rooms contained torn flooring, food debris, broken blinds, dirty and leaking toilets and sinks, rusted and corroded fixtures, missing outlet covers with oxygen concentrators plugged in, exposed light sockets, unmade and visibly soiled beds, and black, mold-like substances on walls and around toilet bases. Bathrooms had missing ceiling tiles, cracked door facings with brown stains, used briefs and torn toilet paper on floors, and toilets with brown or rust-like buildup. Outside, the patio and fencing area had broken and rotted railings, exposed rusted nails, fallen palm fronds, and overgrown vegetation, and the Administrator acknowledged the area was not safe for residents. Housekeeping and maintenance staff described daily cleaning and a work-order process, but the Maintenance Director reported being unaware of many of the observed issues, and the DON confirmed there was no specific environmental cleaning policy despite job descriptions and a general policy requiring a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment.
A resident exited the building through a bedroom window, walked off the property, and was observed and redirected by staff with assistance from law enforcement, who encountered the resident down the road and helped escort the resident back. The facility’s internal documentation lacked staff or witness statements and characterized the event as the resident remaining on facility grounds without injury. Despite the resident’s account, a police report, and a maintenance staff report confirming that the resident left the premises and that law enforcement responded, the DON did not report the incident to required state and federal agencies, even though the DON acknowledged that any incident involving law enforcement response must be reported.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and a history of stroke was repeatedly observed over several days in visibly soiled clothing and bedding, with a strong urine odor, despite stating multiple times that he had requested assistance with changing and hygiene. Documentation indicated he was independent with toileting and personal hygiene and only occasionally incontinent, but his care plan lacked detail on the level of assistance needed, while an LPN reported he actually required staff help with bathing, grooming, toileting, and care. Laundry practices involved leaving clean, labeled clothing bagged in the linen room for nursing staff to distribute rather than returning it directly to rooms, and the DON reported that staff were expected to round every two hours and as needed to keep residents clean and dry, although there were no written ADL or resident care policies in place.
Surveyors observed four full O2 cylinders on one nursing unit stored unsecured directly on the floor under a sign labeled "FULL CYLINDERS" instead of in a secured storage rack. The ADON confirmed the cylinders were full and should not be on the ground. Reference to NFPA 99 showed that freestanding cylinders must be protected from damage and properly chained or supported in a stand or cart. The DON and Maintenance Director both acknowledged that O2 cylinders are required to be stored in a secure rack, should never be on the floor, and that unsecured cylinders on the floor present a safety risk.
A resident with multiple cardiopulmonary conditions and a documented full code status was found unresponsive without pulse or respirations during the night shift. A CNA notified the RN, who either instructed CNAs to clean and cover the resident or, per her and an LPN’s account, called a code blue and performed CPR with the LPN for about 20 minutes before stopping, without calling 911. The RN believed the resident was on hospice and did not verify code status, then notified the DON, provider, and family instead of EMS. Several hours later, after the DON called the facility and asked whether 911 had been contacted, the RN called 911 and briefly reinitiated CPR shortly before EMS arrived and pronounced the resident deceased, documenting postmortem changes. The facility’s investigation and root cause analysis found that staff failed to follow policy requiring immediate EMS activation and continuous CPR for full code residents until EMS arrival, leading to an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
A resident with full code status was found unresponsive without respirations or pulse during the night shift. An RN and an LPN initiated CPR but did not activate EMS, and they discontinued CPR after about 20 minutes. The RN, who lacked documented orientation and competency assessment and had obtained BLS certification through a fully online, non–instructor-led course, pronounced the resident deceased without authority and later stated she believed the resident was on hospice and did not verify code status. The LPN’s BLS certification was expired, and a CNA with an expired BLS certification performed several chest compressions despite facility policy that CNAs were not to perform CPR. The RN had not participated in documented code blue drills, and leadership confirmed that required clinical orientation and skills competencies had not been completed for her, leading surveyors to determine that staff were not adequately trained or competent to respond to a cardiopulmonary arrest for a full code resident, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy finding.
Surveyors found multiple instances of improper use of relocatable power taps (RPTs) and extension cords during a facility tour with the Maintenance Director. In the social services office, an RPT was plugged into another RPT connected to a wall outlet, with the cord running across a walkway and taped to the floor. In the multipurpose room, a television was plugged into an extension cord, and in the MDS office, an RPT was plugged into another RPT with an outlet adapter in use. These conditions did not comply with NFPA 101, NFPA 99, and NFPA 70 standards governing electrical equipment, power strips, and extension cords.
Failure to Annually Review and Update Emergency Preparedness Plan
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s Emergency Preparedness (EP) Program under 42 CFR 483.73(a). During record review at 4:00 PM, surveyors examined the facility’s EP documentation and found no evidence that the emergency preparedness plan had been reviewed or updated on an annual basis as required. The regulation mandates that LTC facilities develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that is reviewed and updated at least annually to comply with applicable Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness requirements. In an interview, the Administrator acknowledged that the facility’s Emergency Management Plan had not been reviewed or updated. No documentation was provided to show that the required annual review and update of the EP plan had occurred. The deficiency is based solely on the lack of documented annual review and update of the emergency preparedness plan by facility administration; no specific resident cases or clinical events were described in the report.
Plan Of Correction
Preparation and/or execution of the Plan of Correction does not constitute admission or agreement of the provider of the truth of the facts alleged or conclusions set forth in the statement of deficiencies. The Plan of Correction is prepared and/or executed solely because it is required by the provision of Federal and State law. Facility EP was reviewed and signed off on by the DON, Maintenance Director and Administrator. The facility has determined that all residents have the potential to be affected. An in-service education program will be conducted by the administrator. The administrator will conduct monthly random checks to verify completed documentation.
Improper Repair of Smoke Barrier Penetrations in Multiple Smoke Compartments
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s maintenance of smoke/fire-rated enclosures, specifically related to penetrations in smoke barriers in multiple smoke compartments. During an interview, the Maintenance Director reported that insulation was used to pack holes and then covered with fiberglass in general storage rooms in smoke compartments 1, 2, and 3, but was unable to confirm whether these materials were approved for use in fire-rated walls. Subsequent observation showed that the penetrations were indeed covered with fiberglass, and one general storage room in smoke compartment 2 had a hole in one of the fiberglass panels. The report states that this failure to properly maintain penetrations through smoke/fire-rated construction could allow smoke and flammable gases to spread to other areas and cause the smoke/fire-rated construction to fail to perform as designed.
Failure to Maintain and Inspect Patient-Care Electrical Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s compliance with NFPA 99 requirements for testing and maintaining fixed patient-care electrical equipment. During an observation in one resident room, the bedside remote was found to have two different types of insulation and exposed wiring. In another resident room, the call button receptacle was observed with exposed low-voltage conductors. These conditions were noted during a survey of two of six smoke compartments. During an interview conducted at the time of the observations, the Maintenance Director stated that the facility had just received a new shipment of bed remotes and had not yet replaced the existing ones. The Maintenance Director also acknowledged the issue with the exposed conductors at the call button receptacle. The surveyors cited this as a failure to properly inspect and maintain fixed patient care electrical equipment in accordance with NFPA 99 (2012 Edition), sections 10.3 and 10.5.2.1.
Widespread Odors and Environmental Disrepair in Resident Care Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment as required by 42 CFR 483.10(i). Upon entrance to the building on multiple days, surveyors noted a strong, pungent odor of urine and feces throughout the facility, with the odor particularly strong on the 200, 300, and 400 halls. Staff interviews confirmed that the building "usually smells like" urine, and staff attributed the odor to residents defecating and urinating on the floor, an old building structure, and cleaning products that sanitize but do not deodorize. Housekeeping staff reported that they clean resident rooms daily but that nursing staff must first clean fecal and urine waste before housekeeping can sanitize, and delays by nursing staff in doing so postponed housekeeping’s ability to address the odors. On the 300 unit, surveyors observed multiple environmental and sanitation issues in resident rooms and bathrooms. The hallway had torn flooring, food particles, and a butter knife on the floor. Individual rooms had food debris, a straw on the floor, and broken blinds. Bathrooms contained dark brown stains on walls, rusted ceiling tile trim, toilets with brownish substances inside, and wet floors around toilets. Trim was missing around toilet bases, exposing a black, mold-like substance. Corroded and rusted sink faucet handles, leaking faucets, rusted pipes under sinks with buildup of corrosion, and rusted sprinklers were observed. Some toilets and three-in-one commodes had duct tape on them, and bathroom walls had black, mold-like substances. Doors and door facings showed rust, scrape marks, chipped and peeling paint, and exposed wood. In some rooms, electrical outlets had no covers while oxygen concentrators were plugged into them, boards covered windows, light fixtures over beds lacked covers with sockets exposed, and one fixture had only one bulb. A resident bed appeared dirty with a black substance on it, and dresser drawers were broken with drawer fronts on the floor. On the 400 unit, surveyors again noted a strong odor of urine upon entry and found additional environmental deficiencies. Bathrooms had missing ceiling tiles, broken emergency light covers with no pull strings, and toilet tank covers that did not fit properly, exposing the inside of the tank. In one bathroom, torn toilet paper and used briefs were lying in the corner of the floor, and toilets had brown, rust-like substances inside the bowls. Door facings appeared cracked with brown substances along the sides, and toilets had brownish-black buildup around the bases with broken, peeling trim. Light bases on walls had rust-like appearances, multiple rooms had broken or missing blinds, and some outlets lacked covers while oxygen concentrators were plugged into them. Some rooms had unmade beds, exposed wires at outlets, toilets with dark brown-black rings around the base and flooring, uncovered light fixtures, leaking sinks with rusted pipes, loose flooring, loose toilet seats, and dry red substances on door frames. Surveyors also observed deficiencies in the outdoor patio area adjacent to the locked unit. The gate code was broken, and a resident lock was placed on the gate. The patio and surrounding fencing had fallen palm fronds on the grass, broken and rotted wooden fence railings, unsteady railings, and multiple exposed rusted nails protruding from the railings where boards were broken or detached. Overgrown trees and bushes from the perimeter extended through the fence railings. When asked, the Administrator acknowledged that the area was not safe for residents and stated that they planned to have it redone in the future. The Maintenance Director reported that he and one other maintenance person relied on work orders and verbal reports to identify needed repairs and stated he was not aware of the specific room and equipment issues on the 300 and 400 units. Housekeeping staff stated they would report broken items via a work order book or text to maintenance, but one housekeeper, who cleaned the 400 unit daily, denied noticing stains or biohazard-like materials on walls and door frames despite the surveyors’ observations. Review of facility documents showed that the housekeeper job description required staff to maintain assigned work areas in a clean, safe, comfortable, and attractive manner and to report maintenance problems noted during cleaning. A facility policy titled "Policies and Practices - Control" stated that the facility must maintain a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for personnel, residents, visitors, and the public. The DON stated that blinds had been changed out and new cabinets and door handles purchased, and that staff were directed to use standard precautions when cleaning rooms, but also stated there was no policy specific to cleaning the environment. These observations and interviews demonstrated that the facility did not maintain sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior conditions, did not adequately control offensive odors, and did not ensure that the physical environment, including resident rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, was maintained in a safe, clean, and homelike condition as required by regulation.
Failure to Report Elopement Incident Involving Law Enforcement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an elopement incident to required state and federal agencies as mandated by 42 CFR 483.12(c). On the referenced date, Resident #5 exited the building through his bedroom window around 12:15 PM and walked across the facility property toward the perimeter fence. A CNA observed the resident outside and called for assistance, after which staff redirected and escorted the resident back into the building and placed him on one-to-one supervision. The facility’s internal incident documentation noted the window exit and subsequent maintenance inspection of the window seals but did not include any staff or witness statements. The DON later stated that the resident never left facility grounds and was returned without injury, and therefore the incident was not considered reportable. However, interviews and external records showed that the resident did leave the facility premises and that law enforcement was involved. Resident #5 recalled being outside the facility, being brought back by staff and a “police man,” and being told by the officer not to leave again. A police report from the local police department confirmed an encounter with the resident outside the facility and that an officer assisted staff in escorting him back. Maintenance staff (Staff G) also reported that the resident climbed out the window, left the facility property, and was stopped “down the road,” then redirected back with law enforcement assistance. In interviews, the DON initially denied that law enforcement had been notified or involved, then later acknowledged that law enforcement had responded but asserted they did not come into the facility. The DON also confirmed awareness that any incident in which law enforcement investigates or responds is required to be reported, yet the elopement and law enforcement involvement were not reported to the State Survey Agency or other required officials within the required time frames.
Failure to Provide Timely ADL and Hygiene Care to a Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to provide necessary ADL care, including grooming and hygiene, to a dependent resident over multiple days. The resident was repeatedly observed in visibly soiled clothing with a strong odor of urine, first standing in his doorway holding onto a wheelchair with wet navy pants saturated down to his calves, stating he had been waiting for staff to change his clothes. More than an hour later the same day, he remained in the same soiled pants and shirt while seated in a wheelchair near the nurses’ station. The following day, he was again observed wearing the same soiled clothes, smelling of urine, with his shirt stained with food and a dark liquid. His room had a strong urine odor, his bed was soiled with urine, and only two pairs of pants were seen on a chair with no other clothing available in the room. On a subsequent observation, he was seated on the edge of his bed wearing different pants and no shirt, with yellow-stained sheets beneath him and his previously soiled clothes on the floor; he reported that he had requested assistance but no staff had come, so he changed himself. Record review showed the resident had a history of stroke and repeated unspecified conditions, with a recent Quarterly MDS indicating moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 10). The MDS documented him as independent for toileting, showering, personal hygiene, and related ADLs, and only occasionally incontinent, but his care plan did not specify the level of assistance he required for incontinence care and other ADLs. In contrast, an LPN familiar with the resident stated he required staff assistance with bathing, grooming, toileting, and care, and that he did not refuse such assistance and appropriately requested help. The LPN also explained that personal clothing was laundered at the facility and left bagged in the linen room for nursing staff to distribute, rather than being returned directly to resident rooms. The DON stated that staff were expected to follow best practices, including rounding every two hours and as needed to keep residents clean and dry, and acknowledged that all residents required some level of assistance with ADLs. The DON further stated the facility had no written ADL, resident care, or quality of care policies, despite these expectations.
Unsecured Storage of Full Oxygen Cylinders on Nursing Unit
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure safe storage of oxygen cylinders on the West 1 unit. At 9:03 a.m., four full oxygen cylinders were observed stored unsecured directly on the ground rather than in the designated secured cylinder storage rack, under a sign labeled "FULL CYLINDERS." Photographic evidence was obtained of this condition. At 9:18 a.m., the ADON confirmed that the four cylinders were full and acknowledged they should not be stored on the ground. Review of NFPA 99 (2021) 11.6.2.3(11) indicated that cylinders must be protected from damage and that freestanding cylinders must be properly chained or supported in a proper stand or cart. Later that day, the DON stated that oxygen cylinders should be stored in a secure rack and never directly on the ground, and acknowledged that unsecured cylinders on the floor were a safety risk. The Maintenance Director also confirmed that oxygen cylinders should be in a secure rack and never stored directly on the ground, stating that cylinders stored on the floor can tip over and cause damage. These observations and interviews demonstrated noncompliance with regulatory and NFPA standards for safe storage of oxygen cylinders.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction constitutes a written allegation of compliance for the deficiency cited. Submission of this plan of correction is not an admission that the deficiency exists or that one was cited correctly. This plan of correction is submitted to meet the requirements established by the State and Federal law. The four unsecured [R] cylinders on the West 1 unit were secured. The Nursing Department completed a baseline audit of [R] cylinder storage within the facility to ensure all [R] cylinders were secured and stored properly. Ongoing education will be completed with current facility staff regarding the facility's [R] storage policy and procedure; and will be completed during new hire and agency orientation to the facility by ADON/designee. Audits will be completed by the Director of Nursing/designee regarding adherence to the facility's [R] storage policy and procedure twice weekly x 4 weeks, then weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 4 months, or until continued substantial compliance has been met. Results of audits will be reported to the QAPI Committee on a monthly basis by the Director of Nursing/designee.
Failure to Provide Required CPR and Activate EMS for Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide immediate and appropriate basic life support, including CPR, to a resident with a documented full code status when the resident was found unresponsive. The resident had diagnoses including a slow-progressing circulatory condition involving narrowing or blockage of vessels, a condition that restricts airflow and makes breathing difficult, and other listed conditions. The physician’s order specified “Full Code,” and the care plan documented that the resident was under court-ordered guardianship with wishes honored as full code. The facility’s policy required that in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, staff immediately call for assistance, overhead page a code, begin CPR in the absence of a valid DNR, and continue CPR until EMS assumes responsibility or the resident responds. On the night of the incident at approximately 2:00–2:07 a.m., a CNA found the resident unresponsive in bed and notified the RN on duty. One CNA’s written statement indicated that the RN said she already knew the resident was going to die and instructed the CNA to clean and cover the resident. Another CNA’s account stated that the RN came to the room, took vital signs, and then instructed her to clean the resident. The RN’s own written statement and interview indicated that she called a code blue, that an LPN brought the crash cart, and that they performed CPR for approximately 20 minutes. The LPN’s statement corroborated that a code blue was called, that he brought the crash cart, and that CPR was performed for about 20 minutes before the RN stopped and stated that the resident was gone or words to that effect. The RN acknowledged that the resident had no vital signs but was warm and not responding, and she stated that she believed the resident was on hospice and therefore did not call 911. After CPR was discontinued, the RN did not activate EMS and instead notified the DON, the provider, and the resident’s family. The DON documented receiving a message from the RN that the resident had no pulse and no blood pressure and that the assigned nurse had initiated CPR but was unable to revive the resident. The DON later received a text from the RN that the resident had expired. The DON stated that at approximately 6:00 a.m. she called the facility and asked if 911 had been called, and upon learning it had not, she instructed the RN to call 911. The RN then reinitiated CPR at around 6:00 a.m., approximately four hours after the resident was first found without pulse or respirations, and stated that they tried to do something until EMS arrived because EMS had to see them doing CPR. EMS records showed activation at 6:18 a.m., arrival at 6:27 a.m., and pronouncement of death at 6:31 a.m., with documentation that CPR was not attempted by EMS because it was considered futile and that the resident exhibited postmortem changes. The Medical Director confirmed that the resident was full code and stated that staff should have started CPR and called 911 and that CPR should not be done four hours after a resident is pronounced dead. The facility’s investigation and a root cause analysis concluded that the RN and LPN did not follow the facility’s established policy and procedure to call 911 and administer CPR to a full code resident until EMS arrival. The root cause was identified as the nurse’s belief that the resident was on hospice and her failure to check the resident’s code status as outlined in facility policy. The surveyors determined that the failure to immediately activate EMS and to continue CPR until EMS arrival for this full code resident constituted noncompliance with the requirement to provide basic life support and resulted in an Immediate Jeopardy determination.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors' findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied. Resident #1 no longer resides in the facility as of 4.7.26. This has the potential to affect all residents in the facility. All codes to 1.1.26 were reviewed to ensure protocol was followed. No outliers were noted. All licensed nurses received education from the Director of Nursing and/or nursing management on [R] policy and procedure and Florida [R] policy. This includes where to find the code status. Education addressed what to do for full code hospice residents. Education completed with CNA's that protocol is that they do not assist with [R] or breaths during a [R] event. All education will be added to new hire orientation. Code drills will occur 3 x weekly x 4 weeks, followed by 2 x weekly x 4 weeks, followed by 1 x weekly x 4 weeks. Results will be brought to QAPI to determine need for ongoing auditing.
Removal Plan
- Educated licensed nurses on CPR policy and procedure and Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNRO) policy, including where to find code status and what to do for full code hospice residents; emphasized initiating emergency services immediately when resident is full code, continuing CPR until EMS arrives, and that nurses cannot pronounce death or stop CPR on a full code resident unless instructed by EMS.
- Implemented emergency response “Code Blue” drills on all three shifts, including full code and full code hospice scenarios, with emphasis on calling 911 immediately.
- Educated licensed nurses and CNAs on the facility abuse and neglect policy, including resident rights.
- Required licensed nurses to complete a CPR post-test; restricted staff who have not completed education/testing from working until completion.
- Educated licensed nurses regarding change in condition.
- Placed laminated instructions on how to overhead page during a code at all nursing station phones and other designated phones.
- Held a Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review root cause analysis findings and approve recommendations.
- Held a Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review progress of the plan and approve recommendations.
- Completed a “like resident” audit of all expired residents and rehospitalizations for a defined period to determine whether involved staff were the same as the code event and whether proper procedure was followed.
Failure to Provide Competent CPR Response and Verify Code Status for Full Code Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that nursing staff possessed and demonstrated the competencies required to respond appropriately to a cardiopulmonary emergency for a resident with full code status. Resident #1, who was designated as full code, was found unresponsive and without respirations or pulse at approximately 2:07 a.m. Clinical staff, consisting of an RN (Staff A) and an LPN (Staff B), initiated CPR but did not activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as required by facility policy for a full code resident. After approximately 20 minutes of CPR, the RN and LPN stopped resuscitation efforts without EMS involvement. The RN, without authority to do so, pronounced the resident deceased based on the absence of vital signs and did not verify the resident’s code status before discontinuing CPR. The RN later stated she believed the resident was on hospice and therefore did not call 911, and that she was confused about which residents were hospice and which were full code. The LPN reported that he assumed the RN had called 911 and continued CPR for about 20 minutes until the RN “called the code” and left, and he acknowledged that he knew CPR should continue until EMS arrival but did not speak up. Four hours after CPR was stopped, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the RN restarted CPR and activated EMS after receiving instructions from the DON. The investigation further identified that the RN had no documented orientation, onboarding education, or skills competency assessments since hire, despite being promoted to weekend supervisor. Her BLS certification had been obtained through a fully online course without an instructor or live feedback. The LPN’s BLS certification was expired, and a CNA who performed several chest compressions also had an expired BLS certification, even though facility policy did not permit CNAs to perform CPR. Facility records showed that monthly code blue drills had been conducted, but there was no documentation that the RN had ever participated in these drills. Leadership interviews confirmed that required clinical orientation and competency evaluations had not been completed for the RN, and that she had failed tests for a clinical manager position but was nonetheless functioning in a supervisory role. These actions and omissions led surveyors to determine that staff were not adequately trained or competent to respond to cardiopulmonary arrest for residents with full code status, resulting in an Immediate Jeopardy determination. The facility’s own root cause analysis, as reflected in meeting minutes, identified that the nurse did not check the resident’s code status and lacked knowledge about when CPR could be discontinued and when 911 should be called. The analysis documented that the nurse believed the resident was hospice and therefore did not start or continue CPR appropriately or call EMS when the resident was found without respirations and pulse. The facility assessment tool and policies referenced the need for staff training and competencies in identifying changes in condition, end-of-life care, advance care planning, and adherence to the CPR policy, but the documented events showed that these expectations were not met in practice for the staff involved in this incident. Surveyors concluded that the failure to ensure nursing staff were trained and competent to respond appropriately to cardiopulmonary arrest for a full code resident, including immediate initiation and continuation of CPR and activation of EMS, constituted noncompliance with requirements for sufficient and competent nursing staff. The failure affected Resident #1 and placed other full code residents at risk, leading to an Immediate Jeopardy finding that was later reduced in scope and severity after verification of an acceptable Immediate Jeopardy removal plan.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors' findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied Resident # 1 no longer resides in the facility as of 4.7.26. This has the potential to affect all residents in the facility. All licensed nurses were audited to ensure current [R] certification. Facility will ensure [R] certification through a [R] provider whose training includes a [R] on session either in a physical or virtual instructor-led setting in accordance with accepted national standards. Human resources, or designee, will audit monthly to ensure all licensed nurses have a current [R] certification.Education was completed with licensed nurses on initiating [R] services immediately when a resident is full code. Education included that [R] is to continue on a full code resident until [R] arrives and that the nurse cannot pronounce [R] on the full code resident and/or stop [R] until instructed by [R].Education will be added to new hire orientation.7 random licensed nurses will complete a knowledge quiz related to code events. Per week x 4 weeks, followed by 5 nurses x 4 weeks, then 3 nurses x 4 weeks. Results will be brought to QAPI to determine need for ongoing auditing.
Removal Plan
- Regional Director of Clinical Services educated the Administrator and Director of Nursing regarding the CPR policy and the need to immediately contact emergency medical services (911) in the event of a full code; Administrator and DON signed the education
- Regional Director of Clinical Services provided documented education to the Administrator and Director of Nursing regarding the CPR policy and the need to immediately contact emergency medical services (911) in the event of a full code
- Director of Nursing and/or nursing management educated all licensed nurses on the CPR policy and procedure, including where to find code status and what to do for full code hospice residents
- Reinforced through education that CPR must be initiated immediately for full code residents, continued until EMS arrives, and that nurses cannot pronounce death or stop CPR on a full code resident unless instructed by EMS
- Conducted an Ad Hoc Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review root cause analysis recommendations related to the incident; recommendations approved
- Conducted a follow-up Ad Hoc Quality Improvement Performance Committee meeting to review progress on the plan; recommendations approved
Improper Use of Power Strips and Extension Cords in Multiple Facility Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified deficiencies related to the use and maintenance of relocatable power taps (RPTs) and extension cords that did not comply with NFPA 101, NFPA 99, and NFPA 70 requirements. During a facility tour conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with the Maintenance Director, surveyors observed in the social services office an RPT plugged into another RPT, which was then plugged into a wall outlet, with the cord running across a walkway and taped to the floor. In the multipurpose room, a television was found plugged into an extension cord, contrary to standards that prohibit using extension cords as a substitute for fixed wiring and require temporary extensions to be removed immediately after use. Further observations included the MDS office, where an RPT was plugged into another RPT and an outlet adapter was in use. These configurations did not meet the NFPA 99 provisions governing the proper use of power strips and extension cords, including requirements that power strips be appropriately rated and used only as intended, and that extension cords not be used as permanent wiring. During concurrent interviews, the Maintenance Director acknowledged these findings as they were observed by the surveyors.
Plan Of Correction
The RPT observed plugged into an RPT plugged into an outlet in the Social Services Office was removed. The extension cord used to plug in the television in the multipurpose room was removed. The RPT plugged into an RPT and outlet adapter in the MDS office was removed. Additional offices and resident care areas will be reviewed for the improper use of plug adapters, power strips and extension. The Executive Director/designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Electrical Equipment- Power and Extension specific to the improper use of plug adapters, power strips, and extension and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review. The RPT observed plugged into an RPT plugged into an outlet in the Social Services Office was removed. The extension cord used to plug in the television in the multipurpose room was removed. The RPT plugged into an RPT and outlet adapter in the MDS office was removed. Additional offices and resident care areas will be reviewed for the improper use of plug adapters, power strips and extension. The Executive Director/designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Electrical Equipment - Power and Extension specific to the improper use of plug adapters, power strips, and extension and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review.
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