Perimeter Rehabilitation Suites By Harborview
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Location
- 5470 Meridian Mark Road, Bldg E, Atlanta, Georgia 30342
- CMS Provider Number
- 115270
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- March 19, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 25 (1 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Perimeter Rehabilitation Suites By Harborview during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A facility failed to develop care plans for triggered activities needs for four residents and failed to care plan PTSD for one resident. The records showed one resident with encephalopathy, respiratory failure, dementia, malnutrition, and dysphagia; another with stroke, epilepsy, hemiplegia, respiratory failure with trach, and a G-tube; a third with moderate cognitive impairment and depression; and a fourth with diabetes, MS, dementia, PTSD, and MDD. The MDS/CAA process identified activities care planning needs, but no activities care plans were found, and a resident with PTSD also had no PTSD care plan despite the diagnosis being documented.
Failure to Assess Bed Rail Safety and Need Before Use: The facility did not complete required bed rail safety assessments for five residents before bed rails were used. Records showed each resident had diagnoses and functional limitations, but admission or quarterly evaluations documented that bed rails were not indicated and did not complete entrapment reviews. Despite this, staff observed bilateral or mid-bed rails in use on the residents’ beds, including hospice-provided beds, and the DON, ADON, and UMs acknowledged the assessments should have been completed when the rails were implemented.
The facility failed to protect residents from abuse and to correctly identify sexual abuse. One cognitively intact resident with dementia and occasional confusion was found in bed with another resident who had moderate cognitive impairment and impaired decision-making, where a CNA observed the cognitively impaired resident kissing the other on the lips and a roommate reported hearing kissing sounds and suggestive comments with laughter. Despite a policy defining sexual abuse as any non-consensual sexual contact and a legal guardian’s statement that the cognitively impaired resident could not consent, facility leadership concluded no sexual abuse occurred because the residents did not appear distressed and were viewed as capable of making their own decisions. In a separate incident, a cognitively intact resident with multiple serious medical conditions and bilateral leg amputation reported that an RCA refused to assist him back inside after a smoke break, used profanity, and threatened to pull him from his wheelchair and stomp on him; other residents corroborated the verbal altercation, and the RCA admitted refusing assistance and cursing at the resident.
The facility failed to follow its abuse and exploitation policies after a resident with dementia and a resident with delirium and a psychological disorder were found in bed together, with one kissing the other on the lips. Although facility policy required determining capacity to consent to sexual contact, documenting that assessment, and immediately protecting residents through separation and increased supervision, there was no evidence that a qualified professional evaluated capacity or consent. The residents were not immediately separated, required 30‑minute checks were not implemented at the time of the incident, and law enforcement was not notified until days later. The Administrator later stated that both residents were capable of making their own decisions and had consented, and the report notes that a misunderstanding of the definition of resident‑to‑resident sexual abuse led to the failure to initiate capacity and protective interventions.
The facility failed to follow its abuse reporting policy by not promptly reporting an alleged resident-to-resident sexual incident to the Administrator and the SSA. A CNA observed two residents in the same bed, with one resident kissing the other on the lips, and stated she reported this to a nurse, later identified by the facility as an LPN, though this was not clearly documented. The ADON learned of the incident two days later and then informed the Administrator, who subsequently reported it to the SSA. Interviews revealed conflicting accounts about which nurse received the initial report and confirmed that the incident was not reported within the required 2-hour timeframe for alleged abuse.
The facility failed to provide written notices of transfer, bed-hold practices, and appeal rights to responsible parties for two residents who were transferred to the hospital. Facility policies required written transfer/discharge notices with the reason for transfer, effective date, destination, explanation of appeal rights, and State appeal agency contact information, as well as written bed-hold information and retention of a signed copy in the medical record. For both residents—each severely cognitively impaired, dependent for all ADLs, and transferred for acute neurologic and respiratory concerns—documentation showed only that the responsible party was notified by phone, with no written notices in the EMR. The National Director of Risk Management reported that staff routinely called responsible parties but did not send written notifications and did not retain copies of bed-hold forms, and the Administrator stated he was unaware of the requirement to provide written transfer and bed-hold information upon hospital transfer.
Surveyors found that staff failed to follow hand hygiene and enhanced barrier precautions policies during incontinence care for two residents. For a resident on enhanced barrier precautions for wounds, a CNA began care without a gown, did not perform hand hygiene during glove changes, and left the room while gowned to obtain linens from a hallway cart and dispose of soiled items without bagging them. For another resident who was always incontinent of bowel and bladder, a CNA used the same pair of gloves throughout incontinence care, including handling a urine-soiled brief, applying barrier cream, and placing a clean brief, without changing gloves or performing hand hygiene between tasks.
Inadequate Activities Program and Documentation: A resident with severe cognitive impairment, no speech, and total dependence for care did not have a care plan for activity needs, and the EMR lacked accurate participation records. Staff documented one-to-one visits on dates when the resident was hospitalized, while room observations repeatedly found no music, TV, or sensory items present. The AA stated the resident needed one-to-one visits and would benefit from additional in-room stimulation, and the Administrator noted activities records should be accurate.
Activities Program Not Directed by a Qualified Professional: The facility failed to ensure the activities program was directed by a qualified professional. The AA stated she had been serving as the AD after the prior director left, but she had not completed a training course, had no corporate assistance with developing the activities program, and had not been trained in care planning or involved in activity care plans, QAPI, or quality improvement projects. The Administrator stated the AA was not the AD and was signed up for classes to obtain AD credentials.
A resident with chronic respiratory failure, tracheostomy, quadriplegia, and encephalopathy did not have emergency trach care supplies kept in her room. Staff observed no suction machine or trach supplies at the bedside, and the RT confirmed the needed equipment was stored away from the room and had to be retrieved from a supply cart. Interviews showed the resident had been moved to a private room and the supplies were not moved with her, despite orders for ongoing trach care and suctioning.
Failure to Provide Routine Dental Services: A resident with severe cognitive impairment did not receive routine dental care during the stay, and staff confirmed there were no prior dental appointments for routine care. Observations showed heavy white buildup around the upper teeth and discoloration on the front teeth, while the family member was unaware that a contracted dentist could provide routine dental services and the CSO stated the resident should be seen annually by a dentist.
A resident with dysphagia and a physician order for nectar-thick liquids was observed at breakfast with thin juice, thin milk, and thin water at the bedside, despite the tray card indicating nectar-thick liquids. An LPN confirmed the resident was served thin liquids and did not know why the ordered consistency was not provided; the DON stated the thin liquids came from the kitchen, and the Administrator said kitchen and nursing staff should verify the correct liquid consistency.
Incomplete MAR Documentation: A resident’s MAR was missing documentation for scheduled medications, including Eliquis, atorvastatin, and ezetimibe. The LPN stated the meds were given but not documented in the EMR before the end of the shift, and the DON stated that if it is not documented, it is not done.
A resident with MS, seizures, generalized weakness, and impaired mobility had a loose right-hand mid-bed siderail that would not stay in place. Staff observed the rail drop to the floor when lifted, and a CMT confirmed it was loose and posed an injury risk. The Maintenance Director later found it attached with only one bolt near the head of the bed, and the facility could not provide documentation of weekly bed inspections.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a high risk for elopement was able to exit a secured unit due to malfunctioning alarms and delayed egress mechanisms on exit doors. Staff initially focused their search inside the building despite the wander guard alarm sounding, and it was later discovered that the exit discharge door alarm had not been working for some time and was not reported for repair. The resident was eventually found outside the facility, highlighting lapses in supervision and maintenance of safety devices.
A resident with multiple medical conditions was not properly informed of her rights, financial liability, or treatment consent upon admission. Admission paperwork was sent electronically with incorrect information, preventing proper signatures. The resident did not sign any forms, and required documents regarding rights and financial expectations were incomplete or unsigned. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of documentation and that the responsible admissions staff had resigned during the admission process.
A staff member exploited a resident with a history of trauma and mental health conditions by requesting money, as confirmed by text message evidence and the facility's investigation. The staff member's personnel file lacked required background and reference checks, and the incident was reported to authorities.
A floor technician was hired without a documented criminal background check or completed reference checks, as required by facility policy. This lapse was discovered after a resident reported that the technician requested money via text messages, leading to a substantiated finding of exploitation and the technician's termination.
The facility did not conduct thorough investigations into two separate incidents: one involving a resident with intact cognition who reported missing money from her lockbox, and another involving a cognitively impaired resident who suffered an unwitnessed fall resulting in a head laceration and cervical fracture. In both cases, required interviews and documentation were incomplete or inaccurate, and the facility's own investigative procedures were not followed.
A resident who was diagnosed and treated for a multidrug-resistant E. coli UTI in the hospital did not have the infection coded on their quarterly MDS assessment upon return to the facility. Staff interviews revealed a misunderstanding of coding requirements and a lack of auditing to ensure MDS accuracy.
A resident with a history of hip arthroplasty and related complications experienced increased pain and was found to have a dislocated hip on X-ray. The critical result was faxed to the facility but was not communicated to the physician or addressed by nursing staff until the following day, resulting in a delay in intervention and hospital transfer. Staff interviews confirmed the delay and lack of immediate action as required by facility policy.
A resident did not receive sufficient food and fluids to maintain their health, as required. The report identifies a lapse in meeting the nutritional and hydration needs necessary for the resident's well-being.
A resident was admitted without a physician's order and was not placed under a doctor's care at the time of admission, as required. The facility did not ensure proper medical authorization and oversight during the admission process.
The facility did not manage its operations in a way that ensured effective and efficient use of its resources, as identified by surveyors.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions sustained a significant periorbital injury of unknown origin, despite recent documentation of no injuries following a witnessed fall. Staff were unable to determine how the injury occurred, and inconsistencies existed between the fall event and the resulting injury. The lack of adequate supervision and monitoring contributed to the failure to prevent or promptly identify the cause of the injury.
The facility did not honor a resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal, and failed to establish or implement a grievance policy or promptly resolve complaints as required.
The facility did not provide adequate nursing staff to meet all residents' needs and failed to have a licensed nurse in charge on every shift, as required by regulations.
The facility did not provide a registered nurse on duty for at least eight hours a day on most days, particularly on weekends, over several months. Staffing shortages led to reliance on ADONs, with only one being an RN, and MDS RNs who do not provide direct care. Residents reported long delays in call light response and instances where medications were left unattended, reflecting the impact of inadequate RN coverage on care quality.
The facility did not consistently post daily nurse staffing data in a prominent and accessible location, as required. Observations and staff interviews revealed that staffing information was often outdated, missing, or posted at heights inaccessible to residents, affecting the ability of residents, staff, and visitors to view current staffing levels.
The facility did not complete a thorough facility-wide assessment to determine necessary resources and staffing for competent resident care during daily operations and emergencies. The assessment contained incomplete information and blanks, and the Administrator confirmed it was considered complete despite these deficiencies, potentially affecting all residents.
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, with incomplete infection surveillance documentation and unsanitary conditions in both clean and dirty laundry rooms. Issues included missing infection data, improper linen storage, visibly soiled surfaces, leaking equipment, and unaddressed maintenance problems, as confirmed by staff interviews.
Handrails on three resident floors were observed to be loose and crooked in several locations, including across from nurse stations and resident rooms. Staff interviews confirmed the issue was present facility-wide, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged that repairs were pending. Facility policy required ongoing inspections and staff reporting of such deficiencies, but the handrails remained unsecured during the survey period.
Staff did not immediately inform a resident, their physician, and a family member about events such as injury, decline, or room changes that affected the resident, resulting in a deficiency for lack of timely notification.
Surveyors observed that two shower rooms were left in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, with doors propped open, soiled linens, unmarked toiletry items, used gloves, masks, and other debris scattered on the floors, as well as unflushed toilets with visible waste. Staff interviews confirmed that the rooms should have been cleaned and secured between uses, but this was not done, resulting in a failure to provide a safe and clean environment for residents receiving showers.
Medication carts were repeatedly left unlocked and unattended by nursing staff, with medications and gastrostomy supplements exposed and accessible to unauthorized individuals. Staff interviews confirmed lapses in following the facility's policy requiring all drugs and biologicals to be stored in locked compartments, and multiple observations documented carts left unsecured in hallways and near nurse stations.
Surveyors found that food and drink served to residents was not consistently palatable, attractive, or at a safe and appetizing temperature, resulting in a deficiency related to meal quality standards.
A resident with moderately impaired cognition and multiple medical conditions experienced repeated delays in her responsible party receiving monthly cash advances from her account, despite facility policy requiring timely processing. The responsible party reported receiving funds one to two months late, and staff interviews confirmed that delays occurred due to workload, even though the resident was able to authorize the release of funds.
Surveyors found that two medication carts were left unattended with computer screens displaying residents' personal and medical information, including names, dates of birth, allergies, advance directives, and physician orders. In both cases, LPNs failed to lock the screens before stepping away, and the Interim DON confirmed that screens should be locked when not in use.
A resident with multiple medical conditions reported being struck by another resident and informed staff, but the incident was not reported to the Administrator or authorities as required by facility policy. The resident later stated that staff did not address the incident, and the current Administrator confirmed that the previous Administrator was not informed.
The facility did not ensure that each resident received an accurate assessment, as required. Inaccurate assessments were identified, which could affect care planning and service delivery.
A resident admitted with acute respiratory failure, second-degree burns, legal blindness, and a history of homelessness did not have a care plan addressing activities of daily living (ADL) or legal blindness. The care plan only included skin issues, discharge planning, and fall risk, despite facility policy requiring comprehensive care plans. The omission was confirmed through record review and staff interview.
The facility did not update care plans for three residents after significant changes in condition or incidents, such as falls and new medical orders. For example, a resident's care plan was not revised after a fall with injury, another was not updated to reflect new oxygen use and weight loss interventions, and a third did not include a fall resulting in a black eye. Staff interviews confirmed that care plan updates were not consistently made as required by facility policy.
A resident with significant mobility impairments and dependent on staff for ADLs did not receive timely assistance with changing soiled briefs. Despite activating the call light and requesting help, the LPN who responded did not provide care and failed to ensure that a CNA was notified. As a result, the resident remained in soiled briefs for an extended period, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was not seen by the podiatrist for eight to nine months after their appointment was missed due to COVID-19 precautions on their floor. Facility staff acknowledged a system failure in ensuring the resident was rescheduled for podiatry care, and no policy for podiatry services was provided when requested.
A CNA did not complete the required twelve hours of annual in-service training, receiving only 10.7 hours during the review period. This was confirmed by the IDON, indicating noncompliance with the facility's policy for CNA training.
Failure to Care Plan Triggered Activities Needs and PTSD
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop comprehensive care plans for activities needs for four residents and failed to care plan a PTSD diagnosis for one resident. The report states that the facility’s policy required the care planning process to include resident strengths and needs, culturally competent and trauma-informed care as indicated, all triggered CAAs, and any specialized services identified through PASARR recommendations. The MDS/RAI guidance cited in the report states that triggered care areas are to be assessed further and used as the foundation for the care plan. For R13, the admission record showed diagnoses including encephalopathy, respiratory failure, dementia, malnutrition, and dysphagia. The admission MDS showed a BIMS score of 10 out of 15, moderate mood symptoms of depression, and that it was very important for him to participate in religious and group activities. The CAA indicated additional activities assessment was needed because of little interest or pleasure in doing things and directed staff to proceed to care planning for activities needs and interventions, but the EMR contained no care plan addressing activity needs, goals, or interventions. For R29, the admission record listed stroke, epilepsy, hemiplegia and hemiparesis, muscle weakness, respiratory failure with tracheostomy, and gastrostomy tube. The admission MDS showed severe cognitive impairment, inability to complete the BIMS, and activities interests that could not be assessed. The CAA indicated additional activities assessment was needed because staff assessment did not indicate the resident preferred participating in favorite activities and directed staff to proceed to care planning, but no activity care plan was present. For R114, the admission MDS showed moderate cognitive impairment, activities were somewhat important, moderate depression, and the CAA triggered for activities and directed staff to develop a care plan, but the care plan did not contain an activities plan. For R242, the admission record listed type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, dementia, PTSD, and major depressive disorder; the MDS CAA summary showed activities triggered with a yes for care plan decision, but no activities care plan was found. The facility also failed to care plan PTSD for R117, whose admission record listed PTSD and whose quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 15 out of 15 and a diagnosis of PTSD. The care plan did not contain evidence that PTSD was addressed. During interviews, MDS staff, the Activities Assistant, the SSD, the DON, and other leadership staff confirmed that the residents did not have the required care plans and discussed which departments were responsible for developing them.
Failure to Assess Bed Rail Safety and Need Before Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that five of six residents reviewed for bed rails were assessed for safety and need before bed rails were used. The report states that the facility’s Bed Rail Safety policy required assessment of the resident’s needs and risks, including risk of entrapment between the mattress and bed rail or in the bed rail itself, before determining whether bed rails met the resident’s needs. For R11, the admission record showed diagnoses including COPD, SOB, and pneumonia, and the MDS showed severely impaired cognition with substantial/maximal assistance needed for bed mobility and sitting up and dependence for transfers. Admission assessments documented that R11 did not desire bed rails, was not using them, and that bed rails would not assist with turning or transfers; the entrapment review was not completed and bed rails were documented as not indicated. Despite this, R11 was observed in bed with bilateral bed rails up, and the UM confirmed the rails were present on the hospice bed but was unsure whether an assessment was needed when the hospice bed with rails was implemented. For R13, the admission record showed diagnoses including encephalopathy, respiratory failure, dementia, malnutrition, and dysphagia, and the MDS showed moderately impaired cognition with substantial/maximal assistance needed for bed mobility and dependence for transfers. Admission assessments documented that R13 did not desire bed rails, was not using them, and that bed rails would not assist with turning or transfers; the entrapment review was not completed and bed rails were documented as not indicated. R13 was later observed with bilateral bed rails up, and the UM confirmed the rails were present on the hospice bed and stated there was no assessment of appropriateness or need when the hospice bed rails were implemented. For R29, the admission record showed diagnoses including stroke, hemiplegia and hemiparesis, epilepsy, muscle weakness, and respiratory failure, and the MDS showed severely impaired cognition with dependence for all mobility and ADLs. Admission nursing evaluations documented that R29 did not desire bed rails, was not using them, and that bed rails would not assist with turning or transfers; the entrapment review was not completed and bed rails were documented as not indicated. R29 was observed with bed rails up, and the UM stated she did not know he had them on the bed and that they may have been left from the last resident who used the bed. The DON and NDRM stated the assessment should have been completed when the bed with rails was received. For R190, the record showed diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, coordination problems, seizures, generalized muscle weakness, cognitive communication deficit, and major depressive disorder. The quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 15 and need for moderate help with rolling and sitting to standing. The quarterly nursing evaluation with side rail evaluation documented that R190 was not using side rails for positioning, support, or bed mobility, did not express a desire to use them, and that side rails were not indicated; however, the evaluation did not assess use of side rails or entrapment risk. R190 was observed with loose right-hand mid-bed side rails, and the ADON reviewed the evaluation and stated he should have had an assessment completed. For R204, the record showed paraplegia, and the quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 15, no upper or lower extremity impairments, and minimal help needed with rolling and lying to sitting. The quarterly nursing evaluation with side rail evaluation documented that R204 was not using side rails for positioning, support, or bed mobility, did not express a desire to use them, and that side rails were not indicated; however, the evaluation did not assess use of side rails or entrapment risk. R204 was observed with side rails in use on the bed, and the UM stated the procedure included completing an assessment, assessing restraint, signing consent, and assessing for entrapment. The ADON later reviewed the evaluation and stated the resident did not need side rails, while also acknowledging that the bars were physically the same as side rails and that there could still be a risk of entrapment.
Failure to Protect Residents From Sexual and Verbal Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect residents from abuse, including sexual and verbal abuse, and to correctly identify and treat certain resident-to-resident contact as sexual abuse. One cognitively intact resident with dementia and occasional confusion was found in bed with another resident who had moderate cognitive impairment and impaired decision-making. A CNA witnessed the cognitively impaired resident in the other resident’s bed kissing her on the lips and reported the incident to nursing staff. The roommate of the kissed resident reported hearing smacking noises, hearing the cognitively impaired resident ask if the other resident wanted more, and hearing laughter. The facility’s investigation documented that attempts to interview both residents and law enforcement interviews were unsuccessful due to confusion, and the facility concluded that the interaction was not sexual abuse because the residents did not appear distressed and seemed to enjoy themselves. The facility’s abuse policy defined sexual abuse as non-consensual sexual contact of any type with a resident, but the Administrator and ADON stated they did not believe abuse occurred in this incident. The Administrator described sexual abuse as involving a resident who was upset, crying, and not wanting to be touched, and stated that both residents were capable of making their own decisions and that consent was determined by whether residents could make their needs known. The ADON acknowledged that one resident had fluctuating coherence and that the other resident had moderate cognitive impairment, yet still did not consider the incident to be abuse. The legal guardian for the cognitively impaired resident stated that this resident was not able to consent, was not capable of signing paperwork, and was not capable of making decisions, but this was not reflected in the facility’s determination that the event was not sexual abuse. The deficiency also includes an incident of staff-to-resident verbal abuse. A cognitively intact resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including end stage renal disease, Parkinsonism, liver cirrhosis, chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, and bilateral leg amputation, reported that during a smoke break he asked a Resident Care Assistant to roll his wheelchair back toward the door. The RCA refused, telling the resident that since he rolled himself out, he should roll himself back in, and called him an expletive. The resident and other residents reported that the RCA refused to assist and engaged in a verbal altercation, and the resident stated that the RCA threatened to pull him out of his wheelchair, stomp on him, and cussed at him. The RCA’s written statement confirmed that he refused to assist and used profanity toward the resident, and the facility substantiated the allegation of verbal abuse based on the resident’s account, witness statements, and the RCA’s admission.
Failure to Implement Abuse Policy for Resident-to-Resident Sexual Contact
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its abuse, neglect, and exploitation policies related to capacity to consent to sexual activity and immediate protection measures following a resident-to-resident sexual interaction. The facility’s written policy required establishing a safe environment that supports consensual sexual relationships by identifying when, how, and by whom determinations of capacity to consent to sexual contact would be made, and where this documentation would be recorded. The policy also required written procedures to assist staff in identifying different types of abuse, including sexual abuse, and mandated immediate protective actions such as responding immediately to protect the alleged victim, examining the alleged victim for injury or psychosocial harm, increasing supervision, making room or staffing changes if necessary, and providing emotional support. Despite these requirements, there was no evidence in the records that capacity assessments were completed or that consent was evaluated by a qualified professional for the residents involved. The incident involved two residents out of a sample of 51. One resident was admitted with dementia without behavioral disturbances and had a quarterly MDS BIMS score of 15/15, indicating cognitively intact status. The other resident was admitted with delirium with a known psychological disorder and had a quarterly MDS BIMS score of 10/15, indicating moderate cognitive impairment. An incident report documented that one resident was found in the other resident’s bed and was observed kissing the other resident on the lips. The facility did not immediately separate the residents at the time of the incident, did not implement 30‑minute checks as required, and did not notify police until two days after the event. During a subsequent interview, the Administrator stated that both residents were capable of making their own decisions, believed that sexual abuse had not occurred, and stated that both residents had consented to the interaction. The report notes that the facility’s misunderstanding of the definition of resident‑to‑resident sexual abuse resulted in a failure to initiate capacity assessments and protective interventions as required by policy.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Resident-to-Resident Sexual Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely report an allegation of sexual abuse involving two residents to the Administrator and the State Survey Agency (SSA), as required by its abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy dated 07/15/2025. The policy required all alleged violations, regardless of residents' cognitive status, to be reported to the Administrator, the state agency, and all other required agencies within specified timeframes, specifically immediately but not later than two hours after the allegation is made if the events involve abuse. Resident 35 was admitted on 09/05/2024 and Resident 236 was admitted on 10/26/2023. On 01/11/2026, according to a facility incident report dated 01/13/2026, Resident 236 was found in Resident 35's bed and was observed kissing Resident 35 on the lips. A document titled Abuse-Resident to Resident, dated 01/20/2026, indicated that CNA 9 wrote a statement on 01/11/2026 stating she witnessed Resident 236 in Resident 35's bed and kissing Resident 35 when she directed Resident 236 to get out of the bed, and that she reported the incident to a nurse, later identified by the facility as LPN 1, although no nurse's name was documented in the investigation. The Administrator stated in an interview on 03/17/2026 that he was notified of the sexual incident on 01/13/2026 by the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON 1), and that he reported the resident-to-resident incident to the SSA at that time. He also stated that CNA 9 reported the sexual encounter to LPN 1 and that the incident between the two residents was not considered sexual abuse, and that he reported it to the SSA out of an abundance of caution. In a separate interview on 03/18/2026, ADON 1 confirmed he learned about the sexual encounter two days after it occurred and that the staff involved were CNA 9 and LPN 1; he also confirmed he notified the Administrator two days after the incident and was unable to identify how he initially obtained the information. In another interview on 03/18/2026, LPN 1 stated she was not the nurse to whom CNA 9 reported the resident-to-resident incident. The record review and interviews showed a delay between the date of the incident and the date the Administrator and SSA were notified, and a lack of clear documentation and identification of the nurse who received the initial report, resulting in noncompliance with the facility’s abuse reporting policy and required reporting timeframes.
Failure to Provide Written Transfer, Bed-Hold, and Appeal Notices for Hospitalized Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide required written notices of transfer, bed-hold practices, and appeal rights to residents’ responsible parties for two residents who were transferred to the hospital. Facility policy on Transfer and Discharge required that, once admitted, residents and their representatives receive a written transfer/discharge notice in a language and manner they can understand, including the specific reason for transfer, effective date, transfer location, explanation of the right to appeal, and the name, address, and telephone number of the State entity that receives appeal requests, as well as information on how to obtain an appeal form. The facility’s Bed Hold Notice policy required that, at the time of transfer to the hospital, written information be provided to the resident and/or representative specifying the reserve bed payment policy and facility bed-hold policies, and that a signed and dated copy of this notice be kept in the resident’s record. Record review showed that one resident with severe cognitive impairment, dependent for all tasks and diagnosed with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral edema, pneumonia, osteoarthritis, right-sided hemiplegia/hemiparesis, aphasia, and seizures was transferred to the hospital after the daughter requested transfer due to worsening condition and breathing concerns; the progress note documented that the responsible party was notified, but there was no written transfer or bed-hold notice in the EMR. Another resident, also severely cognitively impaired and dependent for all tasks, with diagnoses including non-traumatic subacute subdural hemorrhage, seizures, cerebral infarction, atrial fibrillation, unspecified dementia, malnutrition, and type II diabetes, was transferred to the hospital after family reported cyanosis of the fingernail beds and the physician ordered oxygen and transfer for further diagnosis and treatment; again, the record only reflected that the responsible party was notified, with no written transfer or bed-hold documentation retained. In interviews, the National Director of Risk Management stated that staff always called the responsible party when a resident was discharged but did not send written notification, and that while a bed-hold notification form was sent with the resident to the hospital, a copy was not kept in the EMR. The Administrator reported he was not aware that the responsible party needed to receive written notice of transfer and bed-hold information upon any hospital transfer.
Failure to Follow Hand Hygiene and Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its own infection prevention and control policies, including hand hygiene, glove use, and enhanced barrier precautions (EBP), during incontinence care for two residents. Facility policies required perineal care to promote cleanliness, comfort, and infection prevention, and specified that hand hygiene must be performed before moving from a contaminated to a clean body site and after contact with bodily fluids. The EBP policy required gown and glove use for high-contact care activities such as changing linens, changing briefs, providing hygiene, and wound care, and the hand hygiene policy stated that glove use does not replace hand hygiene and that hand hygiene must be performed before donning and immediately after removing gloves. One resident, admitted with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction and needing assistance with personal care, had a BIMS score indicating moderate cognitive impairment and was on EBP for potential infection related to wounds. An EBP sign on the resident’s door directed staff to wear gloves and a gown for high-contact care activities. During observed incontinence care, a CNA performed hand hygiene and donned gloves but did not initially wear a gown, only putting one on after being instructed by the Regional Risk Consultant. The CNA did not perform hand hygiene during glove changes and exited the room while still wearing the gown to obtain a clean sheet from a linen cart in the hallway, then disposed of soiled linens and a brief in hallway receptacles without bagging them. In interviews, the CNA acknowledged not sanitizing hands between glove changes and not wearing a gown at the beginning of care, while the ADON and DON stated that staff are expected to wear gowns and gloves for EBP residents, perform hand hygiene with each glove change, have supplies in the room, and not go in and out of rooms while gowned or handle hallway linen carts while wearing gowns. For another resident with diagnoses including cerebrovascular insufficiency, hemiplegia, vascular dementia, and major depressive disorder, and who was always incontinent of bowel and bladder per the MDS, a separate incontinence care observation showed additional failures in infection control. A CNA donned gloves before entering the room and then provided the entire episode of incontinence care using the same pair of gloves. The CNA wrapped a urine-soiled brief, applied barrier cream to the perineal area, and placed a new brief on the resident without changing the contaminated gloves or performing hand hygiene between tasks. In a subsequent interview, the CNA confirmed that gloves were not changed during the care episode and that handwashing and glove application occurred only before entering the room.
Inadequate Activities Program and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an adequate and ongoing program of activities for one resident who was dependent on staff for all stimulation and engagement. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including stroke, epilepsy, hemiplegia and hemiparesis, muscle weakness, respiratory failure with tracheostomy, and gastrostomy tube. The MDS showed the resident was unable to complete the BIMS, had short- and long-term memory problems, severely impaired cognition, no speech, could not make himself understood or understand others, and was totally dependent on staff for mobility and activities of daily living. His activity interests could not be assessed, and the CAA indicated additional activities assessment was needed and that staff should proceed to care planning for activities needs and interventions. The activities assessment documented that the resident could not participate in group activities physically or cognitively, was unable to respond, had no one to speak for him, and had no identified activity interests. The form stated the resident required one-to-one activities, including reading and music. However, the EMR contained no care plan addressing his activity needs, goals, or interventions. The individual activity participation records also contained inaccurate entries, including documentation of one-to-one visits on dates when the resident was not in the facility because he was at the hospital, and the Activities Assistant later stated she had transcribed information from other attendance sheets and incorrectly transposed another resident's information. Observations in the resident's room on multiple occasions showed him lying in bed without music or television on and without items in his hands or nearby for sensory stimulation or to keep his hands busy. During one observation, he had pulled out his tracheostomy tubing, and the Respiratory Therapist stated the resident would get restless at times and would use his hands to pull on the tubing. The Activities Assistant stated the resident received one-to-one visits by staff, that these visits should occur two to three times per week, and that he would benefit from additional in-room stimulation such as TV when staff were not visiting. The Administrator stated he expected activities staff to keep accurate records of participation, and the National Director of Risk Management stated the facility could be offering TV shows, music, or additional activities/objects for sensory stimulation and engagement and that staff could be doing more for the resident.
Activities Program Not Directed by a Qualified Professional
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the activities program was directed by a qualified professional. Review of the Activities Director job description showed that the activities program must be directed by a qualified professional, including a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist, an activities professional who is licensed or registered if applicable, an individual eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional by a recognized accrediting body, a person with 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years with one year full-time in a therapeutic activities program, a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, or someone who has completed a State-approved training course. During interview, the Activity Assistant stated she had been serving as the AD since the previous director left and had not yet completed a training course. She stated she did not have corporate assistance with developing an activities program, had not received training in care planning, had not been involved in developing or revising activity care plans, and did not attend QAPI meetings or participate in quality improvement projects. The Administrator stated the former AD’s last day was 08/07/25 and that the AA was not the AD, adding that the AA was signed up for classes in April to obtain AD credentials.
Tracheostomy Emergency Supplies Not Kept at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure emergency tracheostomy care supplies were kept within close proximity for a resident with a tracheostomy. The resident was admitted with chronic respiratory failure, tracheostomy, quadriplegia, and encephalopathy. Her care plan directed staff to keep trach ties secured at all times and suction as necessary, and physician orders included daily and as-needed trach care, changing trach ties every night shift and as needed, changing respiratory supplies and setup weekly and as needed, and suctioning via trach every day and night shift for patency. During observation, no suction machine or tracheostomy supplies were present in the resident’s room, and the resident had a capped tracheostomy in place. The respiratory therapist confirmed that no tracheostomy care supplies, including a suction machine, spare tracheostomy, inner cannula, trach ties, and mask, were in the room and then brought the equipment from a supply cart kept in a closet across from the nurses’ station. Staff interviews indicated the resident had been moved from a shared room to a private room and the supplies were not moved with her, and the DON stated staff were expected to keep tracheostomy care supplies in the resident’s room for access during an emergency.
Failure to Provide Routine Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one resident, R43, received routine dental services. The resident was admitted on 12/26/24, and the quarterly MDS dated 01/21/26 showed a BIMS score of 6 out of 15, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The MDS also indicated no broken or missing teeth. Review of the clinical record did not show evidence that R43 received routine dental services during the 14 months of the resident’s stay. During an observation on 03/16/26, R43 opened her mouth and had a heavy white substance buildup around all upper teeth, with a reddish color on the two front top teeth. On 03/17/26, the SSD and RVPO confirmed that R43 had not had prior appointments with a dentist for routine dental care during the stay, and they verified the condition of the resident’s teeth. The SSD stated the resident’s teeth were in this condition upon admission, and the facility did not provide additional information regarding dental care or the status of the resident’s teeth. On 03/18/26, the family member stated he was looking for a community dentist to evaluate and treat the resident’s teeth and was not aware that a dentist contracted with the facility could provide routine dental care. On 03/19/26, the CSO stated R43 should be seen annually by a dentist.
Failure to Serve Ordered Thickened Liquids
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one resident with dysphagia received liquids in the form ordered by the physician. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including malnutrition and dysphagia, had a BIMS score of 10 out of 15 indicating moderately impaired cognition, and required a mechanically altered diet. The physician’s order specified thickened liquids at nectar consistency, and the care plan directed that the diet be provided as ordered. During a breakfast observation, the resident had regular thin juice, thin milk, and thin water at the bedside table, and had already consumed about half of the liquids. The resident stated the liquids were not thickened but that he was drinking them without trouble. The breakfast tray card indicated nectar-thick liquids, including milk and a beverage of choice. An LPN confirmed the resident had thin juice, thin milk, and thin water with the meal and stated she did not know why he was not given nectar-thickened liquids. Later, the LPN stated the thin liquids had been removed and replaced with nectar-thickened liquids, and that the juice and milk were provided by the kitchen. The DON stated the thin liquids were served from the kitchen, and the Administrator stated kitchen staff should check orders during the tray line and nursing staff serving meals should double-check that the appropriate thickened liquids were served.
Incomplete MAR Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the clinical record was complete for one resident reviewed out of a sample of 34. Review of the facility’s Medication Administration policy indicated that medications are to be signed on the MAR after administration, and the Documentation in Medical Record policy stated that each resident’s medical record must contain an accurate representation of the resident’s actual experience with complete, accurate, and timely documentation. Resident 79 was admitted with diagnoses including appendicitis, hemiplegia and hemiparesis, type 2 diabetes, major depressive disorder, and dementia. Review of Resident 79’s MAR showed no administration documentation for the 9:00 PM dose of Eliquis 5 mg on 03/12/26, as well as no documentation for Atorvastatin calcium 80 mg and Ezetimibe 10 mg at bedtime on 03/12/26. During interview, the LPN who worked the night shift on 03/12/26 stated the medications were given but she forgot to click them off in the computer system and said documentation should have been completed before the end of the shift. The DON stated that if it is not documented, it is not done, and that timely documentation is emphasized repeatedly.
Loose Bed Rail Not Securely Attached
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a siderail was securely attached to the bed for one resident. The facility policy titled, Side Rail Safety, required regular inspection of the mattress and bed rails for entrapment areas and for bedrails to remain correctly installed without shifting or loosening over time. The resident involved was admitted with multiple sclerosis, other lack of coordination, seizures, generalized muscle weakness, cognitive communication deficit, and major depressive disorder. The care plan documented limited physical mobility related to repeated falls, multiple sclerosis exacerbation, history of seizures, weakness, and rib fractures, with staff to provide supportive care and assistance with mobility as needed. The resident's quarterly MDS showed multiple sclerosis, depression, seizures, upper and lower extremity impairments on one side, and a need for moderate assistance with rolling and sitting to standing, while also indicating a BIMS score of 15 out of 15. During observation, the resident's right-hand mid-bed metal rail was loose and unable to remain in the proper location; the resident lifted the rail and let it fall to the floor, stating he used it to hold on to while turning in bed. A CMT confirmed the rail was loose and posed a risk for injury. The Maintenance Director later inspected the rail and found it attached with one bolt near the head of the bed, and when lifted, it dropped to the floor. The facility was unable to provide documentation of weekly bed inspections completed by maintenance.
Failure to Maintain Secure Exit Doors and Supervision Leads to Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision and maintain a safe environment for a resident identified as being at high risk for elopement. The resident had a history of severe cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, and other medical conditions, and was assessed as a high elopement risk with a care plan that included the use of a wander guard device and regular checks. Despite these interventions, the resident was able to exit the secured unit through a second-floor door, as the alarms and delayed egress mechanisms on the exit doors were not functioning properly. The wander guard alarm did sound, but the search for the resident was initially focused inside the building, delaying the discovery that the resident had left the premises. Observations and interviews revealed that the exit discharge door's alarm had not been working for an extended period, and this malfunction was not reported or addressed through the facility's maintenance system. Staff interviews indicated that the door alarm was frequently triggered by the resident, and staff would reset the alarm without ensuring the underlying issue was resolved. Additionally, a contractor had previously unlocked the exit discharge door and failed to relock it, further compromising the security of the unit. The lack of proper signage indicating the delay time on the doors and the absence of a functioning alarm on the exit discharge door contributed to the resident's ability to elope undetected. Documentation showed that the resident was found outside the facility in a parking garage after an internal search and a delayed external search. The facility's policy required immediate action and notification of authorities in the event of a missing resident, but the initial response focused on searching inside the building. The failure to maintain functioning safety devices and to promptly identify and address the malfunctioning alarm system directly led to the resident's elopement.
Removal Plan
- Management-level staff oversight of the facility.
- Monitoring the physical building for functioning egress doors.
- Assessing and monitoring residents with elopement risk.
Failure to Inform Resident of Rights and Obtain Signed Admission Documents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was informed of her rights regarding treatment, financial liability, and resident rights upon admission. Record review showed that the resident, who was cognitively intact but had unclear speech and some communication difficulties, was admitted with diagnoses including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hemiplegia, dysphagia, and slurred speech. The facility's policy required that residents be informed of their rights both orally and in writing, in a language they understand, prior to or upon admission. However, the resident's admission agreement, which included consent to treat, was signed electronically by a representative whose information was incorrect, and the resident herself did not sign any documents. The Resident Rights form was not signed, and the financial expectations and insurance forms were either incomplete or blank. Interviews with the resident's family member revealed that the admission paperwork was received electronically but could not be signed due to incorrect information, and the resident never signed any forms herself. The Director of Hospitality/Interim Admissions Staff could not confirm when the paperwork was sent, and the Administrator stated that the consent to treat should have been signed upon admission but was not present in the physical chart. The Vice President of Operations confirmed that the admission packet was not signed at admission and that there was no documentation showing the resident or representative was informed of rights, benefits, or costs. The admissions staff responsible had resigned at the time of admission, contributing to the lack of proper documentation.
Failure to Protect Resident from Exploitation by Staff Member
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member, identified as a floor technician, exploited a resident by requesting money from her. The resident, who had diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and a history of physical and sexual abuse, reported the incident to facility staff and provided screenshots of text messages as evidence. The resident was cognitively intact at the time, as indicated by a BIMS score of 13 out of 15, and had a care plan that included approaches to support her emotional well-being and involvement in her care. The facility's policy prohibits exploitation, defined as taking advantage of a resident for personal gain through manipulation, intimidation, threats, or coercion. The facility's investigation confirmed that the staff member had requested money from the resident, substantiating the allegation of exploitation. It was also found that the staff member's personnel file lacked evidence of a criminal background check or reference checks prior to employment. The incident was reported to the state agency, and the staff member was suspended pending investigation. No additional residents were found to be affected by this staff member.
Failure to Complete Background Checks Prior to Employment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a floor technician (FT1) completed and documented a criminal background history, including checks for abuse, neglect, or exploitation, prior to employment. According to the facility's Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation policy, all potential employees are required to undergo background, reference, and credentials checks, with documentation maintained as proof. However, a review of FT1's personnel file revealed no evidence of a completed criminal background check or reference checks before employment. The file only indicated that two reference checks were attempted but not completed. This deficiency was identified following an investigation into a substantiated allegation of exploitation involving a resident (R6), who reported that FT1 sent text messages requesting money. The investigation included screenshots confirming the requests, and FT1 was subsequently terminated. During an interview, the Administrator, who also served as the Abuse Prevention Coordinator, confirmed the absence of a background check and incomplete reference checks for FT1.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Allegations of Misappropriation and Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that allegations of misappropriation of resident property and incidents resulting in injury were thoroughly investigated, as required by their own policies. In the case of one resident with intact cognition, the resident reported $173 missing from her lockbox, with the key found out of place after she returned from a shower. Although the incident was reported to the administrator and the police were notified, the facility's investigation was incomplete. Only one staff statement was documented, and there was no evidence of interviews with the resident's roommate or other potentially knowledgeable staff. The administrator admitted that not all interviews were documented and confirmed that the roommate was not interviewed, contrary to policy requirements for a thorough investigation. In another case, a resident with severe cognitive impairment experienced an unwitnessed fall in the dining room, resulting in a laceration to the back of the head and subsequent diagnosis of a cervical fracture after hospital transfer. Staff interviews revealed that the event was unwitnessed, and the resident was found on the floor with signs of seizure activity. However, the facility's incident report to the state agency inaccurately documented the event as a witnessed fall on a different date. The administrator acknowledged the discrepancy between the resident's record and the report submitted to the state agency and stated that a more thorough investigation would have been conducted if the event had been recognized as unwitnessed. In both cases, the facility did not follow its written procedures for investigations, which require identifying and interviewing all involved persons, focusing the investigation on determining the extent and cause of the incident, and providing complete documentation. The lack of thorough investigation and documentation had the potential to contribute to further misappropriation of property and inadequate response to incidents resulting in injury.
Failure to Accurately Code UTI on MDS Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately code a urinary tract infection (UTI) on the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for one resident. The resident was admitted to the facility with a diagnosis of cerebral infarction and was later transferred to the hospital due to unresponsiveness. Hospital records indicated that the resident was diagnosed with a multidrug-resistant E. coli UTI and treated with antibiotics. Upon return to the facility, the quarterly MDS assessment did not reflect the UTI diagnosis, as the infection item was not marked. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the MDS Coordinator did not code the UTI, believing it should only be coded if the infection occurred while the resident was in the facility. The Resident Assessment Director and the Vice President of Clinical Reimbursement both confirmed that the UTI should have been coded according to the RAI Manual, as the diagnosis and treatment occurred within the required 30-day look-back period. The MDS Director acknowledged that there was no audit process in place to ensure the accuracy of MDS assessments, and regional audits had not yet focused on UTI coding errors.
Delay in Physician Notification and Intervention for Dislocated Hip Arthroplasty
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure timely notification and intervention for a resident who experienced a significant change in condition. The resident, who had a history of left hip arthroplasty, septic arthritis, and femur necrosis, was observed by therapy staff to have increased pain, an apparent shortening of the left leg, and inability to participate in therapy. An X-ray was ordered and performed, revealing a dislocated left hip arthroplasty. The facility's policy required that diagnostic test results, especially those requiring immediate attention, be communicated to the physician upon receipt and documented in the clinical record. Despite the X-ray result indicating a dislocation being faxed to the facility in the evening, there was no evidence that the result was reported to the physician or addressed by nursing staff until the following afternoon. Interviews with staff revealed that the night shift nurse did not retrieve or act on the faxed results, and the Assistant Director of Nursing only notified the physician the next day. The Director of Nursing confirmed the delay in physician notification and subsequent transfer of the resident to the hospital, and there was no documentation of an incident report or investigation into the delay.
Failure to Provide Adequate Nutrition and Hydration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified regarding the facility's failure to provide adequate food and fluids necessary to maintain a resident's health. The report notes that the required provision of nutrition and hydration was not met, which is essential for the resident's well-being. Specific actions or omissions by staff that led to this deficiency are not detailed in the report, nor are there observations about the resident's medical history or condition at the time of the incident.
Failure to Obtain Physician Order and Oversight at Admission
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was admitted without obtaining a doctor's order for admission and without ensuring the resident was under a physician's care. The facility failed to secure the necessary medical authorization and oversight from a physician at the time of admission, as required by regulations. This lapse was observed and documented by surveyors during their review of the admission process.
Failure to Administer Facility Resources Effectively
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer its operations in a manner that enabled it to use its resources effectively and efficiently. This deficiency was identified based on observations and findings by surveyors, indicating that the facility did not meet the required standard for resource management. Specific actions or inactions leading to this deficiency are not detailed in the report provided.
Failure to Prevent and Identify Injury of Unknown Origin in Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple complex medical diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and a history of falls. The resident was involved in a witnessed fall from her wheelchair to her knees during a smoke break, after which multiple progress notes documented no visible injuries or skin issues for several days. However, the resident was later found with significant swelling and ecchymosis around the right periorbital area, and increased confusion, which led to her being sent to the emergency room. Hospital records confirmed the presence of a black eye and intracranial hemorrhage, with the injury's origin remaining unknown. Staff interviews revealed that the cause of the resident's injury could not be determined, and there was inconsistency between the observed fall and the resulting injury, as the fall was not witnessed to involve the resident's head. The police investigation and staff statements further indicated uncertainty about how the injury occurred, with no staff able to provide an explanation. The lack of adequate supervision and monitoring, especially given the resident's history of wandering, agitation, and severe cognitive impairment, contributed to the failure to prevent or promptly identify the cause of the injury.
Failure to Honor Resident Grievance Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal. The facility did not establish or implement a grievance policy and did not make prompt efforts to resolve grievances as required. This deficiency was identified based on the facility's lack of appropriate procedures and actions to address resident complaints in a timely and non-retaliatory manner.
Insufficient Nursing Staff and Lack of Licensed Nurse in Charge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide enough nursing staff each day to meet the needs of every resident and did not ensure that a licensed nurse was in charge on each shift. This deficiency was identified through surveyor observation and review of facility staffing practices. The report specifically notes the absence of adequate nursing coverage and the lack of a licensed nurse in charge during certain shifts, which did not meet regulatory requirements.
Failure to Provide Required RN Coverage and Resulting Care Delays
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a registered nurse (RN) on duty for at least eight hours a day during weekends, as required. Staffing record reviews for March, April, and May 2025 revealed that on the majority of days, there was no RN coverage for the required hours, with 27 out of 31 days in March, 25 out of 30 days in April, and 23 out of 29 days in May lacking the necessary RN presence. Interviews with staff, including the Scheduler Coordinator and Interim Director of Nurses (DON), confirmed ongoing nurse staffing shortages and reliance on assistant directors of nursing (ADONs), only one of whom is an RN, to attempt to fill coverage gaps. The facility's MDS staff, who are RNs, do not provide direct care and are not consistently included in the staffing numbers reported. Resident council minutes and interviews indicated that residents experienced significant delays in call light response, sometimes waiting up to three hours, and reported that care assistants would turn off call lights without resolving issues. Additionally, there were observations of nurses leaving medications on tray tables without ensuring residents took them. These findings were corroborated by both staff and resident council feedback, highlighting the direct impact of insufficient RN coverage on resident care and medication administration.
Failure to Post Daily Nurse Staffing Information in Accessible Locations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post nurse staffing data daily at the beginning of each shift in a prominent and accessible location, as required. Observations revealed that on multiple occasions, the posted staffing data was outdated, with one instance showing data from two days prior still displayed by the front door. Interviews with the Interim Director of Nursing (IDON) confirmed that the correct staffing sheet was not posted daily, and the process for ensuring daily updates was not consistently followed. The absence of current staffing information was attributed to a receptionist leaving early due to an emergency, resulting in no updated sheets being left for the weekend staff to post. Further observations and interviews indicated that nurse staffing data was not posted in various areas throughout the facility, including the front desk, hallways, elevators, and multiple floors. The Resident Council President and other staff members confirmed the lack of posted staffing information in these locations. When staffing data was posted, it was sometimes placed above wheelchair height and not easily visible to residents. The Administrator acknowledged that the only posting was at the front door, at a height that may not be accessible to all residents.
Incomplete Facility Assessment for Resource and Staffing Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete a comprehensive facility-wide assessment to determine the necessary resources for competent resident care during both routine operations and emergencies. Record reviews revealed that the facility assessment, dated 10/25/2024 and reviewed by the QAA Committee, contained incomplete sentences and blanks, particularly in sections addressing staffing patterns and goals. The assessment did not fully articulate how staffing levels and assignments were determined or maintained, and some statements were left unfinished, such as the goal for actual PPD (per patient day) staffing. The documentation also lacked specific details on how specialized rehabilitation and behavioral health services staffing were evaluated and ensured to be adequate. During a staff interview, the Administrator acknowledged that the facility assessment was considered complete despite the presence of incomplete information and missing data. This deficient practice was identified as having the potential to affect all 214 residents in the facility, as the assessment is a critical tool for ensuring that staffing and resources are sufficient to meet residents' needs at all times, including nights, weekends, and emergencies.
Infection Control and Laundry Sanitation Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by incomplete infection surveillance documentation and unsanitary conditions in the laundry areas. Review of the Monthly Infection Control Logs for April 2025 showed that critical information such as cultures, dates obtained, organism types, and antibiotic resistance status was missing for 35 of 37 infections. The Infection Control Preventionist acknowledged that the log was not fully completed and confirmed that all sections should have been accurately filled out. Observations of the Clean and Dirty Laundry Rooms revealed multiple sanitation and maintenance issues. Clean linens were improperly stored on top of a linen cart instead of inside it, and wet towels used to clean up a leaking washer were placed on a clean storage rack. The clean storage shelf was soiled and dusty, with employee gowns placed on top of clean towels. The floor was dirty, sticky, and littered with tissues and paper towels. The washer was leaking a white fluid and had visible rust and buildup, while the wall base was cracked and missing sections. In the Dirty Laundry Room, the sink was soiled with residue, a pipe above the sink was leaking water down the wall, and the wall had holes and broken sections. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of these issues and that they had been reported to supervisors, but the problems persisted.
Loose and Crooked Handrails on Multiple Floors
Penalty
Summary
Handrails on the second, third, and fourth floors were found to be loose and crooked throughout the facility, as observed during multiple walkthroughs. Specific locations included areas across from the nurse station and various resident rooms, where handrails were not firmly secured or properly affixed to the corridor walls. Staff interviews confirmed that the handrails were loose on all floors, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged the issue. The facility's policy, as outlined in the Director of Maintenance job description, required ongoing inspections to identify and address needed repairs, but the loose handrails persisted across multiple days of observation. Staff were expected to report such issues through the TELS maintenance tracking system, with maintenance responsible for repairs.
Failure to Promptly Notify Resident, Physician, and Family of Significant Events
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to immediately notify the resident, the resident's physician, and a family member about situations that affected the resident, such as injury, decline, or changes in room assignment. This lack of timely communication was observed and documented by surveyors during the review of facility practices and records. The deficiency centers on the failure to provide prompt notification to all required parties when significant events impacting the resident occurred, as required by regulation.
Failure to Maintain Clean and Safe Shower Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment in two of its three shower rooms, as evidenced by multiple observations of unsanitary and unsafe conditions. On several occasions, surveyors found shower room doors propped open with no staff or residents present. The rooms contained soiled linens, wet washcloths and towels, used and unmarked bars of soap, gloves, masks, and other debris scattered on the floors. Toilets were found unflushed with visible feces and urine, and there were strong odors of feces. Unsecured cabinets contained unmarked toiletry items and a medicine cup with an unidentified green fluid. Equipment such as shower chairs had visible brown substances, and personal protective equipment was improperly discarded throughout the rooms. Interviews with staff, including LPNs, a CNA, and the Regional Nurse Consultant, confirmed that the shower room doors should not be left open and that the rooms should be cleaned and secured between uses. Staff acknowledged the poor condition of the shower rooms and indicated that cleaning should occur after each resident's shower. The Interim Director of Nursing also confirmed that shower rooms should always be closed and locked, and that CNAs are responsible for cleaning between residents. These observations and staff interviews demonstrate a failure to provide a safe, clean, and homelike environment for residents receiving showers.
Medication Carts Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
Multiple instances were observed where medication carts were left unlocked and unattended by nursing staff, contrary to the facility's policy requiring all drugs and biologicals to be stored in locked compartments and only accessible to authorized personnel. During medication administration, an LPN left the cart unlocked while entering a resident's room, admitting to forgetting to secure it. On another occasion, a medication cart was found unlocked and unattended on the third floor, with gastrostomy supplements left exposed on top of the cart. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness regarding the ownership of the cart and failure to follow proper storage procedures. Additional observations on the fourth floor and near the nurse station documented medication carts left unlocked and unattended for several minutes, with no nurses present and residents in proximity to the unsecured carts. Further interviews with staff indicated that some nurses left medication carts unlocked due to distractions or leaving the facility in a hurry, with one LPN admitting to forgetting to lock the cart multiple times. The Interim Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy mandates medication carts be locked when unattended and that only authorized personnel should have access. The repeated failure to secure medication carts as required by policy was confirmed through direct observation and staff interviews, demonstrating noncompliance with established medication storage protocols.
Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food and Drink
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink provided to residents was palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature. This deficiency was identified through surveyor observation and review, indicating that the meals did not consistently meet standards for taste, appearance, or temperature at the time of service.
Delayed Access to Resident Funds for Responsible Party
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's responsible party (RP) had immediate access to the resident's funds, as required by facility policy. According to the Resident Funds Management Policy and Procedure, if a resident requests a check from their account, the facility is to process the request within 24 hours. However, record review showed that the resident's Social Security Administration (SSA) direct deposits were made monthly, but the corresponding cash advances to the RP were often delayed by one to two months. The RP confirmed receiving the funds late, with the May funds only received in June, despite checks being scheduled for mailing on the 10th of each month. Interviews with the Business Office Manager (BOM) revealed that the process required resident confirmation before releasing funds to the RP, and delays were attributed to staff being busy. The BOM acknowledged that the resident had no cognitive issues preventing her from authorizing the release of funds and that this resident was the only one with a consistent arrangement for monthly cash advances to her RP. The resident confirmed that her RP had access to her funds, but the facility did not consistently provide timely access as outlined in their policy.
Failure to Safeguard Resident Medical Information on Unattended Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to maintain the confidentiality of residents' personal and medical records as required by its policy. On two separate occasions, medication carts with computers displaying residents' sensitive medical information were left unattended in hallways. In the first instance, a medication cart on the fourth floor was observed unattended with the computer screen open, displaying a resident's name, date of birth, allergies, advance directives, and current physician orders. The responsible LPN stated they had stepped away after hearing someone coughing and did not lock the computer screen. In a second incident, another medication cart was found unattended beside the nurse station on the third floor, with the computer screen open and visible, displaying another resident's current physician orders. The LPN involved acknowledged forgetting to lock the computer screen before leaving the cart. The Interim Director of Nursing confirmed that all medication cart computer screens are expected to be locked when not in use by nursing staff.
Failure to Report Alleged Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse involving one resident, as required by its policy on Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. The policy mandates reporting all alleged violations to the Administrator, state agency, adult protective services, and other required agencies within specified timeframes. In this case, a resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and depression, who was care planned for behaviors such as false accusations, reported to staff that another resident had hit him on the head. The incident was documented by an LPN, who noted that the resident was loud and verbally abusive, demanding that police be called, but no staff witnessed the alleged altercation and the accused resident denied the incident. Despite the resident's report and the facility's policy, staff did not inform the Administrator of the incident, and there is no evidence that the required authorities were notified. The resident later stated that he had to call the police himself because staff did not address the incident. The current Administrator confirmed that staff failed to inform the previous Administrator about the allegation, resulting in a lack of timely reporting and investigation as required by facility policy.
Failure to Ensure Accurate Resident Assessments
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified regarding the facility's failure to ensure that each resident received an accurate assessment. The report notes that assessments were not completed accurately, which could impact the care planning process and the delivery of appropriate services to residents. Specific details about the residents involved or the nature of the inaccuracies in the assessments are not provided in the report.
Failure to Develop Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident with Legal Blindness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan that addressed all of a resident's needs, specifically omitting care plans for activities of daily living (ADL) and legal blindness. The resident in question was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, second-degree burns, legal blindness, and a history of homelessness. Despite being assessed as alert and oriented with a BIMS score of 15 out of 15, the resident's care plan only included interventions for skin issues, discharge planning, and fall risk, with no mention of ADL support or accommodations for legal blindness. Review of the facility's policy indicated that care plans should describe services to help residents attain or maintain their highest practicable well-being. However, documentation in the electronic medical record and interviews with the MDS Coordinator confirmed that the required care plans for ADL and legal blindness were not developed or entered. The MDS Coordinator acknowledged the omission and stated that staff were responsible for completing care plans, but could not explain why the comprehensive care plan was incomplete.
Failure to Update Care Plans After Significant Changes and Incidents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care plans were updated and revised in accordance with their own policies for three residents. For one resident with multiple diagnoses including rhabdomyolysis, orthostatic hypotension, and muscle weakness, the care plan was not updated after the resident experienced an unwitnessed fall that resulted in a head injury and required evaluation at the emergency department. The care plan, dated prior to the fall, did not reflect the incident or any new fall prevention interventions, and the electronic medical record did not document any updates related to fall prevention. Another resident with diagnoses such as congestive heart failure, COPD, hypertension, and diabetes was not care planned for new oxygen use or for weight loss interventions after a supplement was ordered. Additionally, a third resident with a history of traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other complex conditions experienced a fall resulting in a black eye, but the incident was not included in the care plan. Staff interviews confirmed that care plan updates were the responsibility of clinical managers, nursing staff, DON, and MDS staff, but these updates were not consistently made following significant changes in condition or incidents.
Failure to Provide Timely ADL Assistance for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toilet transfers and bed mobility, did not receive timely assistance with personal hygiene. The resident, admitted with multiple injuries and significant mobility impairments, reported that her briefs had not been changed since the previous night and requested assistance by activating her call light. An LPN responded to the call light, turned it off, and left the room without providing care, stating later that she notified a CNA to assist the resident. However, subsequent interviews revealed that the CNA was not informed of the resident's need, and the call light was not left on to indicate ongoing need for assistance. Further investigation showed that neither of the CNAs on duty were aware of the resident's request for help, resulting in the resident remaining in soiled briefs for an extended period. The resident later confirmed that she had a bowel movement and expressed distress about being left in that condition. The facility's policy required staff to provide necessary ADL care based on the resident's needs and assessments, but this was not followed, leading to a failure to maintain the resident's hygiene and comfort.
Failure to Provide Timely Podiatry Services
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple complex medical diagnoses, including severe cognitive impairment, was not provided with timely podiatry services. The resident's electronic medical record indicated that they were not seen by the podiatrist due to the presence of COVID-19 positive residents on their floor, and a note was made to reschedule the appointment. However, there was a significant delay, as the resident was not seen by the podiatrist for eight to nine months. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the expectation was for nursing to notify social services to ensure residents were placed on the podiatry list, and that the in-house podiatrist returned every 62 days to follow up with missed residents. Despite these procedures, the system failed, resulting in the resident missing necessary podiatry care for an extended period. The facility did not provide a policy for podiatry care when requested.
Failure to Meet Annual CNA Training Requirements
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) received the required minimum of twelve hours of annual in-service training, as specified in the facility's Nurse Aide Training Program policy. Record review showed that one CNA had only completed 10.7 hours of training between April 2024 and April 2025, falling short of the mandated requirement. This deficiency was confirmed during an interview with the Interim Director of Nursing, who acknowledged that the CNA did not meet the annual training hours.
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Surveyors found that clean linens and personal clothing were stored and staged in close proximity to the dirty laundry area, with an open door between the clean and soiled sides and all washer and dryer doors open. Clean resident clothes, unlabeled garments, and bagged items were placed next to dryers and directly in front of the dirty linen room, and dirty barrels had to be pushed past racks of clean clothing to reach the washers, contrary to facility policies requiring separation of clean and soiled linens. Environmental staff believed keeping doors open and covering dirty barrels reduced infection spread, while the Environmental Services Director, IP nurse, and Administrator acknowledged that the dirty room door should be closed, linens should not be on dirty barrels, and clean resident clothing should not be stored in that location.
A resident with a suprapubic catheter, colostomy, sacral wound, and dependence on staff for bathing and hygiene was care planned for Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), including use of PPE during high-contact care. During observed catheter care and a bed bath, a CNA wore only gloves and did not don a gown, despite EBP signage and a star posted on the door and PPE supplies available outside the room. In interviews, the CNA admitted forgetting to wear a gown and not recognizing additional required actions, while the IP nurse and DON confirmed that staff had been educated that gowns and gloves are required for high-contact care involving indwelling devices and wounds under the facility’s EBP policy.
A resident with multiple neurologic and psychiatric diagnoses, intact cognition, and unilateral functional limitations was found with an open box of lubricant eye drops stored at the bedside without any documented assessment for self-administration or prescriber’s order for self-administration or bedside storage, contrary to facility policy. Observations on multiple days confirmed the eye drops remained at the bedside, while staff interviews showed that CNAs and the IP recognized that residents were generally not to self-administer medications and that bedside medications required assessment and orders. The Administrator confirmed that the resident should not have had eye drops in the room and that residents with bedside medications are typically assessed for self-administration, and staff acknowledged that unsecured eye drops at the bedside could be accessed or ingested by other residents and cause harm.
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean environment when multiple ceiling tiles throughout the building, including above a resident’s bed, near the nurses’ station, in a glass day room above a resident’s chair, and in a main hall, were observed with brown circular stains, bulging, and a white moldy substance. The Maintenance Director confirmed the stained and bulging tiles, acknowledged the risk that tiles above a resident’s bed could fall, and attributed the condition to rain-related roof leaks. The Administrator also confirmed that roof leaks and recent rainfall caused the brownish stains despite her reported daily rounds.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, on hospice and fully dependent for ADLs, was sexually abused when another cognitively impaired male resident with a long-standing history of sexually inappropriate behavior toward female residents entered her room and placed his hand inside her pants. The abusing resident had multiple dementia and psychiatric diagnoses, was care planned for sexually inappropriate behaviors with prior documented incidents, and was on psychotropic medication for OCD-related sexual obsession. Despite these known risks and existing care plan interventions, he was able to access the female resident’s room and make inappropriate physical contact, and the facility’s investigation substantiated the abuse.
Surveyors found that the facility failed to develop and implement complete, person-centered care plans for two residents. One resident was receiving an antipsychotic (Haloperidol) for schizophrenia with associated behavior and side-effect monitoring orders, but there was no corresponding care plan addressing antipsychotic use or its indication. Another resident had an indwelling Foley catheter for neurogenic bladder related to prostate cancer, with goals to prevent catheter-related trauma; however, the care plan omitted key interventions such as balloon volume parameters and use of a leg strap or securement device, despite physician orders requiring a leg strap and observations showing the catheter positioned under the leg without securement. An MDS coordinator and the administrator acknowledged that required interventions and standard catheter care components were missing from the care plans.
A resident with a history of resistiveness to care and noncompliance with the non‑smoking policy had a comprehensive care plan that was not updated to reflect multiple interventions implemented in response to repeated smoking and vaping violations. Although the care plan noted the need for supervision while smoking and review of the smoking policy, it did not include measures such as daily room searches for smoking materials, added smoke detection in the room, relocation closer to the nurses’ station, q2h visual rounds for smoke, post‑outing nursing checks, initiation of a PAR process for vaping, or issuance of a discharge notice. Facility forms showed inconsistent documentation of daily room searches and incomplete IDT documentation on the PAR tracking, despite multiple documented episodes of policy violations and removal of vaping devices.
A cognitively intact but physically impaired resident with a history of noncompliance with the facility’s non‑smoking policy repeatedly smoked and vaped in his room while keeping multiple vape devices and other items at bedside. The facility’s Smoking Policy required that non‑compliant smokers have daily documented searches and be prohibited from keeping smoking materials in their rooms, yet monitoring forms showed many days without documented searches, Patient at Risk tracking was incomplete, and staff acknowledged that daily room checks and frequent rounds were not consistently performed. Multiple staff, including a CNA, social worker, Infection Preventionist, MDS coordinator, Activities Director, and the Administrator, reported ongoing violations and repeated discovery of vape devices in the resident’s room, including during surveyor observations, demonstrating that the environment was not maintained free from accident hazards and that required supervision and monitoring were not reliably implemented.
Surveyors found that a treatment cart containing topical medications was left unlocked and unattended in a hall across from a resident’s room after wound care was completed by an LPN. The facility’s policy requires that medication carts and supplies be locked or attended and accessible only to licensed or otherwise authorized staff. During interviews, the LPN confirmed the cart had been left unlocked and unattended, the IP LPN confirmed the LPN’s report that the cart was left unlocked, and the Administrator stated that all medications, including topical medications, were expected to be locked when not in sight of authorized staff.
The facility failed to implement its infection prevention and control program by not operationalizing a documented Legionella water management plan despite having a written policy, and by not fully implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for residents with indwelling devices and other risks. A resident with an indwelling urinary catheter had no EBP care plan or orders, no EBP signage, and staff providing catheter care wore only gloves without gowns, while multiple staff members reported not knowing what EBP was or misidentified who should be on EBP. Another resident receiving tube feeding had care initiated by an LPN who wore gloves but no gown and repeatedly touched her hair with the same gloved hands before handling the feeding tube and equipment, later acknowledging she should have changed gloves and was unaware of EBP requirements, even though other clinical staff stated gowns and gloves should be used for feeding tube care. A resident on isolation for C. diff had a door sign indicating isolation but no instructions for visitors on required PPE or to seek staff guidance, and the IP confirmed there was no system to direct visitors about precautions, contributing to the overall infection control deficiency.
Failure to Maintain Separation of Clean and Soiled Laundry
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program related to separation of clean and soiled linens. Facility policies titled “Infection Prevention and Control Program” and “Handling Soiled Linens” required that clean linen always be separated from soiled linen. During an observation of the laundry area, all washer and dryer doors were open in the clean linen area. Clean linens, including sheets, towels, blankets, and washcloths, were folded on a table to the left of the washer and dryer room. On the right side of the room, next to the dryers and directly in front of the open door to the dirty laundry room, there were residents’ clean clothes on a rack, piles of folded clean clothes to be hung, a rack of unlabeled clothes, and a bag of unlabeled clothes. Dirty laundry barrels had to be pushed past the clean clothing on the racks to reach the washers, placing soiled items in close proximity to clean items despite policy requirements for separation. Environmental staff working in the laundry stated they believed they were reducing the spread of infection by keeping all doors open, covering dirty barrels, and circulating air, and they explained that the uncovered rack and bagged clothes near the dirty area were no-name clothes sometimes distributed to residents in need. They also stated that the rack of clean personal resident clothing parked in front of the open dirty linen room door was awaiting distribution by a staff member who worked only at night. The Environmental Services Director reported that the door to the dirty side of the laundry should always be closed and that no linen should be on top of dirty barrels. The Infection Preventionist nurse, when shown pictures and concerns about cross-contamination, confirmed there was a problem in the laundry but stated she had not been aware of it previously. The Administrator stated that residents’ clothes should not be stored where they were observed and should be handed out immediately once clean, and that she expected the laundry to be organized to prevent cross-contamination between dirty and clean clothes.
Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During High-Contact Care
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure staff followed its Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) policy for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during high-contact care. The facility’s EBP policy, updated February 2025, requires gowns and gloves for residents with wounds and/or indwelling medical devices, including urinary catheters and ostomies, when staff perform high-contact activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, hygiene, and catheter care. The policy also directs that gowns and gloves be made available near or outside the resident’s room and that EBP be implemented for residents with indwelling devices or wounds, even if they are not known to be infected or colonized with a multidrug-resistant organism. The resident involved had a suprapubic catheter, colostomy, sacral wound, and neurogenic bladder and bowel, and was care planned for EBP implementation during catheter and skin care. The resident was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for bathing, dressing, toileting, hygiene, bed mobility, and transfers, and used an indwelling catheter and ostomy. During an observation, a CNA provided suprapubic catheter care and a bed bath to this resident while only wearing gloves, despite EBP signage and a star posted on the door and PPE supplies available outside the room. The CNA did not don a gown and was unable to identify any additional actions needed before care until prompted about the EBP signage, at which point he acknowledged he should have worn a gown but forgot. In a subsequent interview, the IP nurse and DON confirmed that staff had been educated that gowns are required during high-contact care for residents with catheters, colostomies, and other devices, and that the posted signage and star were intended to alert staff to the need for enhanced PPE use.
Failure to Assess and Obtain Orders for Self-Administration and Bedside Medication Storage
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its own policies for self-administration of medications and bedside medication storage for one resident. The facility’s policies require that residents who wish to self-administer medications must be assessed by the interdisciplinary team for cognitive, physical, and visual ability, and that a prescriber’s order for self-administration and bedside storage must be present in the medical record and reflected on the MAR and medication label. For the resident in question, who had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms, PTSD, hemiplegia and hemiparesis, speech and language deficits, and cerebral atherosclerosis, the EHR showed no assessment for self-administration and no physician order for self-administration or bedside storage, despite active ophthalmic medication orders. The resident’s MDS documented intact cognition with a BIMS score of 15, use of corrective lenses, and functional limitations in range of motion on one side of both upper and lower extremities. Surveyor observations on two consecutive days found an open box of lubricant eye drops on the resident’s bedside table. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding and enforcement of the facility’s policies. A CNA stated that residents did not self-administer medications and that only nurses administered them, but also reported that when she previously reported the eye drops, she was told the resident could have them because he was independent. The Infection Preventionist acknowledged the resident had an order for eye drops and believed he obtained them from the VA, and stated he should not have the lubricant eye drops because they were a hazard for other people. The Administrator confirmed that typically a resident with medications at the bedside should be assessed for self-administration and stated the resident should not have eye drops in his room. The report notes that unsecured medications at the bedside had the potential to cause adverse reactions if accessed or ingested by other residents.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Clean Ceiling Surfaces Throughout Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable homelike environment as required by its Maintenance Service policy, which assigns the Maintenance Department responsibility for keeping the building in good repair and free from hazards. Surveyors observed multiple stained and damaged ceiling tiles in several areas of the facility, including near the nurses' station, in a resident bedroom (room [ROOM NUMBER]A), in the glass day room, and in the middle of the east hall. On several occasions, ceiling tiles near the nurses' station were noted to have tannish-brown circular stains of varying sizes, and at one point a white, moldy substance was observed on a ceiling tile in that same area. In room [ROOM NUMBER]A, surveyors observed brown rings roughly 16 inches in diameter on ceiling tiles located directly above a resident’s bed, with the Maintenance Director later confirming that these tiles were stained, bulging, and at risk of falling on the resident. Additional observations in the glass day room identified two stained ceiling tiles above a resident’s chair, each with brown circular stains approximately three inches in diameter. In the east hall, a ceiling tile with a brown circular stain approximately 10 inches in diameter was also documented. The Maintenance Director and the Administrator both acknowledged that the stains and damage were related to roof leaks associated with recent rainfall, and the Administrator confirmed awareness of roof leaks that had previously been repaired and that the brownish stains were due to recent rain.
Failure to Prevent Sexual Abuse of a Cognitively Impaired Resident by Another Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect a dependent, cognitively impaired resident (R113) from sexual abuse by another resident (R12). R113 had severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 5, was on hospice care, and was fully dependent for toileting, bathing, dressing, footwear, and personal hygiene. On the day of the incident, a CNA observed R12 in R113’s room with his right hand inside R113’s pants while she was seated in a geriatric chair. Staff witness statements and nursing progress notes documented that R12 was found in R113’s room with his hand in her pants, and the facility’s investigation substantiated that R12 touched R113 inappropriately. R12 also had severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 4 and multiple psychiatric and dementia-related diagnoses, including vascular dementia with mood disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, unspecified psychosis, and unspecified mood affective disorder. He required extensive physical assistance, used a manual wheelchair, and was fully dependent for toileting, bathing, lower body dressing, and footwear. R12’s care plan, in place since 2017, identified him as having sexually verbally and physically inappropriate behavior, including documented prior incidents in which he inappropriately touched or attempted to touch female residents. His care plan included interventions such as discussing his behavior when reasonable, explaining that it was inappropriate, intervening to protect others, diverting his attention, and removing him from situations as needed, as well as monitoring and recording occurrences of target behaviors such as sexual aggression toward others. Despite this known history of sexually inappropriate behavior toward female residents and the presence of care plan interventions, R12 was able to enter R113’s room and place his hand inside her pants. The Administrator confirmed that the CNA reported finding R12 in R113’s room with his hand in her pants while R113 was in her wheelchair, and that the facility’s investigation substantiated the abuse allegation. The facility’s abuse policy stated that it would not condone resident abuse by anyone, including other residents, and defined sexual abuse to include sexual harassment, sexual coercion, or sexual assault. The occurrence of this incident demonstrated that the facility did not effectively prevent sexual abuse of R113 by another resident, despite R12’s documented behavioral history and existing care plan.
Failure to Develop and Implement Complete Care Plans for Antipsychotic Use and Foley Catheter Management
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered care plans with measurable objectives and timeframes for identified resident needs, as required by its Comprehensive Care Plan policy. The policy states that care plans must address all needs identified in the comprehensive assessment, including medical, nursing, mental, and psychosocial needs, and must be developed within seven days after completion of the comprehensive MDS assessment. It also requires that all triggered Care Area Assessments (CAAs) and other factors identified by the IDT or resident preferences be incorporated into the plan of care. For one resident, R44, the clinical record showed physician orders for Haloperidol 10 mg by mouth twice daily for schizophrenia, along with orders for behavior monitoring and psychiatric medication side effect monitoring. Despite these orders, the resident’s care plan dated 03/11/2026 did not include any care plan addressing antipsychotic medication use or its indication. The MDS Coordinator stated that all residents receiving antipsychotic treatment should have a comprehensive care plan in place beginning with the date the medication was originally ordered, and upon review of the record confirmed that such a care plan was not present for this resident at the time of the survey. For another resident, R3, the care plan dated 03/13/2026 identified a problem of an indwelling catheter secondary to neurogenic bladder related to prostate cancer, with goals including remaining free from catheter-related trauma. The listed interventions included positioning the catheter bag and tubing below bladder level, monitoring and documenting intake and output per policy, and monitoring for pain, discomfort, and signs and symptoms of UTI. However, the care plan did not address the amount of water in the catheter balloon, use of a leg strap or securement device, or other securement measures. Physician orders specified checking a leg strap every shift and documented that the resident was admitted with an 18F catheter attached to a bedside drainage bag, but observations showed the Foley catheter positioned under the resident’s leg without a leg strap or securement device on two occasions, and a CNA reported being unaware that a leg strap was required. The MDS Coordinator confirmed that these ordered interventions were missing from the care plan.
Failure to Revise Care Plan for Ongoing Smoking Policy Noncompliance
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to revise a resident’s comprehensive care plan to reflect current interventions implemented in response to ongoing noncompliance with the facility’s non‑smoking policy. The facility’s policy requires that the comprehensive care plan be reviewed and revised by the interdisciplinary team after each comprehensive and quarterly MDS assessment, and that it include measurable objectives, timeframes, and alternative interventions as needed, with qualified staff notified when changes are made. The resident’s care plan included a focus on resistiveness to care and noncompliance with smoking, noting that the resident continued to go outside beyond facility property to smoke, and an intervention to review the smoking policy with the resident. Another care plan focus identified the resident as a smoker requiring supervision while smoking, with interventions stating the resident required supervision while smoking and that the charge nurse should be notified if a smoking policy violation was suspected. Despite repeated and ongoing noncompliance with the non‑smoking policy, the care plan was not revised to include additional interventions that were actually implemented. These unreflected interventions included daily room searches for smoking paraphernalia, placement of a smoke detector in the resident’s room, relocation of the resident’s room closer to the nursing station, every‑two‑hour visual rounds to check for smoke, nursing checks upon return from outings, initiation of a Patient at Risk (PAR) process for vaping noncompliance, and issuance of a 30‑day discharge notice for repeated violations of the non‑smoking policy. Documentation on the Smoking Materials Monitoring Form showed initials on selected days only, indicating daily room searches were not consistently completed and documented for the entire month. The PAR Smoking Tracking form documented multiple observations of vaping in the room, repeated room checks, removal of vapor devices, and the resident’s refusal to comply with facility policies, with later weeks lacking IDT signatures and documentation, while the PAR Grid showed multiple prior entries for violating the non‑smoking policy.
Failure to Control Smoking and Vaping Hazards for a Noncompliant Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain an environment free from accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision for a resident with a known history of noncompliance with the facility’s non‑smoking policy. The facility’s Smoking Policy requires that residents not be allowed to keep cigarettes, cigars, pipes, matches, or lighters in their possession or rooms, and that non‑compliant smokers receive daily searches with documentation, while compliant smokers receive weekly searches. The policy also requires incident reports and review in a “Patients at Risk” process whenever smoking materials are found. Despite these written procedures, the resident’s Smoking Materials Monitoring Form for April showed multiple days without documented searches, indicating that required daily room searches were not consistently completed or recorded. The resident at issue was cognitively intact, with a BIMS score of 15, and had significant physical impairments including hemiplegia and hemiparesis on the left side, use of a manual wheelchair, and other neurologic and psychiatric diagnoses such as cerebral aneurysm, cerebral infarction, major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms, PTSD, and speech and language deficits. The care plan identified the resident as resistive to care and noncompliant with smoking, noting that he continued to go outside beyond facility property to smoke, and also identified him as a smoker requiring supervision while smoking. Progress notes and Patient at Risk documentation showed a pattern of repeated violations of the non‑smoking policy, including multiple instances of vaping and smoking in his room, with staff repeatedly finding vape devices and other smoking paraphernalia in his possession and in his room. Throughout the period reviewed, staff observations and interviews confirmed ongoing noncompliance with the smoking policy and inconsistent implementation of the facility’s own interventions. Staff documented several occasions when the resident was observed vaping or smoking in his room, including in the presence of a state surveyor, and room searches revealed multiple vape devices hidden under the sheets. Staff interviews indicated that daily room checks were not always performed due to competing demands, that logs of every‑two‑hour rounds were not maintained, and that there was confusion or inconsistency regarding whether the resident could keep items such as air freshener at bedside. The social worker, Infection Preventionist, MDS coordinator, Activities Director, CNA, and Administrator all acknowledged that the resident’s room had to be searched for cigarettes and vaping paraphernalia and that prohibited items were repeatedly found, while documentation showed gaps in the required daily searches and incomplete follow‑through on the Patient at Risk tracking process. These actions and inactions resulted in the environment not being kept free from accident hazards as required by the facility’s policy and regulatory standards. The deficiency is further supported by the facility’s own records showing repeated entries on the Patient at Risk grid for violations of the non‑smoking policy over an extended period, as well as narrative notes describing the resident’s statements that he would continue to vape in his room and would simply obtain new devices if they were confiscated. Despite the known pattern of behavior and the facility’s policy requiring close supervision, daily searches, and thorough documentation for non‑compliant smokers, the monitoring forms and staff interviews demonstrate that these measures were not consistently carried out. The presence of multiple vape devices and cans of air freshener at the bedside during surveyor observations, along with staff acknowledgment that room checks were missed and that logs of frequent rounds were not kept, illustrate the facility’s failure to effectively implement its own safety procedures to prevent accident hazards related to smoking and vaping in the resident’s room.
Unlocked and Unattended Treatment Cart with Topical Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to medication storage when a treatment cart containing topical medications was left unlocked and unattended in a hall. The facility’s policy titled “Medication Storage in the Facility,” effective 10/01/2025, states that the medication supply is accessible only to licensed nursing personnel, pharmacy personnel, or staff lawfully authorized to administer medications, and that medication rooms, carts, and supplies are to be locked or attended by authorized personnel. During an observation on 04/29/2026 at 9:35 AM, after wound care was provided to resident R3 by the wound care LPN, the treatment cart was observed left in the [NAME] hall across from R3’s room, unlocked and unattended for 30 minutes. In an interview, the wound care LPN confirmed that the treatment cart had been left unlocked and unattended. The Infection Preventionist LPN later confirmed that the wound care nurse told her the cart was left unlocked, and the Administrator stated that her expectation was that all medications, including topical medications, be locked when not in sight of a licensed nurse or authorized person. This deficient practice occurred in a facility with a census of 94 residents and involved the failure to follow the facility’s own policy requiring that medication carts be locked or attended by authorized personnel, resulting in unsecured access to topical medications on the treatment cart.
Failure to Implement Legionella Water Management and Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide and implement an infection prevention and control program, including a documented water management plan for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, and a fully implemented Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) program. The Administrator stated there was no Legionella water program in place, and the Maintenance Supervisor reported he was unaware of the requirement for such a program. This was despite the existence of a written Legionella Water Management Program policy, revised in September 2022, which described the need for an interdisciplinary water management team, detailed water system diagrams, identification of risk areas and situations for Legionella growth, control measures, monitoring systems, and annual review. Interviews confirmed that the expectation was that the facility would be conducting this water program, but it was not being done. The facility also failed to implement EBP for residents with indwelling medical devices and other risk factors, as required by its own policy. One resident with Alzheimer’s disease, urinary obstruction, and emphysema had an indwelling urinary catheter documented in the care plan and physician orders, but the care plan did not address EBP related to the catheter, and there was no order for EBP in the record. During catheter-related care, a CNA wore gloves but did not wear a gown, and there was no EBP signage or PPE setup at the room. Multiple staff members, including CNAs and a housekeeper who regularly worked on the resident’s hallway, reported they did not know what EBP was or incorrectly associated EBP only with residents on Transmission-Based Precautions. The DON acknowledged that an attempt to roll out EBP months earlier had not been completed, and that expected signage and PPE caddies for EBP were not fully in place. Additional infection control lapses were observed during tube feeding care and contact isolation. A resident receiving continuous tube feeding had a care plan and physician’s order for enteral nutrition, and an LPN initiated the feeding while wearing gloves but no gown. During the procedure, the LPN repeatedly touched her hair with the same gloved hands and then handled the feeding tube, pump, and syringe used to inject air and check residuals, only removing gloves and using hand sanitizer at the end. The LPN later acknowledged she should have changed gloves after touching her hair and stated she did not know what EBP was or that a gown was required for feeding tube care, while another LPN and the IP stated that EBP with gown and gloves should be used for feeding tube care and that staff should not touch their hair during care without changing gloves and performing hand hygiene. For a resident with a positive urine culture and a subsequent positive C. difficile culture who was on isolation, the door sign indicated isolation but did not provide instructions for visitors on required precautions or direct them to staff for guidance. The IP confirmed there was no system to direct visitors about PPE use for residents on contact isolation and acknowledged that visitors would not know to wear PPE if it was simply present in or on the door of the room. Overall, the survey findings show that the facility did not operationalize its written Legionella water management policy and did not consistently apply its EBP policy for residents with indwelling devices or wounds. Staff interviews and observations demonstrated a lack of knowledge and implementation of EBP, incomplete use of PPE during high-contact care activities such as catheter care and tube feeding, and unclear isolation signage that did not instruct visitors on appropriate precautions. These combined inactions and omissions in policy implementation, staff education, and practice led to the cited infection prevention and control deficiency.
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