Roswell Center For Nursing And Healing Llc
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Roswell, Georgia.
- Location
- 1109 Green Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075
- CMS Provider Number
- 115422
- Inspections on file
- 22
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 5
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Roswell Center For Nursing And Healing Llc during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Surveyors found that PTAC unit filters in two resident rooms on one hallway were not maintained free of visible grey, fuzzy debris, despite facility policy requiring regular inspection and cleaning or replacement at least every three months. Across multiple observations on different days, the condition of the dirty filters remained unchanged. The Maintenance Director reported he is responsible for monthly cleaning and checks, including spot checks and inspections in construction areas, and did not dispute the observed dust accumulation when shown. The Administrator confirmed that maintenance staff are responsible for monthly PTAC filter cleaning as part of preventative maintenance and acknowledged that this issue could negatively affect residents’ health and well-being.
Expired drugs were found in one medication room and two medication carts after surveyors observed a Dulcolax suppository, hemorrhoidal suppositories, Bisacodyl stimulant laxative, and a resident-specific nitroglycerin tablet past their expiration dates. An LPN and the unit manager confirmed the expired items, and the Administrator and DON stated the charge nurse was expected to check carts and medication rooms weekly for expiration dates.
Drugs and biologicals were not labeled according to professional standards, and medications, including controlled substances, were not stored in locked or separately locked compartments as required.
A resident with dysphagia was left unsupervised with a meal, leading to choking and death. The facility failed to include necessary one-to-one meal assistance in the care plan, despite medical orders and evaluations indicating the need. Staff interviews revealed issues with care plan audits and documentation, contributing to the oversight.
A resident with dysphagia and complex medical needs was left unsupervised with a meal, leading to a fatal choking incident. The resident required one-on-one assistance during meals, which was not provided due to a breakdown in staff communication and adherence to care plans. The facility's failure to update the care plan and ensure proper supervision resulted in the resident's death.
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision and care planning, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy for a resident who choked and expired after being left unsupervised with a meal. Other residents suffered harm due to falls, burns, and IV complications. Staff interviews revealed gaps in communication and oversight, contributing to these deficiencies.
Two residents in an LTC facility suffered injuries due to inadequate supervision. One resident, requiring two-person assistance, was transferred by a single CNA, resulting in a femur fracture. Another resident sustained second-degree burns from hot coffee served without temperature checks. Both incidents highlight lapses in safety protocols.
A resident with a complex medical history experienced harm due to inadequate monitoring of IV therapy. The LPN failed to document or check the IV infusion rate every two hours, leading to infiltration and significant swelling. Emergency services were called, and the resident was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The facility did not maintain cleanliness around the garbage dumpsters, with the dumpster lid left open and debris present underneath. The Dietary Manager confirmed these issues and had previously raised concerns with the housekeeping manager, but the source of the debris was unknown.
The facility failed to follow infection control protocols during incontinent care for several residents. Observations revealed that CNAs did not wash or sanitize hands between handling soiled and clean items, nor change gloves as required. Interviews with staff confirmed these lapses, indicating a systemic issue in adhering to infection control protocols.
The call light system on the Jasmine Unit was found to be malfunctioning, preventing residents from calling for assistance. A resident reported the issue had persisted since the weekend, and staff were unaware until a surveyor's inspection. Maintenance checks were inconsistent, contributing to the problem. Temporary measures, such as distributing bells, were implemented.
A resident's advanced directive was inaccurately documented in the EMR, showing both DNR and Full Code statuses. Despite the care plan and POLST form indicating DNR, staff were confused, and the resident was unaware of her code status, expressing a preference for resuscitation.
A resident with multiple diagnoses and moderate cognitive impairment was not provided with person-centered activities that met her preferences, such as reading books. Despite being on a 1:1 activity list, the resident did not receive books for her tablet, and the Interim Activities Director was unaware of this need until a surveyor's visit.
A resident with a pescatarian diet was not provided with adequate meal options to meet her dietary preferences, as the facility's menu only offered fish four times a month. Despite the resident's request for fish daily and the Registered Dietician's acknowledgment of this possibility, the care plan was not updated to reflect this need. Additionally, the resident was served undercooked vegetables and hard rice, unsuitable for her mechanical soft diet.
Failure to Maintain Clean PTAC Unit Filters in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s failure to maintain Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) unit filters in a safe, clean condition in two resident rooms on the Sapphire Hallway. The facility’s written policy titled "Instructions" requires that air filters be removed and inspected for cleanliness, washed or replaced if dirty, and at a minimum replaced or thoroughly cleaned every three months. During multiple observations in one room on 3/22/2026, 3/24/2026, and 3/25/2026, the PTAC unit filter was noted to have visible grey, fuzzy debris accumulation, with no change in condition across all three observations. Similar repeated observations on those same dates in another room showed the PTAC unit filter also contained visible grey, fuzzy debris accumulation that remained unchanged. In an interview, the Maintenance Director stated he is responsible for cleaning and checking the PTAC filters monthly, including conducting monthly checks and random inspections in areas where construction is occurring, and confirmed that the maintenance department is responsible for ensuring filters are clean and functioning properly. He also stated that expectations include spot checks of PTAC units. However, during an observation of one of the affected rooms in his presence, dust accumulation was again observed on the PTAC unit filter, and he did not dispute the finding. In a separate interview, the Administrator stated that the maintenance department is responsible for cleaning PTAC filters, which are supposed to be cleaned monthly, and that her expectation is for preventative maintenance to be completed monthly and as needed, noting that a potential negative outcome is the impact on residents’ health and well-being.
Expired Medications Found in Medication Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Drugs and biologicals were not properly audited for expiration dates in one of four medication rooms and two of nine medication carts. In the lower-level medication storage room, an observation and interview on 3/2/2026 at 10:45 am found a lone Dulcolax suppository with an expiration date of 07/2021, which an LPN confirmed. In Sapphire Hall medication cart A, observations on 3/26/2026 at 11:00 am and 11:10 am found a box of hemorrhoidal suppositories with an expiration date of September 2025, a bottle of Bisacodyl stimulant laxative with an expiration date of 2/2026, and a resident-specific nitroglycerin 0.4 mg tablet with an expiration date of 9/2025; these expired medications were confirmed by the unit manager, LPN AAA. The Administrator and DON stated that the expectation was for the regular charge nurse to check medication carts and medication rooms weekly for expiration dates. No medication storage policy was provided by the facility.
Failure to Properly Label and Secure Medications
Penalty
Summary
Drugs and biologicals in the facility were not labeled according to currently accepted professional principles. Additionally, all drugs and biologicals were not stored in locked compartments, and controlled drugs were not kept in separately locked compartments as required. These actions constitute a failure to comply with regulations regarding the proper labeling and secure storage of medications and controlled substances within the facility.
Failure to Implement Comprehensive Care Plan Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident diagnosed with dysphagia, which ultimately led to the resident's death by choking on a sandwich. The resident, a male with a complex medical history including cerebral palsy, functional quadriplegia, and dysphagia, required total dependence on all activities of daily living and had been prescribed one-to-one assistance during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. Despite these requirements, the resident was left unsupervised with a meal for 32 minutes, during which time he choked on a sandwich and was later found unresponsive. The resident's care plan did not include the necessary intervention of one-to-one assistance while eating, despite the speech therapy evaluation and physician orders indicating the need for such supervision. The facility's failure to customize the care plan to address the resident's specific needs for meal supervision was a critical oversight. Additionally, the facility's MDS nurse did not include the dysphagia diagnosis in the resident's chart and care plan, which contributed to the lack of appropriate supervision during meals. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of clarity and accountability regarding the auditing of care plans and the inclusion of therapy diagnoses. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that audit processes were not perfect due to recent changes in ownership and leadership, while the MDS nurse admitted to not always entering therapy diagnoses with medical diagnoses. This lack of proper documentation and oversight resulted in the resident being left without the necessary supervision, leading to the tragic outcome.
Removal Plan
- The policy for comprehensive care plans was reviewed and/or revised by the Administrator and Regional Director of Clinical Operations without a recommendation for revisions.
- The MDS Nurse reviewed care plans for 45 of 45 in-house residents identified with a diagnosis of dysphagia. Thirty care plans were updated to include a diagnosis of dysphagia current and active care plans for dysphagia and appropriate levels of meal supervision.
- The DON in-serviced the MDS team and licensed nurses on the Center's Comprehensive Care Plan policy and development/implementation and adherence of care plans. (RNs nine of nine equaling 100%; LPNs 42 of 43 equaling 97.7%; OVERALL 98%).
- Employees on leave of absence, vacation, agency staff, or new hires will be re-educated by the Staff Development Coordinator, DON, or Nursing Supervisor prior to returning to duty, and will not be given an assignment until they are given additional on-site education.
- The DON and Regional Director of Clinical Operations reviewed residents in the past thirty days with a new diagnosis of dysphagia to ensure that care plans were updated as appropriate.
- The Administrator reviewed the results of the audits and shared the findings with the Ad Hoc Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee.
Failure to Supervise Resident with Dysphagia Leads to Fatal Choking Incident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary supervision and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care during meals for a resident diagnosed with dysphagia, which ultimately led to the resident's death by choking on a sandwich. The resident, a male with a complex medical history including cerebral palsy, functional quadriplegia, and dysphagia, required total dependence for ADL care and was non-verbal. Despite these needs, the resident was left unsupervised with a meal for 32 minutes, contrary to the prescribed one-on-one assistance during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. The resident's care plan was not updated to reflect the need for one-on-one assistance during meals, despite clear indications from the Speech Therapy Transitional Evaluation and Plan of Treatment that such supervision was necessary. The facility's policies on ADL and meal assistance were not adhered to, as the resident was left to consume a meal independently without the required supervision. This oversight was compounded by a lack of communication and coordination among staff, as evidenced by the CNA's decision to leave the resident's meal tray in the room without ensuring the resident was fed. Interviews with facility staff revealed a breakdown in the implementation of care plans and supervision protocols. The CNA assigned to feed the resident did not complete the task due to shift timing issues, and the subsequent CNA did not arrive in time to prevent the incident. The facility's Director of Nursing acknowledged gaps in the care planning process, citing frequent changes in ownership and leadership as contributing factors to the oversight. The failure to provide adequate supervision and assistance during meals directly resulted in the resident's death by choking.
Removal Plan
- The Regional Director of Operations and the Administrator reviewed the dining assistance policies to ensure alliance with CMS/State regulation.
- The Administrator, DON, and the Regional Director of Clinical Operation conducted mandatory retraining for nurses on supervision of ADL care including feeding/dining assistance assignments.
- The DON and/or Administrator retrained nursing staff that ADL care/meal assistance must continue uninterrupted and cannot be halted or delayed due to a shift change.
- The Administrator and DON assessed staffing levels during meal service to ensure adequate assistance.
- An emergency Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Ad Hoc meeting was conducted with the Administrator, DON, RDO, RDCO, and Medical Director to review the removal plan and root cause analysis.
Failure in Supervision and Care Planning Leads to Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility's administration failed to ensure protective oversight, leading to a series of deficiencies that resulted in Immediate Jeopardy for one resident and harm to others. A resident, identified as R200, was found unresponsive in bed after being left unsupervised with a food tray for 30 minutes by a CNA. The resident, who had a diagnosis of dysphagia, expired due to choking. The facility had not developed a comprehensive care plan for R200 that addressed the need for supervision during meals, despite the resident's known condition. Additionally, the facility failed to prevent harm to other residents. One resident, R46, sustained a right femur fracture from a fall, while another, R206, suffered second-degree burns from spilled hot coffee. A third resident, R204, experienced pain and swelling from an infiltrated intravenous site, necessitating emergency room treatment. These incidents highlight the facility's failure to ensure adequate supervision and care, as well as the lack of proper care planning and staff training. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON and MDS Nurse, revealed gaps in communication and oversight. The DON admitted to not understanding why the dysphagia diagnosis was omitted from R200's care plan and acknowledged issues with the facility's audit processes due to frequent changes in ownership and leadership. The MDS Nurse confirmed the omission of therapy diagnoses in care plans and could not recall specific details about R200's condition. These deficiencies underscore the facility's failure to maintain accurate and comprehensive care plans and to ensure staff adherence to policies and procedures.
Removal Plan
- A Root Cause Analysis of the Care plans for residents with a diagnosis of dysphagia and ADL care for dependent residents who require assistance with dining system breakdown was completed by the Regional Director of Operation, Regional Director of Clinical Operations, Administrator, and DON.
- The administrator hosted an Ad Hoc QAPI meeting with the Medical Director, DON, RDCO, and Director of Operations to review the center's ADL Care for Dependent Residents and Care Plan performance improvement measures.
- The Regional Director of Operations, RDCO, Medical Director, Administrator, and DON reviewed residents receiving swallow therapy to identify residents with a diagnosis of dysphagia to ensure that care plans were updated as appropriate.
- The Administrator identified Improvement Activities and Performance Improvement Projects based on trends and identified potential opportunities upon completion of the care plan and swallowing therapy audit.
- A review of the residents receiving swallow therapy audit was reviewed by the IDT members to validate care plans were updated appropriately to identify the level of dining assistance required.
- The MDS Nurse(s) reviewed and updated care plans on residents identified with a diagnosis of dysphagia.
- The RDCO provided re-education to the Administrator and DON on the policies and procedures related to ADL Care for Dependent Residents and Comprehensive Care Plans.
- The DON will assign Nurse Managers daily to each unit to provide supervision during meal service for those residents diagnosed with dysphagia, including those who are non-verbal or visually impaired.
- The Administrator reviewed the results of the audits and shared the findings with the Ad Hoc QAPI Committee.
- A review of the diagnosis report after the facility audited the residents diagnosed with dysphagia discovered that 30 of 45 needed updates to their care plan interventions for feeding assistance.
- The assignments for meal supervision were revised to 45 residents assigned meal supervision as an intervention for their individualized risk.
- The Administrator and the DON completed a review of staffing levels to ensure adequate assistance availability during mealtimes.
- A daily assignment sheet will be used to identify residents who require assistance with ADLs, specifically dining to ensure availability of assistance, as appropriate.
- The Administrator and DON will review assignment sheets daily to monitor compliance.
- Interviews were conducted with staff to ensure that staff were in-serviced and were knowledgeable of where to retrieve assignments on a daily basis, and to ensure that staff understood requirements for supervision, one-on-one assistance, and tray set-up for residents.
- A new Dining Time for Meal Delivered to Units was implemented with new dining times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Inadequate Supervision Leads to Resident Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents for two residents, resulting in harm. The first incident involved a resident with multiple diagnoses, including multiple sclerosis and dependence on a wheelchair, who required extensive assistance with transfers. Despite this, a CNA attempted to transfer the resident alone, resulting in the resident being lowered to the floor and sustaining a right femur fracture with a possible patella fracture. The resident had previously communicated the need for two-person assistance, but the CNA did not seek additional help. The second incident involved a resident with dementia and other medical conditions who sustained second-degree burns to the bilateral buttocks and left hip after spilling hot coffee. The coffee was served directly from the machine without temperature monitoring, and the resident was left to manage the hot beverage independently. The resident reported the incident to staff, but the severity of the burns was not immediately addressed, leading to the resident being sent to the hospital for treatment. Both incidents highlight a lack of adherence to safety protocols and inadequate supervision, resulting in significant injuries to the residents. The facility's failure to ensure proper transfer assistance and monitor the temperature of hot beverages contributed to these accidents, demonstrating a need for improved staff training and adherence to established safety policies.
Failure to Monitor IV Therapy Leads to Resident Harm
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly monitor a resident receiving intravenous (IV) therapy, leading to complications. The resident, an elderly female with a complex medical history including normal pressure hydrocephalus, hypertension, and other conditions, was admitted to the facility and required IV fluids for nausea and vomiting. The facility's policy required qualified nursing staff to manage infusion therapy, but the assigned LPN did not adhere to the expected monitoring protocols. On the night in question, the LPN assigned to the resident's care failed to document or monitor the IV infusion rate every two hours as required. The LPN also took the resident's blood pressure on the same arm where the IV was inserted, which is against best practices as it can cause complications. Despite the resident's care plan indicating a risk for dehydration and the need for close monitoring, the LPN did not adequately check on the resident, resulting in the IV site becoming swollen and painful. The situation escalated when a family member called emergency services due to the resident's pain and the facility's lack of response. Upon arrival, paramedics noted significant swelling in the resident's arm, indicating that the IV had been infiltrated for several hours. The resident was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The LPN involved did not respond to inquiries about the incident and later resigned from the facility.
Improper Disposal of Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness around the garbage dumpsters, as observed during a tour of the kitchen. The garbage dumpster, used by the entire facility, was found with its lid open when not in use, contrary to the facility's policy. Additionally, there was debris underneath the dumpster and an open blue trash can nearby. The Dietary Manager confirmed these observations and mentioned having previously raised concerns about the cleanliness of the dumpster area with the housekeeping manager. However, the source of the debris and the open trash can was unknown to her.
Infection Control Lapses During Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to infection control protocols related to hand hygiene during activities of daily living (ADL) care for several residents. The facility's policy on hand hygiene requires staff to wash or sanitize their hands before moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site during resident care. However, observations revealed that staff did not follow these protocols during incontinent care for multiple residents. For instance, during incontinent care for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment and mobility issues, a CNA did not wash or sanitize hands between handling soiled and clean items, nor before applying barrier cream and a clean brief. This resident was at risk for skin breakdown and urinary tract infections due to incontinence, as noted in their care plan. Similar lapses were observed with other residents, including one with severe cognitive impairment and another who was cognitively intact, where CNAs failed to change gloves or sanitize hands between handling contaminated and clean items. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and the Director of Nursing, confirmed these lapses in protocol. The CNAs admitted to not washing or sanitizing hands between handling dirty and clean items, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that gloves should be changed between handling soiled and clean briefs. These observations and interviews highlight a systemic issue in the facility's adherence to infection control protocols during ADL care.
Call Light System Malfunction on Jasmine Unit
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the call light communication system was functioning adequately on the Jasmine Unit, as observed by surveyors. The facility's policy requires staff to report any issues with the call light system immediately and provide alternative solutions until the problem is resolved. However, observations and interviews revealed that the call lights were not working in several rooms, and residents were unable to call for assistance. A resident, identified as R160, reported that the call lights had been out of order since the weekend, and she had to wait for staff to pass by and yell for help. The maintenance assistant confirmed that some call lights needed new batteries or light bulbs, but the issue persisted during the survey. The maintenance assistant stated that call light functionality is checked once or twice a week, but the maintenance director mentioned that under the new operating company, the checks are conducted monthly. This discrepancy in maintenance checks may have contributed to the prolonged malfunction of the call lights. An LPN was observed distributing bells to residents as a temporary measure, indicating a lack of awareness about the non-functioning call lights until the surveyor's inspection. The facility's failure to maintain a working call system compromised the residents' ability to request assistance, as evidenced by the non-functioning call lights in multiple rooms.
Conflicting Code Status Documentation in EMR
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accurate documentation of an advanced directive for a resident, leading to conflicting code statuses in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). The resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, had a documented code status of both Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Full Code simultaneously. The EMR dashboard showed conflicting information, with the resident's care plan indicating a DNR status, while the Physician Orders listed both DNR and Full Code as active. The Physician Order for Life-sustaining Treatment (POLST) form, signed by the resident and medical staff, indicated a DNR status. Interviews with staff revealed confusion regarding the resident's code status. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) stated that she would have treated the resident as Full Code based on the dashboard information. The Unit Manager mentioned updating the code status based on recent orders, while the Director of Nursing (DON) suggested a system glitch due to a change in facility ownership might have caused the discrepancy. The resident was unaware of her current code status and expressed a preference for resuscitation if needed, contradicting the documented DNR status.
Failure to Provide Person-Centered Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a resident, identified as R59, with person-centered activities that met her individual needs and preferences. R59, who has multiple diagnoses including Peripheral Vascular Disease, Hypertension, and moderate cognitive impairment, expressed a desire to be outside in all seasons and a love for reading. Despite these preferences being documented in her Activities Care Plan, which included a goal for her to participate in activities of choice 3-5 times weekly, R59 reported not receiving any books to read. During an interview, she mentioned having a reader but no books, and it was noted that she owns a tablet that requires books to be downloaded. The Interim Activities Director (IAD) was unaware of R59's need for books on her tablet until it was brought to her attention during a surveyor's visit. Although the IAD had a list for 1:1 activities and R59 was on it, the IAD's visits consisted mainly of talking to the residents rather than addressing specific activity requests. This lack of communication and follow-through on R59's stated preferences led to the deficiency in providing an ongoing program of activities tailored to her needs.
Failure to Accommodate Pescatarian Dietary Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate a resident's pescatarian dietary preferences, which include plant-based foods and fish, as required by the facility's Menu Policy. The resident, who has a complex medical history including parkinsonism, anemia, and dementia, expressed dissatisfaction with the food options provided, stating a preference for fish, cottage cheese, peas, and potato salad. Despite the resident's request for fish to be a daily option, the facility's menu only offered fish four times a month, failing to meet the resident's dietary needs. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident was served undercooked vegetables and rice that were too hard to consume, which did not align with her prescribed mechanical soft diet. The Kitchen Manager confirmed the inadequacy of the meal preparation and acknowledged the limited availability of fish options due to restricted order guides. Despite the Registered Dietician's acknowledgment that the resident could have fish daily, the updated care plan did not reflect any dietary interventions to provide fish daily, indicating a lack of follow-through in addressing the resident's dietary preferences.
Latest citations in Georgia
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.
Trusted data from CMS and state health departments
Every citation, penalty and Plan of Correction is sourced from public CMS records (latest release June 24, 2026) and official state health department websites — never guesswork.
Trusted by long-term care providers and associations.
