Heartwood Lodge Trinity Health
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Spring Lake, Michigan.
- Location
- 18525 Woodland Ridge Drive, Spring Lake, Michigan 49456
- CMS Provider Number
- 235373
- Inspections on file
- 20
- Latest survey
- August 26, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 1
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Heartwood Lodge Trinity Health during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with dementia requested assistance from a CNA to warm up his cold eggs during breakfast. The CNA incorrectly stated that the microwave was broken and did not provide further help, resulting in the resident not finishing his meal. Interviews confirmed a working microwave was available, and the administrator acknowledged the staff's response was unacceptable.
A resident with complex medical needs and a moderate fall risk was injured after falling from bed during a bed bath when only one CNA was present, despite the care plan requiring two staff for bed mobility. The resident sustained multiple rib fractures and a hip fracture, and was hospitalized for these injuries. Documentation and interviews confirmed that care plan instructions were not followed at the time of the incident.
The QAPI committee did not identify or address key quality issues, including call light response, grievance documentation, timely and accurate MDS submissions, antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and maintenance of complete and accurate medical records. Policies and procedures were outdated or missing, and the QAPI plan was incomplete, affecting all residents in the facility.
The facility did not ensure that a Medical Director or designated physician attended QAPI meetings at least quarterly, as required. Review of meeting records showed physician attendance at only three meetings over a year, with no explanation provided for the absence during the remaining months. This resulted in a lack of required medical oversight for all residents during the QAPI process.
The facility did not provide evidence of an annual review of its Infection Control policy and procedures, as required to ensure adherence to current standards. Additionally, there was no active or updated plan for managing waterborne pathogens, with the Environmental Services Director unable to confirm recent reviews or team membership, and the existing Water Management Policy was outdated and not specific to the current ownership.
A facility failed to implement an effective antibiotic stewardship program, lacking written protocols, proper documentation, and a monitoring system. A resident with a urinary catheter developed a UTI, and antibiotics were started without documented justification, physician notification, or consideration of lab results and renal function. The medical provider did not document in the EMR, and no care plan for the UTI or antibiotic therapy was present.
Multiple residents reported that call lights were not answered in a timely manner, especially during 2nd and 3rd shifts, with documented wait times frequently exceeding 20 minutes and sometimes reaching over 45 minutes. A resident requiring significant assistance for toileting experienced long delays, resulting in incontinence. Staff were aware of the concerns, but the issue remained unresolved despite being raised in Resident Council meetings and communicated to facility leadership.
Several MDS assessments were not transmitted on time, with two residents experiencing significant delays in their annual assessments and two others having overdue 5-day and admission assessments. The MDS Coordinator confirmed the delays and noted issues with tracking and EMR flagging, and the NHA was informed of the late submissions.
Three residents experienced deficiencies in assessment, monitoring, and timely care, including delayed administration of antibiotics, lack of follow-up on abnormal findings, incomplete or inaccurate documentation of skin assessments and care plans, and failure to communicate or act on diagnostic results. Medication and wound care supplies were not available as needed, and staff did not consistently notify physicians of significant changes or abnormal findings.
A resident with a history of UTI and spinal injury, who was documented as continent and required significant assistance for toileting, experienced repeated delays in receiving help, with call light response times often exceeding 20 to 45 minutes. The resident reported being told by staff to urinate in her brief if she could not wait, leading to multiple incontinence episodes and feelings of distress. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of these issues, and documentation showed insufficient toileting assistance.
Two residents did not have pharmacist medication regimen review (MRR) recommendations properly addressed or implemented by physicians. For one resident with complex medical needs, multiple pharmacist recommendations—including changes to Vitamin D dosing, lab monitoring, and warfarin administration—were either not documented as reviewed or not implemented, even after physician approval. For another resident with GERD, a physician-accepted recommendation to taper and discontinue omeprazole was not carried out, and a lab order was not properly documented or reviewed. Facility staff confirmed the lack of documentation and implementation during interviews.
Surveyors found that medications in a medication cart and a medication room were not properly labeled, with some single-use bottles and vials lacking resident identification or open dates. An LPN and a clinical care coordinator were unsure about labeling requirements, and a registered nurse later confirmed that all vials and bottles should be labeled to ensure proper identification if separated from their boxes.
A resident with respiratory conditions was allowed to self-administer an Albuterol inhaler without proper assessment, education, or monitoring by staff. Facility policy required interdisciplinary assessment, education on medication use, and documentation of self-administration, but these steps were not completed or recorded, as confirmed by the DON.
A resident who required significant assistance for toileting reported extended delays in call light response, leading to an episode of incontinence. Some night staff instructed the resident to use her brief if unable to wait, which negatively affected her dignity. The DON and NHA were aware of call light response concerns, but no immediate corrective review had been conducted.
A resident with a history of traumatic brain injury experienced an unwitnessed fall resulting in a skin tear, head swelling, and headache. Documentation showed the physician was not notified of the incident until two days later, and key injury details were omitted from the initial communication. Staff interviews confirmed that timely notification and documentation did not occur.
A resident with multiple complex diagnoses and a moderate fall risk was left unattended during a bed bath and fell from bed, sustaining rib and hip fractures, a pulmonary embolism, and a pneumothorax. Only one CNA was present despite the care plan requiring two staff for repositioning. The incident was not reported to the state survey agency as required, with facility leadership attributing the fall to a mattress issue rather than neglect.
The facility failed to properly document and notify regarding the transfer and discharge of two residents. One resident's records showed inconsistencies between the MDS and nursing notes about the discharge location, with incomplete discharge documentation and missing signatures. Another resident was documented as deceased in the facility, but actually died in the hospital after EMS transfer, with no supporting transfer documentation or physician orders. The facility lacked formal policies for admissions, transfers, and discharges, relying on standards of practice and outdated training materials.
The facility failed to accurately code the MDS for two residents, with one incorrectly documented as having died in the facility when the individual actually died at a hospital, and another coded as discharged to a hospital when the person was discharged to an assisted living facility. The facility's MDS Completion Guideline was also outdated.
A resident with dementia, depression, and a personality disorder did not receive a timely PASARR Level I Screening or Level II Evaluation as required. The responsible social worker was aware the screenings were overdue, and facility records confirmed the deficiency. Although the issue was identified in QAPI, no corrective action was taken until the annual survey.
A resident with a history of lumbar spine fusion, UTI, and fractures was documented as continent and needing substantial assistance for toilet transfers, but the care plan inaccurately included interventions for an indwelling catheter and did not address her actual toileting needs. The resident reported long waits for assistance, resulting in soiling herself, and was told by some staff to use her brief if she could not wait. The care plan was not individualized or effectively implemented.
Two residents experienced changes in their medical conditions—one began self-administering an inhaler for COPD, and another developed a UTI requiring antibiotics—yet the facility did not update their care plans to reflect these changes or outline necessary monitoring and interventions, contrary to facility policy.
A resident with multiple complex diagnoses experienced a fall from bed during care, resulting in hospitalization for fractures. The facility's documentation was incomplete and inaccurate, with missing and delayed records such as the facility-to-hospital transfer form and neurological checks, and the nurse's notes did not accurately reflect the circumstances of the fall.
The facility did not maintain an updated, site-specific emergency preparedness plan, and its hazard vulnerability assessment lacked scoring based on the likelihood of emergency events. This deficiency was confirmed through documentation review and interviews with facility leadership.
Isolation carts without wheels were found stored in corridors outside several resident rooms, obstructing the means of egress and violating Life Safety Code requirements. Maintenance staff confirmed the presence of these obstructions during the survey.
Surveyors observed that the clean linen closet doors near room 216 were left open and did not close to a positive latch when tested, as confirmed by maintenance staff. These doors are required to be self-closing and kept closed unless held open by an approved device, and the failure to do so resulted in a deficiency.
The facility did not conduct required semi-annual inspections of the kitchen hood fire suppression system, resulting in an 11-month gap between service checks, as confirmed by maintenance staff and inspection records.
An extension cord was observed in use in a resident's room, in violation of NFPA 99 and NFPA 70 requirements that prohibit extension cords as substitutes for fixed wiring. The deficiency was confirmed by maintenance staff during the survey.
Surveyors identified that the facility did not have documented arrangements with other LTC facilities or providers to receive patients if operations were limited or ceased, as confirmed by review of the emergency preparedness plan and staff interviews.
A resident with a PICC line was transferred to the hospital after staff failed to keep the line capped, resulting in the need for a new line and antibiotic treatment. On one unit, staff did not consistently follow mask protocols despite the presence of a COVID-positive resident, with one CNA wearing a mask below the nose and a housekeeper not wearing a mask at all, contrary to facility policy and CDC guidelines.
A resident with a history of infection and a PICC line was sent to the hospital after staff left the line uncapped overnight, but the facility failed to document the reason for transfer, the method of transportation, and whether transfer paperwork was completed, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate medical records.
The facility failed to properly assess, monitor, and treat wounds for three residents, leading to deficiencies in wound care management. A resident with an infected amputation stump did not receive timely wound vacuum care, and there was a lack of documentation and investigation into the wound care issues. Another resident with a coccyx wound experienced refusals of care due to unmet preferred treatment times, and there was no system to monitor surgical wounds. A third resident had wounds on her elbow and knees that were not assessed or documented, with no wound dressing orders in place.
A resident with dementia and anxiety reported being assaulted by staff, but the allegation was not reported to the state within the required 2-hour timeframe. The delay was due to the NHA and DON being away from the facility, and the NHA cited personal circumstances for the reporting delay.
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, risking foodborne illnesses. Observations revealed undated nutritional drinks, dusty and crumb-covered equipment, sticky residue on juice machines, and improperly stored wet pans. The dish machine's rinse pressure was below required levels, and logs did not track this issue, indicating non-compliance with FDA Food Code standards.
A long-term care facility failed to administer medications according to physician orders, resulting in errors for four residents. A resident with cerebral palsy missed a dose of Norco, while another with diabetes received insulin despite low blood sugar. Two residents with hypertension were given medications despite low blood pressure readings, and one had undocumented Norco doses. The facility's DON confirmed these errors, indicating a systemic issue in medication administration.
A facility failed to follow its protocol for providing clean oxygen equipment and monitoring oxygen levels for a resident. The resident used oxygen with tubing and a humidifying water bottle that were not replaced weekly, and the water bottle was found empty on multiple occasions. The resident's oxygen saturation levels had not been monitored since March, and there was no physician order for oxygen delivery.
A facility failed to properly manage controlled substances, leading to potential drug diversion. An RN and LPN discarded 23 Norco tablets without documentation, and records showed discrepancies in tablet counts. The DON confirmed inaccuracies and the need for education. Another resident's record had unauthorized alterations. Facility policies on medication management were not followed.
The facility failed to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions for residents with chronic wounds or indwelling medical devices, as required by CMS guidance. Additionally, during an Influenza A outbreak, the facility did not conduct a thorough outbreak investigation, lacking documentation of contact tracing, notifications, and interventions to prevent the spread of the virus. The Infection Prevention and Control Program lacked necessary documentation and implementation of precautions.
Two residents experienced significant delays in receiving assistance after activating their call lights. One resident, with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, waited over an hour for help and reported being wet and not repositioned overnight. Another resident, post-knee surgery, also waited over an hour and was found soaked in urine, with inadequate response from staff. Both cases reflect a failure to provide timely care as outlined in their care plans.
A resident at high risk for pressure injuries developed a pressure ulcer due to the facility's failure to implement a repositioning schedule and use pressure offloading devices. The resident's care plan lacked necessary interventions, and there was a delay in notifying the physician and family about the injury. The facility's policy for skin observation and repositioning was not followed, leading to a worsening of the pressure injury.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and limited mobility was not provided with the recommended high back wheelchair and necessary supports, as prescribed by the therapy department. Instead, the resident was observed using a Broda chair without the required equipment. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and documentation regarding the resident's equipment needs, leading to a deficiency in care.
A facility failed to discard expired medications on one of its medication carts, leading to the potential administration of expired drugs to residents. An LPN was unsure of the expiration dates for opened medications, including eye drops, nasal spray, and Lantus vials, which were found to be past their recommended usage period. Facility documents confirmed that these medications should have been discarded after 28 days.
Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
A male resident with dementia was observed sitting at a dining table during breakfast and requested that a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) warm up his eggs, stating they were ice cold. The CNA responded by telling the resident that the microwave was broken and then left the area without assisting further. As a result, the resident did not finish his breakfast. Subsequent interviews revealed that there was, in fact, a working microwave in the kitchen, and the resident recalled that the CNA sometimes did not help him. The facility administrator acknowledged that the CNA's interaction was not acceptable and did not meet expectations for resident treatment. This incident demonstrates a failure to treat the resident with dignity and respect, as the staff member did not address the resident's request appropriately and did not facilitate his ability to enjoy his meal.
Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision During Bed Bath Results in Resident Fall and Injuries
Penalty
Summary
A resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, abnormal posture, torticollis, and scoliosis, was admitted to the facility and assessed as a moderate fall risk. The resident's care plan specified the need for two staff members for repositioning and turning in bed, while only one staff member was required for brief changes and use of the bed pan. Despite these documented care needs, the resident reported that typically only one staff member provided care, including bed baths. During an incident in February, a CNA was providing a bed bath to the resident after a bowel movement. The CNA rolled the resident onto her right side to clean her and then turned away to get more washcloths. While unattended, the resident rolled off the bed and fell to the floor. The CNA acknowledged checking the kardex for toileting and transfer assistance but did not recall checking the bed mobility assistance requirement. The resident sustained multiple rib fractures, a hip fracture, and additional complications, requiring hospitalization. Documentation and interviews confirmed that only one staff member was present during the bed bath, contrary to the care plan's requirement for two staff during bed mobility. The CNA received a final written warning for failure to follow policies, procedures, or regulations, though the specific infraction was not detailed in the personnel file. The incident resulted in significant injury to the resident, as confirmed by hospital records and staff interviews.
QAPI Committee Failed to Identify and Address Multiple Quality Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility's QAPI committee failed to identify, address, and implement appropriate plans of action for several critical areas, including call light response times, grievance handling, timely and accurate MDS submissions, antibiotic stewardship, infection control, maintenance of complete and accurate medical records, annual review and updating of policies and procedures, and monitoring nursing staff compliance with standards of practice. Interviews and record reviews revealed that concerns raised by residents and documented in council minutes regarding call light response were not followed up with ad hoc meetings or effective action. Grievances from resident council meetings were not consistently documented or brought to the interdisciplinary team, and the process for addressing and tracking grievances was incomplete. The facility also failed to address late and incorrect MDS submissions, and the NHA acknowledged ongoing issues with documentation and coding accuracy. Antibiotic stewardship and infection control practices were not aligned with facility policy, and the Infection Control Preventionist had not compared the Infection Control Pathway to policy. Medical records were found to be incomplete and disorganized, with ongoing issues in documentation by CNAs and delays in uploading information to the EMR. Several key policies and procedures were outdated, missing, or not reviewed annually, including those for admissions, infection control, skin/wound management, and water management. The QAPI plan provided during the survey was blank, and the NHA was unable to provide adequate answers regarding the lack of updated policies and procedures.
Lack of Required Physician Attendance at QAPI Meetings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the required attendance of a Medical Director or designated physician was maintained at the Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAPI) meetings at least quarterly. Review of QAPI monthly sign-in sheets from June 2024 to June 2025 showed that a physician was present only at three meetings, leaving eight months without physician representation. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that monthly QAPI meetings are held but could not explain the absence of the Medical Director or a designated physician at least quarterly. This deficiency affected all 74 residents residing in the facility, as there was a lack of required medical oversight during the QAPI process.
Deficiencies in Infection Control Policy Review and Water Management Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an annual review of its Infection Control policy and procedures to verify adherence to current national standards of care. During the survey, documentation was requested to show that the Infection Prevention policy and program had been reviewed annually, but neither the Infection Preventionist nor the Director of Nursing could provide evidence of such a review. The policy provided did not indicate when it had been implemented or last reviewed, and no verification of an annual review was available by the time of survey exit. Additionally, the facility did not have an active and ongoing plan for reducing the risk of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in its plumbing system. The Environmental Services Director was unable to confirm when the last review of the Water Management Plan had occurred or identify the current members of the interdisciplinary water management team. The Water Management Policy on file was developed by previous owners and had not been updated to reflect the current ownership or reviewed for ongoing effectiveness.
Failure to Implement Effective Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to establish and implement an effective antibiotic stewardship program, as evidenced by the lack of written protocols for antibiotic use, insufficient documentation, and the absence of a monitoring system to provide feedback to prescribing practitioners. The Infection Control policy referenced antibiotic stewardship but did not include specific protocols for antibiotic use, procedures for residents admitted on antibiotics, or a system for feedback and documentation. During interviews, the Infection Preventionist described a general process for identifying infections and initiating antibiotics but did not reference any formalized, written procedures or monitoring systems. A review of the electronic medical record for a resident admitted with a urinary catheter revealed multiple deficiencies in antibiotic management and documentation. The resident exhibited symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), and laboratory tests were conducted. Despite positive urinalysis results, antibiotics were initiated without documented justification or evidence that the physician had been notified. There were conflicting entries for two different antibiotics, with no documentation regarding consideration of renal function or culture results. The medical provider did not document in the facility's EMR, and there was no care plan for the UTI or antibiotic therapy. The facility was unable to provide additional documentation to demonstrate that antibiotic therapy was consistent with an antibiotic stewardship program.
Failure to Timely Respond to Call Lights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to answer call lights in a timely manner for multiple residents, as documented in Resident Council meeting minutes and individual resident interviews. Residents, particularly those on the 2nd and 3rd shifts, reported that call lights were often left unanswered for extended periods, with staff sometimes entering the room, stating they would return, but not meeting the resident's needs. Meeting minutes from two separate Resident Council meetings indicated that the issue was ongoing and unresolved, with several residents expressing dissatisfaction. The Activities Director also communicated these concerns to the previous DON, noting that the problem persisted across different units. One resident, who required substantial to maximal assistance for toilet transfers and was always continent, reported waiting up to an hour for call light response, resulting in incontinence. Call light logs for this resident showed multiple instances of wait times ranging from over 20 minutes to more than 45 minutes. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the issue, and the DON acknowledged that reasonable response times should be 5-10 minutes, but audits had not identified problems. The NHA was aware of the concerns but had not initiated an ad hoc review, and grievances from Resident Council meetings were not individually addressed unless resolved.
Failure to Timely Transmit MDS Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to transmit Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments in a timely manner for four residents. For one resident, the annual assessment with an assessment reference date (ARD) in March was not completed until June, resulting in a significant delay. Another resident's annual assessment, due in early May, was not completed until June as well. The MDS Coordinator/Registered Nurse confirmed that these assessments were over 120 days old and acknowledged that one assessment was missed entirely, while another was not flagged as due or late in the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Additionally, two other residents experienced delays in the completion and submission of their MDS assessments. One resident's 5-day assessment and admission assessment were flagged as overdue in the EMR, with the entry not signed off until several days after the ARD. Another resident's 5-day admission assessment was also submitted late, as confirmed by the MDS Coordinator. The Nursing Home Administrator was made aware of these late assessments by the MDS Coordinator.
Failure to Assess, Monitor, and Provide Timely Care and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care according to physician orders, resident preferences, and goals for three residents. For one resident with chronic heart failure, sepsis, pressure ulcer, and Alzheimer's disease, there was a lack of assessment, monitoring, and action upon abnormal findings. The resident experienced a significant change in condition, including slurred speech, inability to assist with transfers, and coffee ground emesis, but there was no documentation of transfer to the hospital or death in the facility. Physician orders for vital sign monitoring were not followed, with vital signs often not recorded as ordered, and abnormal findings such as low blood pressure and low oxygen saturation were not addressed or communicated to the physician. Additionally, there was a delay in administering ordered IV antibiotics due to medication unavailability, and the physician was not notified of this delay. Skin assessments and care planning for pressure injuries were not completed timely or accurately, with missing documentation and delayed initiation of care plans and wound assessments. Another resident admitted with a history of lumbar spine fusion, UTI, and pelvic fracture did not receive antibiotics for a UTI in a timely manner, as the medication was not available upon admission and was started three days later. The care plan inaccurately reflected the presence of an indwelling catheter, which the resident did not have, and there was no documentation of orders to discontinue a catheter. Additionally, x-ray results ordered for this resident were not documented or followed up in the electronic medical record, and staff were unaware of the results until prompted. There was also a lack of communication and documentation regarding the resident's transfer needs and the use of appropriate transfer techniques. A third resident admitted with a surgical wound requiring a wound vac and a stage II pressure ulcer experienced delays in receiving the necessary wound vac supplies, resulting in alternative wound care and subsequent infection. Documentation of wound assessments was inconsistent, with discrepancies in wound measurements and lack of clear identification of wound sites. There was no evidence that the physician was notified of abnormal wound findings, such as foul odor and changes in wound condition, in a timely manner. Additionally, skin assessments were not completed as required, and documentation of dressing changes did not match observations, with dressings not in place as ordered. The facility lacked formal policies for admissions, transfers, discharges, and documentation of medical records, relying instead on standards of practice without clear protocols.
Failure to Provide Timely Toileting Assistance to Continent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident admitted with a history of lumbar spine fusion, UTI, and pelvic fracture was documented as always continent of bowel and bladder and required substantial to maximal assistance for toilet transfers. Despite this, the resident experienced significant delays in receiving toileting assistance, as evidenced by call light logs showing multiple instances of wait times exceeding 20 to 45 minutes. The resident reported having to wait up to an hour for assistance, resulting in episodes of incontinence, and stated that some staff advised her to urinate in her brief if she could not wait. Documentation showed that on several days, the resident was only toileted once, and there were gaps of many hours between toileting events. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the resident's concerns regarding long call light response times and inappropriate toileting practices, such as being given a bedpan instead of being assisted to the bathroom. The DON acknowledged that the facility's expectation is for call lights to be answered within 5-10 minutes and that it is not standard practice to advise continent residents to urinate in their briefs. The care plan indicated the resident was at risk for infection related to an indwelling catheter, but the resident did not have a catheter at the time of the deficiency. No concern forms were found for the resident, and documentation revealed multiple incontinence episodes and insufficient toileting assistance.
Failure to Address and Implement Pharmacist Medication Regimen Review Recommendations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that monthly pharmacy medication regimen review (MRR) irregularities and pharmacist recommendations were received and addressed by the physician for two residents. For one resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and scoliosis, the pharmacist made several recommendations over a period of months, such as changes to Vitamin D dosing, lab monitoring for seizure medication, and administration timing for warfarin. Documentation of these recommendations and their review or implementation by the physician was missing or incomplete in the resident's medical record. In one instance, although the physician accepted a pharmacist's recommendation to change Vitamin D dosing, the change was not implemented for over ten months. Additionally, there was no evidence that the physician was notified in a timely manner of a critical recommendation regarding warfarin administration, and documentation of physician review for other recommendations was not found. For another resident with a diagnosis of GERD, the pharmacist recommended tapering and discontinuing omeprazole and ordering a basic metabolic panel (BMP) during routine MRRs. Although the physician accepted the recommendation to taper and discontinue omeprazole, the medication continued to be administered as before, and the change was not implemented. For the BMP recommendation, the physician accepted the recommendation, but there was no documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) that the lab was completed as directed or that the physician reviewed a previous lab result to determine if it was sufficient. Interviews with facility staff, including the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed the lack of documentation and failure to implement or address the pharmacist's recommendations. In some cases, signed consultation reports were found outside of the residents' medical records, and in other cases, the facility was unable to provide any evidence that the recommendations were reviewed or acted upon by the physician. The deficiencies were identified through record review and staff interviews, and as of the survey exit, the facility had not provided additional information to demonstrate compliance.
Failure to Properly Label Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling of medications in both a medication cart and a medication room, potentially affecting 25 residents. During inspection of a medication cart, a box of Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution was found labeled with a resident's name and room number, but the solution bottle inside the box was not labeled with any identifying information. Other single-user bottles and vials in the cart were properly labeled. The LPN present was unsure if it was necessary to label the bottles themselves or if labeling the box was sufficient. In the medication room, a box of Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (TB PPD) solution was labeled with an open date, but the vial inside was not. The Clinical Care Coordinator stated she did not label TB vials with the open date, only the box, and expressed uncertainty about what to do if vials became separated from their boxes. Upon further inquiry, she acknowledged learning that vials should be labeled with the open date. A registered nurse later confirmed that vials and bottles in boxes should be labeled with resident names and that TB vials should be labeled with the open date to ensure proper identification if separated from their boxes.
Failure to Assess and Monitor Self-Administration of Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess a resident for self-administration of medication and did not track or record the resident's medication use as required. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including Acute Respiratory Failure, COPD, and Emphysema, was observed with a nebulizer, CPAP machine, and an Albuterol inhaler at bedside. The resident reported using the inhaler multiple times a day, but staff had not inquired about its use or provided any education regarding the medication. Review of the resident's electronic medical record and medication administration record revealed a lack of documentation regarding assessment, education, or monitoring for the safe and proper use of the inhaler, with only one instance of self-administration recorded despite the resident's reported frequent use. Facility policy requires that residents be assessed by the interdisciplinary care team for the safety and appropriateness of self-administering medications, be educated on side effects, and be regularly observed and monitored, with all actions documented in the care plan and medication administration record. However, there was no evidence that these procedures were followed for this resident. The Director of Nursing confirmed that if the documentation was not present in the record, the required assessments and monitoring likely did not occur.
Failure to Respect Resident Dignity During Toileting Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident who was always continent of bowel and bladder and required substantial to maximal assistance for toilet transfers reported experiencing long wait times for call light responses when needing toileting assistance. The resident stated that on one occasion, she waited about an hour for help, resulting in soiling her pants. Additionally, some night staff reportedly told her to use her brief if she could not wait, which made her feel bad even though staff were kind and cleaned her up. The DON acknowledged ongoing monitoring of call light response times, stating that audits had not shown problems and that a reasonable response time was 5-10 minutes. The NHA was aware of call light concerns but had not yet conducted an ad hoc review.
Failure to Timely Notify Physician After Resident Fall With Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the physician or provider in a timely manner following a resident's fall with injury. A cognitively intact resident with a history of traumatic subdural hemorrhage experienced an unwitnessed fall in the bathroom, resulting in a skin tear to the left elbow, swelling to the back of the head, and complaints of headache. Documentation showed that the incident occurred in the early morning, but the physician or provider was not notified until two days later. The Nursing/Physician Communication form and progress notes did not indicate any earlier notification, and the swelling to the back of the head was not included in the initial communication form. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the physician should have been notified at the time of the fall, and that documentation of such notification was lacking. The Nursing Home Administrator and Clinical Care Coordinator both acknowledged that if the notification was not documented, it likely did not occur. The resident was subsequently admitted to the hospital with an elevated white count and a small intracranial bleed, but there was no evidence that the physician was informed of the fall and injuries in a timely manner.
Failure to Report Alleged Neglect After Resident Fall Resulting in Serious Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of neglect to the state survey agency after a resident experienced a significant fall resulting in serious injuries. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, abnormal posture, torticollis, and scoliosis, was assessed as being at moderate risk for falls and required two staff members for repositioning and turning in bed, according to her care plan. However, during a bed bath, only one CNA was present and rolled the resident onto her side. The CNA briefly turned away to get more washcloths, during which time the resident rolled off the bed and fell to the floor. Following the fall, the resident experienced pain and difficulty breathing, and was found to have several fractured ribs, a hip fracture, a pulmonary embolism, and a small pneumothorax. The incident was documented in the nurse's notes and the resident was sent to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. The CNA involved acknowledged checking the kardex for some care needs but was unsure if she reviewed the bed mobility assistance requirement, and expressed remorse for the incident. Despite the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the fall, the Nursing Home Administrator did not report the incident to the state survey agency. The decision not to report was based on advice from a Regional Nurse Consultant, who attributed the fall to a mattress issue rather than a reportable event. The administrator later acknowledged that the CNA's handling technique contributed to the fall, but maintained that the incident was not reported as neglect or abuse as required by facility policy.
Failure to Document and Notify Properly During Resident Transfers and Discharges
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to appropriately document and notify regarding the transfer and discharge of two residents. For one resident, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) indicated a discharge to a short-term general hospital, but nursing progress notes and discharge instructions showed the resident was actually discharged to an assisted living facility with his son. The discharge documentation was incomplete, lacking the reason for discharge, destination, resident or representative signature, and home care agency information. There was also no discharge summary or recap of stay in the electronic medical record (EMR). Staff interviews confirmed discrepancies in the documentation and confusion about the resident's actual discharge location. For the second resident, the MDS indicated the resident died in the facility, but EMR review and staff interviews revealed the resident was transferred to a hospital by EMS and died there. There was no documentation in the EMR to show the resident left the facility or was accompanied by EMS, and no physician orders for discharge or transfer were present. A bed hold request was documented, but no transfer forms were found. The facility did not have formal policies for admissions, transfers, and discharges, relying instead on standards of practice and outdated training materials.
Inaccurate MDS Coding for Resident Discharges
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately code the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for two residents whose records were reviewed. For one resident, the MDS indicated the individual died in the facility, but review of the electronic medical record and staff interview revealed the resident was transferred to a hospital by EMS and died there, with no documentation supporting an in-facility death or transfer. For another resident, the MDS coded the discharge as a transfer to a short-term general hospital, but nursing progress notes and staff interviews confirmed the resident was actually discharged to an assisted living facility with his son, not to a hospital. The facility's MDS Completion Guideline had not been updated, reviewed, or revised since its original date.
Failure to Complete Timely PASARR Screenings and Evaluations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to complete an annual Preadmission Screening/Annual Resident Review (PASARR) Level I Screening and Level II Evaluation in a timely manner for a resident with multiple diagnoses, including dementia, depression, and narcissistic personality disorder. The resident's last PASARR Level II Evaluation was completed on 5/15/24, and there was no documentation of a subsequent PASARR Level I Screening or Level II Evaluation being completed as required before 5/15/25. The social worker responsible for tracking PASARR screenings acknowledged that the screening was overdue and had not yet been completed. Record review and staff interviews confirmed that the facility was aware of the overdue PASARR screenings and evaluations, as indicated by the social worker's tracking tool and statements from the nursing home administrator. Although the issue was identified and discussed in the facility's QAPI committee, there was no evidence that corrective actions to address the overdue screenings and evaluations were initiated until the time of the annual survey.
Failure to Develop and Implement Person-Centered Care Plan for Toileting Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a person-centered care plan that accurately reflected the needs of a resident with a history of lumbar spine fusion, UTI, and fractures. The resident was documented in the Minimum Data Set as always continent of bowel and bladder and requiring substantial to maximal assistance for toilet transfers. However, the care plan included interventions for an indwelling catheter, which the resident did not have, and focused on infection risk related to a catheter. The care plan also indicated the resident required one staff member for toilet use. During observation and interview, the resident reported experiencing long wait times for call light responses when needing toileting assistance, sometimes waiting up to an hour and soiling herself as a result. She also reported that some staff at night instructed her to use her brief if she could not wait, which made her feel bad, even though staff were kind and cleaned her up. These findings indicate the care plan was not individualized to the resident's actual needs and was not effectively implemented to address her toileting assistance requirements.
Failure to Revise Care Plans After Changes in Resident Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to revise the care plans for two residents following documented changes in their care needs. One resident, admitted with acute respiratory failure and COPD, was observed self-administering an Albuterol inhaler multiple times daily. Despite a physician's order allowing the inhaler at bedside and specifying its use as needed, the care plan did not include any assessment or monitoring of the resident's self-administration, nor did it outline staff responsibilities for monitoring or documentation related to the inhaler. Another resident, admitted with a fracture and a history of repeated falls, had a urinary catheter inserted upon admission. The resident developed signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), including cloudy, foul-smelling urine and an elevated white blood cell count, which led to laboratory testing and the initiation of antibiotic therapy. However, the care plan was not updated to reflect the new diagnosis of UTI or the administration of antibiotics. The facility's policy requires care plans to be revised as residents' conditions change, but this was not done in either case.
Incomplete and Inaccurate Medical Records Following Resident Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for one resident with multiple complex diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, abnormal posture, torticollis, and scoliosis. The resident reported that in February, she rolled out of bed while a staff member was providing a bed bath, resulting in pain, difficulty breathing, and subsequent hospitalization for several fractured ribs and a hip fracture. Documentation in the nurse's notes inaccurately described the incident as an unwitnessed fall, rather than reflecting that the fall occurred in the presence of staff during care. Additionally, the certified nursing assistant's statement indicated she was present and momentarily turned away when the resident rolled off the bed. A review of the resident's medical record revealed missing documentation related to the fall, including the facility-to-hospital transfer form and delayed uploading of neurological checks and hospital notes, which were only added to the record several months after the incident. Despite multiple requests during the survey, the facility was unable to provide the required transfer form, and some documentation was not present in the resident's record at the time of review. The facility's process for uploading and maintaining records was inconsistent, resulting in incomplete and inaccurate medical records for the resident.
Deficient Emergency Preparedness Plan and Risk Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an Emergency Preparedness plan that was reviewed and updated annually, as required. Specifically, the facility's emergency preparedness plan and hazard vulnerability assessment were not scored based on the percentage and probability of listed emergency events occurring. Additionally, the plan was not updated and was not site-specific to the facility. This deficiency was identified during a review of the facility's emergency preparedness documentation and was confirmed through interviews with the Maintenance Director and Administrator. The lack of a comprehensive, updated, and site-specific emergency preparedness plan could potentially affect all occupants and staff in the event of an area disaster.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - Upon identification of the finding, the Nursing Home Administrator reached out to its corporate organization to verify support in the event of a catastrophic event. This support was confirmed by the Vice President of Operations. Concurrently, the assistance of our Regional Environmental Services Coordinator was provided to assist Heartwood Lodge- Trinity Health in the construction of a comprehensive and compliant Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA). Element 2 - The Emergency Preparedness Plan including the HVA will be constructed to include a scoring methodology based on the percentage and probability of each identified emergency event occurring within the facility's specific context on or before July 10th, 2025. Element 3 - The HVA will be revised to be entirely site-specific, incorporating unique aspects of the facility's layout, patient population, services provided, and surrounding environment. The Nursing Home Administrator, Environmental Services Director, and Director of Nursing will be reviewing and updating the Emergency Preparedness Plan and Hazard Vulnerability Assessment as required to maintain compliance on or before July 10th, 2025. Any identified issues will trigger retraining and/or corrective action. Element 4 - The QAPI Committee will be reviewing and updating Emergency Preparedness Plan and Hazard Vulnerability Assessment annually with a reminder recurrence online work order that occurs the first Monday of January. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Obstructed Means of Egress Due to Improperly Stored Isolation Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that aisles, passageways, and corridors were not maintained free of obstructions as required by Chapter 7 of the Life Safety Code. Specifically, isolation carts without wheels attached were found stored in the corridor outside residents' rooms 121 and 122 in the 100 hall, and outside room 213 in the 200 hall. These findings were confirmed during interviews with maintenance staff present at the time of observation. The deficiency was identified during a walkthrough on June 10, 2025, and could potentially affect 18 occupants within the smoke compartment in the event of an emergency evacuation. No information regarding the medical history or condition of the residents in the affected areas was provided in the report.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - Environmental service staff removed all isolation carts without wheels stored in the corridor outside resident rooms 121 and 122 located at 100 hall and isolation carts without wheels stored in the corridor outside resident room 213 located at 200 hall with isolation carts with wheels to meet Means of Egress compliance. Element 2 - The Environmental Services Director or designee inspected all remaining isolation carts to ensure compliance with Means of Egress. Element 3 - Environmental Services Director or designee will complete monthly inspections on aisles, passageways, corridors, and exit locations for isolation carts being stored without wheels for 3 months to ensure compliance with NFPA 101 Chapter 7. Element 4 - The Environmental Services Director or designee will report audit findings to the Quality Assurance / Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly x 3 with further monitoring per QAPI recommendations. Any identified issues will trigger retraining and/or corrective action. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Failure to Maintain Self-Closing Doors in Hazardous Area
Penalty
Summary
During an observation on June 10, 2025, at approximately 10:06 AM, surveyors found that the doors to the clean linen closet located in the 200 hall near room 216 were open and did not close to a positive latch when tested. This was confirmed through interviews with two facility maintenance staff present at the time. The doors in question are required to be self-closing and kept in the closed position unless held open by an approved release device, in accordance with regulatory standards. The failure to ensure these doors were properly self-closing and latched constituted a deficiency, as it did not comply with the requirements for doors in exit passageways, stairway enclosures, horizontal exits, smoke barriers, or hazardous area enclosures.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - Upon identification, environmental services staff repaired the latch to the clean linen closet located at the 200 hall near room 216. This latch now closes "per positive latch" as required. Element 2 - Environmental Services Director Designee inspected all other clean linen closet doors to assure compliance. Element 3 - The Environmental Services Director/designee will complete monthly audits for 3 months of auto latching doors to ensure compliance in accordance with NFPA 101 7.2.1.8.2. Element 4 - The Environmental Services Director/designee will report audit findings to the Quality Assurance / Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly x 3 with further monitoring per QAPI recommendations. Any identified issues will trigger retraining and/or corrective action. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Failure to Conduct Semi-Annual Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Inspections
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that cooking facilities were protected in accordance with NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A standards. Specifically, there was an 11-month gap between service inspections of the kitchen hood fire suppression system, as evidenced by inspection reports dated 1/2/24 and 12/2/24 from two different vendors. NFPA 17A 7.3.3 requires that hood fire suppression system inspections be conducted semi-annually. This deficiency was confirmed during interviews with two maintenance staff members at the time of observation. No information regarding specific patients, their medical history, or their condition at the time of the deficiency was provided in the report.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - The Environmental Services Director was able to locate the inspection report from Summit Fire Protection conducted on 6/28/24 to comply with semi-annual kitchen hood fire suppression inspections. The reviewed indicated dates are 1/2/24 and 12/2/24. Element 2 - The Environmental Services Director placed the inspection report for the semi-annual kitchen hood suppression system with other inspection reports to verify compliance. Element 3 - The Environmental Services Director or designee will audit report documentation annually and follow up on inspection reports from outside vendors with a recurring work order to ensure compliance with NFPA 96. Element 4 - The Environmental Services Director or designee will report audit findings to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee annually, with further monitoring per QAPI recommendations. Any identified issues will trigger retraining and/or corrective action. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Noncompliant Use of Extension Cord in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when, during an observation on June 10, 2025, an extension cord was found in use in a resident's room (room 218, 200 hall). The use of this extension cord did not comply with the requirements of NFPA 99 and NFPA 70, which specify that extension cords should not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring and must be removed immediately after temporary use. The finding was confirmed through interviews with two facility maintenance staff present at the time of observation. The report notes that this practice could potentially affect 16 occupants within the smoke compartment in the event of an electrical fire resulting from unauthorized electrical cord use.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 - Upon identification, environmental services removed the extension cords that were in use in resident room 218 located at 200 hall at the time of observation. The residents were educated on the safety risk and acknowledged compliance. Element 2 - The Environmental Services Director inspected all resident rooms to ensure no other deficiencies concerning extension cords existed. Element 3 - The Maintenance Director/designee will complete monthly audits for 2 months for extension cords to ensure compliance with NFPA 70 400.8.1. Element 4 - Any trends will be reported to the Administrator monthly by the Environmental Services Director/designee. The Environmental Services Director or designee will report audit findings to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly for monitoring per QAPI recommendations. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Lack of Documented Arrangements for Patient Transfer in Emergencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and document arrangements with other LTC facilities and providers to receive patients in the event of limitations or cessation of operations, as required for maintaining continuity of services. During a review of the emergency preparedness plan, surveyors found no evidence of such arrangements. This deficiency was confirmed through interviews with the Maintenance Director and Administrator during the survey observation period. No specific patient medical histories or conditions were mentioned in the report, and the deficiency was identified through record review and staff interviews rather than through direct patient impact.
Plan Of Correction
Element 3 - The Environmental Services Director and the Nursing Home Administrator will be educated on the requirement to develop arrangements with other Long Term Care (LTC) facilities and other providers to receive patients in the event of limitations or cessation of operations to maintain the continuity of services to facility patients on or before June 10th, 2025. Element 4 - The QAPI Committee will be tasked with reviewing the updated risk assessments and emergency preparedness plan quarterly x3 to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness until substantial compliance has been determined by the QAPI Committee. Any identified issues will trigger retraining and/or corrective action. Element 5 - The Nursing Home Administrator is responsible for maintaining compliance.
Failure to Maintain Infection Control Practices for Central Line Care and Mask Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain appropriate infection control practices for one resident and one unit, potentially affecting multiple residents. One resident, who had a history of left knee prosthesis infection and a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line, was sent to the hospital after it was discovered that their PICC line had been left uncapped overnight. The resident reported that the night nurse left the line uncapped for approximately ten hours, which was confirmed by the hospital's emergency department report. The facility's documentation did not include the reason for the resident's transfer, and the only available explanation was found in the hospital's records, which were not part of the resident's medical record at the facility. Additionally, on the Blue Neighborhood unit, staff failed to adhere to required mask protocols during a period when a resident with COVID-19 was present. Observations showed a certified nursing assistant repeatedly wearing a surgical mask below the nose and a housekeeper not wearing any mask, despite posted signage and facility policy requiring surgical masks for all staff on the unit. The Director of Nursing confirmed that all staff were expected to wear masks on the unit due to the presence of a COVID-positive resident. These deficiencies were observed through interviews, record reviews, and direct observation, and were corroborated by reference to CDC guidelines and facility policies regarding infection prevention and control, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and the care of central lines.
Failure to Maintain Complete and Accurate Medical Records for Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for one resident who was admitted with multiple diagnoses, including an infection of a left knee prosthesis. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported being sent to the hospital via ambulance after a nurse left their PICC line uncapped overnight, resulting in the need for a new PICC line and a four-day hospital stay for antibiotics. Review of the resident's medical record revealed inconsistencies and missing documentation regarding the reason for the hospital transfer, the mode of transportation, and whether transfer paperwork was completed or sent with the resident. Nurse's notes contained conflicting information, suggesting both that the resident was transported by their partner and that they were transferred out to the hospital, but did not specify the reason for transfer. The facility administrator confirmed that the medical record lacked documentation explaining why the resident was sent to the hospital, how they were transported, and whether appropriate transfer paperwork was completed. The only available information about the reason for transfer was found in the hospital's emergency department report, which was not included in the resident's medical record at the facility.
Deficiencies in Wound Care Management for Three Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accurately assess, monitor, and treat wounds for three residents, leading to deficiencies in wound care management. Resident 1, a male with a history of orthopedic aftercare and an infected amputation stump, experienced inadequate wound care following his return from the hospital. Despite orders for a wound vacuum to be applied and changed regularly, the facility did not implement these orders in a timely manner. There was a lack of documentation and assessment of the surgical wound, and the facility did not investigate the issues surrounding the wound care as ordered by the surgeon. Resident 2, a female with multiple sclerosis and a history of osteomyelitis, had a coccyx wound that was not properly documented or measured. The facility failed to adhere to the resident's preferred treatment times, leading to refusals of care. The facility did not have a system in place to measure and monitor surgical wounds, and there was no documentation of wound assessments since the resident's return from the hospital. Resident 3, a female with Alzheimer's disease, had wounds on her right elbow and knees that were not properly assessed or documented. The facility did not have any wound dressing orders in place, and there was no description of the wounds in the medical record. The Unit Manager confirmed that no standing orders or treatments were implemented for the resident's wounds, and there was a lack of awareness regarding the assessment process for recording wound size and description.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to report an allegation of abuse in a timely manner for a resident diagnosed with dementia and anxiety. The resident reported to the facility's Nurse Practitioner that he had been assaulted by staff the previous day. This report was made at approximately 11:30 AM, but the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) was not notified until the afternoon. The incident was not reported to the State of Michigan until almost 10:00 PM, which was outside the required 2-hour timeframe for reporting such allegations. The delay in reporting was attributed to the NHA and the Director of Nursing (DON) being away from the facility on the day of the incident. The Former NHA cited extenuating personal circumstances as the reason for the delay in reporting the abuse allegation. The facility's policy requires that all alleged violations involving abuse be reported immediately, but not later than 2 hours after the allegation is made. This policy was not adhered to in this instance, resulting in a deficiency citation.
Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen Operations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, which could potentially spread foodborne illnesses to residents consuming food from the kitchen. During an initial tour of the walk-in cooler, a half-empty box of nutritional shakes was found without a date, and the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) was unable to provide one. The shakes are typically dated for 14 days after thawing, but there was no indication of when they were placed in the cooler. Similar issues were found in the Blue and Yellow Pantries, where nutritional drinks and an open container of vanilla Med Pass 2.0 were found without discard dates, contrary to the manufacturer's instructions. Further observations revealed unsanitary conditions in various parts of the kitchen. The top of the convection oven was covered with dust and crumbs, and clean utensils stored in bins by the ice machine had accumulated debris and crumbs. The juice machines in the Blue and [NAME] Pantries had sticky residue on the underside corners of the spouts. Additionally, pans were improperly stacked and stored wet, with water trapped between them, violating air-drying requirements. The dish machine was also found to be malfunctioning, with the rinse pressure gauge only reaching eight psi, below the required 20 +/- 5 psi as per the machine's data plate. The facility's dish machine log did not include checks for rinse pressure, and a loose screw in the top spray arm was impeding proper spray. These findings indicate a failure to adhere to the FDA Food Code requirements for equipment and utensil cleanliness, air-drying, and mechanical warewashing equipment operation.
Medication Administration Errors in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer controlled medications according to physician orders and professional standards of practice, resulting in medication errors for four residents. Resident #1, a female with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, did not receive her prescribed 8:00 PM dose of Norco on one occasion, and on another day, she received an additional dose not ordered by the physician. The Medication Administration Record inaccurately documented the administration of these doses, indicating discrepancies between the Controlled Substance Record and the actual administration. Resident #14, a male with diabetes mellitus, was administered Insulin Lispro despite his blood sugar levels being below the physician-ordered parameter of 120 on multiple occasions. This indicates a failure to adhere to the prescribed parameters for insulin administration, potentially compromising the resident's safety. Similarly, Resident #32, a male with hypertension, was administered both amlodipine and carvedilol despite his systolic blood pressure being below the ordered parameters, and there were multiple undocumented administrations of Norco as needed. Resident #57, a male with hypertension, was administered Lisinopril without documented verification that his blood pressure and pulse were within the ordered parameters. The facility's previous Director of Nursing acknowledged that physician-ordered parameters should be reviewed before medication administration, yet this practice was not consistently followed. The current Director of Nursing confirmed the medication errors and indicated that education for nurses would begin immediately, highlighting a systemic issue in medication administration practices at the facility.
Failure to Provide Clean Oxygen Equipment and Monitor Oxygen Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to its protocol for providing clean oxygen delivery equipment and monitoring oxygen levels for a resident. A resident, a [AGE] year-old female, was observed using oxygen with tubing and a humidifying water bottle dated 06/05/24, which was not replaced weekly as per the facility's protocol. The water bottle was found empty on multiple occasions, and the oxygen tubing was not changed until 06/27/24. Additionally, the resident's oxygen saturation levels had not been monitored or documented since 03/07/24, and there was no physician order for oxygen delivery, including the rate and method of delivery.
Deficiencies in Controlled Substance Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to operationalize policies and procedures for controlled substances, leading to potential drug diversion and misappropriation of property. During an observation, a night shift RN and an oncoming LPN were seen discarding 23 tablets of Norco, a Schedule II narcotic, without signing any documentation to indicate the count and destruction of the medication. The nurses reported that there was no form available for documenting the destruction of the narcotic. The Individual Resident's Controlled Substance Record for the resident involved was incomplete, lacking the medication name and dosage, and showed discrepancies in the count of tablets. Further review of the records revealed that the facility did not accurately document the receipt, administration, and disposal of controlled substances. The records showed inconsistencies in the number of tablets on hand, with unexplained changes in the count and missing documentation for the destruction of tablets. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed the inaccuracies and acknowledged the need for education on proper documentation and procedures. Additionally, the facility had recently switched pharmacy providers, which may have contributed to the confusion and lack of proper documentation. Another resident's controlled substance record also showed issues, with handwritten information and white-out used on the document, which is against facility policy. The DON confirmed that white-out should not be used on controlled substance records and indicated that further investigation was needed. The facility's policies on medication administration and disposal were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of proper documentation and the failure to have two nurses witness and sign off on the destruction of controlled substances.
Failure to Implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions and Conduct Outbreak Investigation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for residents with chronic wounds or indwelling medical devices, as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance effective April 1, 2024. During the survey, it was observed that residents with these conditions were not placed under EBP, as there was no signage on doors or personal protective equipment (PPE) carts available near the rooms. The Director of Nursing (DON) and Registered Nurse/Consultant (RNC) confirmed that EBP had not been implemented, despite the CMS guidance mandating its use for residents with chronic wounds or indwelling medical devices. Additionally, the facility failed to conduct a thorough outbreak investigation during an Influenza A outbreak in March 2024. Nine residents tested positive for Influenza A, but there was no documentation of contact tracing, notification of the medical director, health department, staff, residents, or families. Furthermore, there was no record of interventions implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, such as transmission-based precautions, increased cleaning, or staff and resident education. The facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program lacked documentation of daily active surveillance of all residents and staff for illness. The facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program was reviewed, and it was found that there was no outbreak investigation documentation related to the March 2024 Influenza A outbreak. The DON and RNC acknowledged that a complete and thorough outbreak investigation should have been initiated at the time the outbreak was identified. The lack of documentation and implementation of necessary precautions and investigations contributed to the deficiency in infection prevention and control within the facility.
Delayed Response to Call Lights for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely care for two residents who were dependent on staff for their activities of daily living. Resident #1, a cognitively intact female with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was observed with her call light activated for over an hour without receiving assistance. She reported being wet and not having been changed or repositioned during the night. Her care plan required prompt response to call lights, anticipation of needs, and maintenance of skin cleanliness and dryness, as she was at high risk for skin breakdown. Resident #53, who had recently undergone surgery for an infected total knee replacement, also experienced a delay in care. Her call light was activated for over an hour before staff responded. She was found soaked in urine, indicating she had not been changed during the night. The aide who eventually assisted her placed a blanket over the urine-soaked spot on her bed, failing to address the issue adequately. Both incidents highlight the facility's failure to meet the residents' needs promptly, as required by their care plans.
Failure to Prevent and Manage Pressure Ulcer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pressure ulcer care and prevention for a resident, leading to the development of a pressure injury and a delay in treatment. The resident, a severely cognitively impaired female, was identified as being at high risk for pressure injuries, with a Braden Scale score of 12. Despite this, her care plans did not include a repositioning schedule or pressure offloading devices, and she was observed multiple times in a Broda chair without any offloading devices in place. The resident's skin assessments initially showed intact skin, but a small open area on her left buttocks was identified on a subsequent assessment. There was no documentation of notification to the resident's physician or family about the pressure injury, and no treatment order was initiated immediately. The pressure injury worsened, increasing in size, and the family was only notified days later. The care plan was not updated to reflect necessary interventions such as repositioning every two hours. The facility's policy required skin observation every shift and repositioning for residents with a Braden score of 14 or less. However, these protocols were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of repositioning and the absence of pressure offloading devices. The wound care nurse was not informed of the pressure injury in a timely manner, delaying appropriate assessment and intervention.
Failure to Provide Appropriate Mobility Equipment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate equipment for a resident with limited mobility, leading to a deficiency in care. The resident, a severely cognitively impaired elderly female, was dependent on staff for daily activities and required specific equipment for mobility as recommended by the therapy department. The therapy department had prescribed a high back wheelchair with specific supports and cushions to aid in the resident's mobility and comfort. However, observations revealed that the resident was consistently placed in a Broda chair without the necessary equipment, contrary to the therapy recommendations. The resident's care plan did not reflect the prescribed equipment, and there was no documentation of a change in the resident's equipment needs. Despite the presence of a picture in the resident's room detailing the required equipment, staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness or understanding of the resident's equipment needs. The CNA reported that the resident had not used the high back wheelchair for months and believed a recent therapy evaluation had changed the equipment to a Broda chair, which was not the case. Further interviews with the therapy manager and other staff confirmed that no recent therapy evaluation had been conducted to justify the change in equipment. The therapy manager reiterated that the resident should be using the high back wheelchair with the prescribed supports. The lack of communication and documentation regarding the resident's equipment needs resulted in the resident not receiving the appropriate care to maintain or improve her range of motion and mobility.
Expired Medications Found on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to discard expired medications on one of the three medication carts reviewed, out of a total of six medication carts. This resulted in residents potentially receiving medications that were expired and/or had reduced efficacy. During an observation and interview, it was found that the 200 hall medication cart contained a bottle of eye drops, a bottle of nasal spray, and two Lantus multi-dose vials, all of which had been opened beyond their recommended usage period. The LPN responsible for the cart was unsure of the expiration dates for these medications once opened, although she believed it to be around 28 days. A review of the facility's Insulin Storage Parameters document confirmed that Lantus should be discarded 28 days after opening, and eye medications should follow the manufacturer's instructions or facility policy.
Latest citations in Michigan
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including vascular dementia and thoracic spine fractures, had a care plan and Kardex requiring two-person assist for bed mobility and toileting at bed level. A CNA, who acknowledged knowing the resident was a two-person assist but did not seek help because staff were busy and was unfamiliar with the facility’s fall-prevention protocol, provided incontinence care and changed bed linens alone. During this one-person care, the resident rolled out of bed, sustained a head laceration, was found on the floor in a pool of blood, and required hospital evaluation and suturing before returning to the facility, where the resident was later observed crying and pointing to the sutured forehead.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of elopement, and daily wandering exited the building in the early morning while wearing an electronic elopement-prevention device. When the front door and device alarms sounded, the DON shut off the main alarm without an immediate overhead headcount or clear communication about which door had alarmed, and staff, affected by frequent door alarms from smokers, were confused about whether it was an elopement. While staff searched inside and around the building, the resident walked a significant distance along a main road without a coat in freezing weather before being located by nursing staff. Three additional residents with severe cognitive impairment and wandering behaviors were found to be wearing electronic devices, but for some there were no physician orders, no documented device checks, missing inclusion on the elopement risk list, and care plans that did not include the devices as interventions, demonstrating inconsistent elopement risk identification and planning.
A resident with a known history of attempting to leave the facility exited through the front door in the early morning, triggering both the door alarm and an elopement prevention device. The DON shut off the main alarm, looked outside but did not immediately exit the front door or make an overhead announcement, leading to confusion among staff about which door had alarmed and whether anyone was missing. CNAs searched the grounds, and an LPN used a car to search nearby streets, eventually locating the resident walking with a walker near a gas station, cold and without a coat, in freezing temperatures along a main highway. An RN then assisted in persuading the resident to return, with the total time away exceeding 25 minutes. The incident, which posed a risk to the resident’s health and safety, was not reported to the State Agency as required by the facility’s abuse, neglect, and exploitation reporting policy.
A resident at risk for elopement exited the facility through a front door in the early morning, triggering both the door alarm and an elopement device alarm. The DON shut off the main alarm and looked outside but did not immediately exit the front door, while CNAs and an LPN searched the building and surrounding areas. The resident, wearing everyday clothes and no coat in freezing weather, was eventually located by an LPN walking with a walker near a gas station on a busy road, and a second nurse assisted in persuading the resident to return. The facility’s investigation failed to preserve or document key information from available video footage, did not record specific times, route, distance traveled, or weather conditions, and included incomplete and delayed risk management documentation with limited witness statements, contrary to facility policy requiring prompt incident reporting and medical record entries after an elopement event.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, mobility limitations, and a history of falls was observed in bed with the call light wrapped around the television and out of reach, despite a care plan requiring the call light to be kept within reach. Another cognitively intact resident with neuromuscular impairment, care planned for weighted utensils and a plate guard, received a meal tray containing only a weighted fork and no weighted knife or spoon, causing visible difficulty and frustration while attempting to cut and eat a chicken breast. Resident Council minutes from two consecutive months documented repeated complaints from residents that call lights were not accessible and were not answered in a timely manner.
A resident with stroke-related hemiparesis, abnormal gait, dementia, CKD, and hypertension, care planned as at risk for falls, experienced an unwitnessed fall while attempting to use the bathroom, having taken an IV pole instead of a walker and tripping over IV tubing. A CNA found the resident on the bathroom floor, sitting upright and holding assist bars, and, seeing no obvious injury, helped the resident back to bed before notifying an LPN. The LPN’s documentation and post-fall evaluation reflected assessment only after the resident was already in bed, with no injuries identified. Facility leadership and written fall management guidelines state that after a fall, the nurse must be notified immediately and must evaluate the resident for possible head, neck, spine, and extremity injuries prior to moving them, which did not occur in this case.
A resident with hemiplegia, dementia, and moderate cognitive impairment had a documented ADL self-care deficit and a care plan specifying assisted evening showers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays per his and his family’s request. Facility records, including the Kardex and nursing notes, reflected this schedule, but shower documentation for one month showed three missed, undocumented showers out of 13 scheduled. A family member reported that showers were not always completed as scheduled, and the DON confirmed the three-times-weekly schedule but could not provide documentation that showers were offered or completed on the missing dates, contrary to the facility’s ADL policy requiring provision and documentation of hygiene care.
Surveyors found that staff failed to maintain accurate and complete treatment documentation for multiple residents, including missing TAR entries for ordered compression stockings, skin care, wound care, and monitoring, inconsistent and unexplained use of an incentive spirometer order with no supporting progress notes, and conflicting records about nebulized Ipratropium-Albuterol treatments that residents and the NP reported were never given due to lack of equipment. Nurses sometimes charted treatments as completed or used the "07-Other/See Progress Notes" code without any corresponding notes, while leadership acknowledged there was no systematic oversight of treatment documentation, contrary to the facility’s own documentation policy requiring factual, complete, and non-false entries.
A resident with dementia, heart disease, and multiple pressure and skin wounds had a complex care plan with numerous updates for conditions such as cognitive fluctuation, UTI, anemia, hypothyroidism, constipation risk, and nutritional risk, but the POA reported never receiving a copy of the care plan. Care conference documentation left the “Plan of Care” section blank, and although the SW stated it was standard to offer and provide the plan, there was no evidence this occurred. The resident’s representatives and POA repeatedly reported poor communication, including not being informed when PT and OT services ended and not receiving timely responses to messages and emails about care concerns. Wound orders and conditions changed over time, including new wounds and merging buttock wounds, yet the record did not show that the POA was notified of these significant changes, contrary to facility policy requiring notification of the resident and representative for major changes in condition and treatment.
Two residents did not receive appropriate treatment and care according to orders and needs. A resident with DM, peripheral vascular disease, prior toe amputation, and osteomyelitis had an in-house–acquired right second toe ulcer that was documented and treated, but dark eschar on the right third toe seen in a wound photo and described by a PA as eschar on the second and third toes was not added to the wound tracking spreadsheet or clearly documented as a separate wound before the resident was later hospitalized and underwent amputation of the second and third toes. Nursing notes and NP documentation focused on the second toe only, and staff interviews showed uncertainty about whether the entire foot was consistently assessed during dressing changes. Another resident with dementia and severe cognitive impairment had increasing difficulty hearing; the guardian reported requesting that the resident’s hearing be checked due to suspected earwax buildup, but no assessment or intervention was documented.
Failure to Provide Required Two-Person Assist During Bed Mobility Resulting in Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow a resident’s care plan requiring two-person assistance for bed mobility and toileting at bed level, resulting in a fall from bed. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including cerebral infarction, vascular dementia, thoracic spine wedge compression fractures (T11–T12), major depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, and had a BIMS score of 2/15 indicating severely impaired cognition. The resident’s care plan, in place prior to the incident, specified that two staff members were required to assist with bed mobility and toileting at bed level. On the day of the incident, a CNA provided incontinence care and changed bed linens for the resident without obtaining the required second staff member, despite acknowledging awareness that the resident was a two-person assist and having reviewed the Kardex that specified two-person assistance for bed mobility. The CNA reported not seeking assistance because other staff were busy and also stated unfamiliarity with the facility’s “Happy Feet” fall prevention protocol. During this one-person care, the resident rolled out of bed and fell to the floor. Following the fall, a nurse responded to the room and found the resident on the floor with a pool of blood and an abrasion on the right side of the forehead, later documented as a facial laceration requiring five sutures at the hospital. The resident was transported to the hospital for evaluation, including imaging and other diagnostic tests, and returned the same day with instructions for suture care and pain relief. Later observation documented the resident lying in bed, nonverbal, crying, and pointing to the forehead where the stitches were present. Interviews with the Administrator and DON confirmed that the fall was attributed to the CNA not following the care plan and not waiting for another staff member to assist with ADL care and bed mobility.
Failure to Prevent Elopement and Inadequate Elopement/Wandering Safeguards
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to prevent an elopement and to ensure adequate elopement and unsafe wandering safeguards for multiple residents identified as at risk. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, a history of elopement, and documented daily wandering exited the building in the early morning hours while wearing an electronic elopement-prevention device. The front door alarm and the device alarm sounded, but the DON shut off the main alarm and did not immediately initiate an overhead headcount or clearly communicate which door had alarmed. Staff described confusion about whether the alarm was due to smokers using the door or an elopement, and some staff reported they could not hear the device alarm from certain halls. While staff searched rooms and areas inside the building and around the exterior, the resident walked away from the facility in freezing temperatures without a coat. Interviews and record review showed that the resident who eloped had multiple psychiatric and cognitive diagnoses, a BIMS score indicating severely impaired cognition, and an MDS indicating daily wandering. The resident’s care plan identified her as an elopement risk with exit-seeking behavior, a history of elopement, and triggers such as frustration, desire to leave, and difficulty with change. On the same night as the elopement, documentation showed the resident was aggressive, frustrated, and disoriented after a room change, which matched her identified triggers. Despite these known risks and triggers, when the alarm sounded early that morning, staff did not immediately verify at the front door whether the resident had exited, did not keep the elopement alarm active until she was found, and relied on delayed, word-of-mouth communication to begin a headcount and search. Staff ultimately located the resident approximately a half mile away on a main road, walking with a walker and no coat, and reported that she was cold and initially refused to return. The deficiency also includes failures in elopement risk identification and care planning for three additional residents who wore electronic elopement-prevention devices. One resident with severely impaired cognition and documented wandering behavior was observed wearing a device, which triggered an alarm when she attempted to go through a service hallway door toward an outside exit. However, there was no physician order for the device, no order to check its function, and her care plan for wandering did not include the use of the device. Another resident with severely impaired cognition and daily wandering had a physician order to check the device’s function and was listed on the facility’s elopement risk list, but her care plan did not include the device as an intervention. A third resident with severely impaired cognition and daily intrusive wandering also wore a device and had an order to check its function, yet her care plan did not include the device, and she was not listed on the elopement risk list. The staff member responsible for tracking elopement risk residents presented a handwritten list that was supposed to include all residents with devices, but at least two residents wearing devices were not on that list, demonstrating inconsistent identification and care planning for elopement risk. Facility policy on Unsafe Wandering and Elopement Prevention stated that every effort would be made to prevent unsafe wandering and elopement while maintaining the least restrictive environment, and that nursing personnel must report and investigate all reports of missing residents. Staff interviews revealed frequent door and alarm use by smokers, contributing to what staff described as “alarm fatigue” and confusion when alarms sounded. In the elopement incident, staff reported that the elopement protocol required leaving the device alarm on and calling an overhead headcount, but this did not occur as required. The combination of alarm fatigue, failure to follow elopement procedures, incomplete or missing physician orders and care plan interventions for residents wearing devices, and inconsistent maintenance of the elopement risk list led to the cited deficiency for failure to ensure the environment was free from accident hazards and that adequate supervision and elopement prevention measures were in place.
Failure to Report Resident Elopement in Freezing Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to report an elopement incident to the State Agency (SA) as required by its abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy. A resident identified as R10, who was known by staff to have previously attempted to leave the facility and was considered an elopement risk, exited the building through the front door in the early morning hours. When R10 left, both the front door alarm and the elopement prevention device alarm were activated. The DON was in the building, went to the front door, shut off the main alarm, and realized the elopement prevention device was sounding. The DON looked outside but did not exit through the front door, and there was no immediate overhead announcement identifying which door had alarmed or whether a resident was missing, which created confusion among staff. Following the alarm, CNAs went outside to look in the parking lot and surrounding areas around the building, and another CNA spoke with the DON at the door. A head count was then called, and an LPN determined that R10 could not be found in the building. The LPN got into her car and drove to the main street to search for the resident. During this time, the service drive was described as snowed in with no footprints in the snow, and staff did not initially know which door had alarmed. The LPN eventually located R10 walking near a gas station but reported that the resident refused to get into the car, prompting an RN to drive to the location to assist. The RN later stated that it took about 20 minutes to find R10 and additional time to pick her up and convince her to get into the car. The facility’s investigation confirmed that R10 left the building at approximately 5:15 AM and was gone for over 25 minutes, walking with a walker outdoors. Historical weather data reviewed by the surveyor showed temperatures between 22 and 29 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of the incident, and the resident was described as cold and freezing, without a coat, while walking on a sidewalk next to the main highway. The surveyor determined that this situation represented a risk to the resident’s health and safety, and it was further found that the elopement incident was not reported to the SA, despite the facility’s policy requiring reporting of such events within specified timeframes.
Failure to Thoroughly and Timely Investigate Resident Elopement
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to conduct a complete, thorough, and timely investigation of an elopement involving one resident. A complaint to the State Agency alleged that the resident left the facility in the early morning hours in freezing temperatures, walking several blocks on a highway with a walker and without a jacket, and that staff discovered the resident missing only after some time had passed. The complaint further alleged that the DON shut off the main door alarm that alerts staff when residents wearing an elopement prevention device leave the facility, did not immediately initiate a headcount, and returned to other tasks, while another nurse later determined that an elopement‑risk resident was not in the building and initiated a search. The resident was reportedly found 15–20 minutes later about a half mile away on a busy road and returned to the facility uninjured. The facility’s written investigation, presented nearly four weeks after the event, described that the resident exited the front door, triggering both the door alarm and the elopement device alarm. The DON responded to the alarm, shut off the main alarm, and looked outside but did not go out the front door, while CNAs searched the parking lot and surrounding areas and another CNA spoke with the DON. A headcount was called, and an LPN reported she could not find the resident, then drove her car to the main street, located the resident walking near a gas station, and reported that the resident initially refused to get into the car. A second nurse drove to the location, and together they persuaded the resident to return. The facility’s own summary of concerns noted that the resident was able to leave the building, that the DON did not go out the front door, that other staff exited through the back door, and that no one went immediately out the front door, and also noted that the resident had been triggered earlier and had previously attempted to leave the facility. The investigation was incomplete and inaccurate in multiple respects. The facility had camera footage of the exit door used by the resident, but the NHA reported that the footage was not saved because they did not know how to preserve it, and it was taped over. The Maintenance Director stated he viewed the video and could see the resident exit in everyday clothes and later re‑enter, but he did not record the times, and those times were not included in the investigation. The investigation did not document the time the resident exited, who went out the door, when the resident was found, or when she re‑entered the building. It did not address the route taken, did not measure the distance traveled, and did not document the weather conditions, even though historical data showed temperatures between 22–29°F and there was snow that might have shown the resident’s path. The risk management report, authored by the DON, contained an internal inconsistency in timing (stated as written before the alarm response time), included written witness statements from only a limited number of involved staff, omitted the second nurse who assisted in returning the resident, and the DON’s witness statement was linked to a late entry progress note written over two weeks after the event. A regional RN stated she would have expected the risk management report and documentation to be completed as part of the investigation as soon as possible and certainly sooner than two weeks later, and the facility’s own elopement policy required completion and filing of an incident report and appropriate medical record entries upon the resident’s return, which was not timely or thoroughly done in this case.
Failure to Ensure Accessible Call Lights and Consistent Provision of Adaptive Eating Devices
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failure to honor residents' rights to dignity, self-determination, communication, and exercise of rights by not ensuring call lights were accessible and answered timely, and by not providing ordered adaptive eating equipment. One resident with a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, deafness, nonverbal status, difficulty walking, and severely impaired cognition (BIMS score of 0) was observed lying in bed with the bed in the lowest position and the call light wrapped around the television, tucked away and far from the resident’s reach. The resident’s MDS documented dependence in toileting, showers, and ADLs, and the care plan identified risk for falls with interventions including keeping the call light within reach and orienting the resident to surroundings and use of the call light. During the observation, the RN confirmed the call light was not within the resident’s reach. Another resident with diagnoses including rhabdomyolysis, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, and a BIMS score of 15 indicating intact cognition, was care planned to receive adaptive equipment for eating, including weighted utensils and a plate guard. The resident reported that meal portions were sometimes too small and that they had been receiving double portions recently. While eating independently, the resident struggled to cut a chicken breast using only a weighted fork, became frustrated, and resorted to picking up the chicken breast with the fork and nibbling it, leaving crumbs and honey glaze on their face. The resident stated that a weighted knife and spoon were supposed to be provided but were not sent with the meal this time, and that sometimes they were provided and sometimes not. The lunch meal ticket documented that a weighted fork, weighted knife, and weighted spoon were ordered, but only a weighted fork was present on the tray. Resident Council minutes from two consecutive months documented repeated complaints that call lights were not answered timely, were not accessible, and were not within reach.
Failure to Perform Nurse Assessment Before Moving Resident After Fall
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its fall management policy and professional standards of practice by not ensuring a licensed nurse completed a comprehensive post-fall assessment before the resident was moved. The resident involved was a male with right-sided hemiplegia/hemiparesis following a stroke, abnormal gait/mobility, depression, dementia with moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 9/15), chronic kidney disease, and hypertension with periods of hypotension. His care plan identified him as at risk for falls due to these conditions and potential medication side effects. On the date of the incident, an unwitnessed fall occurred in the resident’s room at approximately 1:15 AM. Documentation in the Incident/Accident Report and Post Fall Evaluation indicated the resident reported he had attempted to use the bathroom, took his IV pole instead of his walker, and tripped over the IV tubing. The report stated that upon the nurse’s entry to the room, the resident was sitting on the bed, his skin was assessed, vital signs were within normal limits, range of motion was performed, and neurological checks were initiated, with no injuries identified. The nursing progress note reflected similar information, indicating the fall was reported to the nurse by a CNA and that the assessment was conducted with the resident already in bed. However, interview statements revealed that the resident had actually been on the bathroom floor immediately after the fall. The CNA who responded to the bathroom call light reported finding the resident sitting upright on the floor with his hands on the assist bars and the IV pole in front of the sink. Believing he had no visible injuries, the CNA assisted him up from the floor and back to bed before notifying the nurse. The CNA stated she normally would not move a resident before the nurse’s assessment. The DON and ADON both reported that facility practice and the written Fall Management Guidelines require that when a resident falls or is found on the floor, the nurse must be notified immediately and the resident must be evaluated for possible injuries to the head, neck, spine, and extremities prior to moving the resident. This did not occur for this resident, resulting in the lack of a comprehensive assessment for injury by a licensed nurse while the resident was still on the floor post-fall.
Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers per Resident Preference and Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide bathing care according to a resident’s stated preferences and plan of care. A male resident with right-sided hemiplegia/hemiparesis following a stroke, abnormal gait/mobility, depression, dementia, and moderate cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 9/15) had a documented self-care ADL deficit related to CVA, cognitive impairment, and history of failure to thrive. His care plan, revised on 3/18/26, and the Kardex both specified that he preferred showers on the evening shift, scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and that staff were to assist him to bathe/shower as preferred per the shower schedule and as needed. A nursing progress note dated 3/18/26 documented that his shower dates were updated per resident request to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Review of shower/bath documentation for the month of April showed that, out of 13 scheduled showers, there was no documentation of showers being provided on three scheduled days: 4/3/26, 4/20/26, and 4/27/26. A family member reported that the resident was supposed to receive showers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but these were not always completed as scheduled. The DON confirmed that the resident’s shower schedule had been changed to three times per week on those days per family request and was unable to provide documentation of showers offered or completed on the three missing dates prior to survey exit. This was inconsistent with the facility’s ADL policy, which required provision of appropriate hygiene care and documentation of the assistance needed in the care plan and Kardex.
Inaccurate and Incomplete Treatment Documentation for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain accurate and complete medical records and treatment documentation for multiple residents, resulting in uncertainty about whether ordered care was provided and conflicting information between records and staff reports. For one resident with muscle weakness and type 2 diabetes, review of the Treatment Administration Record (TAR) showed repeated missing documentation for several ordered treatments, including daily compression stockings for edema, daily vital signs with SpO2 monitoring, use and replacement of a PureWick external catheter, application of Calmoseptine for MASD every shift, monitoring of an alternating pressure mattress every shift, application of lymphedema boots every shift with progress notes for refusals, and wound care to the right lateral thigh every shift. On multiple dates in April, there was no documentation indicating whether these treatments were completed or missed, and no reasons recorded for any missed care. The DON stated that nurses were supposed to document completion or missed treatments with reasons, and acknowledged there was no one ensuring that nurses completed all treatment documentation and that she was unaware of the multiple missing treatment records for this resident. For another resident admitted with repeated falls and difficulty walking, the TAR contained an order to encourage use of an incentive spirometer every four hours, with staff assistance, for respiratory health. On numerous entries, nursing staff documented the code “07-Other/See Progress Notes,” but there were no corresponding progress notes explaining what occurred with the treatment. The TAR also showed the treatment documented as administered at certain times, while interviews with the family member, NP, RN, and DON revealed conflicting accounts about whether the resident had an incentive spirometer available and whether it was being used. The family member reported believing staff were not using the spirometer and that it might have been lost. The NP reported the order was placed at the family’s request, that the resident was not capable of using the device, and that she had heard staff might have lost it, creating a conflict with TAR entries showing the treatment as given. An RN reported the facility did not have an incentive spirometer and did not think the resident ever had one, and could not explain why she had documented “07-Other/See Progress Notes” without any corresponding note. The DON confirmed the resident had been admitted with an incentive spirometer and that nurses were supposed to write a progress note when using the “07” code, but she could not explain why some nurses documented the treatment as administered while others used “07” without explanation, leaving her unable to confirm whether the treatment was actually offered. For a third resident with sarcoidosis and muscle weakness, who was cognitively intact per a recent MDS BIMS score, the TAR showed an order for Ipratropium-Albuterol (DuoNeb) inhalation solution three times daily for three days for asthma exacerbation. The TAR reflected the treatment as administered twice on the first day, three times on the second day, and once on the third day, with subsequent entries coded as “07-Other/See Progress Notes” by an LPN, but without any related progress notes in the record. Progress notes from the NP documented that nebulizer treatments had been ordered for wheezing and cough, but later entries stated that the resident reported she never received the nebulizer treatments and that these were never administered because staff could not locate a nebulizer. In interview, the resident reported having a severe cough and shortness of breath since early in the month and stated that although albuterol treatments were ordered, nursing staff never administered them despite her informing staff and the NP. The NP confirmed the resident’s report that she had not received the treatments and stated she had informed the DON. The LPN who documented “07-Other/See Progress Notes” reported she did so because the facility did not have a nebulizer and she had to call to get one ordered, and she could not explain why other nurses had documented the treatments as administered when there was no nebulizer available. The DON acknowledged there was a delay in obtaining a nebulizer, which delayed the resident’s ordered treatments, and could not explain why staff documented administration of treatments that could not have been given. The facility’s own documentation policy stated that documentation should be factual, objective, accurate, relevant, complete, and that false information would not be documented, which conflicted with the observed charting practices.
Failure to Provide Care Plan Copies and Notify Representative of Significant Care Changes
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident and the resident’s representatives were provided with a copy of the person‑centered care plan and updates, and were adequately informed of significant changes in care and services. The resident, admitted on 03/27/26 with diagnoses including dementia, heart disease, and a sacral pressure ulcer, had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for most ADLs per the 04/02/26 MDS. The active care plan initiated at admission included multiple problem areas such as impaired vision and hearing, fall risk, chronic pain, self‑care deficit, indwelling urinary catheter, pressure ulcer, repositioning needs, and nutritional risk. Subsequent care plan additions documented multiple new or evolving conditions, including cognitive fluctuation, risk for behavior and mood changes, risk for dehydration, anemia, hypothyroidism, constipation risk, and an actual urinary tract infection, as well as nutrition‑related monitoring and RD involvement. Despite these care plan elements and changes, the resident’s POA reported not having received a copy of the care plan and recalled only an orientation meeting without receiving the plan at that time. Care conference notes dated 03/30/26 and 03/31/26 showed that section seven, titled “Plan of Care,” was left blank, indicating that documentation of offering or providing the care plan was not completed. The social worker stated that the POA and representatives attended the initial care conference and that the standard practice would be to offer and provide a copy of the plan of care and orders, but there was no evidence this occurred. The social worker also confirmed that any listed representative in the EMR could receive information, yet reported no prior contact with the resident’s representatives other than the POA. In addition, there were multiple documented concerns from the resident’s representatives and POA about lack of information and communication regarding the resident’s care, including therapy services and wound care. Representatives reported being told that PT and OT had stopped without explanation, and the Director of Rehab Services confirmed that the therapy end date was 04/27/26 and that no notification of the end of services had been given to the POA. The POA and representatives described leaving messages for the DON and emailing the social worker, administrator, and medical director about care concerns without timely responses. Progress notes and wound documentation showed changes in wound status, including order changes for heel wounds, a new right lower extremity wound, a skin tear on the left foot, and a note that three buttock wounds had merged into one, but there was no indication in the record that the POA was contacted about these changes in the care plan and wounds, despite facility policy requiring notification of the resident and representative for significant changes in condition and treatment.
Failure to Identify and Treat New Foot Wound and Address Reported Hearing Concerns
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to identify and appropriately treat a new wound on a resident’s right third toe and to address earwax buildup for another resident, despite reported concerns. One resident with diabetes mellitus, diabetic polyneuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, prior right great toe amputation, and a new diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis of the right ankle and foot was cognitively intact and able to make needs known. He reported that after his right great toe amputation, he developed a pressure ulcer on the top of the second toe and another on the third toe that tunneled through, and he stated staff never identified and did not treat the third toe wound appropriately. Review of his medical record and nursing progress notes showed documentation and ongoing treatment of a right second toe wound but no documentation of a third toe wound prior to the later amputation of additional toes. Wound care documentation and related tools showed that a new in-house–acquired wound on the right second toe was identified and tracked over several weeks, with measurements and treatments recorded on a spreadsheet used by the wound care nurse to communicate with the NP. However, a wound care note and photograph dated 03/09/2026 showed black/brown eschar on the tips of the right third and fourth toes, while the spreadsheet for that date did not list any new wound on the third toe. The wound care nurse stated she performed weekly skin assessments on Mondays and reported that there was nothing noted on the third toe on 03/09/2026, and she indicated she did not see concerns with the third and fourth toes in the photograph, attributing the dark areas to lighting until the surveyor zoomed in on the image. The NP reported that she did not make rounds with the wound care nurse and relied on the spreadsheet to write orders; her visit notes and wound care documentation referenced only the second toe ulcer and described it as stable, with no mention of a third toe wound. Additional record review revealed that a physician assistant note dated 03/11/2026 documented eschar present on the second and third toes of the right foot, with the third distal toe eschar described as irritated, and global swelling of the foot noted. Nursing progress notes showed frequent wound care entries referencing only the right second toe, including on the day before the resident went on a leave of absence, and a note on 03/15/2026 by the wound care nurse stating that upon the resident’s return there was a new open area on the right third toe and that the resident requested transfer to the hospital for wound evaluation. Hospital records from that admission described an infected ulcer on the right third toe with subcutaneous gas, recurrent diabetic foot ulcer, and chronic ulcer on the second toe, and the resident subsequently underwent amputation of the second and third toes. Interviews with nursing staff showed poor recall of the third toe wound, with one RN stating she usually assessed the entire foot during dressing changes but did not think she did so in this instance, and the wound care nurse and DON were unable to identify when the third toe wound was first recognized in facility documentation. The deficiency also includes failure to address reported earwax buildup for another resident with traumatic subdural hemorrhage and dementia, who had severe cognitive impairment on MDS assessment but only minimal hearing difficulty and did not use hearing aids. The resident’s guardian reported by telephone that the resident seemed to have increased difficulty hearing and that they had asked for the resident’s hearing to be checked, but nothing was done. There was no documentation in the report of assessment or treatment of earwax buildup or follow-up on the guardian’s request, indicating that the facility did not provide appropriate care in response to concerns about the resident’s hearing and possible cerumen impaction.
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