St James House Of Baytown
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Baytown, Texas.
- Location
- 5800 W Baker Rd, Baytown, Texas 77520
- CMS Provider Number
- 675999
- Inspections on file
- 23
- Latest survey
- March 26, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 9
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at St James House Of Baytown during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple chronic conditions repeatedly called 911 at night due to perceived hallway noise. In response, an LVN and a CNA entered the room; the CNA held the resident’s arms down while the LVN removed the resident’s personal cell phone from his clothing and took it to the nurse’s station without consent. The resident’s wheelchair was also removed from the room to the hallway, and staff refused his requests to be assisted out of bed into the wheelchair, telling him to remain in bed. These actions, confirmed in staff interviews and contrary to the facility’s abuse prevention policy, resulted in the use of physical restraint, unreasonable confinement, and deprivation of the resident’s personal property and services.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions reported that two staff members were involved in taking his personal cell phone without consent during a night shift, with one staff member holding his arms while the other removed the phone and his wheelchair, and refusing to assist with mobility, effectively restraining him and preventing phone use until the next day. The LVN who took the phone and the CNA who held the resident’s arms did not report the incident to the Administrator or DON at the time, despite facility policy requiring immediate reporting of all alleged violations. Facility leadership only learned of the event when the resident reported it the following day, demonstrating a failure to follow the written abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy related to reporting, investigating, and responding to allegations of abuse and misappropriation of property.
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment and multiple chronic conditions alleged that during a night shift an LVN removed his personal cell phone without consent while a CNA held his arms and did not assist him out of bed, leaving him without his phone for the rest of the night and without explanation of its whereabouts. The incident was not reported by staff to the administrator or DON at the time, despite facility policy and staff knowledge that suspected abuse must be reported immediately. The administrator only became aware of the allegation the following day when the resident personally reported that his phone had been taken and not returned.
A resident with multiple medical conditions experienced a significant change in condition, including shortness of breath and gurgling sounds. Despite these symptoms, the facility delayed notifying the physician for over five hours. The resident was eventually sent to the hospital with pneumonia, acute kidney failure, and septic shock, and passed away two days later. The facility's failure to follow its policy for prompt notification of changes in condition contributed to the resident's death.
Two residents requiring continuous oxygen therapy did not receive adequate care. One resident had a dirty oxygen concentrator filter and an empty portable oxygen cylinder, while another resident's oxygen cannula was found on the floor, disconnected. Staff interviews revealed confusion about responsibilities for monitoring and maintaining oxygen equipment.
A resident at risk of pressure ulcers did not receive weekly skin assessments by a licensed nurse as required by her care plan. The oversight was due to a computer glitch that excluded her from the assessment schedule. Despite daily checks by CNAs, the lack of documented weekly assessments could lead to unidentified skin issues.
Abusive Use of Physical Restraint and Removal of Resident Property During 911 Call Incident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from abuse, including physical restraint, unreasonable confinement, and deprivation of property and services. The resident was an adult male with a history of vitamin deficiency, pain, hypertensive heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and muscle weakness. His quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 12/15, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and his care plan identified potential risk for impaired cognitive function or thought processes related to psychotropic drug use, history of stroke, and mild cognitive impairment. His care plan interventions included using his preferred name, identifying oneself at each interaction, reducing distractions, using simple directive sentences, and providing cues, reorientation, and supervision as needed. On the night of the incident, the resident repeatedly called 911 from his room due to noise in the hallway that he felt was preventing him from sleeping. According to interviews and the facility’s investigation, he placed approximately 14 calls to 911 within about 10 minutes. Law enforcement contacted the facility and requested staff intervention. In response, staff members identified as an LVN and a CNA went to the resident’s room. During this encounter, the resident reported that one staff member held his arms down while the other removed his personal cell phone from the front of his clothing and took it to the nurse’s station, telling him it would be returned in the morning. The resident stated that he felt physically restricted during this interaction and that staff took his cell phone without his consent. The resident further reported that his wheelchair was removed from his room and placed in the hallway. He stated that he requested assistance to be transferred into his wheelchair and to leave the room, but staff refused his request, instructing him to remain in bed because it was late. He indicated that he could not get up independently and required two-person assistance. Interviews with the DON, LVN, and CNA confirmed that the CNA held the resident’s hands while the LVN removed the phone, and that holding the resident down was recognized as a form of physical restraint. The removal of the resident’s wheelchair from his room and the refusal to assist him out of bed restricted his movement. The facility’s abuse prevention policy defined abuse to include willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, and deprivation of goods or services necessary to maintain physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, and staff acknowledged that holding a resident down and removing personal property such as a phone without consent met this definition.
Failure to Follow Abuse Reporting and Prevention Policies Involving Resident’s Personal Property and Restraint
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement its written policies and procedures to prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of resident property for one resident. The resident was an older male with diagnoses including vitamin deficiency, pain, hypertensive heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and muscle weakness. His quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 12/15, indicating moderately impaired cognition, and his care plan identified potential risk for impaired cognitive function related to psychotropic drug use, history of stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, with interventions focused on clear communication, reorientation, and supervision as needed. According to interviews and record review, during a night shift a LVN took the resident’s personal cell phone without his consent and did not return it for the remainder of the night, planning instead to return it the following morning. The resident reported that two staff members were involved, with one staff member holding his hand while the other removed his phone, and that he was unable to call anyone until the next day. Further investigation confirmed that a CNA held the resident’s arms down and did not assist him out of bed, and that the resident’s wheelchair was removed and assistance with mobility was refused, which restricted his movement and was identified as a form of physical restraint. The incident was not reported to the Administrator or DON at the time it occurred, despite the facility’s abuse prevention and investigation policy requiring immediate reporting of all alleged violations to the Administrator and appropriate agencies within specified timeframes. The Administrator and DON both stated they were not notified during the night shift and only became aware when the resident reported the incident the following day. The LVN acknowledged taking the phone and not notifying the Administrator, stating she did not initially think of it, and the CNA stated the incident was not reported and believed the nurse in charge was responsible for reporting. This failure to follow the facility’s abuse, neglect, and exploitation policy regarding reporting, investigating, and responding to allegations of abuse constituted the deficiency.
Failure to Timely Report Alleged Abuse and Misappropriation of Resident Property
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that an allegation of abuse and misappropriation of property involving a cognitively impaired resident was reported immediately, and no later than 24 hours, to the administrator as required by facility policy. The resident was an adult male with diagnoses including vitamin deficiency, pain, hypertensive heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and muscle weakness, and had a BIMS score of 12/15 indicating moderate cognitive impairment. His care plan identified risk for impaired cognitive function related to psychotropic drug use, history of stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, with interventions focused on clear communication, reorientation, and supervision as needed. According to interviews and record review, during a night shift, an LVN took the resident’s personal cell phone without his consent while a CNA held the resident’s arms down and did not assist him out of bed. The resident reported that two staff members were involved, with one holding his hand while the other removed his phone, and that his phone was not returned for the remainder of the night, leaving him unable to call anyone until the following day. The resident stated that no staff communicated with him about the phone’s whereabouts and that no action was taken regarding the incident until the next day, when he personally reported the situation to the administrator. The administrator, DON, LVN, and CNA all confirmed in interviews that the incident was not reported to facility leadership at the time it occurred, despite facility policy requiring immediate reporting of all alleged violations to the administrator and other authorities within specified timeframes. The administrator stated that staff are trained monthly on abuse, neglect, and exploitation and are required to report incidents immediately, but in this case the LVN did not notify the administrator, stating she did not initially think of it and did not consider the resident to be abused. The CNA also did not report the incident and indicated she believed the nurse in charge was responsible for reporting. This failure to report resulted in the administrator and DON only learning of the allegation the following day when the resident reported that his phone had been taken and not returned.
Delayed Physician Notification Leads to Resident's Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to immediately inform a resident, their physician, and a family member of a significant change in the resident's condition. The resident, who had a history of vascular dementia, cerebral infarction, and other medical conditions, experienced shortness of breath and gurgling sounds. Despite these symptoms, the facility did not contact the physician for over five hours. Eventually, the resident was sent to the hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia, acute kidney failure, and septic shock, and passed away two days later. Observations and interviews revealed that the resident's condition was noted by several staff members throughout the day. A CNA reported the resident's pain and congestion to an LVN, who did not administer medication due to a previous dose. Later, the resident's condition worsened, with gurgling sounds noted by another CNA. Despite these observations, the on-call physician was not contacted until much later, and the resident was not transferred to the hospital until the situation became critical. The facility's policy required prompt notification of changes in a resident's condition to the physician and family. However, this protocol was not followed, leading to a delay in treatment. Interviews with staff, including the DON and MD, confirmed that the gurgling and shortness of breath were significant changes that should have prompted immediate action. The failure to act promptly placed the resident at risk of delayed treatment, ultimately contributing to their death.
Inadequate Respiratory Care for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate respiratory care for two residents who required continuous oxygen therapy. For the first resident, the oxygen concentrator filter was found to be dirty, and the portable oxygen cylinder was empty while in use. The resident, who had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure, was observed in a common area with an empty oxygen tank, and the staff was unsure if the resident was receiving oxygen. The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) responsible for the resident admitted to not knowing how long the tank had been empty and was unable to obtain an oxygen saturation reading due to the resident's cold hands. The second resident, who was diagnosed with dementia and COPD, was found asleep in bed with the oxygen cannula on the floor, disconnected from the resident. The resident was unaware of the disconnection and expressed confusion about the situation. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and LVN responsible for the resident were unaware of the disconnection and did not ensure the resident's oxygen was continuously administered as ordered. Interviews with the facility's staff, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and Director of Nursing (DON), revealed a lack of clarity regarding responsibilities for monitoring and maintaining oxygen equipment. The DON admitted to not knowing who was responsible for changing the concentrator filters and acknowledged that the dirty filter could affect oxygen flow. The facility's policy on oxygen administration was not effectively implemented, leading to these deficiencies in care.
Failure to Conduct Weekly Skin Assessments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received weekly skin assessments by a licensed nurse as required by the facility's policy and the resident's care plan. This deficiency was identified for a resident who was at risk of developing pressure ulcers due to her medical conditions, which included dementia, muscle wasting, heart failure, mild protein-calorie malnutrition, hypertension, and major depressive disorders. The resident's care plan specified that she should remain free from tissue injury through preventative nursing measures, including a weekly body audit by a licensed nurse. However, the last documented skin inspection was conducted several months prior, and there was no documentation of weekly assessments in the resident's clinical record since that time. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the wound care nurse, who was responsible for conducting the weekly skin assessments, had stopped working at the facility a month prior, and the resident was not included in the computer-generated list used to schedule these assessments. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged the oversight, attributing it to a glitch in the computer system. Despite daily skin checks by CNAs, the lack of documented weekly assessments by a licensed nurse could place residents at risk of unidentified skin breakdown, as the detailed head-to-toe assessments were not being completed as required.
Latest citations in Texas
Surveyors found that kitchen staff failed to follow facility policy and professional standards for food storage, leaving dry items such as spaghetti noodles, garlic powder, and salt unsealed, and refrigerated items such as a prepared drink, salad, and turkey lunch meat uncovered or undated. The DM and ADM both stated that all food should be sealed, labeled, and dated, that all staff are responsible for these tasks, and that staff had been trained, but observations showed food in both dry and refrigerated storage was not properly sealed or dated as required by the facility’s food receiving and storage policy.
The facility failed to enforce its smoking policy and safe smoking assessments for three residents who used tobacco. One resident with mild cognitive impairment and two residents without cognitive impairment were assessed as smokers who required the facility to store their cigarettes and lighters, yet they reported keeping these items in their rooms, and surveyors observed cigarettes and lighters in bedside furniture. An LVN and the housekeeping supervisor stated that all smoking was to be supervised and that supplies were to be kept at the nurse’s station, and the DON and ADM confirmed that residents were not supposed to keep smoking articles in their rooms. However, residents reported they had not been told they could not keep smoking supplies in their rooms, and the facility’s written policy stated residents may not have or keep smoking articles except under direct supervision.
A resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment, limited lower extremity range of motion, and a need for assistance with ADLs was twice observed lying in bed without an accessible call light, which was either hanging under the head of the bed or tucked between the mattress and bedframe. An LVN confirmed the resident could use the call light if available, and a CNA, another LVN, the DON, and the ADM all stated that call lights should always be within reach, that all staff are responsible for ensuring access, and that they were unaware this resident’s call light was not in reach. This was inconsistent with the facility’s policy requiring each resident to have a means to call staff directly for assistance from the bed and other areas.
A resident reported that bedroom hand sinks did not provide warm water, requiring handwashing with cold water and causing discomfort. Surveyors observed that in two rooms, the hot water remained cold despite running for several minutes, and thermometer readings at shared hand sinks showed temperatures in the 70°F range on the hot side, below the facility’s stated 100–110°F expectation. Further observation with the MD revealed that in one room the hot and cold valves were transposed, with hot water only available from the cold side. The MD, ADM, and DON each stated the MD was responsible for monitoring and maintaining water temperatures, but none were aware of recent issues, and the DON did not know the required temperature range. The facility’s maintenance request policy was requested twice but was not provided.
A resident with documented Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including recurrent severe and mild forms, was identified in multiple records such as the face sheet, MDS, care plan, physician orders, and diagnosis report, and was receiving Cymbalta for MDD. However, the resident’s PASRR Level I screening indicated no mental illness. The ADM stated the MDS nurse was responsible for PASRR accuracy and updates when mental illness diagnoses were made, and acknowledged the resident’s active MDD should have been reflected on the PASRR, but he was unaware of the inaccuracy. This resulted in an inaccurate and non-updated PASRR Level I for a resident with a mental illness diagnosis.
Two residents’ care plans were not accurately updated to reflect their assessed needs and physician orders. One resident with dementia, diabetes, and malnutrition had an active MD order and meal tickets for a large-portion, double-portion diet and was observed receiving double portions at meals, yet the care plan continued to list only a regular diet with thin liquids and did not specify the ordered double portions. Another resident with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder had a positive PASRR Level 1 for mental illness and a completed PASRR Level 2 evaluation, but the care plan, while listing the psychiatric diagnoses, contained no focus areas addressing the PASRR findings or related services. The ADM and DON acknowledged that care plans should have been updated to reflect these orders and PASRR results and were unaware that this had not occurred.
A resident with severe dementia, psychiatric comorbidities, and protein-calorie malnutrition had a physician order for weekly weights, but the facility failed to consistently obtain and document these weights over several months. Although the resident appeared adequately nourished and was observed eating most of a meal, multiple ordered weekly weights were missing from the treatment records. Facility leadership, including the DON and ADON, were unaware that the weekly weight order had not been followed, despite policies requiring adherence to physician orders and documentation of weights in the EHR.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and COPD, receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, was observed twice with the cannula lying on the floor beside the bed instead of stored in the bag on the oxygen concentrator as required. A CNA later picked up the cannula from the floor, wiped it with a non-disinfectant incontinent wipe, and reapplied it to the resident, despite having been trained that a cannula found on the floor should be replaced. An LVN, the DON, and the Administrator all confirmed that oxygen cannulas must be stored properly, replaced if found on the floor, and that incontinent wipes are not disinfectants, indicating a failure to follow the facility’s infection prevention and control policy.
Surveyors found loose pills in drawers on two medication carts, indicating medications were not stored in their original packaging or assigned resident-specific areas as required by facility policy. On one cart, two loose tablets later identified as Carbidopa-Levodopa and Zofran were discovered with a medication aide who stated she was responsible for checking the cart at the start of her shift. On the second cart, four loose tablets identified as Allopurinol, Metoprolol, Lasix, and Amlodipine were found with another medication aide, who also reported routinely checking the cart for cleanliness and loose medications. The DON and ADM both reported they were unaware of the loose medications and stated that medication aides, nurses, and charge nurses were responsible for proper medication storage, monitored through administrative and pharmacy cart audits.
A resident with CHF, COPD, morbid obesity, chronic wounds, and total bowel/bladder incontinence was discharged home by stretcher despite being a mechanical-lift resident who could not walk or toilet independently. Home health was not in place, the family reported difficulty reaching SW, and the resident was discharged without an AMA notice or Ombudsman notice. She soiled herself at home, could not clean up, and was hospitalized shortly after for CHF exacerbation and fluid overload.
Improper Sealing, Dating, and Storage of Dry and Refrigerated Foods
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s food storage and handling practices in the kitchen, based on observations, interviews, and record review. During a kitchen tour, they observed multiple instances of improperly stored food in dry storage and refrigerated areas. In dry storage, spaghetti noodles were kept in an unsealed zip lock bag, garlic powder was stored with its lid open, and salt was stored with its spout open. In refrigerated storage, a prepared drink was placed on a metal sheet pan without a cover, a plate of salad had no date, and a package of turkey breast lunch meat was undated and not sealed. In interviews, the Dietary Manager (DM) stated that all food in the refrigerator should be sealed and dated, and all dry storage food should be sealed and closed, explaining that sealing stored food keeps it fresh and prevents contaminants from entering. The DM also stated that all staff were responsible for dating and sealing stored food and that all staff had been trained in food storage. The Administrator (ADM) reported he was not aware that food was not properly stored, and stated that dating and sealing stored food was to maintain sanitary conditions, with everyone responsible for this task and all staff trained in food storage. Review of the facility’s “Food Receiving and Storage” policy, revised November 2022, showed that dry foods stored in bins must be removed from original packaging, labeled, and dated with a use-by date, and that all refrigerated and frozen foods must be covered, labeled, dated, and monitored so they are used, frozen, or discarded by their use-by date.
Failure to Enforce Smoking Policy and Control Resident Smoking Supplies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its established smoking policy for three residents who used tobacco. Record review showed that one resident with hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, depression, and hypertension had an annual MDS indicating tobacco use and a BIMS score of 09 (mild cognitive impairment), but there was no smoking care plan in her care plan report. Her safe smoking assessment indicated she required the facility to store her lighter and cigarettes and that she was safe to smoke without supervision. Two other residents, one with heart failure, diabetes, anxiety, and hypertension, and another with a history of cerebral infarction, depression, and hypertension, had MDS assessments indicating tobacco use and BIMS scores of 14 and 13 respectively (no cognitive impairment). Their care plans identified them as smokers, and their safe smoking assessments also indicated the facility should store their lighters and cigarettes and that they were safe to smoke without supervision. Staff interviews and observations revealed inconsistencies between the facility’s smoking policy and actual practice. An LVN stated that all resident smoking was to be supervised, that smoking supplies were kept in a box at the nurse’s station, and that staff supervised residents according to a smoking schedule, with the housekeeping supervisor assigned to supervise at a specific time. Observation confirmed the housekeeping supervisor was outside observing residents while they smoked. The housekeeping supervisor reported she was scheduled to supervise smoking, that all residents had their own cigarettes and lighters, and that she did not hand out smoking supplies, believing residents obtained them from the nurse’s station. Both the LVN and housekeeping supervisor stated they had been trained on the facility’s smoking policy. Resident interviews and room observations showed that residents were keeping smoking supplies in their rooms despite the policy and safe smoking assessments requiring facility storage. One resident reported keeping cigarettes in his nightstand and a lighter in his pants pocket and stated he had not been told he could not keep smoking supplies in his room. Another resident stated he kept cigarettes and a lighter in his nightstand, and the surveyor observed cigarettes and a lighter in the top drawer of the nightstand; he also stated he had not been told he could not keep supplies in his room. A third resident stated she kept her cigarettes and lighter in her room and that if you gave the nurses your cigarettes and lighter they would take them; she did not remember being told she could not have supplies in her room. The DON and ADM both stated that the policy required all residents to be supervised while smoking and that smoking supplies were to be kept at the nurse’s station, and they were not aware that residents had smoking supplies in their rooms. The written smoking policy stated that residents may not have or keep any smoking articles except when under direct supervision.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s call light was within reach, as required by facility policy and staff training. An elderly female resident with dementia, severe cognitive impairment (BIMS score of 03), limited range of motion in both lower extremities, and a need for partial/moderate assistance with ADLs was observed on two separate occasions without accessible call light access. On one observation, the resident was lying in bed with the call light hanging on the bed frame under the head of the bed; on another, the call light was tucked between the mattress and bedframe at the head of the bed, making it unavailable for use. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the call light should always be within reach of residents and that there was no reason this resident should not have had access to it. An LVN stated the resident was able to use the call light if it was available and that it should always be in reach. A CNA, another LVN, the DON, and the ADM each stated that the purpose of the call light was for residents to call for assistance, that all staff had been trained on call light placement, and that all staff were responsible for ensuring residents had access to the call light. None of them were aware that this resident’s call light was not within reach. The facility’s written policy on the resident call system stated that each resident is to be provided with a means to call staff directly for assistance from the bed and toileting/bathing areas, which was not followed in this case.
Failure to Maintain Adequate Hot Water Temperatures at Resident Hand Sinks
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure residents had access to safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable handwashing facilities in their rooms. A resident reported that there was no warm water in the hand sinks in residents’ bedrooms and that they often had to wash their hands with cold water, which made their hands feel cold. The resident also stated they felt the facility did not take the cold water issues seriously and expressed a desire to have warm water available to wash their hands and face. Surveyor observations confirmed that the hot water in two resident rooms remained cold even after running the water for several minutes. Subsequent temperature checks with a thermometer at the shared hand sinks in these rooms showed water temperatures of 73.6°F and 70.5°F on the hot water side, which were below the facility’s stated expected range of 100–110°F for resident room sinks. During a later observation with the Maintenance Director (MD), the hot water at one shared hand sink again measured 70°F on the hot side, and when the cold side was turned on, the water became warm, with a measured temperature of 100°F, indicating the hot and cold valves had been transposed after a plumbing repair. In interviews, the MD stated he was responsible for ensuring adequate water temperatures and that he conducted weekly spot checks of shared hand sinks, maintaining temperature logs, but he was not aware of any recent issues or reports regarding water temperatures. The Administrator (ADM) confirmed that the MD was responsible for water temperatures and that the expected range was 100–110°F, and acknowledged that a recent toilet repair in one of the rooms could have resulted in the hot and cold valves being transposed. The DON stated the MD was responsible for regular water temperature checks and repairs, was not aware of any concerns about hot water temperatures, and was unsure of the required temperature range. When the facility’s maintenance request policy was requested from the ADM on two occasions, it was not provided.
Failure to Maintain Accurate PASRR Level I for Resident With Mental Illness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an accurate and updated PASRR Level I assessment for a resident with a diagnosed mental illness. The resident, a female with hemiplegia following a cerebral infarction, had documented diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), recurrent, severe without psychotic features, and MDD, recurrent, mild, as reflected on her electronic face sheet, MDS, care plan, physician orders, and diagnosis report. Her Annual MDS identified active psychotic/mood disorders of anxiety and depression, and her care plan and physician orders both documented active MDD diagnoses and treatment with Cymbalta (duloxetine) for MDD. The diagnosis report showed onset dates for MDD recurrent severe without psychotic features and MDD recurrent mild well before the survey. Despite these documented mental health diagnoses, the resident’s PASRR Level I screening dated 07/28/2024 indicated "NO" for both primary diagnosis of dementia and mental illness. During an interview, the Administrator stated that the MDS nurse was responsible for ensuring PASRR Level I screenings were accurate upon admission and for requesting updates when new mental illness diagnoses were made, and acknowledged that the resident did have an active MDD diagnosis that should have been reflected as a mental illness on the PASRR. The Administrator reported he was unaware that the PASRR Level I was inaccurate and noted that PASRR screenings were supposed to be reviewed during the admission process and updated with any changes. The report states that this failure could place residents with inaccurate PASRR Level I screenings and no PASRR Level II evaluation at risk for not receiving needed care and services.
Failure to Maintain Accurate Care Plans for Dietary and PASRR-Related Needs
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s development and implementation of comprehensive, person-centered care plans with measurable objectives and timeframes for residents’ identified needs. For one male resident with dementia, type 2 diabetes, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency, the admission MDS showed moderate cognitive impairment and independence in eating, with no diet restrictions or weight loss documented in Section K. His care plan included focus areas for diabetes management and potential nutritional problems, with goals to avoid complications related to diabetes and malnutrition and to maintain weight. Interventions listed included dietary consults, monitoring meal intake percentages, providing a regular diet with thin liquids, monitoring for signs and symptoms of malnutrition, and having the RD evaluate and recommend diet changes as needed. Record review showed that this resident had an active physician order for a “Large Portions diet Regular texture, Regular consistency, Double Portions” starting in early February, and his weights increased from 132 lbs to 158 lbs over several months. His lunch meal ticket reflected a regular diet with double portions, and observations confirmed he was receiving double portions at meals, sometimes requesting additional items such as a salad when still hungry. However, the resident’s care plan did not reflect the physician’s order for large/double portions; it continued to reference a regular diet and thin liquids without specifying the ordered double portions. During interviews, the resident reported he sometimes asked for more food because he was hungry but was able to get second portions and felt full after meals. The ADM and DON both stated that the MDS nurse was responsible for updating care plans when diet orders changed, acknowledged that the care plan should have reflected the double-portion order, and were unaware that it had not been updated. For a female resident with hypertensive emergency, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, the annual MDS documented moderate cognitive impairment and active diagnoses of anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Her active physician orders also listed schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. PASRR Level 1 screening indicated no primary diagnosis of dementia and a positive finding for mental illness, and a PASRR Level 2 evaluation had been completed, documenting that she was not interested in enrollment in a community-based program. Despite these PASRR findings and active mental health diagnoses, the resident’s current care plan, while listing schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder as active diagnoses, contained no focus areas addressing the PASRR Level 1 screening or the PASRR Level 2 evaluation. In interviews, the ADM and DON both stated that the resident’s positive PASRR findings should have been reflected in the care plan and did not know why they were not. The facility’s policy on interdisciplinary care planning stated that resident care plans are to be developed according to the timeframes and criteria established by §483.21, but the care plans for these two residents were not accurate, consistent, or complete with respect to their dietary and PASRR-related needs.
Failure to Follow Physician Orders for Weekly Weights
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to obtain and document weekly weights as ordered by the physician for one resident with significant nutritional risk factors. The resident was an elderly female with severe dementia with agitation, depression, schizoaffective disorder–bipolar type, and protein-calorie malnutrition. Her Quarterly MDS showed a BIMS score of 0, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and documented a weight of 120 pounds. A physician order dated 05/14/26 directed that weekly weights be obtained every Wednesday starting 01/21/26. Record review showed that, despite this standing order, multiple weekly weights were not obtained or recorded over several months. The Treatment Administration Records from 01/01/26 through 05/13/26 reflected missing weekly weight assessments on at least six ordered dates: 01/28/26, 02/11/26, 03/11/26, 03/25/26, 04/08/26, and 04/22/26. Progress notes documented weights on some dates (01/19/26, 01/21/26, 02/23/26, and 03/18/26), but these did not fulfill the requirement for consistent weekly weights as ordered. The facility’s own policy on Physician Orders stated that such orders are essential for comprehensive care, and the Weight Assessment and Intervention policy required that weights be recorded in the electronic health record. During observations, the resident appeared well-groomed, did not appear underweight or emaciated, and was seen consuming approximately 75% of a meal with staff assistance. However, interviews with the DON, ADON, and Administrator confirmed that they were not aware that the weekly weight orders had not been consistently followed for this resident. The ADON reported that the resident had significant cognitive impairment and often refused to be weighed, but there was no documentation in the report that these refusals were linked to the missed ordered weight dates or that alternative measures were taken to comply with the physician’s order. The deficiency centers on the facility’s failure to follow the physician’s weekly weight order and to ensure weights were consistently obtained and recorded in accordance with professional standards, the care plan, and facility policy.
Improper Handling and Storage of Oxygen Nasal Cannula
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to follow its infection prevention and control program related to oxygen therapy equipment for one resident. The resident was an elderly female with dementia, COPD, depression, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, who had a comprehensive MDS indicating severe cognitive impairment and use of oxygen therapy. Her care plan identified risk for respiratory infections/distress related to COPD with an intervention to administer oxygen as ordered, and physician orders directed oxygen at 2–3 liters via nasal cannula to maintain oxygen saturation above 90% as needed for shortness of breath. On two separate observations, the resident’s nasal cannula was seen lying on the floor beside the bed instead of being stored in the bag on the oxygen concentrator when not in use, as required by facility practice. During interviews, an LVN, a CNA, the DON, and the Administrator all stated that oxygen nasal cannulas should be stored in a bag on the oxygen concentrator when not in use and that if a cannula is found on the floor it should be replaced. The CNA reported that she was unaware the tubing was on the floor until she entered the room to assist with the noon meal, then picked up the nasal cannula, wiped it with an incontinent wipe that did not contain disinfectant, and placed it back on the resident. She acknowledged she had been trained on oxygen tubing storage and should have replaced the cannula. The LVN, DON, and Administrator confirmed that incontinent wipes are for skin use and are not disinfectant wipes, and that staff had been trained on oxygen use and storage. The facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Program policy stated that the program is to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections, including instituting measures to avoid complications or dissemination, which was not followed in this instance.
Loose Medications Found on Two Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored properly on two medication carts. During an observation of the Station 1 medication cart with a medication aide, surveyors found two loose pills in a drawer. The medication aide acknowledged that the cart should not contain loose pills and stated she was responsible for the cart once she received the keys, usually checking it at the beginning of her shift for loose or expired medications and cleaning it prior to medication pass. The Director of Nursing (DON) later identified the loose pills as Carbidopa-Levodopa 25-100 and Zofran 4 mg. The facility’s policy on Medication Labeling and Storage, revised February 2023, states that medications and biologicals are to be stored in the packaging or dispensing systems in which they are received, and that medications are to be stored in an orderly manner with each resident’s medications assigned to an individual cubicle or drawer to prevent mixing. A similar issue was identified on the Station 2 medication cart, where four loose pills were found in the drawers during an observation with another medication aide. The DON identified these pills as Allopurinol 100 mg, Metoprolol 25 mg, Lasix 20 mg, and Amlodipine 5 mg. The second medication aide also stated that the cart should not contain loose pills and that she was responsible for checking the cart for cleanliness and loose medications at the beginning of each shift. In interviews, the DON and the Administrator both stated they were not aware that there were loose medications on the carts, and each indicated that medication aides and nurses or the charge nurse were responsible for proper storage of medications on the carts. Both referenced that nursing administration and the pharmacy consultant conducted periodic or monthly cart audits, and the DON and Administrator described potential negative outcomes such as residents missing medications or inventory control issues. These findings demonstrate that medications were not consistently stored in accordance with the facility’s policy and accepted professional principles.
Unsafe discharge without needed supports
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide and document sufficient preparation and orientation for the discharge of a resident with significant functional and medical needs. The resident had diagnoses including acute on chronic diastolic CHF, acute pulmonary edema, obesity, COPD, chronic lower-leg ulcer, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Her admission assessment showed a BIMS score of 15, but her functional status was highly limited: bed mobility required dependent to maximal assistance, transfers were not attempted due to medical/safety concerns, walking 10 feet was not attempted, and she was always incontinent of bowel and bladder. Therapy documentation identified her as a mechanical lift resident, and progress notes described persistent debility, high fall risk, and ongoing counseling about unsafe home discharge. Despite these limitations, the resident was discharged home by stretcher with no home health services in place. The discharge summary listed home care and durable medical equipment, including a wheelchair, hospital bed, and 3-in-1 commode, but the home health agency later reported that the referral was declined because of insurance denial. Facility staff and the resident’s family reported that the resident could not walk and could not get to the bathroom by herself. The resident’s family also reported difficulty reaching social services and stated they did not know who would care for her at home. The resident was discharged without an AMA discharge notice and without notice to the Ombudsman, despite facility policy describing requirements for facility-initiated discharge and resident notification. After discharge, the resident arrived home by EMS on a stretcher and was unable to ambulate. Within less than 24 hours, she urinated and defecated on herself and was unable to change her clothing or clean her body. She was then hospitalized for CHF exacerbation and fluid overload. Interviews with facility staff showed conflicting accounts about the discharge process, the availability of home health, and whether the discharge was safe. The attending MD stated she did not recommend the resident go home and recommended long-term care, while other staff stated the resident wanted to go home and that the discharge was insurance driven.
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