CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. a. Review of the medical record for Resident #63 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 06/25/19 with diagnoses that ...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. a. Review of the medical record for Resident #63 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 06/25/19 with diagnoses that included Seizure, Debility, Acute Renal Failure, and Hypertension. Review of the MDS dated [DATE] revealed the resident had a BIMS score of eight (8), which indicated the resident was cognitively impaired but interviewable.
Further review of the medical record for Resident #63 revealed Physician's Orders for Phenobarbital 64.8 milligrams (mg), one tablet by mouth twice daily for seizures. The medication was scheduled to be administered at 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM; and Depakote 500 mg, one tablet by mouth three (3) times per day, used to treat seizures, was scheduled for 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) dated 08/26/19, revealed the medications had not been initialed as being administered for the 10:00 PM dose.
Review of the schedule and time card documentation revealed Registered Nurse (RN) #1 was responsible for administering the resident's 10:00 PM medications on 08/26/19.
Interview with Resident #63 on 09/12/19 at 10:57 AM revealed he/she had missed a nighttime dose of medication a few weeks ago. Resident #63 stated he/she did not know the name of the medicine, but it helps him/her sleep. The resident stated he/she was unsure of the nurse's name that worked that night. Continued interview revealed the resident did not tell anyone about it, but this (omitted medications) had occurred several times.
b. Review of the medical record for Resident #9 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 05/30/19 with diagnoses that included Neurologic pain, Hypertension, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Heart failure. Review of the MDS dated [DATE], revealed the facility assessed the resident to have a BIMS score of 15, which indicated the resident was interviewable.
Further review of the medical record for Resident #9 revealed a physician's order for Lopressor 12.5 mg, one tablet by mouth twice daily, used to treat high blood pressure, scheduled for 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Interview with Resident #9 on 09/11/19 at 1:55 PM revealed he/she had missed the scheduled nighttime medication a few weeks ago. The resident stated he/she did not recall the date, or who the nurse was working that evening.
Review of the MAR revealed no documentation that the resident's Lopressor had been administered for the evening shift on 08/26/19. Review of the schedule and timecard revealed RN #1 was responsible for administering Resident #9's medications on 08/26/19.
Phone interview with RN #1 on 09/10/19 at 2:10 PM revealed she had started working at the facility on 05/28/19. RN #1 stated she was hired as a weekend supervisor. The RN stated she spent four (4) days doing paperwork and watching videos. RN #1 indicated she was scheduled to work with another nurse during the second week she was employed. However, when she arrived at work the nurse she was scheduled with for orientation has resigned and she was asked to work the floor independently. RN #1 stated she was not familiar with the residents and did not know the routine for passing the medications. RN #1 further stated she was not aware that the facility has two (2) Medication Administration Records (MARs) on each unit, one for the medication aide to use and the other MAR for the nurse to use. RN #1 stated she had only made one medication error. Per the RN, she administered Resident #64 medication that belonged to Resident #66. The RN stated she had no additional training after the error and was just advised by the DON to follow the five (5) rights of medication administration. RN#1 stated she had not been observed by the DON or other administrative staff during a medication pass. RN #1 stated just human error when I made this mistake referencing the medication error. RN #1 denied that she failed to administer scheduled medications to Resident #9 and Resident #63.
On 09/10/19 at 6:05 PM, interview with LPN #2 revealed she worked 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on 08/26/19. Per LPN #2, RN #1 was working when she arrived and worked until 10:00 PM, at which time LPN #2 counted narcotics with RN #1. LPN #2 stated that RN #1 did not report any problems with residents refusing medication, or that any scheduled medications had not been administered. LPN #2 stated when she counted narcotics with RN #1, the count was correct. LPN #2 stated that during her morning medication pass she discovered that Resident #9's scheduled dose of Lopressor was not signed out as administered on 08/26/19 for the 10:00 PM dose. LPN #2 also stated Resident #63's 10:00 PM dose of Phenobarbital and Depakote had not been signed out as administered for 08/26/19 on the MAR, nor on the Controlled Drug Sheet. LPN #2 stated she notified the DON of this and the DON stated, I will look into this. The LPN stated the DON did not give her any directive regarding this matter and she was not advised of the outcome. LPN #2 stated when a medication was held or omitted the nurse should circle her initials and document a reason for the omission on the back of the MAR. LPN #2 stated that Resident #63 did not have any concerns or complaints. Per the LPN, she did not complete a medication error report for Resident #63 or Resident #9.
Interview with the DON on 09/12/19 at 11:35 AM revealed the DON was not aware of any issues regarding missed or omitted medication. The DON was advised that on 08/26/19 Resident #9's and Resident #63's MARs indicated the 10:00 PM medications were not signed as being administered. The DON stated she was not aware of these errors. Continued interview revealed the DON acknowledged the doctor and family should have been notified and a medication error report completed. Per the DON, the expectation was that when a medication was omitted the nurse would circle her initials on the MAR and document a reason indicating why the medication was not given. The DON acknowledged that missing scheduled medications could have an adverse impact on the resident. She further stated she did not monitor the MAR or the Controlled Drug Count sheet to ensure medications were administered as ordered. The DON stated that RN #1 had no additional training on medication administration and medication errors. The DON stated she has not evaluated RN #1's ability to safely administer and document medication. Continued interview revealed she did not realize that all these problems were occurring.
***The facility alleged the following was implemented to remove the Immediate Jeopardy as of 09/19/19:
1. On 09/13/19, a Quality Improvement meeting was conducted after the Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) was communicated to the facility. The purpose was to develop an improvement plan to address the IJ deficiencies, and monitor guidelines to ensure compliance was maintained. This meeting was attended by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC), and an RN Nurse Consultant.
2. On 09/14/19, the facility's Medical Director was made aware of the Immediate Jeopardy and advised of the improvement plan, by the DON. He had no concerns or additions to the plan.
3. On 09/16/19, a follow-up QI meeting was conducted to review the progress on the 09/13/19 plan. A review of all items completed and the monitoring plan was completed. There were no additional recommendations at this time. Those in attendance were the Administrator, DON, ADON, RN Consultant, and Medical Director via phone.
4. Nurse #1 has not worked in the facility since 09/08/19, and is no longer employed by the facility effective 09/16/19.
5. On 09/16/19, Nurse #2 received education regarding physician notification, which included that the physician must be notified if there was a question of whether a resident had received their medication or had their blood sugar evaluated.
6. On 09/14/19, the ADON completed an audit of 100% of the in-house residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MARs). This audit was to identify medications that were not documented as administered on the MAR and medications with multiple days of refusals. The findings included that over 50% of the MARs were missing documentation to support that medications had been administered.
7. On 09/14/19, the DON completed interviews with all residents with a BIMS score above eight (8), except one resident who was not feeling well. Residents were asked about concerns with how and when medications were administered. One resident stated he/she did not know why he/she received each medication and why medications were not consistently given at the same time each day. This resident was provided education, by the staff nurse, on his/her medications and the two (2) hour window for administering medications.
On 09/15/19, the ADON completed an interview with the resident who was not feeling well on 09/14/19. The resident had no concerns with how and when medications were administered.
8. On 09/15/19, the ADON and SDC completed nursing assessments on all residents with a BIMS score of eight (8) or below. This assessment included Vital Signs and Lung and Bowel assessments. Two (2) residents were noted with a concern. One resident had an oxygen (O2) saturation of 82%, the MD was notified, and orders for oxygen at 2 Liters and chest x-ray were received. Oxygen was applied and his/her O2 saturation was 94%. One resident had an erratic pulse. The MD was notified and ordered a STAT EKG. The resident has a diagnosis of A-fib. Both residents were asymptomatic at the time.
9. On 09/13/19, the Staff Development Coordinator began education with all licensed nurses and Kentucky Medication Aides (KMAs) regarding the six (6) rights of medication administration. These included Right Resident, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time, Right Route, and Right Documentation. This education also included what to do if an order was not legible, or if a medication was unavailable. On 09/14/19, this education was continued by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will continue until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19 a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be determined by a written test. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19, will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
On 09/14/19, the education was expanded to include additional medication administration information, including documentation of medications. Licensed nurses and KMAs completing the education on 09/13/19 were provided this additional education. This education was initiated by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse of KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and licensed nurses and KMAs will validate competency by a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
10. On 09/16/19, the attending physician was notified, in writing, by the Administrator of the medication omissions for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #53, #72, and #86. No new orders were received. On 09/16/19, the attending physicians were notified that there were additional residents without documentation to support that medications had been administered as ordered. The notification was hand delivered, in writing, by the Administrator, and the attending physicians were made aware that the MARs were available for their review.
11. On 09/14/19, the DON initiated education regarding physician notification. This education included the attending physician must be notified anytime a medication was not given as ordered, unless a resident was refusing. If the resident was refusing medications routinely, the physician should be notified.
a) This education will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education.
b) Beginning on 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
12. After 09/16/19, no licensed nurse or Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) will be allowed to leave at the end of their shift until their MAR has been audited by the DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse. The audit is to ensure all medications have the appropriate documentation completed with physician notification, as indicated. Any concerns regarding documentation of physician notification will be addressed at the time of the audit, and reported to the DON or Administrator for review in the morning Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting.
a) In addition, each off-going licensed Nurse or KMA will be asked to sign a statement at the end of their shift to ensure no resident has expressed concerns regarding their medication administration. This statement will include if any concerns were expressed and to whom the concern was reported to if one was expressed. Any resident concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting.
b) This audit, and statement, will continue at every shift change until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
13. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant observed a medication pass with the DON and one with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the DON and ADON to administer medications. The CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) Medication Administration Observation Care Path was used for these observations. These passes included insulin administration, the DON's medication pass included G-tube (gastrointestinal) administration. Both the DON and ADON completed the medication pass without concerns. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant and the DON began medication administration observations with all licensed nurses and KMAs. The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the licensed nurse or KMA to administer medications. Concerns were addressed with each licensed nurse or KMA at the time of the observation. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have a medication administration observation completed.
14. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON or SDC will begin observing (auditing) all licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily. The purpose of the audit is to ensure the licensed nurse's or KMA's competency to administer medications. The CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path will be used for these audits. These audits will take place on various shift and days of the week, including weekends. Any concerns will be addressed with the nurse at the time of the observation. Concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These observations will continue until Jeopardy is abated, then decrease to observation of half of the licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19. A record will be kept to track and offer opportunities to observe each licensed nurse and KMA with various types of medications, as permitted by their training, including oral, injections, G-tubes, eye drops, inhalers, crushed etc.
15. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON, SDC, MDS Nurses, Social Services Director or Activities Director will begin interviewing six (6) random residents with a BIMS of nine (9) or above weekly to ensure they have no concerns related to when or how their medications are to be administered. Any concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These interviews will continue until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
16. Beginning the week of 09/16/19, an RN Consultant will be at the facility to provide oversight of the implementation of the QI improvement plan addressing the Immediate Jeopardy. The RN Consultant visits will continue, at least three (3) days per week until Jeopardy is abated, and then at least weekly, until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. An RN Consultant may complete any audit in place of the assigned auditor.
17. A DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse from a sister facility may assist with monitoring, to include MAR audits, staff interviews, resident interviews, and medication administration observations, to ensure evidence is provided that they have successfully completed a medication administration audit in the past six (6) months.
****The State Survey Agency verified the facility implemented the following actions and that Immediate Jeopardy was removed on 09/19/19, as alleged by the facility:
1. Review of Minutes revealed a Quality Improvement (QI) meeting was conducted on 09/13/19 and the minutes were signed by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) and a Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with the Administrator, at 10:30 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the ADON at 10:00 AM, and the SDC at 10:16 AM, revealed they had attended the QA meetings dated 09/13/19, 09/16/19, and 09/20/19.
2. A statement written by the Director of Nursing was presented detailing she had informed the Medical Director, on 09/14/19 of the Immediate Jeopardy and the current plan of correction.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she had phoned the Medical Director on 09/14/19 and informed him what the Immediate Jeopardy was related to and the plan per the QA committee.
3. Review of QI meeting minutes revealed a meeting was held on 09/16/19 with documentation that the plan of correction would continue. The attendees included the Administrator, DON, SDC, RN Consultant, and ADON.
Interview with the ADON on 09/25 19 at 10:00 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the SDC at 10:16 AM, the Administrator at 10:30 AM, and the RN Nurse Consultant at 9:16 AM revealed they all had attended the QI meetings and had signed the QI form.
4. Review of the Disciplinary Warning Notice for RN #1, dated 09/16/19 revealed the notice stated RN #1 was terminated effective immediately, and signed by the DON. The documentation revealed the RN refused to sign the notice.
5. Review of the Complete In-service Training Report, dated 09/16/19, for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 revealed the education provided included training on notification of the physician when there was a question related to the administration of medication or whether or not a resident received a medication as ordered. The training also included specific verbage related to insulin administration and physician notification.
Interview with LPN #1 on 09/25/19 at 4:50 PM, revealed she did receive training regarding physician notification on 09/16/19. She stated she was educated to notify the physician whenever a medication was not administered and that insulin could not be held without an order, if the resident's blood sugar was low.
6. Review of a statement signed by the ADON, dated 09/14/19, revealed that an audit of all residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MAR) had been conducted. The review also included a copy of all MARs reviewed and highlighted areas that revealed discrepancy or incomplete documentation.
Interview with the ADON, on 09/25/19 at 10:00 AM, revealed she conducted the MAR audits as stated and any concerns were addressed.
7. Review of documentation revealed a medication questionnaire was used for interviews of all residents with a Brief Interview Mental Status (BIMS) score above eight (8). All questionnaires were dated 09/14/19 and were signed by the DON. One (1) resident had declined the interview on 09/14/19; however, the ADON conducted the interview with the resident on 09/15/19.
Interview with the DON on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she conducted the interviews on 09/14/19 and 09/15/19 for all residents with a BIMS score above eight (8). She also stated she had the opportunity to educate some of the residents who had concerns, which included Resident #43, Resident #25, and Resident #24.
Interview with Resident #25, on 09/25/19 at 8:15 AM, revealed he/she had concerns with some medications, staff educated him/her, and he/she was satisfied with the explanation.
Interview with Resident #24, on 09/25/19 at 8:20 AM, revealed the resident could not remember the discussion related to medications.
Interview with Resident #43, on 09/25/19 at 8:25 AM, revealed he/she was educated, but stated he/she still got confused when some medicines had different names.
8. Review of assessment documentation revealed assessments for all resident with a BIMS of eight (8) or less were completed on 09/15/19 by the ADON or the SDC.
Interview with the ADON on 09/25/19 at 10:00 AM, revealed an assessment was performed on all residents with a BIMS of eight (8) or lower. Physicians were contacted with all concerns and they were addressed.
9. Review of education documentation revealed staff were trained regarding the six (6) rights of medication administration. A sign in sheet was available with nurses and KMAs who attended on 09/13/19. There was documented evidence of continued education by the DON and the SDC. Each nurse and KMA employed by the facility was on a roster and was checked off as education was provided in each of the areas.
Interview with the SDC, on 09/25/19 at 10:16 AM, revealed on 09/13/19 she immediately educated the nurses and KMAs on the six (6) rights of medication administration as well as documentation on the MAR. She stated that education would continue daily until all nurses and KMAs had received the education. She also stated no nurse or KMA would be permitted to work the floor to administer medications until all education was provided and had scored 100% on the posttest.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she initiated education on 09/14/19 that included additional medication information and accurate documentation on the MAR. She stated the education had continued daily and no nurse or KMA was allowed to work and administer medications until they had received all the education provided and passed the posttest with a score of 100%.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they all had received training on the six (6) rights of medication administration and documentation on the MAR. A posttest was completed after the training.
10. Reviewed letters addressed to the physicians for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #53, #72, and #86 related to omission of medications. Additional residents were added to the notifications as a result of the 09/14/19 audit. Each letter included the names of the specific residents under the care of that physician and the medications believed to have been omitted. Interview with the Administrator, on 09/25/19 at 10:30 AM, revealed he had hand delivered each of the letters to the physicians' offices. He further stated he had received no questions or concerns from the physicians. Interviews with Medical Doctor (MD) #4 on 09/25/19, at 9:24 AM and MD #3 at 11:06 AM, revealed both had received letters detailing the possible omission of medications on their residents and had no further concerns or questions
11. Review of the Allegation of Compliance information revealed training, dated 09/14/19, on physician notification was initiated by the DON. The information also included a sign in sheet of staff that attended and dated. All nurses and Kentucky Medication Aides (KMA) employed by the facility had documentation of when they were provided the education. This education had been provided on an ongoing basis since 09/14/19. Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she initiated education on physician notification on 09/14/19. She stated the training included the six (6) rights of medication administration, medication error process, and accurate documentation of the MAR.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they all had received training regarding notification of the physician anytime a medication was not administered as ordered. The interviews also revealed the staff had completed a posttest and had to make 100% to pass. Interview with the Staff Development Coordinator (SDC), on 09/25/19 at 10:16 AM, revealed she had been educating nurses and KMA's on physician notification related to medications.
12. (a) Review of the Allegation of Compliance evidence revealed audits of MARS, dated 09/16/19 to 09/24/19. These audits were performed at the end of each shift, by the DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse, for each nurse or KMA who had administered medications during the shift. The audit ensured all medications had the appropriate documentation with physician notification as indicated. The audit also contained a statement, signed by the nurse or KMA, as to whether or not a resident had voiced any concerns or complaints regarding their medications during the shift. Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed residents' MARs were audited at the end of the shift and each had to sign a statement related to any resident concerns about medications.
(b) Review of the 09/20/19 QA/QI meeting revealed the every shift audits were completed and reviewed in the QA/QI meeting. Interview with the ADON on 09/25 19 at 10 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the SDC at 10:16 AM, the Administrator at 10:30 AM and the RN Nurse Consultant at 9:16 AM revealed they all had attended the QA meetings and had signed the QA form.
13. The AOC evidence revealed a check off form, CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path, was used by the RN Nurse Consultant on 09/14/19, to ensure the competency of the DON and the ADON to administer medications.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed an RN Nurse Consultant performed her medication administration competency.
14. Review of the AOC evidence revealed observations of nurses and KMA's on a daily basis using the CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path, dated from 09/14/19 up through 09/24/19.
Interviews with KMA #3 on 09/25/19 at 8:10 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they had been observed daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, administering medications.
15. The AOC evidence revealed six (6) resident interviews, dated 09/18/19, and seven (7) resident interviews, dated 09/23/19 performed by one of the management team. The questionnaires were related to any medication concerns the residents may have.
Interview with the ADON, on 09/25/19 at 10 AM, revealed no concerns had been voiced with resident interviews. She also stated the audits of and interview results were reviewed at the 09/20/19 QA meeting.
Interview with the Administrator, on 09/25/19 at 10:30 AM, revealed during the QA meeting, dated 09/20/19, results of audits and competencies, and resident interviews were reviewed. These will continue to be monitored these on a weekly basis.
16. Interview with the RN Nurse Consultant on 09/25/19 at 9:16 AM, revealed since 09/13/19, she had been present in the facility every day except for 09/21/19 and 09/22/19.
17. Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed a sister facility's DON and SDC had assisted the facility with audits during the week of 09/16/19.
Based on interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy for medication administration it was determined the facility failed to ensure three (3) of twenty-two (22) sampled residents (Residents #9, #63, and #80) were free of significant medication errors. On 08/26/19, the facility failed to administer Lopressor (used to treat high blood pressure) to Resident #9 as ordered, and failed to administer Phenobarbital (used to treat seizures) and Depakote (used to treat seizures) to Resident #63 as ordered. The facility failed to obtain and administer the medication Diulo (a medication to help the kidneys remove fluid) to Resident #80 daily on 09/02/19-09/04/19. The resident was congested and voiced complaints of being short of breath due to edema and was treated at the facility. Refer to F726.
The facility's failure to ensure residents were free from significant medications errors has caused or is likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident. Immediate Jeopardy was identified on 09/13/19 and was determined to exist on 08/19/19 at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580-K), 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726-K), and 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760-J). The facility was notified of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/13/19.
An acceptable Allegation of Compliance was received on 09/18/19, which alleged removal of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/19/19. The State Survey Agency determined the Immediate Jeopardy was removed as alleged on 09/19/19, prior to exit on 09/25/19, which lowered the scope and severity to E level at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580) and 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726) and to D level at 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760) while the facility monitors the effectiveness of systemic changes and quality assurance activities.
The findings include:
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 09/12/19 at 11:25 AM revealed the facility did not have a written policy for obtaining medications from the pharmacy, but the facility's procedure was for a copy of the Physician's Orders to be faxed to the pharmacy and the pharmacy to deliver the medications.
Review of the Medication Administration policy, not dated, revealed, All medication errors shall be described in detail on a Medication Error Report which shall be filed with the Director of Nursing (DON). The facility's medication error report shall be completed in detail, making every possible effort to describe the discrepancy thoroughly; suggestion should be made as to how such discrepancy could be avoided in the future.
A review of the medical record for Resident #80 revealed the facility admitted the reside[TRUNCATED]
CRITICAL
(K)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Someone could have died · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy it was determined the facility failed to imm...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy it was determined the facility failed to immediately notify the physician of omitted medications and/or medication errors for twelve (12) of twenty-two (22) sampled residents (Resident #3, #9, #13, #19, #28, #41, #42, #47, #63, #66, #72, and #86).
Seven residents (Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #72, and #86), who were alert and oriented, all alleged they did not receive medications as ordered on the evening of 08/19/19. RN #1 was responsible for administering medications for these residents on 08/19/19. Although the residents' complaints were reported to administrative staff (DON and Administrator), the facility failed to report the medication errors to the residents' physicians.
Resident #66 also reported that he/she did not receive his/her medications on the evening of 08/26/19. In addtion, RN #1 failed to administer three (3) residents (Residents #63, #47, and #9) their 10:00 PM medications on 08/26/19. Again, the facility failed to ensure the residents' physicians were notified of the medication errors.
Resident #28 reported to at least three (3) facility staff members that staff had failed to administer his/her medications. RN #1 failed to administer the resident's pain medication on 08/25/19 and the medication error was reported to administrative staff (Assistant Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing); however, the facility failed to notify Resident #28's physician of the medication error.
The facility's failure to immediately report the alleged omission of ordered medications for residents (Resident #3, #9, #13, #19, #28, #41, #42, #47, #63, #66, #72, and #86) has caused or is likely to cause serious harm, injury, impairment, or death to a resident. Immediate Jeopardy was identified on 09/13/19 and was determined to exist on 08/19/19 at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580-K), 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726-K) and 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760-J). The facility was notified of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/13/19.
An acceptable Allegation of Compliance was received on 09/18/19, which alleged removal of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/19/19. The State Survey Agency determined the Immediate Jeopardy was removed as alleged on 09/19/19, prior to exit on 09/25/19, which lowered the scope and severity to E level at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580) and 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726) and to D level at 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760) while the facility monitors the effectiveness of systemic changes and quality assurance activities.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy, Notification of Physician for Change in Resident's Condition, dated August 2012, revealed the facility was to notify the physician when a significant change in a resident's condition occurred with documentation contained in the medical record.
Review of the Medication Administration policy, not dated, revealed, All medication errors shall be described in detail on a Medication Error Report which shall be filed with the Director of Nursing (DON). Continued review revealed the facility's medication error report shall be completed in detail, making every possible effort to describe the discrepancy thoroughly; suggestion should be made as to how such discrepancy could be avoided in the future. The attending physician shall be notified immediately of significant medication errors.
1. Seven residents (Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #72, and # 86), who were alert and oriented, all alleged they did not receive medications as ordered on the evening of 08/19/19.
An interview on 09/10/19 at 12:14 PM with LPN #1 revealed RN #1 had helped with medication administration on the East Unit (short hall) on the evening of 08/19/19. Per LPN #1, the RN left sometime around 10:00 PM. The LPN stated that at around 9:30 PM, Resident #41 stated he/she was ready to take his/her medication for the night. When RN #1 was informed of this, she stated she had already administered the resident's medication. LPN #1 stated Resident #41 was told what the nurse had stated and the resident replied that he/she had not received the medication. Resident #42 then asked the LPN when he/she would receive the rest of his/her medication. Per LPN #1, Resident #42 stated he/she had only received one pill and the RN had informed him/her she did not have the right cart to give the rest of the resident's medication. The LPN further stated Resident #72 asked when someone was going to perform his/her finger stick blood sugar and that he/she felt funny. LPN #1 stated the MAR for Resident #72 revealed the finger stick blood sugar had been performed with a reading of 130. LPN #1 stated she checked the MARs of Residents #13 and #19 and discovered Resident #13's fingerstick blood sugar was also documented as 130 and Resident #19 had no finger stick blood sugar documented and the ordered Levemir (long-acting insulin) had not been administered. The LPN stated she did another finger stick blood sugar on Resident #13 and it was 297. LPN #1 stated she continued to review the MARs of the residents on the East short hall and discovered Residents #3 and #86 had no initials in the space on the MAR that would have indicated their evening medications were administered as ordered. Per the LPN, she notified the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), who was in the facility working on the [NAME] Unit, of all the allegations and MAR inaccuracies. Per the LPN, the DON was also made aware of the incidents by the ADON on 08/20/19 and she was told the DON had handled the situation.
Interview with RN #1 on 09/13/19 at 3:39 PM, revealed she remembered it took a long time to complete the medication pass on 08/19/19 because she was not familiar with the hall. She further stated the two (2) book MAR system means you have to go back and forth. The RN also stated she did not remember ever being spoken to regarding allegations on 08/19/19.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 3:07 PM, revealed she spoke to RN #1 the next day following the incidents on 08/19/19. She also stated she spoke to the residents on the hall and that no medication error forms were completed nor were the residents' physicians contacted. The DON stated she just did not think about doing that.
Review of the Progress Notes for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #72, and #86 for 08/19/19 and 08/20/19 did not reveal any documentation of physician notification regarding the residents' alleged medication omissions.
Interview on 09/13/19 with MD (Medical Doctor) #1 at 3:00 PM and MD #2 at 3:05 PM revealed neither had been contacted related to medication errors involving their residents. The doctors stated they would expect to be notified of any resident medication errors.
2. Review of the medical record for Resident #66 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 08/09/19 with diagnoses that included Cerebral Infarction, Type 2 Diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease. Review of the MDS dated [DATE] revealed the facility assessed the resident to have a BIMS score of 15, which indicated the resident was interviewable.
Review of a Grievance filed by Resident #66 on 08/29/19 revealed the resident had reported to the Social Services Director that on 08/26/19, the nurse on duty did not give his/her medicine and failed to do a finger stick blood sugar and administer his/her insulin.
Record review revealed Resident #66 was discharged from the facility on 09/04/19. Unsuccessful attempts were made to contact the resident by phone.
Interview with the Social Services Director (SSD) on 09/13/19 at 2:37 PM revealed on 08/29/19, Resident #66 reported that he/she did not receive his/her medications on 08/26/19. The SSD stated she reported the medication error to the Administrator.
Interview with the Administrator on 09/13/19 at 5:03 PM revealed he spoke with the Director of Nursing (DON) regarding the resident not receiving medication as ordered, and the DON assured him that she had taken care of the concern.
However, an interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 2:56 PM revealed Resident #66's physician should have been contacted related to the medication error with the resident's insulin, but she did not ensure the physician was notified.
3. Review of the medical record for Resident #63 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 06/25/19 with diagnoses that included Seizure, Debility, Acute Renal Failure, and Hypertension. Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], revealed the resident had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of eight (8), which indicates the resident was cognitively impaired, but interviewable.
Further review of the medical record for Resident #63 revealed a Physician's Order for Phenobarbital (an anticonvulsant) 64.8 mg (milligrams), one tablet by mouth twice daily for Seizures, scheduled to be administered at 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Further review revealed an order for Depakote 500 mg, one tablet by mouth three times per day, used to treat Seizures, scheduled for 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) dated 08/26/19 revealed the resident's 10:00 PM dose of Phenobarbital and Depakote had not been initialed as being administered.
Interview with Resident #63 on 09/12/19 at 10:57 AM revealed the nurse on duty had failed to administer his/her scheduled medication at bedtime. However, the resident could not remember the exact date. Resident #63 stated the medication was to help him/her sleep and he/she had not slept at all that night. Continued interview with Resident #63 revealed the resident reported the omitted medications the following day, but he/she could not remember the nurse's name that he/she reported it to.
On 09/10/19 at 6:05 PM, interview with LPN #2 revealed she worked 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on 08/26/19. Per LPN #2, RN #1 was working when she arrived and worked until 10:00 PM, at which time LPN #2 counted narcotics with RN #1. LPN #2 stated that RN #1 did not report any problems with residents refusing medication, or that any scheduled medications had not been administered. LPN #2 stated Resident #63's 10:00 PM dose of Phenobarbital and Depakote had not been signed out as administered for 08/26/19 on the MAR, nor on the Controlled Drug Sheet. LPN #2 stated she notified the DON of this and the DON stated, I will look into this. Per the LPN, she did not call the resident's physician related to the medication error for Resident #63.
4. Review of the medical record for Resident #47 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 08/17/18 with diagnoses that included Arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Hypothyroidism. Review of the MDS dated [DATE] revealed the facility assessed the resident to have a BIMS score of 99, which indicated the resident was not interviewable.
Review of the medical record for Resident #47 revealed a Physician's Order dated 08/01/19 through 08/31/19 for Hydrocodone/APAP (controlled pain medication) tablet 5-325, one tablet by mouth twice daily. The medication was scheduled at 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. However, review of the MAR dated 08/26/19 revealed the 10:00 PM dose was not signed out. In addition, review of the Controlled Substance Receipt/Count Sheet dated 08/26/19 revealed the 10:00 PM dosage of medication had not been administered to the resident on 08/26/19.
On 09/10/19 at 6:05 PM, interview with LPN #2 revealed she worked 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on 08/26/19. LPN #2 stated she received report from the offgoing nurse, RN #1, around 10:00 PM on 08/26/19. LPN #2 stated that RN #1 did not report any problems with residents refusing medication, or that any scheduled medications had not been administered. LPN #2 stated that during her morning medication pass she discovered that Resident #47's scheduled dose of Hydrocodone/APAP on 08/26/19 at 10:00 PM had not been signed as administered on the MAR or signed out on the Controlled Drug Sheet. LPN #2 stated she informed the DON of this when she arrived at the facility but failed to contact the physician of the medication error.
5. Review of the medical record for Resident #9 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 05/30/19 with diagnoses that included Neurologic pain, Hypertension, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Heart Failure. Review of the MDS dated [DATE], revealed the facility assessed the resident to have a BIMS score of 15, which indicated the resident was interviewable.
Interview with Resident #9 on 09/11/19 at 1:55 PM revealed his/her scheduled nighttime medication was missed/omitted a few weeks ago. The resident stated he/she did not recall the date, or the nurse working. Resident #9 stated he/she did not sleep at all that night, and further stated that the medication was for my nerves.
Review of the medical record for Resident #9 revealed an order for Hydrocodone/APAP 7.5-325, one tablet by mouth three times per day, scheduled for 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, and Xanax 0.25 mg, one tablet by mouth three times per day, scheduled for 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Review of the MAR and the Controlled Substance Receipt/Count Sheet for 08/26/19 revealed the medications were not signed out for the 10:00 PM dose.
On 09/10/19 at 6:05 PM, interview with LPN #2 revealed she worked 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on 08/26/19. The LPN stated she received report from the offgoing nurse, RN #1, around 10:00 PM on 08/26/19. LPN #2 stated that RN #1 did not report any problems with residents refusing medication, or that any scheduled medications had not been administered. LPN #2 stated that during her morning medication pass she discovered that Resident #9's scheduled dose of Hydrocodone/APAP, Xanax, and Neurontin had not been signed out on the MAR or on the controlled drug sheet. LPN #2 stated she informed the DON of this when she arrived at the facility. Per the LPN, she had not contacted the resident's physician related to the medication error.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 2:56 PM revealed she did not recall any reports that Resident #47 or Resident #9 had not received their scheduled medication. The DON stated when a medication error occurs, the resident's physician should be notified.
6. Medical record review for Resident #28 revealed the facility admitted the resident on 01/22/18 with diagnoses that included Pain, Shortness of Breath, Major Depression, and Sepsis. Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE] revealed the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was eight (8) indicating the resident was cognitively impaired, but was interviewable.
Interview with Resident #28 on 09/10/19 at 12:23 PM revealed he/she missed his/her medication for several days; was unable to state the exact dates. Resident #28 stated he/she felt funny and didn't rest well and had pain because of not receiving his/her medication.
Review of the medical record for Resident #28 revealed a Physician's Order for Hydrocodone/APAP 7.5/325, one (1) tablet by mouth twice daily. Review of the resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) revealed the medication was scheduled for 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Review of the MAR dated 08/25/19 revealed RN #1's initials were circled with no documented evidence indicating why the medication was not administered.
Interview with Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) #1 on 09/10/19 at 11:20 AM revealed Resident #28 reported that he/she did not receive his/her nighttime medication for three (3) days (unable to recall the date). KMA #1 stated she immediately reported the medication errors to LPN #2.
Interview on 09/10/19 at 6:05 PM with LPN #2 revealed on 08/26/19, KMA #1 reported that Resident #28 had complained of not getting his/her medications for the past three (3) days. LPN #2 stated she reviewed Resident #28's MAR and discovered several areas that had not been initialed. The LPN stated she did notify the DON of the resident's complaint of missed medications when she discovered the error, but she was not directed by the DON to take any action. The resident's physician was not notified regarding the medication error.
Interview with the SSD, who also is a KMA, on 09/13/19 at 2:37 PM revealed the SSD had worked on 08/25/19, on the 2 PM-10 PM shift as a KMA. The SSD was assigned to pass medication. The SSD stated that Resident #28 reported that he/she had not received his/her scheduled morning medication. The SSD stated she reviewed the Controlled Drug Sign Sheet and discovered the morning dose of Hydrocodone/APAP was not signed out. However, the scheduled 10:00 AM dose was signed out on the MAR indicating the medication had been administered. The SSD stated that RN #1 was assigned to pass the morning medicine on 08/25/19. She further stated that she questioned RN #1 about why the narcotic was not signed out on the controlled drug log. However, RN #1 did not respond to the question. The SSD stated that later in the shift she checked Resident #28's MAR again and the 08/25/19 10:00 AM dose of Hydrocodone/APAP had been circled, indicating not given. The SSD stated she reported the medication error to the DON.
Further review revealed no documented evidence that Resident #28's physician was contacted related to the medication error.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 2:56 PM revealed she did not recall anyone reporting that Resident #28's medications were omitted. The DON further reported the facility had no system in place to monitor residents' MARs for completion or to ensure the physician was notified when medications were not administered as ordered.
***The facility alleged the following was implemented to remove the Immediate Jeopardy as of 09/19/19:
1. On 09/13/19, a Quality Improvement meeting was conducted after the Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) was communicated to the facility. The purpose was to develop an improvement plan to address the IJ deficiencies, and monitor guidelines to ensure compliance was maintained. This meeting was attended by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC), and an RN Nurse Consultant.
2. On 09/14/19, the facility's Medical Director was made aware of the Immediate Jeopardy and advised of the improvement plan, by the DON. He had no concerns or additions to the plan.
3. On 09/16/19, a follow-up QI meeting was conducted to review the progress on the 09/13/19 plan. A review of all items completed and the monitoring plan was completed. There were no additional recommendations at this time. Those in attendance were the Administrator, DON, ADON, RN Consultant, and Medical Director via phone.
4. Nurse #1 has not worked in the facility since 09/08/19, and is no longer employed by the facility effective 09/16/19.
5. On 09/16/19, Nurse #2 received education regarding physician notification, which included that the physician must be notified if there was a question of whether a resident had received their medication or had their blood sugar evaluated.
6. On 09/14/19, the ADON completed an audit of 100% of the in-house residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MARs). This audit was to identify medications that were not documented as administered on the MAR and medications with multiple days of refusals. The findings included that over 50% of the MARs were missing documentation to support that medications had been administered.
7. On 09/14/19, the DON completed interviews with all residents with a BIMS score above eight (8), except one resident who was not feeling well. Residents were asked about concerns with how and when medications were administered. One resident stated he/she did not know why he/she received each medication and why medications were not consistently given at the same time each day. This resident was provided education, by the staff nurse, on his/her medications and the two (2) hour window for administering medications.
On 09/15/19, the ADON completed an interview with the resident who was not feeling well on 09/14/19. The resident had no concerns with how and when medications were administered.
8. On 09/15/19, the ADON and SDC completed nursing assessments on all residents with a BIMS score of eight (8) or below. This assessment included Vital Signs and Lung and Bowel assessments. Two (2) residents were noted with a concern. One resident had an oxygen (O2) saturation of 82%, the MD was notified, and orders for oxygen at 2 Liters and chest x-ray were received. Oxygen was applied and his/her O2 saturation was 94%. One resident had an erratic pulse. The MD was notified and ordered a STAT EKG. The resident has a diagnosis of A-fib. Both residents were asymptomatic at the time.
9. On 09/13/19, the Staff Development Coordinator began education with all licensed nurses and Kentucky Medication Aides (KMAs) regarding the six (6) rights of medication administration. These included Right Resident, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time, Right Route, and Right Documentation. This education also included what to do if an order was not legible, or if a medication was unavailable. On 09/14/19, this education was continued by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will continue until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19 a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be determined by a written test. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19, will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
On 09/14/19, the education was expanded to include additional medication administration information, including documentation of medications. Licensed nurses and KMAs completing the education on 09/13/19 were provided this additional education. This education was initiated by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse of KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and licensed nurses and KMAs will validate competency by a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
10. On 09/16/19, the attending physician was notified, in writing, by the Administrator of the medication omissions for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #53, #72, and #86. No new orders were received. On 09/16/19, the attending physicians were notified that there were additional residents without documentation to support that medications had been administered as ordered. The notification was hand delivered, in writing, by the Administrator, and the attending physicians were made aware that the MARs were available for their review.
11. On 09/14/19, the DON initiated education regarding physician notification. This education included the attending physician must be notified anytime a medication was not given as ordered, unless a resident was refusing. If the resident was refusing medications routinely, the physician should be notified.
a) This education will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education.
b) Beginning on 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
12. After 09/16/19, no licensed nurse or Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) will be allowed to leave at the end of their shift until their MAR has been audited by the DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse. The audit is to ensure all medications have the appropriate documentation completed with physician notification, as indicated. Any concerns regarding documentation of physician notification will be addressed at the time of the audit, and reported to the DON or Administrator for review in the morning Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting.
a) In addition, each off-going licensed Nurse or KMA will be asked to sign a statement at the end of their shift to ensure no resident has expressed concerns regarding their medication administration. This statement will include if any concerns were expressed and to whom the concern was reported to if one was expressed. Any resident concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting.
b) This audit, and statement, will continue at every shift change until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
13. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant observed a medication pass with the DON and one with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the DON and ADON to administer medications. The CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) Medication Administration Observation Care Path was used for these observations. These passes included insulin administration, the DON's medication pass included G-tube (gastrointestinal) administration. Both the DON and ADON completed the medication pass without concerns. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant and the DON began medication administration observations with all licensed nurses and KMAs. The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the licensed nurse or KMA to administer medications. Concerns were addressed with each licensed nurse or KMA at the time of the observation. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have a medication administration observation completed.
14. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON or SDC will begin observing (auditing) all licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily. The purpose of the audit is to ensure the licensed nurse's or KMA's competency to administer medications. The CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path will be used for these audits. These audits will take place on various shift and days of the week, including weekends. Any concerns will be addressed with the nurse at the time of the observation. Concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These observations will continue until Jeopardy is abated, then decrease to observation of half of the licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19. A record will be kept to track and offer opportunities to observe each licensed nurse and KMA with various types of medications, as permitted by their training, including oral, injections, G-tubes, eye drops, inhalers, crushed etc.
15. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON, SDC, MDS Nurses, Social Services Director or Activities Director will begin interviewing six (6) random residents with a BIMS of nine (9) or above weekly to ensure they have no concerns related to when or how their medications are to be administered. Any concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These interviews will continue until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
16. Beginning the week of 09/16/19, an RN Consultant will be at the facility to provide oversight of the implementation of the QI improvement plan addressing the Immediate Jeopardy. The RN Consultant visits will continue, at least three (3) days per week until Jeopardy is abated, and then at least weekly, until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. An RN Consultant may complete any audit in place of the assigned auditor.
17. A DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse from a sister facility may assist with monitoring, to include MAR audits, staff interviews, resident interviews, and medication administration observations, to ensure evidence is provided that they have successfully completed a medication administration audit in the past six (6) months.
****The State Survey Agency verified the facility implemented the following actions and that Immediate Jeopardy was removed on 09/19/19, as alleged by the facility:
1. Review of Minutes revealed a Quality Improvement (QI) meeting was conducted on 09/13/19 and the minutes were signed by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) and a Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with the Administrator, at 10:30 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the ADON at 10:00 AM, and the SDC at 10:16 AM, revealed they had attended the QA meetings dated 09/13/19, 09/16/19, and 09/20/19.
2. A statement written by the Director of Nursing was presented detailing she had informed the Medical Director, on 09/14/19 of the Immediate Jeopardy and the current plan of correction.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she had phoned the Medical Director on 09/14/19 and informed him what the Immediate Jeopardy was related to and the plan per the QA committee.
3. Review of QI meeting minutes revealed a meeting was held on 09/16/19 with documentation that the plan of correction would continue. The attendees included the Administrator, DON, SDC, RN Consultant, and ADON.
Interview with the ADON on 09/25 19 at 10:00 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the SDC at 10:16 AM, the Administrator at 10:30 AM, and the RN Nurse Consultant at 9:16 AM revealed they all had attended the QI meetings and had signed the QI form.
4. Review of the Disciplinary Warning Notice for RN #1, dated 09/16/19 revealed the notice stated RN #1 was terminated effective immediately, and signed by the DON. The documentation revealed the RN refused to sign the notice.
5. Review of the Complete In-service Training Report, dated 09/16/19, for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 revealed the education provided included training on notification of the physician when there was a question related to the administration of medication or whether or not a resident received a medication as ordered. The training also included specific verbage related to insulin administration and physician notification.
Interview with LPN #1 on 09/25/19 at 4:50 PM, revealed she did receive training regarding physician notification on 09/16/19. She stated she was educated to notify the physician whenever a medication was not administered and that insulin could not be held without an order, if the resident's blood sugar was low.
6. Review of a statement signed by the ADON, dated 09/14/19, revealed that an audit of all residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MAR) had been conducted. The[TRUNCATED]
CRITICAL
(K)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Someone could have died · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** ***The facility alleged the following was implemented to remove the Immediate Jeopardy as of 09/19/19:
1. On 09/13/19, a Quality...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** ***The facility alleged the following was implemented to remove the Immediate Jeopardy as of 09/19/19:
1. On 09/13/19, a Quality Improvement meeting was conducted after the Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) was communicated to the facility. The purpose was to develop an improvement plan to address the IJ deficiencies, and monitor guidelines to ensure compliance was maintained. This meeting was attended by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC), and an RN Nurse Consultant.
2. On 09/14/19, the facility's Medical Director was made aware of the Immediate Jeopardy and advised of the improvement plan, by the DON. He had no concerns or additions to the plan.
3. On 09/16/19, a follow-up QI meeting was conducted to review the progress on the 09/13/19 plan. A review of all items completed and the monitoring plan was completed. There were no additional recommendations at this time. Those in attendance were the Administrator, DON, ADON, RN Consultant, and Medical Director via phone.
4. Nurse #1 has not worked in the facility since 09/08/19, and is no longer employed by the facility effective 09/16/19.
5. On 09/16/19, Nurse #2 received education regarding physician notification, which included that the physician must be notified if there was a question of whether a resident had received their medication or had their blood sugar evaluated.
6. On 09/14/19, the ADON completed an audit of 100% of the in-house residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MARs). This audit was to identify medications that were not documented as administered on the MAR and medications with multiple days of refusals. The findings included that over 50% of the MARs were missing documentation to support that medications had been administered.
7. On 09/14/19, the DON completed interviews with all residents with a BIMS score above eight (8), except one resident who was not feeling well. Residents were asked about concerns with how and when medications were administered. One resident stated he/she did not know why he/she received each medication and why medications were not consistently given at the same time each day. This resident was provided education, by the staff nurse, on his/her medications and the two (2) hour window for administering medications.
On 09/15/19, the ADON completed an interview with the resident who was not feeling well on 09/14/19. The resident had no concerns with how and when medications were administered.
8. On 09/15/19, the ADON and SDC completed nursing assessments on all residents with a BIMS score of eight (8) or below. This assessment included Vital Signs and Lung and Bowel assessments. Two (2) residents were noted with a concern. One resident had an oxygen (O2) saturation of 82%, the MD was notified, and orders for oxygen at 2 Liters and chest x-ray were received. Oxygen was applied and his/her O2 saturation was 94%. One resident had an erratic pulse. The MD was notified and ordered a STAT EKG. The resident has a diagnosis of A-fib. Both residents were asymptomatic at the time.
9. On 09/13/19, the Staff Development Coordinator began education with all licensed nurses and Kentucky Medication Aides (KMAs) regarding the six (6) rights of medication administration. These included Right Resident, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time, Right Route, and Right Documentation. This education also included what to do if an order was not legible, or if a medication was unavailable. On 09/14/19, this education was continued by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will continue until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19 a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be determined by a written test. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19, will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
On 09/14/19, the education was expanded to include additional medication administration information, including documentation of medications. Licensed nurses and KMAs completing the education on 09/13/19 were provided this additional education. This education was initiated by the Director of Nursing (DON), and will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse of KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education. Beginning 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and licensed nurses and KMAs will validate competency by a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
10. On 09/16/19, the attending physician was notified, in writing, by the Administrator of the medication omissions for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #53, #72, and #86. No new orders were received. On 09/16/19, the attending physicians were notified that there were additional residents without documentation to support that medications had been administered as ordered. The notification was hand delivered, in writing, by the Administrator, and the attending physicians were made aware that the MARs were available for their review.
11. On 09/14/19, the DON initiated education regarding physician notification. This education included the attending physician must be notified anytime a medication was not given as ordered, unless a resident was refusing. If the resident was refusing medications routinely, the physician should be notified.
a) This education will be continued by the DON, ADON, or SDC until all licensed nurses and KMAs have completed the education. No licensed nurse or KMA will work after 09/16/19, without completing this education. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have completed this education.
b) Beginning on 09/17/19, a posttest will be completed by all licensed nurses and KMAs. The quiz will cover both medication administration and physician notification and competency validation for licensed nurses and KMA will be a posttest. Any licensed nurse or KMA not completing the posttest by 09/18/19 will complete it prior to returning to the floor to work. Any licensed nurse or KMA not scoring 100% will receive additional education.
12. After 09/16/19, no licensed nurse or Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) will be allowed to leave at the end of their shift until their MAR has been audited by the DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse. The audit is to ensure all medications have the appropriate documentation completed with physician notification, as indicated. Any concerns regarding documentation of physician notification will be addressed at the time of the audit, and reported to the DON or Administrator for review in the morning Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting.
a) In addition, each off-going licensed Nurse or KMA will be asked to sign a statement at the end of their shift to ensure no resident has expressed concerns regarding their medication administration. This statement will include if any concerns were expressed and to whom the concern was reported to if one was expressed. Any resident concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting.
b) This audit, and statement, will continue at every shift change until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
13. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant observed a medication pass with the DON and one with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the DON and ADON to administer medications. The CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) Medication Administration Observation Care Path was used for these observations. These passes included insulin administration, the DON's medication pass included G-tube (gastrointestinal) administration. Both the DON and ADON completed the medication pass without concerns. On 09/14/19, an RN Nurse Consultant and the DON began medication administration observations with all licensed nurses and KMAs. The purpose of this observation was to ensure the competency of the licensed nurse or KMA to administer medications. Concerns were addressed with each licensed nurse or KMA at the time of the observation. As of 09/18/19, 85% of the licensed nurses and KMAs have a medication administration observation completed.
14. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON or SDC will begin observing (auditing) all licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily. The purpose of the audit is to ensure the licensed nurse's or KMA's competency to administer medications. The CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path will be used for these audits. These audits will take place on various shift and days of the week, including weekends. Any concerns will be addressed with the nurse at the time of the observation. Concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These observations will continue until Jeopardy is abated, then decrease to observation of half of the licensed nurses and KMAs administering medications daily until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19. A record will be kept to track and offer opportunities to observe each licensed nurse and KMA with various types of medications, as permitted by their training, including oral, injections, G-tubes, eye drops, inhalers, crushed etc.
15. After 09/16/19, night shift, the DON, ADON, SDC, MDS Nurses, Social Services Director or Activities Director will begin interviewing six (6) random residents with a BIMS of nine (9) or above weekly to ensure they have no concerns related to when or how their medications are to be administered. Any concerns regarding medication administration will be reported to the DON or Administrator for review at the morning IDT meeting. These interviews will continue until Jeopardy is abated and an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. The results of these audits will be reviewed in the weekly QAPI/IDT meeting on Fridays, beginning 09/20/19.
16. Beginning the week of 09/16/19, an RN Consultant will be at the facility to provide oversight of the implementation of the QI improvement plan addressing the Immediate Jeopardy. The RN Consultant visits will continue, at least three (3) days per week until Jeopardy is abated, and then at least weekly, until an acceptable Plan of Correction is in place. An RN Consultant may complete any audit in place of the assigned auditor.
17. A DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse from a sister facility may assist with monitoring, to include MAR audits, staff interviews, resident interviews, and medication administration observations, to ensure evidence is provided that they have successfully completed a medication administration audit in the past six (6) months.
****The State Survey Agency verified the facility implemented the following actions and that Immediate Jeopardy was removed on 09/19/19, as alleged by the facility:
1. Review of Minutes revealed a Quality Improvement (QI) meeting was conducted on 09/13/19 and the minutes were signed by the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) and a Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with the Administrator, at 10:30 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the ADON at 10:00 AM, and the SDC at 10:16 AM, revealed they had attended the QA meetings dated 09/13/19, 09/16/19, and 09/20/19.
2. A statement written by the Director of Nursing was presented detailing she had informed the Medical Director, on 09/14/19 of the Immediate Jeopardy and the current plan of correction.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she had phoned the Medical Director on 09/14/19 and informed him what the Immediate Jeopardy was related to and the plan per the QA committee.
3. Review of QI meeting minutes revealed a meeting was held on 09/16/19 with documentation that the plan of correction would continue. The attendees included the Administrator, DON, SDC, RN Consultant, and ADON.
Interview with the ADON on 09/25 19 at 10:00 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the SDC at 10:16 AM, the Administrator at 10:30 AM, and the RN Nurse Consultant at 9:16 AM revealed they all had attended the QI meetings and had signed the QI form.
4. Review of the Disciplinary Warning Notice for RN #1, dated 09/16/19 revealed the notice stated RN #1 was terminated effective immediately, and signed by the DON. The documentation revealed the RN refused to sign the notice.
5. Review of the Complete In-service Training Report, dated 09/16/19, for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 revealed the education provided included training on notification of the physician when there was a question related to the administration of medication or whether or not a resident received a medication as ordered. The training also included specific verbage related to insulin administration and physician notification.
Interview with LPN #1 on 09/25/19 at 4:50 PM, revealed she did receive training regarding physician notification on 09/16/19. She stated she was educated to notify the physician whenever a medication was not administered and that insulin could not be held without an order, if the resident's blood sugar was low.
6. Review of a statement signed by the ADON, dated 09/14/19, revealed that an audit of all residents' August and September 2019 Medication Administration Records (MAR) had been conducted. The review also included a copy of all MARs reviewed and highlighted areas that revealed discrepancy or incomplete documentation.
Interview with the ADON, on 09/25/19 at 10:00 AM, revealed she conducted the MAR audits as stated and any concerns were addressed.
7. Review of documentation revealed a medication questionnaire was used for interviews of all residents with a Brief Interview Mental Status (BIMS) score above eight (8). All questionnaires were dated 09/14/19 and were signed by the DON. One (1) resident had declined the interview on 09/14/19; however, the ADON conducted the interview with the resident on 09/15/19.
Interview with the DON on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she conducted the interviews on 09/14/19 and 09/15/19 for all residents with a BIMS score above eight (8). She also stated she had the opportunity to educate some of the residents who had concerns, which included Resident #43, Resident #25, and Resident #24.
Interview with Resident #25, on 09/25/19 at 8:15 AM, revealed he/she had concerns with some medications, staff educated him/her, and he/she was satisfied with the explanation.
Interview with Resident #24, on 09/25/19 at 8:20 AM, revealed the resident could not remember the discussion related to medications.
Interview with Resident #43, on 09/25/19 at 8:25 AM, revealed he/she was educated, but stated he/she still got confused when some medicines had different names.
8. Review of assessment documentation revealed assessments for all resident with a BIMS of eight (8) or less were completed on 09/15/19 by the ADON or the SDC.
Interview with the ADON on 09/25/19 at 10:00 AM, revealed an assessment was performed on all residents with a BIMS of eight (8) or lower. Physicians were contacted with all concerns and they were addressed.
9. Review of education documentation revealed staff were trained regarding the six (6) rights of medication administration. A sign in sheet was available with nurses and KMAs who attended on 09/13/19. There was documented evidence of continued education by the DON and the SDC. Each nurse and KMA employed by the facility was on a roster and was checked off as education was provided in each of the areas.
Interview with the SDC, on 09/25/19 at 10:16 AM, revealed on 09/13/19 she immediately educated the nurses and KMAs on the six (6) rights of medication administration as well as documentation on the MAR. She stated that education would continue daily until all nurses and KMAs had received the education. She also stated no nurse or KMA would be permitted to work the floor to administer medications until all education was provided and had scored 100% on the posttest.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she initiated education on 09/14/19 that included additional medication information and accurate documentation on the MAR. She stated the education had continued daily and no nurse or KMA was allowed to work and administer medications until they had received all the education provided and passed the posttest with a score of 100%.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they all had received training on the six (6) rights of medication administration and documentation on the MAR. A posttest was completed after the training.
10. Reviewed letters addressed to the physicians for Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #53, #72, and #86 related to omission of medications. Additional residents were added to the notifications as a result of the 09/14/19 audit. Each letter included the names of the specific residents under the care of that physician and the medications believed to have been omitted. Interview with the Administrator, on 09/25/19 at 10:30 AM, revealed he had hand delivered each of the letters to the physicians' offices. He further stated he had received no questions or concerns from the physicians. Interviews with Medical Doctor (MD) #4 on 09/25/19, at 9:24 AM and MD #3 at 11:06 AM, revealed both had received letters detailing the possible omission of medications on their residents and had no further concerns or questions
11. Review of the Allegation of Compliance information revealed training, dated 09/14/19, on physician notification was initiated by the DON. The information also included a sign in sheet of staff that attended and dated. All nurses and Kentucky Medication Aides (KMA) employed by the facility had documentation of when they were provided the education. This education had been provided on an ongoing basis since 09/14/19. Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed she initiated education on physician notification on 09/14/19. She stated the training included the six (6) rights of medication administration, medication error process, and accurate documentation of the MAR.
Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they all had received training regarding notification of the physician anytime a medication was not administered as ordered. The interviews also revealed the staff had completed a posttest and had to make 100% to pass. Interview with the Staff Development Coordinator (SDC), on 09/25/19 at 10:16 AM, revealed she had been educating nurses and KMA's on physician notification related to medications.
12. (a) Review of the Allegation of Compliance evidence revealed audits of MARS, dated 09/16/19 to 09/24/19. These audits were performed at the end of each shift, by the DON, ADON, SDC, or MDS Nurse, for each nurse or KMA who had administered medications during the shift. The audit ensured all medications had the appropriate documentation with physician notification as indicated. The audit also contained a statement, signed by the nurse or KMA, as to whether or not a resident had voiced any concerns or complaints regarding their medications during the shift. Interviews on 09/25/19 with KMA #3 at 8:10 AM, RN #2 at 8:30 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9:00 AM, LPN #4 at 9:10 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed residents' MARs were audited at the end of the shift and each had to sign a statement related to any resident concerns about medications.
(b) Review of the 09/20/19 QA/QI meeting revealed the every shift audits were completed and reviewed in the QA/QI meeting. Interview with the ADON on 09/25 19 at 10 AM, the DON at 10:05 AM, the SDC at 10:16 AM, the Administrator at 10:30 AM and the RN Nurse Consultant at 9:16 AM revealed they all had attended the QA meetings and had signed the QA form.
13. The AOC evidence revealed a check off form, CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path, was used by the RN Nurse Consultant on 09/14/19, to ensure the competency of the DON and the ADON to administer medications.
Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed an RN Nurse Consultant performed her medication administration competency.
14. Review of the AOC evidence revealed observations of nurses and KMA's on a daily basis using the CMS Medication Administration Observation Care Path, dated from 09/14/19 up through 09/24/19.
Interviews with KMA #3 on 09/25/19 at 8:10 AM, RN #4 at 8:45 AM, LPN #8 at 8:54 AM, LPN #5 at 9 AM, LPN #13 at 10:40 AM and LPN #1 at 4:50 PM revealed they had been observed daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, administering medications.
15. The AOC evidence revealed six (6) resident interviews, dated 09/18/19, and seven (7) resident interviews, dated 09/23/19 performed by one of the management team. The questionnaires were related to any medication concerns the residents may have.
Interview with the ADON, on 09/25/19 at 10 AM, revealed no concerns had been voiced with resident interviews. She also stated the audits of and interview results were reviewed at the 09/20/19 QA meeting.
Interview with the Administrator, on 09/25/19 at 10:30 AM, revealed during the QA meeting, dated 09/20/19, results of audits and competencies, and resident interviews were reviewed. These will continue to be monitored these on a weekly basis.
16. Interview with the RN Nurse Consultant on 09/25/19 at 9:16 AM, revealed since 09/13/19, she had been present in the facility every day except for 09/21/19 and 09/22/19.
17. Interview with the DON, on 09/25/19 at 10:05 AM, revealed a sister facility's DON and SDC had assisted the facility with audits during the week of 09/16/19.
Based on interview, record review, and policy review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure nursing staff (Registered Nurse #1) had appropriate competencies and skills to safely administer medications to residents. The facility failed to evaluate the competency and skill level of Registered Nurse (RN) #1 when she was hired (05/28/19), during the orientation process, or after being notified of medication errors made by RN #1.
On 07/07/19, RN #1 argued with Resident #10 that the resident did not have medication due when the resident requested scheduled medications. The RN was not aware that Medication Administration Records (MAR) for oral medications was kept in a different book, on a different medication cart, until another nurse explained the facility's process for administering medications. The incident was reported to the Director of Nursing (DON) and Administrator; however, no actions related to assessing RN #1's competency to give medication was completed.
On the evening of 08/19/19, RN #1 was responsible for administering medications for seven (7) residents (Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #72, and #86). Even though RN #1 documented that Residents #13, #19, #41, #42, and #72's medications were administered, Residents #41, #42, and #72 reported that they did not receive medications. In addition, there was no documented evidence that Residents #3 and #86 received their evening medications on 08/19/19. The residents' complaints were reported to administrative staff (the DON and Administrator); however, no actions were taken to ensure the RN's competency.
RN #1 failed to administer three (3) residents' (Residents #63, #47, and #9) 10:00 PM narcotic pain medication, antianxiety, and/or antiseizure medications on 08/26/19. In addition, RN #1 documented that Resident #66's blood sugar was obtained and insulin was administered. However, Resident #66 reported that he/she did not receive insulin and the RN did not check his/her blood sugar on the evening of 08/26/19. Again, the facility failed to ensure Nurse #1 was competent to administer medications.
Further, Resident #28 reported that facility staff had failed to administer his/her medications. Staff determined that RN #1 failed to document that the resident's narcotic pain medication was administered on 08/25/19. Staff stated they reported the medication error to administrative staff (Assistant DON and DON); however, again, the facility did not evaluate RN #1's competency to administer medications.
On an unknown date, Resident #77 reported to the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) that RN #1 attempted to administer an insulin injection. However, the resident did not have an order for Insulin. Resident #77 stopped the nurse from administering the medication and stated the DON was aware. However, the facility took no action to ensure RN #1 was competent to administer medications.
In addition, on 09/10/19, RN #1 failed to administer medication to the right resident. RN #1 administered Klonopin (treats seizures) medication to Resident #64; this medication was not ordered for this resident, but was ordered for Resident #63.
The facility's failure to ensure nursing staff had the appropriate competencies and skills to safely administer medications to residents has caused or is likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident. Immediate Jeopardy was identified on 09/13/19 and was determined to exist on 08/19/19 at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580-K), 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726-K), and 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760-J). The facility was notified of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/13/19.
An acceptable Allegation of Compliance was received on 09/18/19, which alleged removal of the Immediate Jeopardy on 09/19/19. The State Survey Agency determined the Immediate Jeopardy was removed as alleged on 09/19/19, prior to exit on 09/25/19, which lowered the scope and severity to E level at 42 CFR 483.10 Resident Rights (F580) and 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing Services (F726) and to D level at 42 CFR 483.45 Pharmacy Services (F760) while the facility monitors the effectiveness of systemic changes and quality assurance activities.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's Medication Administration policy, not dated, revealed, All medication errors shall be described in detail on a Medication Error Report which shall be filed with the Director of Nursing (DON). The facility's medication error report shall be completed in detail, making every possible effort to describe the discrepancy thoroughly; suggestion should be made as to how such discrepancy could be avoided in the future.
Interview with the facility's former Administrator on 09/12/19 at 2:16 PM, revealed the facility did not have a written policy on orientation/competency for nursing staff. However, the facility's process was for new employees to be given a skills check-off list to complete during the orientation process. When the check-off list was completed, the employee was to give the check-off list back to the Staff Development Coordinator and the Staff Development Coordinator was responsible for taking it to the Personnel Department to file in the employee's personnel file. According to the interview, the Staff Development Coordinator that was at the facility when RN #1 had orientation was no longer employed at the facility.
Review of the facility's new hire orientation packet revealed an RN orientation skills checklist that included medication preparations and medication administration documentation. The assessment included a staff competency checklist for licensed nurse orientation. Per the checklist, the preceptor would evaluate the skills of the licensed nurse and indicate the completion date and the observer's initials.
Review of RN #1's personnel record revealed a hire date of 05/28/19. The file did not contain RN #1's competency checklist that should be completed for each new employee. The personnel file contained no work performance concerns or counseling.
1. Review of the medical record revealed the facility admitted Resident #10 on 03/27/15, with diagnoses that included Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Anxiety Disorder, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction of unspecified site, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Pain-unspecified, and Unspecified Acquired Deformity of the Left Lower Leg. Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly assessment dated [DATE], revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of fifteen (15), which indicated the resident was cognitively intact. The MDS also revealed the resident was independent for the tasks of bed mobility, transfer, and dressing and used a walker or wheelchair for mobility.
Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for Resident #10, dated 07/01/19 through 07/31/19, revealed the resident had the medication Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen (controlled narcotic pain medication) ordered to be administered four (4) times a day. The MAR also revealed the scheduled times of 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 12:00 AM. Further review of the MAR revealed the resident had an order for a sleeping medication, Trazadone fifty (50) milligrams, which could be administered at hour of sleep (HS), if needed for insomnia.
Interview with Resident #10 on 09/09/19 at 12:59 PM, revealed he/she had an issue on 07/07/19 regarding receiving his/her ordered medication at midnight. The resident stated, I asked for my pain pill and my sleeping pill and was told (by RN #1) that they were not ordered for me.
Interview with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #2 on 09/10/19 at 6:26 PM, revealed she was alerted by a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) on 07/07/19, regarding an incident between RN #1 and Resident #10. She stated the resident was upset because RN #10 stated he/she did not have the medications ordered that the resident had requested. The LPN stated she reviewed the MAR and discovered the resident did have the medications ordered and showed this to RN #1. She stated the RN had been reviewing the wrong MAR for the resident's medications. RN #1 was looking at the nurses MAR which did not have the oral medications Resident #10 had requested. LPN #2 stated after explaining that Medication Aides had a MAR with oral medications, RN #1 then realized that the resident did have medication to be administered, and was preparing to administer the medications to the resident when she returned to her unit.
Interview with RN #1 on 09/10/19 at 2:15 PM, revealed Resident #10's medications were in two (2) separate medication books. RN #1 further stated the ADON did come to the facility that night, but she did not remember receiving any particular instructions or any training regarding residents' MARs after the incident.
2. According to an Interview with LPN #1, on 09/10/19 at 12:14 and 12:23 PM, seven (7) residents (Residents #3, #13, #19, #41, #42, #72, a[TRUNCATED]
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy, it was determined the facility failed to report an allegation of verbal abuse for one (1) of twenty-two (22 ) sampl...
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Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy, it was determined the facility failed to report an allegation of verbal abuse for one (1) of twenty-two (22 ) sampled residents (Resident #10) to the appropriate entities including the State Survey Agency within two (2) hours of becoming aware of the allegation. The facility received a report of verbal abuse on 07/07/19 at 1:00 AM from Resident #10 that he/she had been verbally abused by Registered Nurse (RN) #1. However, the facility failed to report the alleged abuse to the State Survey Agency until 9:17 AM on 07/08/19 (over 20 hours after the allegation was initially reported by the resident).
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy, Abuse, Neglect, or Misappropriation of Resident Property Policy, dated 03/10/17, revealed all complaints of abuse, neglect, including injuries of unknown origin, or misappropriation of resident property will be reported in no longer than two (2) hours.
Review of the medical record revealed the facility admitted Resident #10 on 03/27/15. The resident's diagnoses included Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Anxiety Disorder, ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction of unspecified site, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Pain-Unspecified, and Unspecified Acquired Deformity of Left Lower Leg.
Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly Assessment, dated 06/10/19, revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of fifteen (15), which indicated the resident was cognitively intact. The MDS also revealed the resident was independent with bed mobility, transfer, and dressing and used a walker or wheelchair for mobility.
Interview with Resident #10 during the Resident Council meeting on 09/09/19 at 9:08 AM, revealed the resident had an argument with RN #1 regarding not receiving his/her scheduled medication. Resident #10 stated RN #1 told him/her to shut up and go to his/her room. The resident further stated he/she did not trust the RN and did not want her around.
Review of the email notification, dated 07/08/19 at 9:17 AM, revealed notification of Resident #10 reporting a concern about RN #1 that stated she had not provided his/her medication as requested and she had told the resident to hush up. This email was addressed to multiple recipients, including the State Survey Agency.
Review of the facility's investigation revealed a witness statement from the Director of Nursing (DON) dated 07/07/19. Further review of the DON's statement revealed during a phone interview on 07/07/19 at 2:00 AM, Resident #10 reported to the DON that RN #1 had told him/her to hush and go to bed.
Review of the statement by the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), dated 07/06/19, revealed she received a phone call from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #2, at approximately 1:15 AM, that Resident #10 was requesting to speak to the ADON regarding RN #1 not giving his/her scheduled medication.
Interview with the ADON on 09/10/19 at 3:37 PM revealed she was notified by LPN #2 early in the morning on 07/07/19 that Resident #10 had been told to hush or shut up by RN #1. She further stated the DON was informed of the incident and a phone interview was performed by the DON, with both RN #1 and Resident #10.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 3:03 PM revealed she was made aware of the incident between Resident #10 and RN #1 by the ADON. She stated she understood the resident had been told by RN #1 to go to his/her room and be quiet. The DON stated the nurse should have been removed from the facility but this did not happen; instead, the RN was permitted to work through her shift.
Interview with the Social Services Director on 09/11/19 at 11:39 AM, revealed Resident #10 came to her office on 07/08/19 and reported an issue about getting medications during the night on the weekend. The Social Services Director stated apparently RN #1 and the resident argued back and forth and the resident reported that RN #1 told him/her to hush up and that he/she was not going to get anything.
Interview with the former Administrator on 09/12/19 at 2:04 PM, revealed the Social Services Director came to her office on Monday morning, 07/08/19, (could not remember time) and reported Resident #10's allegation. The former Administrator stated she understood the resident had been told by RN #1 to be quiet, hush up or shut up and to go to his/her room. The Administrator stated she verified with the resident and the resident stated he/she was told to shut up. Per the Administrator, at this point an investigation was initiated, the allegation was reported, and RN #1 was suspended pending the investigation.
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy, it was determined the facility failed to pr...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the facility's policy, it was determined the facility failed to protect and prevent further abuse for one (1) of twenty-two (22) sampled residents (Resident #10). On 07/07/19, Resident #10 alleged verbal abuse from Registered Nurse (RN) #1 when she told the resident to shut up and go to his/her room. RN #1 was not removed from direct resident care and was permitted to continue to work until her shift was completed. Resident #10 slept on another unit, away from the RN.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy, Abuse, Neglect, or Misappropriation of Resident Property Policy, dated 03/10/17, revealed employees accused of being directly involved in allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of property will be suspended immediately from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Review of the medical record revealed Resident #10 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and had diagnoses of Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Anxiety Disorder, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction of unspecified site, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Pain-unspecified, and Unspecified Acquired Deformity of Left Lower Leg.
Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly Assessment, dated 06/10/19, revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of fifteen (15), which indicated the resident was cognitively intact. The MDS also revealed the resident was independent with the tasks of bed mobility, transfer, and dressing, and used a walker or wheelchair for mobility.
Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for Resident #10, dated 07/01/19 through 07/31/19, revealed the resident had the medication Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen (pain medication) ordered to be administered four times a day. The MAR also revealed the scheduled times of 6:00 AM, 12 Noon, 6:00 PM, and 12 Midnight. Further review of the MAR revealed the resident had an order for a sleeping medication, Trazadone fifty (50) milligrams, which could be administered at hour of sleep (HS), if needed for insomnia.
Review of the facility's investigation of the alleged incident on 07/06/19 revealed Resident #10 went to RN #1 and asked for his/her ordered pain medication (Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen) and sleeping pill. RN #1 reviewed the MAR and told the resident she did not see an order for any medications to be given that he/she was requesting. The investigation revealed the resident became upset and began to scream at the RN. Further review revealed the resident requested that the Director of Nursing (DON) or the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) be notified and that the resident wanted to speak with them. The ADON was notified and arrived at the facility at approximately 1:30 AM on 07/07/19. At 2:00 AM, the DON was notified by phone and was told by Resident #10 that RN #1 had told him/her to hush and go to his/her room. The investigation revealed the DON asked the resident if he/she was okay and the resident stated he/she was fine. RN #1 was not suspended until 07/08/19, when the alleged verbal abuse was reported to the former Administrator by the Social Services Director on the morning of 07/08/19. The allegation was unsubstantiated and the RN was permitted to return to work.
Review of the facility's investigation, dated 07/08/19, revealed a statement authored by the DON that stated, on 07/07/19 at approximately 1:00 AM, she spoke to Resident #10, who stated he/she had an argument with RN #1 and the RN told him/her to hush and go to his/her room.
Interview with RN #1 on 09/10/19 at 2:15 PM revealed Resident #10's medications were in two (2) separate medication books. RN #1 stated she probably did raise her voice to the resident and she did not recall everything she said. Further interview revealed RN #1 stated the ADON did come to the facility that night, but she did not remember receiving any particular instructions from her regarding the incident.
Interview with State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) #5 on 09/13/19 at 3:07 PM revealed she was not working the unit where Resident #10 resided on 07/07/19. She stated the resident came to her on that night stating RN #1 would not give him/her their pain pill. SRNA #5 stated she did not hear the alleged altercation, but the resident reported that the RN told him/her to shut up and go to bed. She stated that a little while later Resident #10 was asking for her (SRNA #5) again and she went over and discovered the resident was very upset. Per SRNA #5, she took the resident's blood pressure and could not remember the reading but it was high. She added that at this point she offered to take the resident outside to smoke and calm down. The SRNA stated this did help and she then asked the resident if he/she wanted to return to his/her room and the resident replied, not really. She stated at this point she offered him/her a room on her unit and the resident agreed to sleep on that unit for the night.
Interview with LPN #2 on 09/10/19 at 6:26 PM revealed SRNA #5 had come to her during the early morning on 07/08/19, and stated that Resident #10 and RN #1 were into it. She stated she went over to the unit where Resident #10 resided and heard RN #10 say to the resident that she was not going to call the ADON and neither was she (meaning LPN #2). The LPN stated she then explained to RN #1 regarding the MAR and instructed her that Resident #10 did have an order for the requested medications. Per LPN #2, she called the ADON and relayed the information from the staff that RN #1 had told Resident #10 to shut up and go back to bed. She stated she also called and informed the DON of the situation. LPN #2 stated the ADON did interview her that night and she relayed what had happened.
Interview with Resident #10 on 09/09/19 at 12:59 PM, revealed he/she had an issue on 07/07/19 regarding receiving ordered medication around midnight. The resident stated, I asked for my pain pill and my sleeping pill and was told (by RN #1) that they were not ordered for me. The resident added that the RN talked rough and made his/her blood pressure go up. The resident further stated during Resident Council Meeting on 09/09/19 at 9:08 AM, that he/she did not trust RN #1 and did not want her around.
Interview with Resident #10 on 09/13/19 at 9:35 AM, revealed he/she chose to spend the night off of his/her residential unit, in another room, because he/she was afraid of what the RN would do to him/her. He/she further stated, My blood pressure got very high.
Interview with the Social Services Director (SSD) on 09/11/19 at 11:39 AM revealed Resident #10 had come to her office on 07/08/19 and stated he/she had an issue getting medications at night during the weekend. She further stated that apparently RN #1 and the resident argued back and forth and the resident reported the RN told him/her to hush up, and that he/she was not going to get anything. Per the SSD, this was an allegation of abuse. The SSD said that according to policy it was to be reportedly immediately and the resident should be protected by removing the staff member involved. The SSD stated the staff member was not removed to her knowledge.
Interview with the ADON on 09/10/19 at 3:37 PM revealed she was notified on 07/07/19 regarding the incident by LPN #2 and was asked to please come to the facility. The ADON stated she came to the facility at that time and spoke with LPN #2 and was informed RN #1 had allegedly told Resident #10 to hush or shut up. The ADON stated, My first thought was do I need to remove the nurse (RN #1). She stated she called the DON and requested that the DON interview Resident #10 and RN#1 over the phone and that she would be a witness. She further stated that during the interview between the DON and RN #1 the RN stated that she might have said hush but she did not think she said, shut up. The ADON stated the RN should have been removed from the facility at the time of the allegation.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 3:03 PM, revealed she was called by the ADON on 07/07/19 at approximately 1:00 AM, because Resident #10 was mad because RN #1 would not give him/her their medication. The DON stated she understood the RN had told the resident to go to his/her room and be quiet. She then stated the nurse should have been removed from the facility; however, the RN was allowed to work through the shift.
Interview with the former Administrator on 09/12/19 at 2:04 PM, revealed her last day as Administrator was on August 1, 2019. The Administrator stated on Monday morning, on 07/08/19, the Social Services Director (SSD) came to her and stated Resident #10 was upset over his/her medications. She further stated she started investigating this and discovered upon interviewing Resident #10, that he/she and RN #1 had gotten into a fuss over the medication. The former Administrator stated Resident #10 informed her that RN #1 told him/her to be quiet or hush and go to his/her room. She stated she then verified the statement and the resident stated, She told me to shut up. Per the Administrator, she contacted RN #1 and she was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. She also stated that if she had been aware of the allegation of verbal abuse at the time of the incident the RN would have been sent home.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, it was determined the facility failed to maintain a system of records to ensure the accurate reconciliation of controlled drugs. Nursing staff faile...
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Based on observation, record review, and interview, it was determined the facility failed to maintain a system of records to ensure the accurate reconciliation of controlled drugs. Nursing staff failed to document that narcotic counts were completed by two (2) nurses at shift change, 46 times between 08/21/19 and 09/10/19. The controlled medication count on 9/18/19 was inaccurate for one resident's (Resident #33) medication.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy entitled Controlled Substances, dated 10/11/15, revealed all controlled substances shall be counted at each shift change and reconciled to the declining inventory sheets by at least two (2) staff members who are authorized to administer medications, preferably the staff member taking charge and the staff member relinquishing charge of these controlled substances. Further review revealed a separate record shall be maintained on each controlled substance in the form of a declining inventory record. The inventory record shall be accurately maintained and shall include the quantity of the controlled substance currently on hand.
Review of the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check for the six (6) medication carts on 09/10/19 revealed 46 occasions between 08/21/19 and 09/10/19 when only one nurse signed the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheet at shift change.
Interview with RN #2, LPN #6, and LPN #7 on 09/10/19, following the shift change narcotic count revealed two (2) nurses are to do the count. They stated the nurse going off duty should review the narcotic book and the nurse coming on duty should do the narcotic count. Further interview revealed both nurses were to sign the Shift Change Narcotic Count sheet.
Interview with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) on 09/10/19 at 3:46 PM revealed two (2) nurses or medication aides were to perform the change of shift narcotic count and both were to sign the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count sheet. The ADON reviewed one Shift Change Controlled Substance Count sheet from the East Unit and confirmed that 13 shift changes did not have two (2) signatures. Further interview with the ADON revealed the DON (Director of Nursing) reviews the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count sheets.
Interview with the DON on 09/10/19 at 3:23 PM revealed two nurses or medication aides were to sign off on the Shift Change Narcotic Count. According to the interview, the DON reviews the Shift Change Narcotic Count sheets weekly. The DON reviewed one of the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count sheets from the East Unit and confirmed the sheet had multiple blanks, with no staff signatures. Further interview revealed that the DON reported she must have missed auditing the sheet.
2. Observation of the medication cart on the East Wing on 09/11/19 revealed a card of Alprazolam (controlled substance for anti-anxiety) 0.5 mg (milligrams) for Resident #33 with a count of 29 pills on the card. Review of the narcotic count sheet for the Alprazolam 0.5 mg for Resident #33 revealed the count should be 30 pills.
Interview with LPN #8 revealed the narcotic count was completed at the beginning of the shift at 7 AM with LPN #7. According to the interview, LPN #8 counted the medication and LPN #7 reviewed the narcotic count sheet. Further interview revealed LPN #8 thought LPN #7 administered the medication during the night shift and failed to sign out the medication on the narcotic count sheet. LPN #7 was not available for interview.
Interview with Resident #33 on 09/11/19 at 3:17 PM revealed the resident confirmed that he/she did receive a dose of Alprazolam the previous night around midnight. Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) revealed the last dose of Alprazolam 0.5 mg was documented as given on 09/04/19.
Interview with the DON on 09/12/19 at 11:33 AM revealed the DON did a medication error report on the narcotic count that was incorrect on 09/10/19 involving Resident #33. According to the interview, LPN #7 did give the medication during the night shift and failed to sign out the medication.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and facility policy review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored in accordance with professional standards of ...
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Based on observation, interview, and facility policy review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored in accordance with professional standards of practice in two (2) of two (2) medication storage rooms and during observation of the medication pass on 09/09/19. Observation of the facility's East and [NAME] medication rooms revealed expired medications available for resident use. Observation of the medication pass on 09/09/19 revealed a bottle of prescription nasal spray sitting on top of the medication cart and not under the direct physical supervision of a licensed nurse or medication aide.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy titled Medication Storage, with a revision date of 11/01/17, revealed the medication cart shall be locked at all times, when not under the direct physical supervision of a licensed nurse or medication aide. The policy did not address expired medication.
1. Observation of the [NAME] Wing Medication Storage room on 09/09/19 at 8:40 AM revealed Flu vaccine (11 individual injections) with an expiration date of 03/28/19, Heparin flush individual dose vials (greater than 20 vials) with an expiration date of 12/30/18, Heparin flush vials (more than 20 vials) with an expiration date of 04/30/19, and 1,000 ml (milliliters) normal saline IV (intravenous) fluid bag with an expiration date of 08/19. Observation also revealed coagulation study blue top vacutainer blood tubes (17 tubes) with an expiration date of 03/04/19.
Interview with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #3 on 09/09/19 at 8:45 AM revealed the nurses were responsible to check the medication storage room weekly for expired medications. The LPN stated all items in the medication storage room were available for resident use and should be checked often to ensure the medication and supplies had not expired. LPN #3 stated she was unsure when the medications and supplies were last checked for an expiration date. Per LPN #3, she was not aware of any type of documentation used when checking for expiration dates. LPN #3 stated she did not know why the items had not been checked for expiration dates.
Observation of the East Wing Medication Storage room on 09/09/19 at 9:15 AM revealed Flu vaccine two (2) individual vials with an expiration date of 06/06/19, Flu vaccine two (2) individual vials with an expiration date of 04/29/19, and Flu vaccine ten (10) individual vials with an expiration date of 03/28/19.
Interview with LPN #12 on 09/09/19 at 9:25 AM revealed the nurses were responsible to check the medication storage room for expired medications and supplies at least weekly. LPN #12 stated she was unsure of the last time the medication room had been checked for expired medications and supplies. The LPN stated each nurse should be checking the medication room. LPN #12 could not explain why the medication room contained expired medications.
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 09/09/19 at 9:05 AM revealed the expectation was that the nurses would check the medication storage room weekly for expired items. The DON stated the facility had no system in place to ensure that the medication storage room was being checked weekly.
2. Observation of the medication pass on 09/09/19 at 8:24 AM revealed LPN #6 prepared medications for Resident #11, and took the medications into the resident's room and went behind the privacy curtain which was not within line of sight of the medication cart. Further observation revealed LPN #6 left a container of Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray sitting on top of the medication cart. The observation revealed LPN #6 checked the resident's blood pressure, administered the medications, and returned to the medication cart. Observation revealed LPN #6 prepared a dose of Clonidine for the resident and returned to the resident's room to administer the medication. Continued observation revealed the container of Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray remained on top of the cart. Further observation revealed LPN #6 returned to the medication cart, obtained the Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, returned to the resident's room, and administered the nasal spray.
Interview with LPN #6 on 09/09/19 at 8:31 AM revealed she should have taken the nasal spray into the resident's room or locked it up. Further interview revealed LPN #6 stated she usually took the nasal spray into the room; however, she got sidetracked and forgot to take it into the room.
Interview with the DON on 09/12/19 at 11:33 AM revealed the LPN should have locked the nasal spray in the medication cart.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to store, serve, and prepare food under sanitary conditions. During the initial tour of the kitchen, slices of pie were observ...
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Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to store, serve, and prepare food under sanitary conditions. During the initial tour of the kitchen, slices of pie were observed stored on a cart in the walk-in cooler, uncovered and not dated. During the lunch tray line observation, wrapped silverware was observed to be contaminated with food that could not be identified. In addition, staff was observed to transport an uncovered food tray to the [NAME] Wing at the supper meal on 09/08/19.
The findings include:
Interview with the Dietary Manager on 09/11/19 at 11:00 AM revealed the facility did not have a written policy for the storage of food in the coolers. However, it was the facility's procedure to store food items covered and dated, use clean silverware at meals, and to cover all trays that were being transported away from the dining room to resident rooms.
1. Observation of the walk-in cooler during the initial tour of the kitchen on 09/08/19 at 10:05 AM revealed slices of cream pie on saucers on a cart in the cooler. The pie was not covered or dated.
Observation of the lunch tray line service on 09/08/19 at 11:41 AM revealed a tray was prepared with food and drinks. Silverware wrapped in a napkin that was contaminated with food was placed on the resident food tray and the tray was placed on the food cart for transport to the resident. Staff did not observe the contaminated dirty napkin. The Surveyor intervened and asked staff to remove the tray and identify the food particles on the dirty napkin. Dietary staff could not identify the food particles but noted the food on the napkin was not what was being served for lunch.
Interview with the Dietary Aide on 09/11/19 at 1:35 PM revealed she was preparing the pie in a hurry, did not cover the pie, and placed the pie back in the walk-in cooler to keep the pie cold. In addition, the Dietary Aide stated she did not see the food contamination on the silverware and was not aware of the food contamination until asked for the tray to be removed from the cart.
An interview with the Dietary Manager on 09/11/19 at 2:11 PM revealed residents' silverware should be clean and food items should be covered and dated when stored in the walk-in cooler. According to the Dietary Manager, she was in the kitchen daily Monday through Friday and as needed on weekends to monitor food service and she had not identified any problems.
2. Observation of the evening meal service on 09/08/19 at 5:30 PM revealed State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) #1 transported a partially covered tray to a resident on the [NAME] Wing.
Interview with SRNA #1 on 09/12/19 at 2:17 PM revealed he had been trained to cover food when transporting it from the dining area. SRNA #1 stated, I didn't notice that was uncovered when I brought it out; should have been covered.
Interview with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #10 on 09/12/19 at 9:49 AM revealed staff should always cover the trays before leaving the dining room.
Interview with the Assistant Director of Nursing on 09/10/19 at 4:04 PM revealed the expectation was that staff would cover the food tray completely prior to delivering the tray to a resident's room. Per the ADON, she does walking rounds during meal service and to monitor the staff. The ADON stated she had not identified any concerns with meal service.
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 09/11/19 at 1:40 PM revealed she monitored nurse aides passing meal trays for residents but not every meal. The DON stated food leaving the dining room should be covered to protect the food from contamination. According to the DON, she had not identified any concerns with staff not covering food trays before the trays were transported to resident rooms.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview, record review, and review of the facility policy it was determined the facility failed to have an effective performance improvement program which measured the success and tracked t...
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Based on interview, record review, and review of the facility policy it was determined the facility failed to have an effective performance improvement program which measured the success and tracked the performance of implemented plans to ensure improvements are sustained in the facility. The State Agency received an acceptable Plan of Correction (POC) on 11/14/19 for previously cited deficiencies, with an exit date of 09/25/19. Per the POC, the facility conducted weekly audits to ensure the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets included two (2) staff members' signatures (on-coming and off-going nurse and/or medication aide). During the revisit conducted on 11/20/19, review of the Shift-Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets revealed nursing staff failed to document that narcotic counts were completed by two (2) staff members at shift change on six (6) occasions between 10/23/19 and 11/15/19. Interviews with staff revealed concerns had been identified with the audits; however, no actions had been taken to correct the identified concerns.
The findings include:
Review of the facility policy titled Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Plan, dated 11/28/18, revealed the facility was committed to providing the highest quality of care and services and would systemically monitor, analyze, and improve its performance. According to the policy, the QI program would put plans in place and would evaluate those plans to ensure identified concerns were resolved and would not reoccur.
The State Agency received an acceptable Plan of Correction (POC) on 11/14/19 for previously cited deficiencies, which included tag F755 that was cited at E level. Review of the facility's POC revealed all nurses and medication aides had been trained by 10/18/19 related to the proper way to count and keep records for narcotics in the facility. The training also included the requirement of two (2) staff members' signatures to be present on the Shift-Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets at each shift change. The POC stated ongoing weekly audits of the Shift-Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets would be completed to ensure two (2) staff members' signatures were present on the sheets at shift change as required. Review of the POC also revealed if concerns were identified with the ongoing audits, those concerns would be addressed at that time with the nurse or medication aide, and the identified concerns would be reported to the DON. The POC also stated any concerns identified would be reviewed weekly for any trends and would also be discussed in the monthly Quality Assurance (QA) Committee.
Review of the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check on the medication cart for the [NAME] Short Hall of the facility revealed three (3) occasions when only one (1) staff member signed the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Sheet at shift change (10/23/19 at 10:00 PM, 10/29/19 at 10:00 PM, and the 6:00 AM count on 10/30/19).
Further review of the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets, for two (2) medication carts on the East Hall of the facility, revealed there were three (3) occasions when only one (1) staff member signed the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Sheet at shift change (11/03/19 at 12:00 AM, 11/03/19 at 6:00 AM, and the 6:00 AM count on 11/15/19).
Review of the Narcotic Review audit sheets completed by the DON, after the facility's alleged date of compliance of 10/19/19, revealed she had audited to ensure all signatures were present on the East and [NAME] medication carts and no concerns had been identified.
Interview with the Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) on 11/20/19 at 12:00 PM revealed staff were trained that the signatures of two (2) nurses or medication aides were required to be present on the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheet at each shift change. She also stated she conducted weekly audits of the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets, and had identified ongoing concerns because two (2) staff members had not signed the sheets, on the East and [NAME] nursing units, as required. The SDC stated she had reported the ongoing identified concerns to the DON and the Administrator, but acknowledged no actions had been taken to correct the problem.
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 11/20/19 at 3:20 PM confirmed that two (2) staff members were required to sign the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets at shift change. The DON stated the SDC had not reported any concerns related to her audits of shift change count sheets. However, she acknowledged that she (the DON) had identified concerns, and was aware that two (2) staff signatures were not on the Shift Change Controlled Substance Count Check sheets at times as required. Even though the DON was aware of the concerns, she had not reevaluated the sheets to ensure two (2) staff signatures were included on the count sheets, and had not taken any action to ensure the ongoing concerns were resolved in the facility, as outlined in the POC.
Interview with the Administrator on 11/20/19 at 3:05 PM revealed he was responsible to ensure the POC submitted to the State Agency was implemented. He stated he was not aware of any concerns identified with audits conducted by the SDC or the DON; however, he stated he should have been notified of the concerns. He stated he ensured audits were completed by reviewing the audit forms completed by the DON, which indicated she had not identified any concerns.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to provide a sanitary homelike environment for residents. Observations of the lunch meal service in the dining room on 09/08/1...
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Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to provide a sanitary homelike environment for residents. Observations of the lunch meal service in the dining room on 09/08/19 revealed the facility had two (2) separate dining services at different times for the lunch meal (A dining and B dining). Staff failed to clean the dining room tables between the A and B dining services. Observations revealed residents who ate at the B dining service were observed to sit and eat at tables contaminated with food spillage from the previous A dining service.
The findings include:
Interview with the Housekeeping Supervisor on 09/11/19 at 1:40 PM revealed the facility did not have a policy or procedure regarding cleaning the dining room between meals. According to the Housekeeping Supervisor, the dining room was cleaned three (3) times daily, after each meal service was completed.
Observation of the B dining service on 09/08/19 at 12:04 PM at the lunch meal, revealed residents' lunch trays were placed on tables soiled with food spillage from the previous A dining service.
Further interview with the Housekeeping Supervisor on 09/11/19 at 1:40 PM revealed housekeeping staff cleaned the dining room after each meal was completed. The Housekeeping Supervisor stated she was not aware tables were not being cleaned or wiped down between the A and B dining services.
Interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 09/11/19 at 11:10 AM revealed she monitored the dining room during meal services, but not daily. According to the DON, Housekeeping cleaned the dining room after residents were finished eating. The DON stated she was not aware residents were eating at dirty tables that had not been cleaned between the A and B dining services.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program to ensure the facility was free of pests. Flies were observed in...
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Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program to ensure the facility was free of pests. Flies were observed in the kitchen on initial tour, during the lunch meal, and during the supper meal on 09/08/19. An air curtain over the facility kitchen door to the outside was observed, but it was not functioning. There was no other means to prevent or control flies in the kitchen.
The findings include:
A review of the facility's pest control policy titled Pest Control, dated August 2013, revealed the contracted pest control company would treat the dietary department monthly.
Observation of the kitchen on 09/08/19 at 10:05 AM revealed three (3) flies in the kitchen in contact with plates, plate covers, food surfaces, and counters.
Observation during the lunch meal on 09/08/19 at 11:10 AM revealed three (3) flies in the kitchen in contact with plate covers, counters, trays, and drinking glasses.
Observation of the kitchen during the tray line service on 09/08/19 at 4:55 PM revealed four (4) flies in the kitchen in contact with plate covers, drinking glasses, and counter surfaces.
A review of the pest control invoices for July and August 2019 revealed no evidence of treatment for flies.
An interview with the Dietary Manager on 09/11/19 at 11:00 AM revealed Maintenance was in charge of pest control. The Manager stated a company came to treat the facility (unknown date). However, according to the Dietary Manager, the air curtain had not worked for an unknown amount of time.
An interview with the Maintenance Director on 09/11/19 at 11:45 AM revealed a contracted pest control company came to the facility and treated for pests, including flies, monthly. According to the Maintenance Director, the air curtain has not worked in three (3) years. Further interview revealed the kitchen door did have a storm door that was removed a few weeks ago because it was dragging the floor. The Maintenance Director stated they had looked at ordering a new motor for the air curtain in the kitchen but that had to be approved by Corporate. According to the Maintenance Director, if something was broken, a work order was filled out; however, there were no work orders completed on the air curtain. According to the Maintenance Director, he was not aware of any problems with flies so the air curtain was not replaced.
MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure seven (7) unsampled residents received or were offered appealing options (substitutes or alternates)...
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Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure seven (7) unsampled residents received or were offered appealing options (substitutes or alternates) of similar nutritive value when the residents chose not to eat food that was initially served, or who had requested a different meal choice.
The findings include:
Review of the facility's policy for alternate menus and substitutes titled, Use and Storage of Leftovers, dated August 2013, revealed leftover foods were kept for residents who did not like items on the menu and according to the policy the leftover foods were cooled and stored for a period of seven days to offer as alternate food items.
Observations on 09/08/19, of the lunch meal at 11:10 AM revealed chicken soup and cold cut and pimento cheese sandwiches were served for the alternate. Additional observation of the supper meal at 4:55 PM revealed cold cut sandwiches and vegetable soup were served as an alternate.
Review of the facility's menu for 09/08/19 revealed the entree for lunch was maple glazed pork, cornbread dressing, steamed vegetables, a roll, and pie. No alternate menu items were listed for the lunch meal. A review of the supper menu revealed the entree was a soup of the day and turkey and cheese melt sandwich, sweet potato fries, beet salad, and Hawaiian fruit cup with no alternate items listed for the supper meal.
A group interview conducted on 09/09/19 with seven (7) alert and oriented residents revealed the facility only offered soup and sandwiches for alternates. The group stated soup and sandwiches were served often at the facility and the residents were tired of only being offered soup and sandwiches as alternate foods.
Interview with the [NAME] on 09/11/19 at 1:45 PM, revealed the facility did have alternates at times when there were leftovers, but soup and sandwiches were served frequently as an alternate menu item.
Interview with the Dietary Manager on 09/11/19 at 11:00 AM, revealed the facility offered soup and sandwiches as a substitute or leftovers as an alternate. The Dietary Manager stated she was not aware of any food complaints regarding substitutes, or that the facility served soup and sandwiches as an alternate too often.