CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interview, observation and review of facility policy, (1) the facility failed to ensure an ordered medic...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interview, observation and review of facility policy, (1) the facility failed to ensure an ordered medication was secured and not left at Resident (R)40's bedside. Additionally, (2) the facility failed to ensure the correct resident (R23) was transported to an appointment. Specifically, transportation picked up R130 (who did not have an appointment), a cognitively impaired and elopement risk resident, and transported her approximately 15 miles to a medical facility and left the resident unattended. For 3 of 5 residents reviewed.
On 03/12/25 at 9:00 AM, the survey team provided the Administrator with a copy of the CMS Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) Template and informed the facility IJ existed as of 02/05/25. The IJ was related to 42 CFR 483.25 - Quality of Care.
On 03/12/25 at 1:43 PM, the facility provided an acceptable IJ Removal Plan. On 03/12/25 at 2:45 PM, the survey team validated the facility's corrective actions and removed the IJ. The facility remained out of compliance at F689 at a lower scope and severity of D.
An Extended Survey was conducted in conjunction with the Recertification Survey for non-compliance at F689, constituting substandard quality of care.
Findings include:
(1) Review of the facility policy dated 01/09/2019 and titled, Storage of Medication revealed under the policy, Medications and Biolgicals are stored safely, securely, and properly .
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 12:30 PM, Nystatin cream was noted at the bedside of R40, with a pharmacy label identifying R40.
During an observation and interview on 03/10/25 at 10:18 AM, Nystatin cream was noted still at the bedside of R40. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)1 entered the room and confirmed the Nystatin cream was at R40's bedside. LPN1 stated he's been looking for it, the nurse must have left it in here yesterday. It is not supposed to remain in the room, we keep it on the medication cart.
Review of R40's Facesheet revealed R40 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including but not limited to: unspecified dementia, unspecified intellectual disabilities, pruritus, and osteoporosis.
Review of R40's Annual Minimum Data Sheet (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 02/18/25, revealed R40 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 2 out of 15, indicating R40 was severely cognitively impaired.
Review of R40's Physician Orders revealed R40 had an order for antifungal cream 1% to apply a small amount to bilateral feet including between toes every shift, dated 03/04/25.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 10:30 AM, Registered Nurse (RN)1 stated she makes room rounds to ensure residents are ok. RN1 stated, We cannot leave treatment items in the rooms. Ambulatory residents can walk in the room and get to it. Once the nurses are done using it, it should be placed back into the treatment cart.
During an interview with the Director of Nurses (DON) on 03/11/25 at 4:56 PM, the DON stated, The treatment item is expected to be returned to the treatment cart afterward, not remain in the room.
(2) Review of the undated Patient Transportation policy revealed, If the patient and/or family member desires a private transportation company to provide transportation, our facility will arrange for a private transportation company to contact the family regarding transportation costs unless the transportation is a covered service through the patient's Medicare or Medicaid policy.
Review of R23's Facesheet revealed R23 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] at 2:16 PM, with diagnoses including, but not limited to: noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, muscle weakness, hypothyroidism and Parkinson's disease without dyskinesia.
Review of R23's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 02/03/25, revealed R23 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15, indicating that R23 was cognitively intact.
Review of R23's Progress Notes dated 02/05/25 at 3:20 PM stated, Resident missed appointment d/t [due to] transport picking up incorrect resident. The office is to reschedule.
Review of R130's Facesheet revealed R130 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] at 3:13 PM, with diagnoses including, but not limited to: dementia, metabolic encephalopathy, epilepsy, and pulmonary hypertension.
Review of R130's Annual MDS with an ARD of 01/13/25, revealed R130 had a BIMS score of 12 out of 15, indicating R130 was moderately cognitively impaired. Furthermore, wandering behaviors were exhibited 1 to 3 days.
Review of R130's Elopement Risk assessment dated [DATE], revealed R130 scored a 1.0, indicating R130 was at risk for elopement.
During an interview with an ophthalmologist at (local eye clinic) on 03/11/25 at 3:52 PM, revealed R23 in room [ROOM NUMBER] had an appointment on 02/05/25. Transportation dropped a resident off at the appointment. When it was time for the resident to come back, we asked her to verify her name, and she gave us the wrong name stating she was R130. We called the nurse at the facility and told them they sent the wrong resident. The resident that was sent, R130, was demented and crying, asking where she was. The ophthalmologist stated they (the facility) sent the wrong resident to our outpatient facility, and she should have had someone with her, especially with a diagnosis of dementia. Nobody was with her. Transportation came to pick her up within an hour.
During an interview with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)1, for 200 unit, on 03/11/25 at 4:30 PM, revealed R23 had an appointment on 02/05/25. The transport driver came to the unit, picked up R23's packet and stated she was looking for R23. LPN1 stated he told the transport driver R23 had a room change and she is residing in room [ROOM NUMBER], and stated the patient was in her room. LPN1 stated after he spoke with the transport driver, he left the nurses' station and was going room to room checking on glucometers. LPN1 stated once he left the nurses' station, he did not see the transport driver take the patient. LPN1 stated he got a call from the eye clinic stating they had the wrong resident. LPN1 stated he was unsure how transportation got the wrong resident. LPN1 stated he was unsure where R130 was located, and no one had communicated with him that she was not in the building. LPN1 stated R23 schedules her own appointment and stated he did not notify R130's family in regard to the mishap. LPN1 stated that they should have notified the family.
During an interview with LPN2 on 03/11/25 at 5:00 PM, LPN2 stated R23's pick up was supposed to be around 2:00 PM. R130 was out of the facility 30-45 minutes, at the latest.
During an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 03/11/25 at 5:29 PM , the DON stated, I was made aware that [R130] was accidentally picked up by transport. [R23] was the resident who was supposed to be picked up. The transportation had gotten into the parking lot and left. Contact was made simultaneously with dispatch of the transport company. When transport came back around to leave, nobody was at the desk. I believe [R23] schedules her appointment and goes alone. Typically, family escorts the resident if they have dementia, if unable, the facility will provide an escort for them. At the same time, the doctor's office was being called, they were calling us. The Administrator was made aware. LPN1 contacted both families. There is no documentation. The day it happened, they were notified. The process for going out to an appointment, transport comes in, confirm the room number, they get the patient. There is a paperwork packet that goes with them. It is usually verified when they get the appointment packet, typically the charge nurse or nurse on the unit at the desk, they lay eyes on the resident. When transport came back around to leave, nobody was at the desk.
Two attempts were made to contact R130's Responsible Party (RP) on 03/11/25 at 5:27 PM and 5:54 PM. Both attempts were unsuccessful. A detailed message was left for a return call.
During an interview with the ambulance driver (AD)1 on 03/11/25 at 6:19 PM, AD1 revealed that she recalls transporting a resident on 02/05/25 from (the facility) to a doctor's appointment approximately 10 minutes away. AD1 stated she entered the facility and went to the nurse's station on the 200 hall and showed them her phone, which provided the details of the resident she was to pick up. The Charge Nurse told her the resident had moved to room [ROOM NUMBER]. AD1 stated she went to the room and asked the resident if her name was the name that was provided on her documents and asked if she was ready for her appointment, the resident responded Yes to both questions. AD1 further stated she retrieved the resident, provided the charge nurse a thumbs up motion and he provided the same hand gesture as they left the facility. AD1 also included that no one accompanied her to the resident's room and that is normal practice that staff do not accompany her to resident's rooms and she is not responsible for signing any documentation when transporting any resident from the facility. AD1 stated she took the resident to the appointment and she left her there. AD1 then returned to their home location and after she was there for approximately ten minutes, her dispatch contacted her and stated [the facility] contacted them and stated she had transported the wrong resident. AD1 stated that she went to pick the resident up from the doctor's office, of which she was sitting in the lobby unattended, but she was not in distress, she just complained about how cold she was. AD1 concluded she took the resident back to the facility and no one from the facility stated anything to her. The total transport was about one to one and a half hours and never saw the resident that was supposed to have the appointment and be transported.
During an interview with R23 on 03/11/25 at 6:25 PM, R23 revealed she makes appointments for herself, sometimes, and was not able to remember if she missed an appointment on 02/05/25 with an eye doctor. R23 was unable to speak verbally, but mouthed the words with Registered Nurse (RN)1 present. RN1 stated R23 has Parkinson's and sometimes you can hear her audibly but in a very low tone.
On 03/12/25 at 1:43 PM, the facility provided an acceptable IJ Removal Plan, which included the following:
In this incident, resident R23 had an appointment to which R130 was inadvertently picked up by transport and taken to this appointment. There is concern that the R130 was without supervision during the inadvertent transport. The center notified transport for immediate pick up and R130 was returned to the center without any incident. R130 arrived back at NHC Lexington, assessment completed showing no acute distress.
All patients have potential to be affected by deficient practice of F689. R130 did not have an appointment, making the concern unique. A review of patient appointments was conducted by the DON on March 12, 2025, showing that no other patients had been affected by this practice.
A sign in and out log is implemented as of March 12, 2025, listing date and time out, patient name, responsible person taking the resident, witness of patient leaving, the date and time of return, person returning patent and witness of patient return. This form will be signed by multiple parties to include the nurse or designee during any patient leave of absence to include appointments, family outings, etc. Nursing staff present in facility were educated on this practice on March 12, 2025, and education will continue through March 26, 2025. A review of this practice will be conducted daily by DON or designee for the next thirty days. Then twice weekly for fourteen days, then weekly for fourteen days and ongoing thereafter. Findings will be reported during QA meeting monthly.
The facility will monitor this corrective plan monthly during QA until sufficient compliance feels met by the QA committee.
March 12, 2025.
A QAPI meeting was held on 3/12/2025 with the Administrator, Assistant Administrator, DON, Assistant DON, Nurse Managers, Assistant Regional Nurse, Social Worker Director, HIM Director, Director of Rehab. The Medical Director communicated with via phone. The alleged events were discussed in detail and reviewed and updated processes that will be implemented to assure resident safety from situations of non-supervision are followed up on appropriately.
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure call lights were within residents'...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure call lights were within residents' reach and easily accessible for 2 of 4 residents reviewed for accommodation of needs, Resident (R)126 and R61.
Findings include:
Review of the facility policy with a revision date of October 2023, titled, Call Light documented, Purpose: To provide a means of communication of needs from the residents to the staff . 8. When providing care to residents be sure to position the call light conveniently for the resident to use. Tell the resident where the call light is and show him/her how to use the call light . 11. Be sure all call lights are placed on the bed at all times and the cords are off the floor.
Review of R126's Face Sheet revealed R126 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including, but not limited to: dementia, psychotic disturbance, anxiety, rhabdomyolysis and a history of falling.
Review of R126's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 12/18/24, revealed R126 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 14 out of 15, indicating R126 was cognitively intact.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 11:44 AM, R126's call light was not in reach, the call light was located on the floor behind the bed.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 12:40 PM, R126's call light was on the floor, under the bed.
During an observation and interview on 03/10/25 at 12:02 PM, R126's call light was on the floor under the bed. R126 stated that she didn't think that she had a call light anymore.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 1:17 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)2 stated that R126 can use their call light and holler for him. LPN2 stated that he conducts routine checks on his residents throughout the day. LPN2 stated that he usually goes to the room when the resident presses the call light. LPN2 further stated he conducts safety checks which consist of providing for the needs of the resident, positioning and ensuring the bedside table is within reach. LPN2 verified that the call light was out of R126's reach. LPN2 picked the call light up off the floor and attached the call light to R126's bed sheet. LPN2 concluded this isn't his normal practice, and there is no reason it should've been missed, staff should've known the call light was out of place.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 1:30 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)3 stated the call light is answered by whomever is closest to it. CNA3 stated that routine checks are conducted throughout the day, ensuring call lights are in place, water is at bedside, curtains are pulled, and the room temperature is to the liking of the resident. CNA3 stated R126 takes her call light and throws it on the floor often. CNA3 stated that resident can ambulate, so she notifies them vocally if she can't reach her call light.
Review of R61's Face Sheet revealed R61 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including, but not limited to: dementia, acute embolism and thrombosis of left femoral vein, history of falling, cognitive communication deficit and chronic kidney disease.
Review of R61's Quarterly MDS with an ARD of 01/16/25, revealed R61 had a BIMS score of 5 out of 15, indicating R61 was severely cognitively impaired.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 9:00 AM, R61's call light was not visible in the resident's room.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 12:14 PM, R61's call light still could not be located in the resident's room.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 12:02 PM, R61's call light was found on the floor behind the bed by staff.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 1:22 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)2 stated that R61 is a closely watched resident. LPN2 stated that R61 doesn't comprehend how to use the call light. R61 vocally expresses herself and is a high fall risk. LPN2 stated there are no excuses warranted, the call light should've been in reach of the resident. LPN2 safety checks consist of providing for the needs of the resident, positioning and ensuring the bedside table is within reach. LPN2 picked the call light off the floor and attached call light to R61 bed sheet so it can be within reach.
During an interview on 03/11/25 at 7:23 PM, the DON stated that her expectations of her staff is for all call lights to be answered as prompt as possible and to be able to complete the need if able. Anybody can answer the call lights on the halls, and call lights are to always be in reach of the residents.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure respiratory equipment ...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure respiratory equipment (Bipap, CPAP, and Nebulizer Masks) were functioning, maintained, and stored appropriately for 4 of 4 residents (Resident (R)19, R14, R46 and R59) reviewed for respiratory care out of total sample of 12 residents. The facility's deficient practice increased the resident's risk of respiratory complications.
Findings include:
Review of the facility policy titled, 306 Respiratory- Respiratory Therapy Equipment with a revision date of February 2025 revealed, 3. Respiratory equipment (i.e., nasal cannula, aerosols, etc.) at bedside will be covered with a plastic bag when not in use. Respiratory therapy services are important in preventing and managing health care acquired infections in the health care setting. The center's Respiratory Therapy Department will follow established guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting and refilling humidifiers and H2O reservoirs. Disposable tubing and refillable reservoirs will be replaced according to center schedule, Suctioning equipment will be disinfected according to center procedures.
Review of a document provided by the facility titled Specific Medication Administration Procedures with a revision date of 02/25/25, documented, When equipment is completely dry, store in a plastic bag with resident's name and the date on it.
Review of R19's Face Sheet revealed R19 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including but not limited to: acute recurrent sinusitis, chronic maxillary sinusitis, and mild intermittent asthma.
Review of R19's Physician Orders revealed, Prescription ipratropium-albuterol solution for nebulization; 0.5 mg-3 mg (2.5 mg base)/; amt: 1 neb; inhalation
Twice A Day - PRN, PRN 1, PRN 2 Open Ended with a start date of 02/17/25.
Review of R19's Care Plan last revised on 01/13/25, revealed, Complications, at risk for related to disease processes of hypertensive CKD stage 4, iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, primary generalized osteoarthritis, depression, mild intermittent asthma, other chronic pain, GERD, other B12 deficiency anemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, prurigo nodularis, polyneuropathy, left shoulder pain, chronic sinusitis, insomnia, anxiety disorder, vitamin D deficiency, dysphagia, constipation, hallucinations, difficulty walking, cramp and spasm, localized edema, non-pressure chronic ulcer to left foot, abnormalities of gait and mobility, unspecified lack of coordination, and generalized muscle weakness, [R19] has history of C1 displaced vertebra fracture. Approaches directed staff to, NEBULIZER MASK - CHANGE NEBULIZER TUBING AND MASK EVERY 3 DAYS Edited: 02/02/2024 Nebulizer Care: RINSE MASK AND CHAMBER WITH TAP WATER. LET DRY ON PAPER TOWEL AFTER EACH NEBULIZER TREATMENT Created: 02/02/2024. Observe resident for signs of respiratory distress such as shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping, shallow breathing Created: 08/19/2021.
Review of R19's Quarterly Minimal Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 01/02/25, revealed Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15, indicating R19's cognition was intact.
During an observation and interview on 03/09/25 at 12:58 PM, of R19's room revealed a Medline Nebulizer machine, near the resident's bedside. The Jet nebulizer cap was empty, the adult mask was hooked up to the Jet Nebulizer chamber. The mask was uncovered. The machine was located beside an artificial plant. The artificial plan had dust particles. The tubing on the machine was dated 03/06/25. R19 stated she used the machine as needed. R19 stated she used the machine a few days ago. R19 could not recall the last time staff cleaned the machine or replaced the mask.
An observation on 3/10/2025 at 9:09 AM, at 12:18 PM, and on 03/11/25 at 9:09 AM, revealed the Jet nebulizer cap was empty, the adult mask was hooked up to the Jet Nebulizer chamber. The mask was uncovered. The tubing on the machine was dated 03/06/25.
During an interview on 03/11/25 at 4:16 PM, Registered Nurses (RN)3 and RN4 confirmed R19 uses her nebulizer PRN (as needed) and that R19 had a treatment a few days ago, however, could not recall the exact date. Both nurses confirmed tubing should have been changed, and confirmed the date on the sticker was the date it was changed, and it was supposed to be changed on the 9th or 10th, even if it's not in use. Both nurses stated it's the nurse's responsibility to ensure nebulizers are covered when not in use, and tubing is changed every 3 days per order. Both nurses confirmed R19 did not have her nebulizer covered until a few minutes ago.
Review of R59's Facesheet revealed R59 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including but not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea.
Review of R59's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 02/27/25, revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15, indicating R59 was cognitively intact.
Review of R59's Physician Orders revealed an order for CPAP, to use CPAP from home at night, pressure 13, at bedtime 9:00 PM.
Review of R59's Medication Administration Record (MAR) dated March 2025 revealed nurse signatures were signed every night at 9:00 PM for usage.
During an observation and interview on 03/09/25 at 3:30 PM, revealed a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) in R59's room. R59 stated, Something is wrong with it for about 2 weeks. They turned it on last night, it worked for a while then it just cut off. I've been asking about getting it fixed, I need it. No-one has said anything, I'm just waiting.
During a follow up interview on 03/10/25 at 2:51 PM, R59 stated, I used the CPAP last night, it cut off twice. There is supposed to be someone coming to look at it. The CPAP is in the drawer. Observation revealed the CPAP machine in R59's dresser drawer.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 4:55 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)1 entered R59's room and retrieved the CPAP machine and turned it on. LPN1 stated, It's set for 13 pressure, when it gets to 4 it stops, it runs for 10-15 seconds. LPN1 tried it with the mask on also and confirmed it wasn't working.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 5:02 PM, Registered Nurse (RN)1 stated, The charge nurse was aware. He let the niece know and there is a pulmonology appointment April 24th. We asked her niece to come pick it up. RN1 confirmed that R59 was not able to use the machine.
During a phone interview on 03/10/25 at 5:12 PM, R59's niece stated, [R59] has been on the CPAP for years. I thought she was using it at night. I don't recall them telling me that it wasn't working. I've never had it serviced. She was on a CPAP at home. Most of her stuff, the nursing home takes care of. R59's spouse spoke up and stated he was not aware of any problems with the machine.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 5:15 PM, LPN2 stated he checked it an hour or two ago. It popped on and it only went to 4. LPN2 confirmed R59's CPAP was not working correctly.
During a follow up interview on 03/10/25 at 5:20 PM, RN1 stated on January 20th, the family was called about the machine needing service. RN2 stated, [R59] has an appointment with Pulmonology April 24th. We asked her niece to come pick up the CPAP.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 6:08 PM, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) stated she's had more issues than we've been successful with it. The mask was replaced at least 2 times. R59 has obstructive sleep apnea and COPD. R59 had a sleep study, her O2 (oxygen) saturation (oxygen in the blood) was dropping in the 80s. The NP further stated, The facility should provide medical equipment. They own one CPAP machine in the facility. When it works it's great. The NP concluded, My preference would be that [R59] use oxygen every night. We knew she didn't use the machine all through the night. She was averaging about 4 hours.
During a follow up interview on 03/11/25 at 10:57 AM, LPN2 stated, Aero Care was supposed to call [R59's] family. They called the husband a few months ago, he has advanced Parkinson's. I did not know it [CPAP machine] was broken all this time. There is an appointment for Thursday, I called them first thing this morning. The niece is coming to pick it up and take it to them to fix. I spoke to her yesterday. She said she was not made aware back then. [R59's] husband would not have been able to tell her or remember to tell her with his advanced Parkinson's.
During an interview on 03/11/25 at 5:07 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated, I was made aware of [R59's] CPAP machine yesterday. I should have been made aware if they weren't able to get it resolved. Most residents bring there own. My expectations are for me to be notified.
Review of R46's Face Sheet revealed R46 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including, but not limited to: hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting left side, aphasia, obstructive sleep apnea, and morbid obesity.
Review of R46's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 12/10/24, revealed R46 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 of 15, indicating that the resident is cognitively intact.
Review of R46's Progress Note dated from January - March 2025 revealed no progress notes related to OSA or breathing difficulties.
Review of R46's Medication Administration Record (MAR) reviewed for the months of January-March 2025, revealed the following: that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is ordered to be used at bedtime with start date 10/10/22 to 03/10/25. CPAP care daily- once a day, wash c-pap mask daily with soap and water and air dry. CPAP care weekly- once a day on Sunday. Wash tubing and head gear with soap and water on Sunday and air dry on 7a- 7p. CPAP filters- once a day on Friday every two weeks, change disposable filters. CPAP humidifier- once a day. Empty and refill humidifier daily with sterile/distilled water on 7p-7a.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 11:57 AM, R46's CPAP machine and mask were located at bedside. The CPAP mask was uncovered laying on the nightstand.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 1:07 PM, R46's CPAP facemask was uncovered on the nightstand.
Review of Resident (R)14's Face Sheet revealed R14 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including, but not limited to: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and anxiety disorder.
Review of R14's Quarterly MDS with an ARD of 01/07/25, revealed R14 had a BIMS score of 5 of 15, indicating that the resident was severely cognitively impaired.
Review of R46's Medication Administration Record (MAR) for the months of January-March 2025, revealed the following: Nebulizer care is performed on every shift- rinse mask and chamber with tap water. Let dry on paper towel after each nebulizer treatment. Nebulizer mask change is once a day every three days- change nebulizer tubing and mask every three days 7p-7a shift. Budesonide suspension for nebulization; 0.5mg/2ml; 1 unit dose; inhalation every 12 hours for COPD.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 12:27 PM, R46's nebulizer mask was uncovered at bedside.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 10:00 AM, R46's nebulizer mask was uncovered on bedside table.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 1:45 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)4 stated that there is a protocol in place for CPAP storage. Staff follows the orders in the chart and staff changes the face mask once a week and uses distilled water in the humidifier. LPN4 stated the mask must be washed and cleaned after use and placed on a barrier to allow for drying. LPN4 observed R46's CPAP face mask uncovered at bedside. LPN4 stated that the face mask must be protected from germs when not in use.
During an interview on 03/11/25 at 3:31 PM, Registered Nurse (RN)1 stated once the resident is complete with nebulizer or CPAP, the face mask is washed out and laid to dry on a waterproof barrier. RN1 stated when the mask is not in use, it is placed in a bag for infection control purposes. The CPAP face mask and tubing is changed every three months, and the nebulizer is washed in soap and water daily. RN1 stated the tubing is washed weekly, and the filters are changed every two-weeks. RN1 stated the face cushion is changed every month, the mask is placed in a plastic bag after use.
During an interview on 03/11/25 at 7:21 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON), stated that she expects respiratory care is being provided per the physician's orders and face masks are stored in their designated storage bags when not in use. The DON encourages patients to utilize the storage bags as well.
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure used Personal Protective Equipment...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was disposed of properly in accordance with professional standards. Specifically, used PPE was observed hanging outside of the resident's rooms who were currently on droplet precautions for 6 of 9 rooms observed.
Findings include:
Review of the facility's policy titled, 704 Droplet Precautions, documented, Change protective attire and perform hand hygiene between contact with patients in the same room, regardless of whether one patient or both patients are on Droplet Precautions.
Review of the CDC Infection Control Summary of Recommendations with a revision year of 2007, states, Slide 10. PPE must be removed at the point of exit; do not reuse face masks.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 10:45 AM, there was a used uncovered face mask hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 10:45 AM, there was a used uncovered face mask hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 1:15 PM, there was a used uncovered face mask hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 1:17 PM, there were used gloves balled up on the handrail outside of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 2:10 PM, there was a used uncovered face shield, hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 2:31 PM, there was an used uncovered face shield, hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/09/25 at 2:33 PM, there was a used uncovered face mask hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 9:00 AM, there was a used uncovered face shield, hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 10:08 AM, there were two used uncovered face masks hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an observation on 03/10/25 at 10:14 AM, there was a used uncovered face shield, hanging on room door of room [ROOM NUMBER], a droplet precaution room, near clean PPE.
During an interview on 03/09/25 at 1:10 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated that she is the infection control nurse, and the facility now has nine Covid positive patients. The outbreak started on 02/17/25 with 22 positive residents. The facility is maintaining the same staff on the units and reducing community activities to prevent residents from being around others to contain the spread of Covid.
During an interview on 03/10/25 at 9:57 AM, the Administrator stated that he would have to get with the nursing department on the mask policy guidelines for masking when Covid is in the building.
During a follow up interview on 03/11/25 at 7:24 PM, the DON stated that she expects her staff to don (put on) and doff (take off) their PPE per wherever the isolation is, and PPE should be stored in the bags that are hanging outside the door that contains clean PPE not used PPE. The DON further expects new PPE to be used every time staff enters in a resident's room that is on precautions.