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Nursing Facility

SWEETWATER HEALTHCARE CENTER

Owned by: For profit - Corporation

Safety Pulse

AI-GENERATED FAMILY INSIGHTS

  • **Resident Rights & Grievances:** Documented failures to uphold residents' rights to organize, participate in groups, and voice grievances without reprisal raise concerns about a potentially disempowering environment for residents.

  • **Medication Errors:** Violation related to medication error rates exceeding acceptable limits (5%) signals a significant risk to resident safety and quality of care.

  • **Infection Control & Food Safety:** Deficiencies in infection prevention and control, coupled with potential issues in food sourcing, preparation, and storage, present serious health risks to residents.

Note: This summary is generated from recently documented safety inspections and citations.

Regional Context

This Facility14
SWEETWATER AVERAGE10.4

35% more violations than city average

Source: 3-year federal inspection history (CMS.gov)

Quick Stats

14Total Violations
79Certified Beds
Safety Grade
F
75/100 Score
F RATED
Safety Audit Result
Legal Consultation Available

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Violation History

CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0565

Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to resident or family group, if one exists, with private space, and take responsible steps, with the approval of the group, to make residents and family members aware of upcoming meetings in a timely manner for seven of seven anonymous residents reviewed for resident family group and response.<BR/> The facility did not provide a private space for resident council meetings. <BR/>This failure could place residents at risk of not being able to exercise their rights of being able to voice their grievances in private, without uninvited staff being present. <BR/>Findings Included:<BR/>Observation and interviews on 12/16/2024 at 10:30 AM during a Resident Council meeting held during survey, revealed the following: The Resident Council meeting was held in the dining room. The area had two open doorways that did not have a door closure. The dining room was outside of the nurse's station. There were three staff members observed walking through the dining room during the Resident Council meeting. Residents were seated throughout the large dining room area, which contained approximately twelve round tables that could have possibly seated, approximately, 4-5 residents. The residents in attendance had difficulty hearing each other as well as the State Surveyor during the meeting, despite voices being raised so they could hear. The noise from the hallway was heard in the dining room and caused it to be more difficult to hear during the meeting. Staff were observed entering the far side of the dining area, near the kitchen, which caused a distraction. Residents stated they had Resident Council meetings in the dining room every month, and there was not another, more private, area for residents to meet. Residents stated the area was distracting and difficult to hear during meetings. <BR/>During an interview with the AD on 12/16/2024 at 11:15 AM; the AD stated she was responsible for scheduling and coordinating Resident Council meetings each month. The AD stated Resident Council meetings were always held in the dining room, and there were no doors on the dining room entry ways for her to close during these meetings. The AD stated she tried to remind staff, when they had a meeting, to prevent staff from entering the dining room. The AD stated she never thought of having the meeting in a different area as this was where the meeting had been held since she started at the facility, a year ago. The AD stated staff often walked through the dining room while residents had Resident Council meetings. <BR/>During an interview with the ADM on 12/17/2024 at 11:40 AM; the ADM stated he recognized that there was no privacy for the Resident Council meeting that was held during survey. The ADM stated the Resident Council meetings were always held in the dining room. The ADM stated the AD was responsible for scheduling and coordinating Resident Council meetings each month. The ADM stated there were no doors on the dining room to adhere to the facility's policy which indicated Resident Council meetings would be held in a private space. The ADM stated he observed staff walking through the dining room during the Resident Council meeting, and he stated he usually had staff outside of the dining room when residents had Resident Council to redirect staff from entering the dining room. The ADM stated this practice did not promote a private space for Resident Council, as staff could overhear the meeting. The ADM stated that the noise from the hallway, around the nurse's station, could be distracting in the dining room area when Resident Council meetings were held. The ADM stated he would begin having Resident Council meetings in the unused dining area of hallway A, as this area was unused and there were few residents on that hallway. The ADM stated he would block off the back side of the hallway to allow residents to have a private meeting space for Resident Council in the future. <BR/>Record Review of the facilitiy's undated document titled Grievances, Recording and Investigating, revised February 2021, revealed the following:<BR/>Policy Statement:<BR/>The facility supports residents' rights to organize and participate in the resident council.<BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation:<BR/>1. <BR/>The resident council group is provided with space, privacy, and support to conduct meetings.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0585

Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Based on observation, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure information on how to file a grievance or complaint was available to the residents for 7 of 7 confidential residents reviewed for grievances. <BR/>The facility failed to provide a prominent posting of the Grievance Procedure, access to Grievance forms, information of who the facility's grievance official was and their contact information, information of how a resident could file an anonymous grievance, and the residents' right to obtain a written decision related to their grievance. <BR/>This failure could place residents at risk of unresolved grievances and a decreased quality of life. <BR/>Findings include:<BR/>During Confidential interviews revealed 7 of 7 confidential residents stated they did not know about the grievance process. They also stated they did not know where to obtain or submit a grievance form. They stated they did not know they could file a Grievance anonymously. They stated they did not know who their grievance officer was. They stated the Grievance procedure had never been discussed in Resident Council or upon admission. They also stated they had not observed a posting of the Grievance procedure anywhere in the facility. Residents did not know how to file a grievance. Residents did not know where to acquire a grievance form, who to turn the form into, and what should happen once a grievance was filed. The Residents did not know they had the right to receive a written decision once their grievance was resolved. Residents did not know they could file anonymous grievances. <BR/>Observation on 12/16/2024 at 11:30 AM showed there were no visible grievance forms, nor postings with instructions explaining how grievances could be filed, found in any of the areas of the facility accessible to the residents to obtain on their own. <BR/>During an interview with the AD on 12/16/2024 at 11:15 AM, the AD stated she was responsible for scheduling and coordinating Resident Council meetings each month. The AD stated complaints of missing items were made during Resident Council, and she completed grievance forms for the residents if these complaints were made. The AD stated there were never any other grievances or complaints made during resident council other than missing laundry, at times. The AD stated the grievance forms were not available for residents to obtain without asking a staff for the form. The AD stated the forms were not posted in an area accessible to the residents because she obtained the grievance forms for the residents when needed. The AD stated she felt this was an adequate process for the residents and she did not feel the grievance forms needed to be accessible to the residents to obtain on their own since she stated staff would obtain the forms for the residents. The AD stated she passed the grievance forms on to the laundry personnel to help find the residents' missing laundry, when it was necessary, and the laundry was always found or replaced if it could not be found. The AD stated she obtained the grievance form from the nurses' station or the administrator. The AD stated she was not aware of any location in the facility that the forms were available directly for the residents to obtain themselves. The AD stated the ADM reviews grievances to ensure they were resolved. The AD stated it was important for residents to be able to voice their concerns to ensure their needs were met. <BR/>During an interview with the ADM on 12/17/2024 at 11:40 AM, the ADM stated grievances forms were filled out by all staff for the residents when a complaint was made, and the grievance forms were then turned in to the Department manager of the Department that the grievance pertained to, such as laundry. The ADM stated the Department manager would then investigate to resolve the grievance. The ADM stated the grievance forms were then turned in to him, and he would follow up to ensure the grievance was resolved. The ADM stated he was responsible for ensuring each department resolved their grievances. The ADM stated residents were given a copy of the Residents Rights upon admission, but the facility did not have a grievance posting in the facility for residents to review, nor did the facility have a place for residents to obtain a grievance form. The ADM stated there was no process in place for a resident to file an anonymous grievance, as he had never had a resident ask to file an anonymous grievance. The ADM stated grievance forms were available to residents by request via facility staff. The ADM stated it was important for residents to be able to file grievances, so their concerns were resolved timely and to ensure their needs were met. The ADM stated he would establish a grievance location and obtain a box for residents to access going forward, which would allow residents to file grievances anonymously and obtain a grievance form on their own, if they choose.<BR/>Record Review of the undated document titled Residents' Rights, revised February 2021, revealed the following:<BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation:<BR/>U. voice grievances to the facility, or other agency that hears grievances, without discrimination or reprisal and without fear of discrimination or reprisal;<BR/>V. have the facility respond to his or her grievances;<BR/>Record Review of the undated document titled Grievances, Recording and Investigating, revised 1/12/2023, revealed the following:<BR/>Policy Statement:<BR/>All grievances filed with the facility will be investigated and corrective actions will be taken to resolve the grievance(s).<BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation:<BR/>1. <BR/>The facility will make information on how to file a grievance available to residents, family, and staff.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0759

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure that its medication error rate was not 5 percent or greater. The facility had a medication error rate of 7.69% based on 2 errors out of 26 opportunities, which involved 2 of 10 residents (Resident #202 and Resident #2) reviewed for medication administration. <BR/>1. LVN A failed to administer Midodrine (given for low blood pressure) to Resident #202, according to physician orders. <BR/>2. LVN A failed to administer Tylenol (given for pain) to Resident #2, according to physician orders. <BR/>These failures could place residents at risk of incomplete therapeutic outcomes, increased negative side effects, and decline in health.<BR/>Findings included:<BR/>1. Record review of Resident #202's face sheet dated 12/16/24 revealed a [AGE] year-old male with an admission date of 12/05/24. Resident #202 had diagnoses which included: metabolic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction), acute respiratory failure (inability to maintain adequate oxygen level), Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (digestive condition), paraplegia (paralysis of arms), and hypotension (low blood pressure).<BR/>Record review of Resident #202's admission MDS dated [DATE] revealed a BIMS of 15, which indicated the resident was cognitively intact. <BR/>Record review of Resident #202's current physicians orders revealed an order with a start date of 12/05/24, for Midodrine 10mg tablet, 1 by mouth three times per day; 08:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 08:00 PM. Special instructions: Hold if systolic is over 130 or diastolic is over 80. <BR/>During a medication administration observation on 12/16/24 at 11:48 AM for Resident #202, LVN A assessed the resident's blood pressure at 124/88, utilizing a wrist blood pressure cuff. LVN A then dispensed one Midodrine 10mg tablet into a medication cup and administered the medication to Resident #202. Observation of the medication card for Resident #202's medication - Midodrine 10 mg showed: Special instructions: Hold if systolic is over 130 or diastolic is over 80. <BR/>During an interview on 12/16/24 at 11:51 AM, LVN A stated she did not administer Resident #202's Midodrine 10 mg according to physician's orders. She stated she should have held the medication due to Resident #202's blood pressure reading, which was outside the blood pressure range set by the physician's order. She stated, I don't know why I didn't catch it before I gave the medication? I just made a mistake.<BR/>2. Record review of Resident #2's face sheet dated 12/16/24 revealed a [AGE] year-old female with an original admission date of 10/14/11. Resident #2 had diagnoses which included: myocardial infarction (heart attack), unspecified pain, cerebral infarction (stroke), dementia, cognitive communication deficit (difficulty in communication), osteoporosis (decreased bone mass). <BR/>Record review of Resident #2's Annual MDS dated [DATE] revealed a BIMS of 06, which indicated the resident had severe cognitive impairment. <BR/>Record review of Resident #2's current physicians orders revealed an order with a start date of 01/20/24 for Tylenol Extra Strength (acetaminophen) tablet; 500 mg; amt: one; oral Three Times A Day 08:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 08:00 PM. <BR/>During a medication administration observation on 12/16/24 at 12:08 PM for Resident #2, LVN A reviewed the order for Tylenol 500 mg in Resident #2's electronic record, then dispensed two Tylenol 500 mg tablets into a medication cup and administered the medication to Resident #2. <BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:17 AM, LVN A stated she did not administer Resident #2's Tylenol 500 mg tablets, according to physicians' orders. She stated she gave 2 tablets to Resident #2 when the order stated to give one tablet. She stated, I'm not sure why I did that-I don't usually make medication errors and I'm usually the one who does med pass every year with the state surveyor. <BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:17 AM, LVN A stated the process for administering medications to a resident was to first, look at the order, then pull the medication card from the cart, match the medication to the order, dispense the medication into the cup, repeat for other medications for the same resident, take vital signs if needed, then administer the medication after identifying the resident and always use the 5 rights of medication administration. LVN A stated she was trained on proper medication administration through yearly skills checks conducted by the facility's Corporate Nurse, who conducted a medication pass observation with nursing staff members. She stated medication administration observations were also conducted approximately every three months by the facility's Pharmacy Consultant. LVN A stated the protocol after making a medication error was to immediately report it to the DON, notify the provider and the family, and monitor the resident for signs of adverse reaction through observations and vital signs checks. She stated the documentation for a medication error would include completing a medication error form in the EMR, which copied to the progress note and added the information to the 24-hour nurses report to pass on to the oncoming shift. LVN A stated she notified the DON at the time of the error and notified the resident's providers and family members of the error. LVN A stated she completed the medication error form after all notifications were made. She stated both residents were monitored following the errors and neither resident exhibited signs of an adverse reaction. LVN A stated a potential negative outcome for failure to administer medications according to physician's orders would be adverse reactions, worsening of condition, and death. <BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:29 AM, the ADM stated he was informed by the DON of medication errors made on observation of medication pass on 12/16/24. He stated the DON was responsible for training staff on proper medication administration. He stated the system for monitoring accuracy of medication administration was medication pass observations conducted with nursing staff several times per year by the Pharmacy Consultant. The ADM stated his expectation of staff for accurate medication administration was that guidelines were always followed. He stated a potential negative outcome for failure to properly administer medications, according to physicians' orders would be adverse effects on the resident. <BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:34 AM, the DON stated she was informed by LVN A of medication errors made on observation of medication pass on 12/16/24. She stated she was responsible for assuring staff were trained on accurate medication administration. She stated medication pass audits conducted by the Corporate RN and Pharmacy Consultant were used to monitor the nursing staff's accuracy of medication administration. She stated she did not have a record of the medication administration audits conducted with LVN A, but the Corporate RN kept records of audits. The DON stated her expectation of staff for proper medication administration was that staff follow policy, which stated medications would be administered accurately, according to physician's orders. The DON stated a potential negative outcome of failure to properly administer medications, according to physicians' orders would be harm to the resident.<BR/>Record review of the facility-provided policy titled, Specific Medication Administration Procedures, dated 06/01/22, revealed: <BR/>Oral Medication Administration <BR/>Purpose<BR/>To administer oral medications in a safe, accurate and effective manner.<BR/>Procedures<BR/> .<BR/>B. Review and confirm medication orders for each individual resident on the medication administration record prior to administering medications to each resident. Review medication administration record for any test or vital signs that need to be determined prior to preparing the medications.<BR/>C. For solid medications:<BR/>1) Pour or push the correct number of tablets or capsules into the supply cup .<BR/> .<BR/>I. Chart medication administration on Medication Administration Record immediately following each resident's medication administration.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0812

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Based on observation, interview, and record reviews the facility failed to store, prepare, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety for one of one kitchen reviewed for kitchen sanitation. <BR/>The facility failed to sanitize and clean 1 of1 ice machine located outside the kitchen. <BR/>Theis failure could place the residents who were served from the kitchen at risk for health complications and foodborne illnesses. <BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Observation on 09/11/2022 at 12:15 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed thee filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was an unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine.<BR/>Observation on 09/12/2022 at 2:00 PM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine. After the Kitchen Aide unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance.<BR/>Observation on 09/13/2022 at 10:45 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine appeared to have been wiped but smeared with streaks. After the Dietary Manager unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance. A white napkin was used to wipe the lip of the door and the black wet unknown substance came off on the white napkin.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:35 AM the Administrator stated the kitchen staff was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. He stated the reason why the ice machine was not cleaned was because the inconsistency with who was responsible for doing it. He restated that at one point maintenance and the housekeeping staff were cleaning the ice machine because of staffing issues. He said the kitchen staff were short at the time. He stated he expected for the ice machine to be cleaned at least one time a week. He stated if the ice machine was not clean that it would put the residents at risk of receiving contaminated ice and could make them sick especially if there's bacteria in the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:46 AM the Dietary Manager said that dietary was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had found out about kitchen being responsible a couple of days ago but she was not aware of the dietary staff being responsible prior to being told a couple of days ago. She stated in the past she had just wiped it down but in the future she would clean the inside. She stated she had not been cleaning the inside because she did not know that dietary staff was responsible. She stated if the inside was not clean then the residents were at risk because mold could build up inside and people could get sick. She stated she had not been trained on how to clean the ice machine or how to remove anything inside to be clean. She stated the ice machine should be cleaned weekly. She stated she was not aware there was paperwork ( cleaning checklist) until she saws the sign in sheet on the side of the ice machine. She stated even when the dietary staff would clean it it would just be the outside of the ice machine. She stated she was not aware that the door could come out and be cleaned in the dishwasher.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10: 53 AM the Kitchen Aide stated she has been working at the facility since 05/28/22. She said she was not sure who was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had cleaned the ice machine the day before (09/11/2022) by wiping the outside of the ice machine but did not clean the inside. She stated she had never cleaned the inside. She stated she was not sure who was responsible, and she had not been told who was responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She stated if the ice machine was not clean according to policy then everyone to get sick and this could include staff and residents who consume ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:55 AM [NAME] A said she has been working on an off at the facility for three years. She stated housekeeping was responsible for cleaning the ice machine that she knew of. She stated she has never cleaned the inside of the ice machine. She stated as the cook she does not clean the ice machine but the kitchen aid does. She stated no one has ever trained her on cleaning the ice machine. She stated the ice machine not being clean could put the residence at risk for being sick. She stated mold could grow in the ice machine and get into the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 11:00 AM the Housekeeping Supervisor stated the kitchen was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She said last year she was told that housekeeping was responsible, and this is because the kitchen was short staffed, but this is no longer an issue. She said she was never told by anyone that she was no longer responsible but that she had told the DM that she was now responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She said she told the DM a couple of weeks ago at 7 AM in the morning but the DM did not remember. She said whenever she would clean the ice machine she would empty and then clean out the bin. She stated the door of the ice machine would be removed and ran through the dishwasher. She stated then they would also wipe the inside and outside of the ice machine. She stated failure to clean the ice machine could make residents sick.<BR/>Record review of the Texas Food Establishment Rules , dated August 2021, revealed the following:<BR/>Pg. 17<BR/>(d) Equipment and Utensils<BR/>(2) Location and installation. Equipment shall be located and installed and cleaned in a way that prevents food contamination and that also facilitates cleaning.<BR/>(4) Protection from contamination. Food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be protected from contamination by consumers and other sources. Where necessary to prevent contamination .<BR/>(f) Ice Usage<BR/>( 2) Ice used for human consumption must be stored in a clean sanitized container that .<BR/>Record review of the facility policy, Kitchen Sanitation to Prevent the Spread of Viral Illness, dated 03/03/2020 revealed the following information:<BR/>Policy: The Nutrition & Foodservice employees of the facility will practice good sanitation practices in accordance with the state and US Food Codes in order to minimize the risk of cross contamination and potential illness such as influenza and COVID-19.<BR/>(f) Kitchen Sanitation<BR/>Weekly Cleaning lists should be completed and monitored by dietary manager.<BR/>Record review of the Daily Ice Machine Cleaning Log dated September 2022 revealed employee signatures (DM, Kitchen Aid & the Cook) of all dietary staff signed from 09/01/2022 to 09/13/2022. <BR/>Record Review of Cleaning Checklist (untitled and undated) revealed the ice machine should be cleaned daily. The person responsible was not completed.<BR/>Record Review of the facility policy, Cleaning Guidelines for the Ice Machine, undated revealed the following:<BR/>1. <BR/>Unplug ice machine and remove the ice.<BR/>2. <BR/>Wash the interior thoroughly using a detergent solution. Rinsed and drain the interior with clean hot tap water <BR/>3. <BR/>Sanitize<BR/>4. <BR/>Air dry<BR/>5. <BR/>Turn the machine on.<BR/>6. <BR/>Clean the exterior of the machine with a detergent solution. Rinse and allow to air dry. Clean the area underneath and around the machine. The exterior of machine should be cleaned daily.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #41) and 2 of 5 staff (CNA A, and CNA B) reviewed for infection control.<BR/>CNA A and CNA B failed to wear proper PPE when providing direct care for Resident #41 who was on Enhanced Barrier Precautions.<BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Record review of Resident #41's face sheet dated 12/15/24 revealed a [AGE] year-old female with an admission date of 05/07/24. Resident #41 had diagnoses which included: dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) following cerebral infarction (stroke), major depressive disorder (persistent depression), unspecified pain, aphasia (inability to communicate), reduced mobility, cognitive communication deficit (difficulty in communication), and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (digestive condition). <BR/>Record review of Resident #41's MDS dated [DATE] revealed a BIMS of 10, indicating moderate cognitive impairment. Section K - Swallowing/Nutritional Status indicated Resident #41 had a feeding tube while a resident. <BR/>Record review of Resident #41's current physicians orders revealed an order for ENHANCED BARRIER PRECAUTIONS with a start date of 07/02/24 and an order for Enteral feeding every shift with a start date of 05/07/24. An order for Jevity 1.5 bolus 330 mL 4x times per day (1320 mL total formula) 08:00AM, 12:00 PM, 08:00 PM, 12:00 AM, had a start date of 06/22/24. <BR/>Observation on 12/15/24 at 12:07 PM, CNA's A and B were observed conducting direct care to resident #41 by performing a transfer of Resident #41 to her Geri-chair and a clothing change. Resident #41 had a feeding tube and was on Enhanced Barrier Precautions, per signage on the outside of the door. CNA A and CNA B failed to put on required PPE (gown and gloves) prior to performing direct care for Resident #41. Enhanced Barrier Precaution signage was noted to the door of Resident #41's room and a storage cart for PPE was noted sitting at the entrance to Resident #41's room. <BR/>During an interview on 12/15/24 at 12:14 PM, CNA A stated she and CNA B performed a clothing change and transfer for Resident #41 before taking her to the dining room for lunch. She stated she did not put on PPE prior to performing direct care for Resident #41 because she did not think she needed to. CNA A stated she did not recall when she had been trained on Enhanced Barrier Precautions. She stated the purpose of EBP was to show those entering the room that the resident had something like a catheter or feeding tube and remind nursing to use PPE when they do care on the resident. CNA A read aloud the EBP signage on the door to Resident #41's room and stated she had not properly followed EBP, according to the sign, because it says if you're doing a transfer, you should wear PPE. <BR/>During an interview on 12/15/24 at 04:12 PM, CNA B stated she and CNA A performed a gown change and transfer to the Geri-chair for Resident #41, before taking her to the dining room for lunch. She stated she did not put on PPE prior to performing direct care for Resident #41. She stated EBP was a precaution for residents with a catheter, wounds, a breathing tube, or a feeding tube. She stated she was trained on EBP approximately quarterly by the DON and ADON through in-services and she was aware EBP required PPE while doing care on a resident. CNA B stated, we should have had our PPE on while we were doing care for the resident. We just forgot because state was here. She stated failure to observe EBP properly could cause the resident to get an infection. <BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:29 AM, the ADM stated he was not aware, prior to survey, that staff were not observing EBP while performing direct care. He stated the DON was responsible for training staff on proper precautions needed for EBP. He stated the system for assuring that staff were following EBP properly was done by rounds conducted by the DON. He stated his expectation of staff regarding EBP was that staff followed policy at all times. He stated a potential negative outcome for failure to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions would be the spread of infection.<BR/>During an interview on 12/17/24 at 11:34 AM, the DON stated she was not aware, prior to survey, that staff were not observing EBP while performing direct care. She stated she was responsible for training staff on observing proper EBP. The DON stated the system for monitoring to assure staff followed EBP was done through rounds in the facility made by herself and the weekend supervisor. She stated her expectation of staff was to follow policy and procedure for EBP at all times. She stated a potential negative outcome for failure to follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions would be spreading infection. <BR/>Record review of the facility-provided policy titled, Enhanced Barrier Precautions, revised 4-1-24, revealed:<BR/>Policy Statement<BR/>It is the policy of this facility to implement enhanced barrier precautions for the prevention of transmission of multidrug-resistance organisms.<BR/>Definition:<BR/>Enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) refers to an infection control intervention designed to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms that employs targeted gown and gloves use during high contact resident care activities.<BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation<BR/> .<BR/>2. Initiation of Enhanced Barrier Precautions:<BR/>b. <BR/>An order for enhanced barrier precautions will be obtained for residents with any of the following:<BR/> .<BR/> i. <BR/>Wounds (e.g., chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, unhealed surgical wounds, and chronic venous stasis ulcers) and/or indwelling medical devices (e.g., central lines, urinary catheters, feeding tubes, tracheostomy/ventilator tubes) even if the resident is not known to be infected or colonized with a MDRO.<BR/>Record review of the facility's, undated, sign posted outside Resident #41's door, titled Enhanced Barrier Precautions, revealed:<BR/>EVERYONE MUST:<BR/>Clean their hands, including before entering and when leaving room. <BR/>PROVIDERS AND STAFF MUST ALSO:<BR/> Wear gloves and a gown for the following High-Contact Resident Care Activities<BR/>Dressing <BR/>Bathing/Showering<BR/>Transferring<BR/>Changing Linens<BR/>Providing Hygiene <BR/>Changing briefs or assisting with toileting <BR/>Device care or use:<BR/>central line, urinary catheter, feeding tube, tracheostomy<BR/>Wound Care; any skin opening requiring a dressing

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0552

Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record reviews the facility failed to ensure the residents had the right to participate in, his or her treatment which included the right to be informed in advance, by the physician or other practitioner or professional, of the risks and benefits of proposed care, of treatment and treatment alternatives or treatment options and to choose the alternative or option he or she preferred, for 2 of 14 residents ( Resident #33 and #38) reviewed for resident rights .<BR/>The facility failed to obtain a signed informed consent based on information of the benefits, risks, and options available for Residents #33 and #38 prior to administering Lorazepam (anti-anxiety medication). <BR/>These failures could place residents at risk of receiving medications without their prior knowledge or consent, or that of their responsible party or being aware of the risk of the medications prescribed.<BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Resident #33<BR/>Record review of Resident #33's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-female who was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), COPD (lung disease), anxiety. <BR/>Record review of quarterly MDS assessment dated [DATE] revealed Resident #33 was understood. The MDS revealed Resident #33 had a BIMS of 15 which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Record review of a care plan for Resident #33 dated 07/27/23 revealed no focus areas for the medication lorazepam. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's order summary report dated 10/24/23 revealed the following orders: <BR/>Lorazepam - Schedule IV table; 0.5mg amt: 0.5mg oral. Special Instruction: Take 1 tablet by mouth or sublingually every 4 hours as needed for agitation, anxiety or restlessness dated 08/26/23. Stop date - open ended. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's medication administration records for the month of August 2023 revealed resident received Lorazepam 0.5mg at 11:46 PM on 8/26/23. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's electronic medical record scanned documents on 10/25/23 revealed no consent for Lorazepam.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 12:40 PM with LVN D, she stated she did administer one dose of Lorazepam 0.5mg to Resident #33 on 08/26/23. She stated she did not look for a consent before administering. She stated hospice came out to evaluate resident and brought the medication. She stated a consent should have been signed before administering the medications. She stated the potential negative outcome could be giving medication against resident wishes, adverse reaction and family not being aware of the medication. <BR/>Resident #38<BR/>Record review of Resident #38's face sheet dated 10/24/23 revealed a [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include bipolar disorder (manic depression) and generalized anxiety (condition of excessive worry).<BR/>Record review of comprehensive MDS assessment dated [DATE] revealed Resident #38 was understood. The MDS revealed Resident #38 had a BIMS of 13 which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Record review of a care plan for Resident #38 dated 07/06/23 and revised 10/16/23 revealed: <BR/>Category: Psychotropic Drug Use Psychotropic Drug Use: Ativan prn anxiety<BR/>Record review of Resident #38's undated physician order summary revealed an order: Ativan (lorazepam) - Schedule IV tablet; 0.5 mg; amt: one; oral dated 09/02/23 with a start date of 09/02/23 and stop date open ended.<BR/>Record review of Resident #38's Medication Administration History, dated 10/01/23-10/25/23, revealed she received Ativan (lorazepam) - Schedule IV tablet: 0.5 mg the following dates and times:<BR/>10/01/23 at 11:34 AM, 10/02/23 at 9:21 PM, 10/03/23 at 8:09 PM, 10/06/23 at 4:47 PM, 10/07/23 at 4:25 PM, 10/10/23 at 7:28 PM, 10/12/23 at 5:15 PM, 10/15/23 at 12:09 PM, 10/17/23 at 1:00 PM, 10/22/23 at 5:49 PM, 10/23/23 at 1:59 AM and 2:46 PM and 10/24/23 at 12:22 PM.<BR/>Record review of Resident #38's electronic medical record did not reveal a consent for the use of Ativan (lorazepam) - Schedule IV tablet: 0.5 mg.<BR/>During an interview on 10/25/23 at 02:13 PM with the DON, she stated there were no signed consent forms for Lorazepam for Resident #33 and #38. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 09:59 AM with the ADON, she stated the nursing staff was responsible for obtaining psychotropic consents. She stated she was responsible for uploading the consents into the EMR. She stated the consent should be obtained when the medication was ordered. She stated Lorazepam (Ativan) was given for anxiety and requires a consent. She stated she did give Resident #38 her lorazepam (Ativan) as scheduled. She stated she did not look for a consent because the resident asks for the medication. She stated she has been trained on obtaining psychotropic consents. She stated the potential negative outcome could be giving medication without family or resident consent. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 10:15 AM with the DON, she stated the ADON and DON were responsible for making sure consents were obtained for psychotropic medications. She stated psychotropic consents should be obtained on admission or when the medication was ordered. She stated lorazepam (Ativan) was an antianxiety and does require a consent. She stated the ADON had a misunderstanding and thought because the resident was on hospice, it did not require a consent. She stated the potential negative outcome could be given medication without resident or family consent. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 11:18 AM with the ADM, he stated the nursing department was responsible for obtaining consents for psychotropic medications. He stated consents should be obtained before giving medications. He stated lorazepam (Ativan) was an anti-anxiety and requires a consent. He stated all nursing staff have been trained on psychotropic consents. He stated the potential negative response could be the resident not knowing what they were taking, and the resident needs to be given the right to refuse. He stated his understanding of why the consents were not obtained was because the residents were on hospice services.<BR/>Record review Long-Term Care Regulatory Provider Letter 2022-11, titled Consent for Antipsychotic and Neuroleptic Medications, dated 5-5-22, provided by facility revealed the following:<BR/>1.0 Subject and Purpose - Texas Health and Safety Code, &sect;242.505 and Texas Administrative Code, Title 26 (26 TAC), &sect;554.1207 require a NF to obtain written consent for treating a resident with antipsychotic or neuroleptic medication. This letter provides guidance on this requirement .<BR/>2.3 Consent for Other Psychoactive Medications - The resident's written consent is not required for psychoactive medications that are not considered antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications. The rule still requires documented consent for all other psychoactive medications, but it does not have to be written consent on Form 3713. The person prescribing the medication, the prescriber's designee, or the NF's medical director must provide the resident, and if applicable, the person authorized to consent on behalf of the resident, the following information: <BR/>o The condition being treated; <BR/>o The beneficial effects on that condition expected from the medication; <BR/>o The potential side effects of the medication; <BR/>o The associated risks of the medication; and <BR/>o The proposed course of medication. <BR/>A NF may document consent for psychoactive medications that are not considered antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications in the resident's clinical record using a form prescribed by the NF, or by a statement from the prescriber of the medication or that person's designee. The record must show how consent was obtained from the appropriate person.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0578

Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure all residents had the right to formulate an advance directive for 4 of 16 residents (Residents #24, #33, #37, and #40) reviewed for advanced directives, in that:<BR/>Residents #24, #33, #37, and #40 were listed as a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) but had Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) forms that were incorrectly filled out or missing required information. <BR/>These failures could place residents at risk for not having their end of life wishes honored and incomplete records.<BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Resident #24<BR/>Record review of Resident #24's face sheet, undated, revealed an [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include cerebrovascular disease (conditions affecting blood flow and blood vessels in the brain), anxiety (feeling of fear and worry), major depressive disorder (mental health condition that causes a persistently low or depressed mood and loss of interest in activities) and dementia(impairments of at least two brain functions). The face sheet also revealed under the advance directive section - DNR-Do Not Resuscitate. <BR/>Record review of Resident #24's physician order summary dated 11/01/23 revealed the following order: DNR-Do Not Resuscitate dated 04/13/20. <BR/>Record review of Resident #24's care plan, dated 09/14/23, revealed care plan for DNR. <BR/>Record review of Resident #24's Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate form dated 04/13/20 revealed under declaration by physician statement no physician signature, no physician printed name, and no license number .<BR/>Resident #33<BR/>Record review of Resident #33's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-female who was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), COPD (lung disease), anxiety. <BR/>Record review of quarterly MDS assessment dated [DATE] revealed Resident #33 had a BIMS of 15 which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's physician order summary dated 10/24/23 revealed an order: Code Status: Do Not Resuscitate dated 09/20/23. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's care plan dated 07/27/23, revealed no care plan for Resident #33's code status.<BR/>Record review of Resident #33's Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate form dated 09/06/23 revealed under physician statement no physician printed name and no license number. <BR/>Resident #37<BR/>Record review of Resident #37's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung disease that block airflow), type 2 diabetes (insulin deficiency), and anxiety disorder (feelings of increased worry).<BR/>Record review of Resident #37's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 15, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Record review of Resident #37's physician order summary, undated, revealed an order: <BR/>Do Not Resuscitate - DNR dated 07/13/23 with a start date of 07/13/23. <BR/>Record review of Resident #37's care plan, dated 09/11/23, revealed care plan for the following: <BR/>Category: Code Status<BR/>My code status: DO NOT RECSUCITATE<BR/>Record review of Resident #37's Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate form dated 03/30/23 revealed no person's signature at the bottom of the document and the physician signed in the wrong spot.<BR/>Resident #40<BR/>Record review of Resident #40's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include Non-St-elevation myocardial infarction (blockage of coronary artery causing reduction of oxygen in the blood), Long term use of opiates and hypertension (high blood pressure)<BR/>Record review of Resident #40's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 13, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Record review of Resident #40's physician order summary, undated, revealed an order:<BR/> Do Not Resuscitate - DNR dated 05/10/23 with a start date 05/10/23. <BR/>Record review of Resident #40's care plan, dated 04/01/23 revised 09/14/23, revealed care plan for DNR. <BR/>Record review of Resident #40's Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate form dated 04/28/23 revealed under Physician's Statement revealed no printed name for the physician.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 11:09AM with the DON, she stated OOH DNR was not valid if it was not filled out correctly. She stated the social worker was usually the one who obtained the OOH DNR and then she reviews them. She verified missing information on OOH DNR for Resident #24, #33, #37 and #40. She stated there was no system for monitoring OOH DNR for accuracy. She stated, the Social Worker reviews the DNR's as they are signed. She stated the reason the DNR's were not complete was a human oversight. She stated the potential negative outcome could be a resident's end of life wishes may not be upheld. The DON stated she had been trained on how to complete OOH DNR and her expectations were for them to be filled out completely and be accurate.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 12:12PM with the ADM, he stated the OOH DNR was not valid if not filled out correctly. He stated the Social Worker was responsible for making sure the OOH DNR was completed accurately. He stated they do not have a system in place to monitor OOH DNR for accuracy. He stated the DON reviews them once they are completed. He verified missing information on OOH DNR for Resident #24, #33, #37 and #40. He stated he does not know why the information is missing; it was a human error. He stated the potential negative outcome could be the residents' end of life requests may not be honored. He stated his expectations were that the OOH DNR was done correctly to make sure they are valid. <BR/>Record Review of the Instructions for Issuing An OOH-DNR Order (Revised July 1, 2009) revealed the following:<BR/>INSTRUCTIONS FOR ISSUING AN OOH-DNR ORDER PURPOSE <BR/>Section A - If an adult person is competent and at least [AGE] years of age, he/she will sign and date the Order in Section A.<BR/>Section B - If an adult person is incompetent or otherwise mentally or physically incapable of communication and has either a legal guardian, agent in a medical power of attorney, or proxy in a directive to physicians, the guardian, agent, or proxy may execute the OOH-DNR Order by signing and dating it in Section B.<BR/>In addition, the OOH-DNR Order must be signed and dated by two competent adult witnesses, who have witnessed either the competent adult person making his/her signature in section A, or authorized declarant making his/her signature in either sections B, C, or E, and if applicable, have witnessed a competent adult person making an OOH-DNR Order by nonwritten communication to the attending physician, who must sign in Section D and also the physician's statement section. Optionally, a competent adult person or authorized declarant may sign the OOH-DNR Order in the presence of a notary public. However, a notary cannot acknowledge witnessing the issuance of an OOH-DNR in a nonwritten manner, which must be observed and only can be acknowledged by two qualified witnesses. Witness or notary signatures are not required when two physicians execute the OOH-DNR Order in section F. The original or a copy of a fully and properly completed OOH-DNR Order or the presence of an OOH-DNR device on a person is sufficient evidence of the existence of the original OOH-DNR Order and either one shall be honored by responding health care professionals.<BR/>Record review of the facility's policy titled Emergency Procedure Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, revised June 2019, revealed no information regarding the OOH DNR.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0812

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Based on observation, interview, and record reviews the facility failed to store, prepare, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety for one of one kitchen reviewed for kitchen sanitation. <BR/>The facility failed to sanitize and clean 1 of1 ice machine located outside the kitchen. <BR/>Theis failure could place the residents who were served from the kitchen at risk for health complications and foodborne illnesses. <BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Observation on 09/11/2022 at 12:15 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed thee filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was an unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine.<BR/>Observation on 09/12/2022 at 2:00 PM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine. After the Kitchen Aide unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance.<BR/>Observation on 09/13/2022 at 10:45 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine appeared to have been wiped but smeared with streaks. After the Dietary Manager unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance. A white napkin was used to wipe the lip of the door and the black wet unknown substance came off on the white napkin.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:35 AM the Administrator stated the kitchen staff was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. He stated the reason why the ice machine was not cleaned was because the inconsistency with who was responsible for doing it. He restated that at one point maintenance and the housekeeping staff were cleaning the ice machine because of staffing issues. He said the kitchen staff were short at the time. He stated he expected for the ice machine to be cleaned at least one time a week. He stated if the ice machine was not clean that it would put the residents at risk of receiving contaminated ice and could make them sick especially if there's bacteria in the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:46 AM the Dietary Manager said that dietary was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had found out about kitchen being responsible a couple of days ago but she was not aware of the dietary staff being responsible prior to being told a couple of days ago. She stated in the past she had just wiped it down but in the future she would clean the inside. She stated she had not been cleaning the inside because she did not know that dietary staff was responsible. She stated if the inside was not clean then the residents were at risk because mold could build up inside and people could get sick. She stated she had not been trained on how to clean the ice machine or how to remove anything inside to be clean. She stated the ice machine should be cleaned weekly. She stated she was not aware there was paperwork ( cleaning checklist) until she saws the sign in sheet on the side of the ice machine. She stated even when the dietary staff would clean it it would just be the outside of the ice machine. She stated she was not aware that the door could come out and be cleaned in the dishwasher.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10: 53 AM the Kitchen Aide stated she has been working at the facility since 05/28/22. She said she was not sure who was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had cleaned the ice machine the day before (09/11/2022) by wiping the outside of the ice machine but did not clean the inside. She stated she had never cleaned the inside. She stated she was not sure who was responsible, and she had not been told who was responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She stated if the ice machine was not clean according to policy then everyone to get sick and this could include staff and residents who consume ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:55 AM [NAME] A said she has been working on an off at the facility for three years. She stated housekeeping was responsible for cleaning the ice machine that she knew of. She stated she has never cleaned the inside of the ice machine. She stated as the cook she does not clean the ice machine but the kitchen aid does. She stated no one has ever trained her on cleaning the ice machine. She stated the ice machine not being clean could put the residence at risk for being sick. She stated mold could grow in the ice machine and get into the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 11:00 AM the Housekeeping Supervisor stated the kitchen was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She said last year she was told that housekeeping was responsible, and this is because the kitchen was short staffed, but this is no longer an issue. She said she was never told by anyone that she was no longer responsible but that she had told the DM that she was now responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She said she told the DM a couple of weeks ago at 7 AM in the morning but the DM did not remember. She said whenever she would clean the ice machine she would empty and then clean out the bin. She stated the door of the ice machine would be removed and ran through the dishwasher. She stated then they would also wipe the inside and outside of the ice machine. She stated failure to clean the ice machine could make residents sick.<BR/>Record review of the Texas Food Establishment Rules , dated August 2021, revealed the following:<BR/>Pg. 17<BR/>(d) Equipment and Utensils<BR/>(2) Location and installation. Equipment shall be located and installed and cleaned in a way that prevents food contamination and that also facilitates cleaning.<BR/>(4) Protection from contamination. Food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be protected from contamination by consumers and other sources. Where necessary to prevent contamination .<BR/>(f) Ice Usage<BR/>( 2) Ice used for human consumption must be stored in a clean sanitized container that .<BR/>Record review of the facility policy, Kitchen Sanitation to Prevent the Spread of Viral Illness, dated 03/03/2020 revealed the following information:<BR/>Policy: The Nutrition & Foodservice employees of the facility will practice good sanitation practices in accordance with the state and US Food Codes in order to minimize the risk of cross contamination and potential illness such as influenza and COVID-19.<BR/>(f) Kitchen Sanitation<BR/>Weekly Cleaning lists should be completed and monitored by dietary manager.<BR/>Record review of the Daily Ice Machine Cleaning Log dated September 2022 revealed employee signatures (DM, Kitchen Aid & the Cook) of all dietary staff signed from 09/01/2022 to 09/13/2022. <BR/>Record Review of Cleaning Checklist (untitled and undated) revealed the ice machine should be cleaned daily. The person responsible was not completed.<BR/>Record Review of the facility policy, Cleaning Guidelines for the Ice Machine, undated revealed the following:<BR/>1. <BR/>Unplug ice machine and remove the ice.<BR/>2. <BR/>Wash the interior thoroughly using a detergent solution. Rinsed and drain the interior with clean hot tap water <BR/>3. <BR/>Sanitize<BR/>4. <BR/>Air dry<BR/>5. <BR/>Turn the machine on.<BR/>6. <BR/>Clean the exterior of the machine with a detergent solution. Rinse and allow to air dry. Clean the area underneath and around the machine. The exterior of machine should be cleaned daily.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0813

Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to maintain and ensure safe and sanitary storage of residents' food items for 5 of 15 refrigerators reviewed for food safety (Resident #7, #8, #13, #35 and #40) in that:<BR/>(Resident #7) room [ROOM NUMBER]contained a resident refrigerator that did not have a temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of refrigerator had unlabeled food and a thermometer that displayed a temperature greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. <BR/>(Resident #35) room [ROOM NUMBER] contained a resident refrigerator that had temperature log attached to the refrigerator that displayed documented temperatures greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The contents of refrigerator had unlabeled food. There was no thermometer in the refrigerator or the freezer. <BR/>(Resident #8) room [ROOM NUMBER] contained a resident refrigerator that did not have a temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of refrigerator had unlabeled food and a thermometer that displayed a temperature greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.<BR/>(Resident #13) room [ROOM NUMBER] contained a resident refrigerator that did not have a temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of refrigerator had unlabeled food.<BR/>(Resident #40) room [ROOM NUMBER] contained a resident refrigerator that did not have a temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of refrigerator had unlabeled food.<BR/>This failure could place resident at risk for food borne illnesses.<BR/>Findings include:<BR/>Resident #7 <BR/>Record review of Resident #7's face sheet, dated 10/25/23, revealed an [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and hemiparesis (muscle weakness)<BR/>Record review of Resident #7's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 13, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Resident #8 <BR/>Record review of Resident #8's face sheet, dated 10/25/23, revealed an [AGE] year-old-male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include type 2 diabetes with autonomic (poly) neuropathy- gastroparesis (condition when the body develops insulin resistance) <BR/>Record review of Resident #8's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 12, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Resident #13 <BR/>Record review of Resident #13's face sheet, dated 10/25/23, revealed an [AGE] year-old-male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include dementia (memory deficit). <BR/>Record review of Resident #13's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 14, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Resident #35 <BR/>Record review of Resident #35's face sheet, dated 10/25/23, revealed an [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include Alzheimer's (memory deficit). <BR/>Record review of Resident #35's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 10, which indicated the resident's cognition was moderately impaired. <BR/>Resident #40 <BR/>Record review of Resident #40's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include Non-St-elevation myocardial infarction (blockage of coronary artery causing reduction of oxygen in the blood), Long term use of opiates and hypertension (high blood pressure)<BR/>Record review of Resident #40's Comprehensive Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 13, which indicated the resident's cognition was intact. <BR/>Room#2<BR/>An observation was made on 10/24/23 at 10:15 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. The surveyor observed a temperature log dated October 2023. The fridge was on a small nightstand and appeared to be unstable. When the surveyor would open the fridge, she had to brace it to ensure it did not fall off. The contents of the fridge included the following: 6 Mountain Dew sodas, a jar of opened green olives, opened strawberry cream, spread, rice Krispy in plastic wrap, chocolate cake in plastic wrap, a jar of opened jelly, one bottle of coca- cola without the lid and partially drank, pickled beets and opened green chilies spread. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. Inside the small freezer, 2 sherbet cups appeared to have been melted and refrozen (The cups were dark orange and light at the top). The freezer had build-up ice in it. There was no thermometer in the fridge or the freezer. <BR/>An observation was made on 10/25/23 at 01:18 PM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. The surveyor observed a temperature log dated October 2023. The fridge was on a small nightstand and appeared to be unstable. When the surveyor would open the fridge, she had to brace it to ensure it did not fall off. The contents of the fridge included the following: 6 Mountain Dew sodas, a jar of opened green olives, opened strawberry cream, spread, rice Krispy in plastic wrap, chocolate cake in plastic wrap, a jar of opened jelly, one bottle of coca- cola without the lid and partially drank, pickled beets and opened green chilies spread. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. Inside the small freezer, 2 sherbet cups appeared to have been melted and refrozen (The cups were dark orange and light at the top). The freezer had build-up ice in it. There was no thermometer in the fridge or the freezer. <BR/>During an interview on 10/25/23 at 1:18 PM, Resident #35 said that she takes care of her fridge, but staff help her. She said they put the sign on the fridge. She said all of her food in the fridge was good. <BR/>room [ROOM NUMBER]<BR/>An observation was made on 10/24/23 at 10:53 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: a jar of opened mayonnaise, 1 slice of cheese, and 6 Pepsi's and a package of opened undated bologna in the fridge. None of the contents in the refrigerator was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 45.5 degrees Fahrenheit. <BR/>An observation was made on 10/25/23 at 01:22 PM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: a jar of opened mayonnaise, 1 slice of cheese, and 6 Pepsi's. None of the contents in the refrigerator was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 45.5 degrees Fahrenheit. <BR/>During an interview on 10/25/23 at 1:22 PM, Resident #8 said he had made a sandwich and eaten it. He said he did not have any more bologna and needed to get some more. He said staff had not come in and checked his fridge. <BR/>room [ROOM NUMBER]<BR/>An observation was made on 10/24/23 at 10:46 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: opened ranch dressing, opened ketchup, and a jug of buttermilk. In the freezer were three ice creams that were soft to the touch. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no thermometer in the freezer. <BR/>An observation was made on 10/25/23 at 01:23 PM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: opened ranch dressing, opened ketchup, and a jug of buttermilk. In the freezer were three ice creams that were soft to the touch. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no thermometer in the freezer. <BR/>During an interview on 10/25/23 at 1:23 PM, Resident #13 said that he takes care of his fridge, but staff put his items in the fridge for him. <BR/>room [ROOM NUMBER]<BR/>An observation was made on 10/24/23 at 10:00 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: a package of cupcakes (9 mini ones), spaghetti in a Tupperware container, 1 Dr pepper, pudding, and 2 sunny delights. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 48.4 degrees Fahrenheit. <BR/>An observation was made on 10/25/23 at 01:28 PM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the refrigerator included the following: a package of cupcakes (9 mini ones), spaghetti in a Tupperware container, 1 Dr pepper, pudding, and 2 sunny delights. None of the contents in the fridge was labeled. There was a thermometer in the refrigerator that read 48.4 degrees Fahrenheit. (These observations were the same for 10/24/23)<BR/>During an interview on 10/25/23 at 1:28 PM, Resident #7 said he had made a sandwich and ate it. He said he did not have any more bologna and needed to get some more. He said staff had not come in and checked his fridge. <BR/>room [ROOM NUMBER]<BR/>An observation was made on 10/24/23 at 10:34 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the fridge included the following: 2 jelly packets, 4 cups of jello, and 5 ensures. None of the contents in the refrigerator was labeled. There was a thermometer in the fridge that read 40 degrees Fahrenheit.<BR/>An observation was made on 10/26/23 at 09:45 AM of a fridge in room [ROOM NUMBER]. Surveyor observed no temperature log attached to the refrigerator. The contents of the fridge included the following: 2 jelly packets, 4 cups of jello, and 5 ensures. None of the contents in the refrigerator was labeled. There was a thermometer in the fridge that read 40 degrees Fahrenheit.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 09:54 AM, Resident #40 said the fridge was his fridge, and he had purchased it. He said he did not mind staff checking his fridge and helping him but that it was his and that the facility did not purchase it for him. He said no one checks his fridge. He said, Housekeeping, don't come in and do shit! They have not come in and done anything in months.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 10:50 AM the DOR stated that she had signed the refrigerator log hanging in room [ROOM NUMBER]. She said they do angel rounds, and this was where department heads go around and check the rooms and note any issues. She said she did angel rounds daily, and if there were any blanks on the log, that was an indication that she was not at work that day. She said recently that the resident refrigerators had been assigned to housekeeping and that they no longer had to monitor the resident refrigerators. She said the refrigerator in Resident #2 room was unplugged, and she said she did not think that it was unplugged for very long. She said she plugged the refrigerator back in and did not report this to anyone. She said she believed only drinks were in the refrigerator but could not officially confirm. She said she did not notice that the refrigerator was not balanced on the nightstand. She said not monitoring the refrigerator temperature correctly could place the residents at risk of getting sick and being exposed to bacteria. She said she was not responsible for labeling the food in the resident's refrigerator as she was in charge of therapy. She said she had not been instructed to label any food. She said she knows that the resident's clothing is labeled but not the food. She said the angel rounds were how they monitored the resident refrigerator. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 11:32 AM the ADM stated the potential negative outcome of unlabeled food is that it could be spoiled and make the resident sick. He said if a fridge had a thermometer, it would be easier to determine if the refrigerator was in the right temperature range. He said they check the resident rooms weekly. He said they knew they had an issue with the resident refrigerators. He said he had bought thermometers for all the resident rooms. He said they had not discussed labeling the food in the resident refrigerators. He said he was unaware that the facility policy specifically said the log needed to be attached to the refrigerator. He said in the past, whoever checked the fridge would look in the fridge and determine if the food needed to be thrown out. He said the fridge temperature should be no higher than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. He said if the fridge was out of range, he expected the staff to report it and let the maintenance person know so it could be checked out. He said he knew one resident's fridge displaying out-of-range temperatures and remembered instructing for the fridge to be disposed of. He said he does review the temperature logs. He said he was unaware of any resident fridges with out-of-range temperatures or that any resident fridges had been unplugged. He said he expected the facility to follow the policy regarding taking temperatures and maintaining resident fridges. He said housekeeping was responsible for maintaining resident fridges. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 09:44 AM, Housekeeper A said they were responsible for cleaning the resident's refrigerators and that they signed the paper that was on the fridge. She said they just started doing this a couple of weeks before the interview. She said she usually was in the laundry. She said she does not label or check the thermometer. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 09:46 AM, TA C said that he checks the resident fridges when he enters the room. He said that he would make sure that it stayed cold. He said he will ask permission before he opens it. He said he had been trained to label the food with the date it came in. He could not tell the surveyor what temp the fridge should be maintained.<BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 09:52 AM, Housekeeper B said they cleaned the fridge if needed and made sure it was not leaking. She said she is still learning and not 100 percent sure about everything they are supposed to do with the resident fridges. She could not tell the surveyor the temperature that the refrigerator should be maintained. She said that if the fridge does not have a temperature log or a thermometer, they would let the Housekeeping Supervisor know. <BR/>During an interview on 10/26/23 at 10:00 AM, the Housekeeping Supervisor said she was responsible for resident fridges. She said every Monday, she takes the log book and checks the fridge temperatures. She said that all food should be labeled and dated. She said that sometimes the residents will get upset and not let you in their fridge. She said that residents could get sick if the refrigerators were not maintained properly. At 12:48 PM, she stated the potential negative outcome for not maintaining the resident fridges could result in the resident experiencing food poisoning. She said she did not label the food but believed the nursing staff were responsible, but that she was not sure. She said she was not aware that there were fridges without thermometers. She said she ordered 9 thermometers. She said there was no system to monitor the resident's fridges outside of her checking every Monday. She said she received general training regarding resident fridges.<BR/>Record review of the facility roster located in the temperature log (undated) provided by the Housekeeping Supervisor on 10/26/23 revealed the following:<BR/>Hall A<BR/> Resident #7 had a refrigerator <BR/> Resident #35 had a refrigerator <BR/> Resident #8 had a refrigerator <BR/> Resident #13 had a refrigerator<BR/>Record review of the refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #7) dated October 2023, revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/02/23 48.5 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/09/23 40 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/16/23 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/23/23 42 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>The Housekeeper Supervisor initialed all temperatures documented.<BR/>Record review of the refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #35) dated October 2023, revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/2/23 46 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/09/23 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/16/23 45 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/23/23 44 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>The Housekeeper Supervisor initialed all temperatures documented.<BR/>Record review of refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #35) dated October 2023 taken physically from the fridge revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/4/23 33 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/05/23 31 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/09/23 36 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/11/23 37 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/12/23 34 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/16/23 37 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/17/23 48 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/18/23 34 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/19/23 40 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/20/23 41 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>The DOR initialed all temperatures documented.<BR/>Record review of refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #8) dated October 2023 revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/2 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/09 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/16 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/23 43 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>The Housekeeper Supervisor initialed all temperatures documented.<BR/>Record review of refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #13) dated October 2023 revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/02 33 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/09 33 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/16 33 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>10/23 33 degrees Fahrenheit<BR/>The Housekeeper Supervisor initialed all temperatures documented.<BR/>Record review of refrigerator/temperature log for room [ROOM NUMBER] (Resident #40) dated October 2023 revealed the following dates and temperatures:<BR/>10/02 No temperature recorded. A note indicated the resident refused to let staff read. No initials are displayed on this document.<BR/>Record review of the facility policy, Food From an Approved Source (dated October 2019), revealed the following:<BR/>Policy Statement<BR/>It is the center policy to ensure all food will be procured from sources approved or considered<BR/>satisfactory by federal, state and local authorities.<BR/>Action Steps<BR/>2. If necessary, the designated Dining Services staff member obtains food products from a local<BR/>grocery store, items must be in the original container with a time stamped receipt, and dated<BR/>as appropriate.<BR/>4. Food may be brought into the center by family, visitors, or other outside sources. The center<BR/>staff will assist with proper food storage and handling as appropriate.<BR/>Record review of the facility policy, Personal Resident Refrigerators (dated 09/11/23), revealed the following:<BR/>This facility does not provide a refrigerator in a resident's room. However, it is the policy of this facility to ensure safe and sanitary use of any resident-owned refrigerators.<BR/>Policy Explanation and Compliance Guidelines:<BR/>1. <BR/>Dormitory-sized refrigerators are allowed in a resident's room under the following conditions:<BR/>a. <BR/>The refrigerator is inspected by maintenance personnel and deemed safe prior to use and upon routine inspections.<BR/>b. <BR/>The refrigerator maintains proper temperatures.<BR/>c. <BR/>The electrical cord is without damage and the grounding prong is intact.<BR/>d. <BR/>Sufficient space exists in the resident's room to accommodate the refrigerator without requiring the use of extension cord or multi-plug adapter.<BR/>e. <BR/>The resident complies with the facility's policy for use of the refrigerator.<BR/>2. <BR/>Maintenance staff/or designee shall record refrigerator temperatures weekly on a temperature log attached to the refrigerator.<BR/>a. <BR/>A thermometer will be placed in and remain in the refrigerator.<BR/>b. <BR/>Temperatures will be at or below 41&deg; F, and freezers will be cold enough to keep foods frozen solid to the touch (or in accordance with state regulations).<BR/>c. <BR/>If temperatures are out of range, maintenance staff shall notify nursing department to discard any foods that require refrigeration and take measures to remedy the problem.<BR/>d. <BR/>If problems persist with maintaining proper temperatures, the refrigerator shall be removed from use and the resident/family and administrator notified.<BR/>3. <BR/>Housekeeping and/or nursing staff as assigned shall clean the refrigerator weekly and discard any foods that are out of compliance.<BR/>4. <BR/>Residents and staff will comply with safe food handling and storage principles:<BR/>a. <BR/>Perishable foods such as dairy products, meat, and processed foods made with perishable foods or eggs will be stored immediately upon receipt.<BR/>b. <BR/>Leftovers shall be dated upon receipt and discarded with in three days.<BR/>c. <BR/>Foods with use-by dates shall be discarded accordingly.<BR/>d. <BR/>Any food with potential concerns (i.e., smell, packaging, appearance, frozen foods are not solid to touch) shall be discard ed.<BR/>e. <BR/>Food shall be in covered containers or securely wrapped .<BR/>f. <BR/>Raw meat or eggs are not allowed in a resident's refrigerator. Processed meats in original containers are allowed (i.e. lunch meat).<BR/>g. <BR/>Food or beverages brought in for residents to be stored in facility refrigerators must have name and date on packaging.<BR/>5. <BR/>Accommodations shall be made for the resident to be present for temperature checks, observing food for sanitary storage, and cleaning of the refrigerator, if so desired by the resident.<BR/>6. <BR/>The resident and/ or family shall be educated on safe food storage and use of the refrigerator prior to its use, and as needed.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0656

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** <BR/>Based on observations, record review, and interview, the facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan to meet the highest practicable physical, mental, psychosocial well-being for 4 of 18 residents (Residents #8, #11, #21, #26) reviewed for care plans as follows:<BR/>Resident #8 did not have a care plan for vision, activities of daily living, dental, pressure ulcer and psychotropic drug use. <BR/>Residents #21, #11, #26 did not have a care plan for smoking.<BR/>This failure could place residents at risk of not receiving the care required to meet their physical, mental, and psychosocial needs to attain or maintain their highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial outcome. <BR/>Findings include:<BR/>Resident #8<BR/>Record review of Resident #8's undated admission record revealed an [AGE] year-old-female was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses to include heart failure, dry eye syndrome, difficulty walking, anxiety, edema (swelling), and hypertension (high blood pressure). <BR/>Record review of Resident #8's Annual Minimum Data Set, dated [DATE], revealed: <BR/>Section C Brief Interview for Mental Status score revealed a score of 15, which indicated the resident's cognition was cognitively intact. <BR/>Section V Care Area Assessment (CAA) Summary:<BR/>CAA Results: (List the CAA that triggered and not Care Planned)<BR/>03. Visual Function<BR/>05. ADL Functions/Rehabilitation Potential<BR/>15. Dental Care<BR/>16. Pressure Ulcer<BR/>17. Psychotropic Drug Use<BR/>Section B 1000. Vision <BR/>Enter Code: 1 - Impaired - sees large print, but not regular print in newspapers/books.<BR/>Section G0100. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assistance revealed bed mobility, transfer, walk in room, locomotion on unit, locomotion off unit, dressing, eating, toilet use was all coded 1 = supervision - oversight, encouragement or cueing and 2 = one-person physical assist. Personal hygiene was coded 3 = extensive assistance - resident involved in activity, staff provide weight bearing support and 2 = one-person physical assist. <BR/>Section G0120. Bathing revealed physical help in part of bathing activity and coded 2 = one-person physical assist.<BR/>Section G0300. Balance During Transitions and Walking revealed moving from seated to standing position, walking (with assistive device if used), turning around and facing the opposite direction while walking, moving on and off toilet and surface to surface transfer (transfer between bed and chair or wheelchair) was all coded 1 = not steady, but able to stabilize without human assistance. <BR/>Section L Oral/Dental Status<BR/>L0200. Dental<BR/>B. No natural teeth or tooth fragment.<BR/>Section M Skin Conditions<BR/>M0150. Risk of pressure ulcers/injuries<BR/>Is this resident at risk of developing pressure ulcers/injuries? Coded 1 = Yes<BR/>Section N Medications<BR/>N0410. Medication Received<BR/>Indicate the number of DAYS the resident received the following medications during the last 7 days or since admission/entry or reentry if less than 7 days.<BR/>C. Antidepressant - 7 days<BR/>Record review of Resident #8's care plan, dated 08/17/22, revealed no care plan for vision impairment, activities of daily living, dental status, pressure ulcer risk and psychotropic drug use. <BR/>Resident #11<BR/>Record Review of Resident #11's face sheet dated 09/13/22 revealed a [AGE] year-old male admitted to the facility on [DATE] with the following diagnoses: Pruritus (severe itching), hypoxemia (decrease partial pressure of oxygen in the blood), chronic viral hepatitis C (swelling in the liver), Anemia (low amount of red blood cells), Hypertension (high blood pressure), and pulmonary disease (inflamed airways). <BR/>Record Review of Resident #11's comprehensive MDS dated [DATE] revealed the following:<BR/>Section C - Cognitive Patterns - C0500. BIMS Summary Score= 10 which was rated as moderately cognitively impaired (alert and oriented x time, place, and person).<BR/>Section J - Other Health Conditions - J1300. Current Tobacco Use = 1. Yes. <BR/>Record Review of Resident #11's observations indicated a smoking assessment was completed on Resident #11 on 05/17/22.<BR/>Record review of the facility's undated list of active smokers, provided on 9/11/22 revealed Resident #11's name<BR/>Record Review of Resident #11's Care Plan dated 07/24/22 revealed the care plan did not address smoking. Surveyor witnessed Resident #11 smoking.<BR/>Resident #21<BR/>Record review of Resident #21's face sheet dated 09/1/22 revealed a [AGE] year-old female admitted to the facility on [DATE] with the following diagnoses: mental disorder, difficulty in walking, Post-traumatic stress disorder (stress as a result of a traumatic event), constipation, arthritis (joint pain), dry eye syndrome, hypertension (high blood pressure), Complete loss of teeth, Obesity (overweight), and Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).<BR/>Record Review of Resident #21's comprehensive MDS dated [DATE] revealed the following:<BR/>Section C - Cognitive Patterns - C0500. BIMS Summary Score = 14 cognitively intact (alert and oriented x time, place, and person).<BR/>Section J - Other Health Conditions - J1300. Current Tobacco Use = 1. Yes.<BR/>Record Review of Resident #21's observations indicated a smoking assessment was completed on Resident #21 on 09/7/22. <BR/>Record review of the facility's undated list of active smokers, provided on 9/11/22, revealed Resident #21's name.<BR/>Record review of Resident#21's care plan dated 4/21/22 revealed the care plan did not address smoking. Surveyor witnessed Resident #21 smoking.<BR/>Resident #26<BR/>Record Review of Resident #26's face sheet dated 09/13/22 revealed a [AGE] year-old male admitted to the facility on [DATE] with the following diagnoses: Mental disorder, Repeated falls, acute respiratory disease (difficulty breathing), Urinary tract infection (inflammation of the bladder/kidneys), pain in unspecified ankle and joints of unspecified foot, <BR/>Hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, complete loss of teeth, decreased white blood cell count, Type 2 diabetes (unable to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood), and Obesity (overweight).<BR/>Record Review of Resident #'s comprehensive MDS dated [DATE] revealed the following: <BR/>Section C - Cognitive Patterns - C0500. BIMS Summary Score = 07 severely impaired cognitively (not alert and oriented x time, place, and person).<BR/>Section J - Other Health Conditions - J1300. Current Tobacco Use = 1. Yes answer.<BR/>Record Review of Resident #26's observations indicated a smoking assessment was completed on Resident #26 on 09/07/22.<BR/>Record review of the facility's undated list of active smokers, provided on 9/11/22, revealed Resident #26's name. <BR/>Record Review of Resident #26's Care Plan dated 09/9/22 revealed care plan did not address smoking. This Surveyor witnessed Resident #26 smoking.<BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 09:24 AM the DON, she stated, vision, activities of daily living, dental, pressure ulcer risk and psychotropic drug use was not care planned for Resident #8. She stated she did not know why the care areas were not care planned. She stated the CCM was responsible for completing the comprehensive care plans and any quarterly changes. She stated care plans are developed using the triggered care areas, admission paperwork and family wishes. She stated not all triggered care areas need to be care planned, only the ones the resident is having issues with. She stated care plans are used for staff to know what care needs to be provided to the resident. She stated, A triggered care area that is not care planned would not change the residents care and there would not be any negative outcome if the care plan was not done. She stated the facility has no system in place to audit or follow-up on care plans.<BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 09:41 AM with CCM, she stated she is responsible for care plans and has been trained on how to develop care plans. She stated she is the one that does comprehensive care plans and updates when she completes the MDS. She stated, I have been behind and this one (Resident #8 care plan) just slipped through the cracks. She stated care plans are used to identify problems and goals for each resident. She stated all staff who care for residents use the care plan. She stated the potential negative outcome for the residents could be gaps in residents' care. She stated It was my error when asked why the triggered care areas were not care planned. She stated there is no system in place to follow-up or audit care plans. <BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 10:00 AM with LVN A, she stated the care plan is available to view in the resident EMR. She stated it is used to let staff know what care to provide the residents. <BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 10:00 AM with CCM, she stated she is responsible for care plans and has been trained on how to develop care plans. The CCM states all staff should be utilizing the care plans to guide patient care. The CCM states all the information she accumulates for the care plan is found in the resident's electronic medical record. The CCM states if care plans are not thoroughly completed, if triggered areas are missed then there could be gaps in care for the residents; furthermore, she stated these gaps in the care could be dangerous for the residents. The CCM states no one monitors care plans for accuracy, there is no auditing of care plans. The CCM states there is a schedule for residents to smoke, they smoke on the patio at the end of Hall C, there are always staff monitoring the smoking, and smoking aprons are used as needed. The CCM states nurses keep all the residents' smoking materials in a lock box at the nurse's station. The CCM states the charge nurses are responsible for completing smoking assessments. When asked what the potential outcome could be if residents are not care planned for smoking, she stated, Residents may not be safe smokers and there could be fire hazards and injuries to the residents. The CCM states it is necessary to care plan for smoking so that residents are properly protected and supervised when smoking. <BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 10:15 AM with TNA A, she stated she does have access to the resident's care plans. She stated the care plan is used to know what care is needed for the residents. She stated the potential negative outcome if care areas are not care planned could be missed care. <BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 10:37 AM with the DON, she stated Residents #21, #11, and #26 smoke. The DON stated the CCM is responsible for forming care plans. The DON stated she is responsible for acute care plans. The DON states there is no one assigned to follow up on the accuracy of care plans; in addition, the DON stated no one audits care plans. The DON reviewed Matrix with this Surveyor present; the DON stated during her review of Matrix residents #21, #11, and #26 were not care planned for smoking. The DON states there is no reason the residents were not care planned. She stated, There is obviously a problem. The DON stated residents #21, #11, and #26 all had smoking assessments. The DON states the smoking assessments are completed by the nurses and are more important than care plans. The DON stated the comprehensive MDS for all three residents indicated they all three use tobacco. When asked by what would be the negative outcome for smoking not being care planned the DON stated, There would not be one negative outcome for smoking not being care planned. The DON stated, Some staff may use care plans, but they are not necessary because there are other systems in place. When asked who utilizes the care plan at the facility the DON stated, Any and all staff can utilize care plans. The DON states there are scheduled times for residents to smoke and smoking occurs outside the door at the end of Hall C. The DON states residents' cigarettes and lighters are kept in a lock box which is kept locked in the medication storage. Lastly, the DON states smoking aprons are used as needed and the facility has plenty of smoking aprons. <BR/>During an interview on 9/13/22 at 11:20 AM with the Administrator, she stated the CCM is responsible for completion of the care plans. The Administrator stated there are no audits or double checking of care plans for accuracy. The Administrator stated all staff utilize care plans to care for residents; furthermore, he states the information collected for care plans come from Matrix. The Administrator states if triggered areas of care are not completed in care plans, then the staff would not know how to properly care for a resident. The Administrator stated smoking should be care planned for residents to ensure safe smoking for these residents. The Administrator stated there is no reason smoking should not be care planned for Residents #21, #11, and #26. The Administrator states there is an obvious issue with properly completing care plans and this will be addressed. The Administrator states there is a set schedule for smoking; smoking occurs outside a the end of Hall C, all residents are monitored by staff while smoking, and residents' cigarettes and lighters are kept by the nurses in a locked box at the nurses' station. The Administrator stated smoking aprons are used as needed and he feels the facility has plenty of aprons. The Administrator stated the potential outcome for residents not being care planned for smoking is the resident may not know the rules for smoking at the facility, they may cause fire hazards, or injure themselves while smoking. The Administrator stated if smoking is an issue for the resident, it should be carefully care planned and a smoking assessment should be completed. The Administrator states the nurses are responsible for smoking assessments. <BR/>Record review of the facility policy Care Plans, Comprehensive Person-Centered, Revised December 2020, revealed the following documentation: <BR/>Applicability: this policy sets forth the procedures relating to developing a comprehensive, person-centered care plan.<BR/>Policy Statement<BR/>A comprehensive, person-centered care plan that includes measurable objectives and timetables to meet the Resident's physical, psychosocial and functional needs is developed and implemented for each resident.<BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation: <BR/>#8. The comprehensive, person-centered care plan will: <BR/>Include measurable objectives and time frames.<BR/>1. <BR/>Describe the services that are to be furnished to attain or maintain the resident's highest practicable, physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. <BR/>2. <BR/>Incorporate services that would be provided for the above, however, they are not provided due to the resident exercising his or her rights. <BR/>3. <BR/>Include the resident's goals upon admission and desired outcomes. <BR/>#10. Identifying problem areas and their causes and developing interventions that are targeted and meaningful to the Resident, are the endpoint of an interdisciplinary process.<BR/>Record review of the facility policy for Smoking Residents revised August 2019, revealed the following documentation: <BR/>Applicability: this policy sets forth the procedures relating to developing a policy for safe smoking practices.<BR/>Policy Statement<BR/>This facility shall establish and maintain safe resident smoking practices. <BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation<BR/> #18. Resident care plans will reflect that the resident is a smoker and if a protective smoking apron is indicated for the resident. <BR/>

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0812

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Based on observation, interview, and record reviews the facility failed to store, prepare, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety for one of one kitchen reviewed for kitchen sanitation. <BR/>The facility failed to sanitize and clean 1 of1 ice machine located outside the kitchen. <BR/>Theis failure could place the residents who were served from the kitchen at risk for health complications and foodborne illnesses. <BR/>Findings included:<BR/>Observation on 09/11/2022 at 12:15 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed thee filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was an unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine.<BR/>Observation on 09/12/2022 at 2:00 PM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine was dirty and there was unknown dirty substance along the seams of the machine. After the Kitchen Aide unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance.<BR/>Observation on 09/13/2022 at 10:45 AM, of the outside of the freezer located outside of the kitchen revealed the filter on the front of the ice machine had lint in the vent and visible pieces of lint were on the front of the vent. The right side of the ice machine appeared to have been wiped but smeared with streaks. After the Dietary Manager unlocked the ice machine observations on the inside of the machine revealed the lip of the door inside the machine right above the ice had a black wet substance. A white napkin was used to wipe the lip of the door and the black wet unknown substance came off on the white napkin.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:35 AM the Administrator stated the kitchen staff was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. He stated the reason why the ice machine was not cleaned was because the inconsistency with who was responsible for doing it. He restated that at one point maintenance and the housekeeping staff were cleaning the ice machine because of staffing issues. He said the kitchen staff were short at the time. He stated he expected for the ice machine to be cleaned at least one time a week. He stated if the ice machine was not clean that it would put the residents at risk of receiving contaminated ice and could make them sick especially if there's bacteria in the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:46 AM the Dietary Manager said that dietary was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had found out about kitchen being responsible a couple of days ago but she was not aware of the dietary staff being responsible prior to being told a couple of days ago. She stated in the past she had just wiped it down but in the future she would clean the inside. She stated she had not been cleaning the inside because she did not know that dietary staff was responsible. She stated if the inside was not clean then the residents were at risk because mold could build up inside and people could get sick. She stated she had not been trained on how to clean the ice machine or how to remove anything inside to be clean. She stated the ice machine should be cleaned weekly. She stated she was not aware there was paperwork ( cleaning checklist) until she saws the sign in sheet on the side of the ice machine. She stated even when the dietary staff would clean it it would just be the outside of the ice machine. She stated she was not aware that the door could come out and be cleaned in the dishwasher.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10: 53 AM the Kitchen Aide stated she has been working at the facility since 05/28/22. She said she was not sure who was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She stated she had cleaned the ice machine the day before (09/11/2022) by wiping the outside of the ice machine but did not clean the inside. She stated she had never cleaned the inside. She stated she was not sure who was responsible, and she had not been told who was responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She stated if the ice machine was not clean according to policy then everyone to get sick and this could include staff and residents who consume ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:55 AM [NAME] A said she has been working on an off at the facility for three years. She stated housekeeping was responsible for cleaning the ice machine that she knew of. She stated she has never cleaned the inside of the ice machine. She stated as the cook she does not clean the ice machine but the kitchen aid does. She stated no one has ever trained her on cleaning the ice machine. She stated the ice machine not being clean could put the residence at risk for being sick. She stated mold could grow in the ice machine and get into the ice.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 11:00 AM the Housekeeping Supervisor stated the kitchen was responsible for cleaning the ice machine. She said last year she was told that housekeeping was responsible, and this is because the kitchen was short staffed, but this is no longer an issue. She said she was never told by anyone that she was no longer responsible but that she had told the DM that she was now responsible for keeping the ice machine clean. She said she told the DM a couple of weeks ago at 7 AM in the morning but the DM did not remember. She said whenever she would clean the ice machine she would empty and then clean out the bin. She stated the door of the ice machine would be removed and ran through the dishwasher. She stated then they would also wipe the inside and outside of the ice machine. She stated failure to clean the ice machine could make residents sick.<BR/>Record review of the Texas Food Establishment Rules , dated August 2021, revealed the following:<BR/>Pg. 17<BR/>(d) Equipment and Utensils<BR/>(2) Location and installation. Equipment shall be located and installed and cleaned in a way that prevents food contamination and that also facilitates cleaning.<BR/>(4) Protection from contamination. Food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be protected from contamination by consumers and other sources. Where necessary to prevent contamination .<BR/>(f) Ice Usage<BR/>( 2) Ice used for human consumption must be stored in a clean sanitized container that .<BR/>Record review of the facility policy, Kitchen Sanitation to Prevent the Spread of Viral Illness, dated 03/03/2020 revealed the following information:<BR/>Policy: The Nutrition & Foodservice employees of the facility will practice good sanitation practices in accordance with the state and US Food Codes in order to minimize the risk of cross contamination and potential illness such as influenza and COVID-19.<BR/>(f) Kitchen Sanitation<BR/>Weekly Cleaning lists should be completed and monitored by dietary manager.<BR/>Record review of the Daily Ice Machine Cleaning Log dated September 2022 revealed employee signatures (DM, Kitchen Aid & the Cook) of all dietary staff signed from 09/01/2022 to 09/13/2022. <BR/>Record Review of Cleaning Checklist (untitled and undated) revealed the ice machine should be cleaned daily. The person responsible was not completed.<BR/>Record Review of the facility policy, Cleaning Guidelines for the Ice Machine, undated revealed the following:<BR/>1. <BR/>Unplug ice machine and remove the ice.<BR/>2. <BR/>Wash the interior thoroughly using a detergent solution. Rinsed and drain the interior with clean hot tap water <BR/>3. <BR/>Sanitize<BR/>4. <BR/>Air dry<BR/>5. <BR/>Turn the machine on.<BR/>6. <BR/>Clean the exterior of the machine with a detergent solution. Rinse and allow to air dry. Clean the area underneath and around the machine. The exterior of machine should be cleaned daily.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0655

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to develop and implement a baseline care plan for each resident that includes the instructions needed to provide effective and person-centered care of the resident that meet professional standards of quality care for 1 (Resident #154) of 18 residents reviewed. <BR/>The facility failed to ensure that a baseline care plan was developed within 48 hours of the Resident 154's admission.<BR/>This failure could place newly admitted residents at risk for insufficient immediate care needs for the resident being met and maintained.<BR/>Findings included: <BR/>Record review of Resident #154's face sheet (undated) reflected a [AGE] year-old female admitted to the facility on [DATE] with the following diagnoses: depression, type 2 diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure)<BR/>Review of the assessment section of Resident #154's electronic medical record revealed there was not a baseline care plan or assessment under the as of 09/11/22.<BR/>Record review of Resident #154 electronic medical record did not have a BIMS evaluation conducted as of 09/11/22 that revealed BIMS Summary Score (alert and oriented x time, place, person).<BR/>Record review of Resident #154's OOH-DNR Order signed and dated by the resident's responsible party on 09/09/22 and the resident's physician on 09/08/22 revealed the document was complete indicating it was the residents wishes not to be resuscitated. <BR/>Record review of Resident #154's Order Summary dated 09/12/22 revealed the resident had an order for DNR dated 9/9/22 and an order for antipsychotic Zoloft 50 mg. <BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:06 AM the ADON stated the MDS Coordinator was responsible for baseline care plans. She stated she (ADON) was the one to assess the resident upon admission. She stated during admission she categorized Resident #154 as a fall risk but this information was not put anywhere. She said the baseline care plan was the foundation of a resident's care and should include diagnoses, why the resident was at the facility and things that should be done for the resident regarding care until the comprehensive care plan was created. She said everyone used the baseline care plan to provide care to the residents when they were first admitted . She said Resident #154 had been admitted because she had had a stroke and she had weakness on her left side. She stated the resident had a cognitive delay but had not been formally assessed and given a BIMS score. She stated the resident also had speech and swallowing concerns that may affect her diet due to her stroke. She stated there was not a system in place to address late admissions on Friday's and this was the reason she believed the baseline care plan was not done. She stated if a person did not have a baseline care plan completed the staff would not know what a person needed to provide to perform their activities of daily living or what their cognitive status would be. The DON stated the resident could need assistance and may not receive it because the baseline care plan was not completed. She stated the resident could also fall. She stated she was not familiar with the resident's fall but that she had fallen the day after admission and again on 09/12/22. She could not say if this could have been prevented through the implementation of the baseline care plan. <BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:22 AM the DON said the reason why the baseline care plan for the resident was not complete was because the admission was done late Friday (09/09/22) afternoon. She stated that she needed to train her staff on what to do when they have late admissions. She stated there was not a system in place at this time to address baseline care plans for late admissions on Friday, late afternoon. She stated she felt that there was no adverse risk to the resident if the baseline care plan was not completed within 48 hours because she felt there were other systems in place that would keep the resident safe. She did not name those systems at the time of the interview. She stated the MDS Coordinator was responsible for completing the baseline care plan. She stated the baseline care plan should be done within 48 hours of admission. She stated the resident had had a fall since admission. She stated as a result of the fall she would have the bed lowered and put a fall mat in place. She was not aware that a fall mat had been put in place already.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 10:35 AM the Administrator stated the baseline care plan should be done within the appropriate time frame listed in the facility policy. He stated the MDS Coordinator was responsible for completing the baseline care plan. He stated all staff used the baseline care plan to provide care to the resident. He said if a baseline care plan was not completed the resident was at risk because the resident could not receive the care that was needed. He stated that there were no systems put in place to address late admissions on Friday evenings.<BR/>In an interview on 09/12/2022 at 11:05 AM the MDS Coordinator stated she was responsible for completing the baseline care plans. She said they should be completed within 48 hours. She said the reason why Resident #154 baseline care plan was not done was because she was a late admission on Friday (09/09/22) and she (MDS Coordinator) was not in the facility. She stated she had been trained how to do baseline care plans and was aware of the deadline expectation according to the facility policy. She stated if the baseline care plan was not completed that it could affect the care that the residents receive. She stated the resident being a fall risk or having a do not resuscitate order would have been included in the baseline care plan so the staff providing care would know. She stated if there was no baseline care plan then the staff would not have access to this information. She stated anyone could pull the baseline care plans up and use them to provide care to the resident. She stated there was no system in place at this time that addressed late admissions on Friday's.<BR/>Record review of the facility policy Care Plans- Baseline, Comprehensive Person-Centered, (Revised December 2016), revealed the following documentation: <BR/>Policy Statement: A baseline plan of care to meet the resident's immediate needs shall be developed for each resident within forty-eight (48) hours of admission. <BR/>Policy Interpretation and Implementation<BR/>(1) <BR/>To assure that the resident's immediate care needs are met and maintained, a baseline care plan will be developed within forty-eight (48) hours of the resident admission.<BR/>(2) <BR/>The interdisciplinary team will review the healthcare practitioner's orders (e.g., dietary needs, medications, routine treatments, etc.) and implement a baseline care plan to meet the resident's immediate care needs including but not limited to:<BR/>a. <BR/>Initial goals based on admission orders;<BR/>b. <BR/>Physician orders;<BR/>c. <BR/>Dietary orders;<BR/>d. <BR/>Therapy services<BR/>e. <BR/>Social Services; and<BR/>f. <BR/>PASARR recommendation; if applicable.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0804

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure each resident received and the facility provided food that was palatable, attractive and at a safe, and appetizing temperature for 3 of 3 food forms (Regular, Mechanical Soft, and Pureed) for 1 of 1 meal reviewed for palatability.<BR/>1) The facility failed to provide food that was palatable for 3 of 3 food forms served (Regular, Mechanical Soft, and Puree) at 1 of 1 meal observed (12/16/24 lunch). <BR/>This failure could place residents at risk of decreased food intake, hunger, and unwanted weight loss. <BR/>The findings included:<BR/>During confidential individual interviews 4 of 12 residents voiced concerns related to food palatability. One resident stated the food was not good most days. One resident stated the food lacked seasoning and tasted like nothing. One resident stated sometimes the food is good and sometimes it is pretty bad. One resident stated the food was very bland and had little taste.<BR/>Observation on 12/16/24 at 12:52 PM the test trays arrived at the conference room and sampling began at 12:54 PM with the following results:<BR/>Regular Meal - Regular Texture<BR/>Meatballs - no issues<BR/>White [NAME] - sticky and very bland, no taste<BR/>Green Beans - no issues<BR/>Biscuit - dry/flaky with a burned bottom.<BR/>Regular Meal - Mechanical Soft Texture<BR/>Meatballs - no issues<BR/>White [NAME] - thick and bland, no taste<BR/>Green Beans - no issues<BR/>Biscuit - dry/flaky with a burned bottom.<BR/>Regular Meal - Puree<BR/>Meatballs - no issues<BR/>White [NAME] - thick and bland, no taste<BR/>Green Beans - no issues<BR/>Biscuit - no issues<BR/>Interview on 12/16/24 at 1:02 PM, the DM was asked to try the test tray and stated the biscuits on the trays were overcooked. The DM stated the white rice tasted bland but she was not allowed to add any salt to the food due to some of the resident's dietary restrictions.<BR/>Interview on 12/17/24 at 10:55 AM, the DM stated sometimes she tasted the food before serving it to the residents, but not all the time. The DM stated she did not taste the food before serving lunch yesterday, 12/16/24. The DM stated she was nervous, but she had been trained on seasoning the foods and tasting it before it was served. The DM stated sometimes the recipes were good and sometimes they were not. The DM stated none of the residents had complained of the food not tasting good to her. The DM stated she would go around and ask the residents about the food but did not do it all of the time. The DM stated the residents may not want to eat the food if it did not taste good.<BR/>Interview on 12/17/24 at 11:03 AM, the ADM stated the DM was responsible for food tasting. The ADM stated the dietary staff had been trained on food palatability. The ADM stated the residents did not usually have complaints of the food tasting bad. The ADM stated he was unsure of any negative outcomes to the residents as the facility always had alternates to serve the residents if they did not like the food. <BR/>Interview on 12/17/24 at 11:23 AM, the ADM stated the policy provided for food palatability was the most relevant policy he could find. <BR/>Record review of the facility's grievance log from March 2024 to December 2024 revealed no complaints regarding food palatability.<BR/>Record review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Alternate Food Choices and Substitutions and Honoring Preferences, dated 2018, reflected the following: <BR/>Policy: The facility believes that adequate nutrition is essential to each resident's well-being and good health

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm
CITATION DATEJanuary 1, 2026
F-TAG: 0758

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure PRN orders for psychotropic drugs were limited to 14 days unless the attending physician or prescribing practitioner believed, and documented, that it was appropriate for the PRN order to be extended beyond 14 days, for 2 of 14 residents (Resident #33 and #38) reviewed for PRN psychotropic medications. <BR/>Resident #33 and #38 continued to have a PRN order for Lorazepam 0.5mg after 14 days without an evaluation by the physician for continued treatment.<BR/>This failure could result in residents receiving psychotropic and antipsychotic medications when contraindicated and could also result in residents experiencing adverse drug reactions. <BR/>The findings include:<BR/>Resident #33<BR/>Record review of Resident #33's face sheet, dated 10/24/23, revealed a [AGE] year-old-female who was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), COPD (lung disease), anxiety. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's quarterly MDS, dated [DATE], revealed Section N - Medication Section N0410 - Medications Received: B - Antianxiety - Given 0 out of 7 days.<BR/>Record review Resident #33 comprehensive care plan dated 07/27/23 revealed no care plan related to Lorazepam medication. <BR/>Record review of Resident #33's physician order summary dated 10/24/23 revealed an order start date 08/26/23 with an indefinite end date for Lorazepam 0.5mg, give 1 tab every 4 hours as needed for agitation, anxiety, or restlessness.

Scope & Severity (CMS Alpha)
Potential for Harm

Regional Safety Benchmarking

City Performance (SWEETWATER)AVG: 10.4

35% more citations than local average

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Open Guide
Source: CMS.gov / Medicare.gov
Dataset Sync: Feb 2026
Audit ID: NH-AUDIT-0C676555