Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. A review of a Face Sheet indicated the facility admitted Resident #62 on 05/30/2019 with a diagnosis of cerebral infarction with hemiplegia affecting the nondominant side.
The annual Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #62 had severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident required extensive assistance of one person for bed mobility and maximum assistance from staff for transfers. The MDS indicated bed rails were not used as a physical restraint.
Review of Resident #62's Care Plan, with a revision date of 11/03/2022, revealed there was no documentation related to use of bed rails.
Review of Resident #62's Physician's Orders, revealed there was no order for side rails or bed rails.
During observations made on 03/06/2023 at 11:26 AM and 03/07/2023 at 2:24 PM, Resident #62 was lying in bed with half bed rails in the raised position on both sides of the bed.
On 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM the Director of Nursing (DON) provided Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluations for Resident #62. A review of the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation dated 10/25/2023 (incorrectly dated; should have been 10/25/2022), revealed the form was incomplete and did not indicate what type of bed rail or bar was being evaluated, did not include a Summary of Findings and Interventions, and did not include a date of completion or the signature of the person completing the form. Another Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation, dated 03/07 with no year identified, was provided which indicated the resident used quarter bed rails. Although the evaluation indicated the resident had advanced dementia, the bed rail was not used for positioning or support, the resident had problems with balance or poor trunk control, and the resident was able to voluntarily move their own body. The Summary of Findings and Intervention sections of the form were not completed.
During a phone interview on 03/08/2023 at 2:56 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #7 said that if a resident was a fall risk or always falling or leaning then they needed a bed rail.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 11:42 AM, CNA #10 indicated Resident #62 needed a bed rail because the resident leans to one side.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 12:06 PM, CNA #11 indicated she knew a resident needed a bed rail if it was convenient for the resident or if the resident leaned and would fall out of bed. CNA #11 indicated Resident #62 needed a bed rail because the resident had an air mattress, and the mattress made the resident become off balanced when the resident turned and repositioned.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 2:54 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #13 indicated Resident #62 had half bed rails because the resident could grab the bed rails and the bed rails could be used to help the resident turn. LPN #13 indicated there had been no incidents with the bed rails.
3. A review of a Face Sheet revealed the facility admitted Resident #17 on 11/17/2020 and had diagnoses that included dementia, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, major depression, hypertension, and anxiety.
Review of a quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #17 had severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident was independent with bed mobility and transfers and required extensive assistance from staff with dressing, toilet use, and personal hygiene. The MDS indicated the resident had no functional limitations in range of motion in the upper or lower extremities. The MDS indicated the resident was always incontinent of bladder and frequently incontinent of bowel. The MDS indicated the resident had one fall with no injury and one fall with injury (except major) since admission or the prior assessment. The MDS did not indicate that bed rails were used as a physical restraint.
A review of Resident #17's Physician Orders, revealed there was no order for the use of side rails or bed rails.
A review of Resident #17's electronic medical record revealed there was no bed rail assessment, informed consent, or documented attempts to use alternatives to bed rails.
On 03/07/2023 at 3:12 PM, Resident #17 was observed in the resident's room lying in a low bed with bed rails in the raised position on both sides of the bed.
On 03/08/2023 at 9:12 AM, Resident #17 was observed in the resident's room lying in bed with half bed rails in the raised position on both sides of the bed. Soft mats were at the bedside.
On 03/09/2023 at 12:01 PM, Resident #17 was observed in the resident's room lying in a low bed with half bed rails in the raised position on both sides of the bed. Soft mats were at the bedside.
During an interview on 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) provided Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluations for Resident #17, completed in 10/2022 and 03/2023. The DON acknowledged there was no process in place to ensure the assessments were completed on a quarterly basis and there was no process in place to ensure the assessments were completed on admission. The DON stated the facility beds generally had bed rails installed by the manufacturer. There was no process in place to assess if the bed rails were necessary for an individual resident. There were no consent forms provided to the resident or family to sign indicating consent for the use of bed rails.
During an interview on 03/10/2023 at 2:18 PM, the DON and Administrator stated their expectation was for the bed rail assessments to be completed for all residents who used bed rails on admission and quarterly thereafter.
Based on observations, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, it was determined that facility staff failed to assess risks associated with bed rail use, failed to complete bed rail assessments on admission and quarterly thereafter, failed to ensure the bed rail assessments were fully completed, and failed to obtain consent from the resident or resident representative prior to installing bed rails for 6 (Residents #43, #61, #17, #62, #41, and #55) of 6 residents reviewed for bed rails. From a sample of four of six hallways, this failure affected 53 of 59 residents whose beds were equipped with bed rails.
Findings included:
On 03/10/2023 at 1:27 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated the facility did not have any policies related to resident assessment for bed rail use. Bed rails were addressed in a policy related to restraint use. A review of the facility policy titled, Restraint Use, dated 09/12/2001, specified, Long bed rails will not be used to keep a resident from voluntarily getting out of bed. Long bed rails will be used to enhance a resident's mobility while in bed and to help the resident identify the parameters of the bed.
1. Review of a Face Sheet indicated the facility admitted Resident #43 on 07/29/2022 with diagnoses that included dementia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.
The quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #43 was severely cognitively impaired based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident required extensive to maximum assistance of one to two staff members for activities of daily living (ADLs), including bed mobility and transfers. The MDS did not include documentation indicating the resident used bed rails as a physical restraint.
Review of Resident #43's Physician Orders, revealed there was no order for side rails or bed rails.
On 03/06/2023 at 11:09 PM, Resident #43 was observed lying in bed with bed rails on both sides of the bed in the raised position. The bed rails were positioned in the middle of the bed and extended from the resident's chest area to below the resident's knees. A wedge cushion was observed between the left bed rail and the resident's body.
On 03/06/2023 at 2:53 PM, Resident #43 was observed lying in bed, with bed rails on both sides of the bed in the raised position. The bed mattress was observed to fit tightly against the bed rails.
On 03/06/2023 at 4:15 PM, Resident #43 was observed lying in bed with bed rails on both sides of the bed in the raised position.
On 03/07/2023 at 4:30 PM, Resident #43 was observed lying in bed with bed rails on both sides of the bed in the raised position.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:00 PM, Family Member (FM) #1, who was also the Resident Representative, stated they were aware of the bed rails being in place but assumed they were being used to prevent Resident #43 from falling out of bed. FM #1 indicated not being aware of any falls the resident had in the past.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:45 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #1 stated bed rails were used to prevent residents from rolling out of bed. CNA #1 further stated Resident #43 was always trying to get out of bed, and the bed rails prevented the resident from falling. CNA #1 stated she would look at the care plan to determine why bed rails were in place.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:50 PM, CNA #2 stated the bed rails were used for fall prevention. CNA #2 was unable to state who initiated the bed rails for Resident #43. CNA #2 said Resident #43 would try to get out of the bed at times, and the bed rails prevented the resident from falling out of bed.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 2:00 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #3 stated the bed rails were not placed on the beds for any specific purpose. According to LPN #3, there was no decision-making process used to determine the risks and benefits of bed rail use and if the bed rails were a safe approach for a resident. LPN #3 said, if the bed rails were in place on a resident's bed at the time of admission, the resident would have bed rails for the remainder of their stay; the bed rails would not be removed. LPN #3 further stated Resident #43 would attempt to climb out of bed, and the bed rails were being used for fall prevention.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 4:00 PM, LPN #4 stated bed rails were used for self-positioning, to enable residents to turn themselves. LPN #4 was unable to state which interdisciplinary team members assessed a resident for bed rail use and determined the need for bed rails and/or who ensured bed rails were a safe approach. LPN #4 was unaware of the bed rails in use for Resident #43 and did not know who made the decision for the bed rails to be installed on the resident's bed.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 4:37 PM, the DON stated the interdisciplinary team assessed the need for bed rails, and the maintenance department added or removed the bed rails as instructed. The DON was unable to state who was responsible for assessing the risks associated with bed rail utilization.
During an interview on 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM, the DON stated the bed rails had been removed from Resident #43's bed on the evening of 03/07/2023. The DON provided the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation at that time.
Review of Resident #43's Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation revealed the assessment was to be completed quarterly and was completed on 10/2 (no year specified) and 03/07 (no year specified). The Evaluation Factors section indicated the resident had fluctuations in levels of consciousness or a cognitive deficit, was not physically able to release the bed rails, was unable to follow directions, and had a problem with balance or poor trunk control. The evaluation also indicated the resident would use the bed rails for positioning or support and there was no risk to the resident if bed rails were used. Instructions provided on the form indicated, for each evaluation factor, If yes, summarize on reverse [the back of the document/second page]. The Summary of Findings sections for these dates were not completed despite yes responses under the evaluation columns. The document was not signed by the person(s) who completed the evaluations.
During the interview on 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM, the DON stated that in October 2022 she realized there were no assessments for the use of bed rails, and she instructed the registered nurse (RN) supervisors at that time to complete assessments for all residents in the building who used bed rails using the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation form. The DON stated the nursing staff were not provided education on how to complete the assessments or what constituted a risk for entrapment. The DON stated there was no follow-up to the assessments other than the daily walking rounds conducted by department heads. The DON indicated that the maintenance department did not have a role in bed rail safety assessments. The DON further stated there was a protocol related to proper installation of bed rails, but the maintenance staff had not been provided the protocol or education related to the protocol. The DON presented the regulatory guidance as their protocol. The DON stated there were no consent forms presented to the resident or family for signature, and the nursing staff had not been educated on a process for conducting assessments, obtaining consents, or determining the necessity of bed rails.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 11:10 AM, the Therapy Coordinator (TC) stated that as part of their therapy screen, bed rails were not addressed as it was a nursing assessment. The TC further stated the therapy department would make a recommendation for bed rail use only if it was felt a resident would benefit from bed rails. The TC stated Resident #43 was assessed by therapy and there were no recommendations made for bed rails. The TC further stated the therapy department had not been asked to evaluate Resident #43 or any other resident for use of bed rails.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 1:29 PM, Registered Nurse Supervisor #5 stated she was provided with the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation forms in October 2022, and RN supervisors were instructed to complete the evaluations for all residents. RN Supervisor #5 stated she was not provided training, but the forms were self-explanatory. RN Supervisor #5 was unable to define risk as it related to bed rail use but stated cognition was a big part of the assessment. RN Supervisor #5 indicated if the resident was cognitively intact, the resident knew how to use the bed rails safely. RN Supervisor #5 stated she had not received training on risks associated with bed rail use. She did not know who decided when bed rails were installed or removed.
During an interview on 03/10/2023 at 2:18 PM in the presence of the Administrator, the DON stated she had implemented the bed rail assessments following a survey preparedness initiative. The DON acknowledged that residents currently using bed rails had not been adequately assessed and indicated the staff were not conducting the assessments accurately or completely. The DON further stated it was her expectation that staff completed the bed rail assessments quarterly, but it just did not happen.
2. A review of a Face Sheet indicated the facility admitted Resident #61 on 07/23/2020 with diagnoses that included dementia, anxiety disorder, pubic fracture, and major depressive disorder.
The quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #61 was severely cognitively impaired based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident required maximum assistance of one to two staff members for activities of daily living (ADLs), including bed mobility and transfers. The MDS did not include documentation indicating the resident used bed rails as a physical restraint.
Review of Resident #61's Care Plan, with a review date of 12/22/22, revealed there was no documentation related to use of bed rails.
Review of Resident #61's Physician Orders, revealed no order for side rails or bed rails.
During an observation on 03/06/2023 at 11:11 AM, Resident #61 was observed lying in bed with their eyes closed. The bed rails on both sides of the bed were in the raised position. The bed rails were positioned in the middle of the bed and extended from approximately the resident's chest/abdomen to below the resident's knees.
During an observation on 03/07/2023 at 1:45 PM, Resident #61 was observed sitting in bed with the head of the bed elevated and bed rails on either side of the bed in the raised position. An unidentified certified nursing assistant (CNA) was at the bedside assisting the resident to eat.
During an observation on 03/07/2023 at 4:00 PM, Resident #61 was observed lying in bed with bed rails on both sides of the bed in the raised position.
During an observation on 03/08/2023 at 11:27 AM, Resident #61 was observed lying in bed. The bed rails had been removed from the bed.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:25 PM, Family Member (FM) #2, who was also the Resident Representative, stated they previously observed the bed rails in place but had not asked about them. FM #2 said facility staff had not discussed the use of bed rails either directly or during the care planning meetings. FM #2 thought the bed rails were being used to prevent Resident #61 from falling out of bed.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:45 PM, CNA #1 stated bed rails were used to prevent residents from rolling out of bed. CNA #1 further stated the bed rails prevented Resident #61 from falling out of bed. CNA #1 stated she would look at the care plan to determine why bed rails were in place.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 1:50 PM, CNA #2 stated the bed rails were used for fall prevention. CNA #2 was unable to state who initiated the bed rails for Resident #61. CNA #2 said that in the past, Resident #61 would try to get out of bed, and the bed rails prevented the resident from falling out of bed.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 2:00 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #3 stated the bed rails were not placed on the beds for any specific purpose. LPN #3 indicated there was no decision-making process used to determine the risks and benefits of bed rail use and if the bed rails were a safe approach for a resident. LPN #3 said, if the bed rails were in place on a resident's bed at the time of admission, the resident would have bed rails for the remainder of their stay; the bed rails would not be removed. LPN #3 further stated Resident #61 had never fallen out of bed, so she did not know why bed rails were in use for the resident.
During an interview on 03/07/2023 at 4:00 PM, LPN #4 stated bed rails were used for self-positioning, to enable residents to turn themselves. LPN #4 was unable to state which interdisciplinary team members assessed a resident for bed rail use and determined the need for bed rails and/or who ensured bed rails were a safe approach. LPN #4 was unaware of the bed rails in use for Resident #61 and did not know who made the decision for the bed rails to be installed on the resident's bed.
During an interview on 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated the bed rails had been removed from Resident #61's bed on the evening of 03/07/2023. The DON provided the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation at that time.
Review of Resident #61's Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation revealed the assessment was to be completed quarterly and was completed on 10/21 (no year specified) and 03/07 (no year specified). The Evaluation Factors section indicated the resident had fluctuations in levels of consciousness or a cognitive deficit, was physically able to release the bed rails, was unable to follow directions, was voluntarily able to move their own body, and had a problem with balance or poor trunk control. The evaluation also indicated the resident would use the bed rails for positioning or support and there was no risk to the resident if bed rails were used. Instructions provided on the form indicated, for each evaluation factor, If yes, summarize on reverse. The Summary of Findings sections were not completed despite yes responses under the evaluation columns. The document was not signed by the person(s) who completed the evaluations.
During the interview on 03/08/2023, the DON stated that in October 2022 she realized there were no assessments for the use of bed rails, and she instructed the registered nurse (RN) supervisors at that time to complete assessments for all residents in the building who used bed rails. The DON stated the nursing staff were not provided education on how to complete the assessments or what constituted a risk for entrapment. The DON stated there was no follow-up to the assessments other than the daily walking rounds conducted by department heads. The DON indicated that the maintenance department did not have a role in bed rail safety assessments. The DON further stated there was a protocol related to proper installation of bed rails, but the maintenance staff had not been provided the protocol or education related to the protocol. The DON presented the regulatory guidance as their protocol. The DON stated there were no consent forms presented to the resident or family for signature, and nursing staff had not been educated on a process for conducting assessments, obtaining consents, or determining the necessity of bed rails.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 11:10 AM, the Therapy Coordinator (TC) stated that as part of their therapy screen, bed rails were not addressed as it was a nursing assessment. The TC further stated the therapy department would make a recommendation for bed rail use only if it was felt a resident would benefit from bed rails. The TC stated Resident #61 was not assessed by therapy and there were no recommendations made for bed rails. The TC further stated the therapy department had not been asked to evaluate Resident #61 or any other resident for use if bed rails.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 1:29 PM, RN Supervisor #5 stated she was provided with the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation forms in October 2022, and RN Supervisors were instructed to complete the evaluations for all residents. RN Supervisor #5 stated she was not provided training, but the forms were self-explanatory. RN Supervisor #5 was unable to define risk as it related to bed rail use but stated cognition was a big part of the assessment. RN Supervisor #5 indicated if the resident was cognitively intact, the resident knew how to use the bed rails safely. RN Supervisor #5 stated she had not received training on risks associated with bed rail use. She did not know who decided when bed rails were installed or removed.
During an interview on 03/10/2023 at 2:18 PM in the presence of the Administrator, the DON stated she had implemented the bed rail assessments following a survey preparedness initiative. The DON acknowledged that residents currently using bed rails had not been adequately assessed and indicated the staff were not conducting the assessments accurately or completely. The DON further stated it was her expectation that staff completed the bed rail assessments quarterly, but it just did not happen.
5. A review of a Face Sheet indicated the facility admitted Resident #41 on 04/04/2017 with diagnoses including muscle weakness and hemiplegia following cerebral infarction affecting the nondominant side.
The annual Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #41 had severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident had functional limitations in range of motion in the upper and lower extremities on one side and required extensive assistance of one person for bed mobility and maximum assistance from staff for transfers. The MDS indicated bed rails were not used as a physical restraint.
Review of Resident #41's Care Plan, with an annual review date of 02/08/2023, revealed the resident was at risk for falls and used bed rails to define the parameters of the bed.
On 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM the DON provided Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluations for Resident #41. A review of a Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation, dated 10/21 with no year identified, revealed the form was incomplete with Evaluation Factors not identified and the Summary of Findings left blank. The form did not include a completion date or the signature of the person completing the form. Another Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation, dated 03/07 with no year identified, was provided which indicated the resident used quarter bed rails. Although the evaluation indicated the resident had fluctuations in levels of consciousness or a cognitive deficit, the resident had problems with balance or poor trunk control, and the resident was able to voluntarily move their own body, the Summary of Findings and Intervention sections of the form were not completed.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 11:42 AM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #10 indicated residents needed the bed rail if they leaned to one side and might fall out of bed. CNA #10 indicated she did not know who decided which residents needed a bed rail or bed rails on their bed.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 2:58 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #13 indicated Resident #41 needed half bed rails for movement and safety. LPN #13 indicated she was not aware of any incidents involving bed rails.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 3:17 PM, LPN #4 indicated Resident #41 needed the half bed rails because the resident could use the bed rails to turn and reposition in bed.
6. A review of the Face Sheet indicated the facility admitted Resident #55 on 01/07/2019 with diagnoses that included dementia without behavioral disturbance, depression, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], revealed Resident #55 had severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making based on staff assessment. According to the MDS, the resident required extensive to maximum assistance from staff with all activities of daily living (ADLs). The MDS indicated Resident #55 did not use bed rails as a physical restraint.
Record review for Resident #55 revealed there was no bed rail assessment, informed consent, or documented attempts to use alternatives to bed rails in the resident's electronic health record.
A review of Resident #55's physician orders revealed there were no orders for the use of bed rails or side rails.
On 03/08/2023 at 9:00 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) provided the Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation that indicated Resident #55 used bilateral half bed rails.
Review of Resident #55's Bed Rail/Assist Bar Evaluation revealed the assessment was to be completed quarterly and was completed on 10/21 (the year was not documented) and 03/07 (the year was not documented). The 10/21 Evaluation Factors indicated the resident had fluctuations in levels of consciousness or a cognitive deficit, had a history of falls, had a problem with balance or poor trunk control, was able to move their body voluntarily, and indicated there was a risk to the resident if bed rails/assist bars were used. The Evaluation Factors on the 03/07 assessment also indicated the resident had fluctuations in levels of consciousness or a cognitive deficit, had a history of falls, had a problem with balance or poor trunk control, and was able to move their body in bed. The Summary of Findings section of the forms corresponding with these dates was not completed and the document was not signed by the person(s) who conducted the evaluations.
During an interview on 03/08/2023 at 9:05 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged there was no process in place to ensure bed rail assessments were completed on admission and on a quarterly basis thereafter. The DON stated resident beds generally had bed rails installed by the manufacturer, and there was no process in place to determine if they were necessary or safe for resident use. There was no consent form provided to residents or family members for signature authorizing the use of bed rails and acknowledging risks and benefits.
During an interview on 03/09/2023 at 11:12 AM, the Therapy Coordinator (TC) stated she screened all residents following admission to the facility, but the TC did not do an assessment for bed rails. The TC stated she did not recall being asked by nursing to evaluate the bed rails for appropriateness.
During an interview on 03/10/2023 at 2:18 PM, the DON and Administrator stated their expectation was for the bed rail assessments to be completed for all residents at admission and quarterly, thereafter.