Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, review of records, review of complaints and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to 1) ensure narcotic record books were consistently signed by both incoming and outgoing nurses, 2) ensure that drug records were maintained in a manner that accounted for all controlled drugs and allowed for reconciliation of dispensed and administered medication, and 3) ensure that medication was administered in accordance with physician ordered parameters. This was evident for 8 of 8 medication carts observed during the medication storage task, 2 (Complaint #2646715, #2613978 ) of 5 complaints reviewed, and 1 (Resident #71) of 2 residents reviewed for pharmacy services during the annual survey.
The findings include:
The MDS (Minimum Data Set) is a federally mandated, standardized assessment tool used in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to comprehensively assess a resident's clinical and functional status. The MDS is used to develop individualized care plans, monitor quality of care, and determine Medicare reimbursement.
Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) is a quick cognitive screening tool used in healthcare (especially long-term care) to check for memory, orientation, and recall (like remembering three words) in patients, scoring 0-15 to flag potential impairment.
1) On 12/09/2025 at 8:50 AM, during a medication cart observation on unit 2, the surveyor reviewed the narcotic record book and observed multiple missing signatures.
During an interview with Registered Nurse (RN) #15 who confirmed the missing signatures, when asked whether narcotics were counted at shift change that morning, RN #15 stated, Yes. When asked about expectations for signing the narcotic record book, she stated that the book should be signed by the incoming nurse and the outgoing nurse.
On 12/09/2025 at 9:28 AM, during a medication administration observation of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #17 on unit 3, the surveyor reviewed the narcotic record book and observed that it had not been signed that morning by the incoming nurse. LPN #17 confirmed that she was the incoming nurse and stated that the lack of signature was an oversight. The surveyor also observed multiple missing signatures in the narcotic record book. When asked about expectations regarding signing the narcotic record book, LPN #17 stated that the outgoing nurse and incoming nurse were expected to sign the narcotic record book every shift after counting the controlled medications together.
On 12/09/2025 at 9:49 AM, during an observation of medication cart on unit 4, the surveyor reviewed the narcotic record book and observed that it had not been signed that morning. LPN #13 stated that it had been a busy morning and that she had counted the narcotics with the outgoing nurse but forgot to sign the record. The surveyor also observed multiple missing signatures in the narcotic record book. When asked about expectations for signing the narcotic record book, LPN #13 stated that both the outgoing nurse and incoming nurse were required to sign the narcotic record book across all shifts after completing the count together.
On 12/09/2025 at 11:32 AM, during an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON), the surveyor asked about expectations regarding signing narcotic record sheets. The DON stated that incoming and outgoing nurses were expected to count and account for all narcotics at shift change and that both nurses were required to sign the narcotic record sheet. The surveyor discussed the concerns identified during medication observations with the DON, who stated that she would provide education for all staff involved.
2) On 12/10/2025 at 12:47 PM, review of Complaint #2646715 revealed that on 10/17/2025, a complaint was filed with the State Agency alleging that on 10/04/2025 and/or 10/05/2025, the facility's narcotic record sheet reflected that a controlled substance had been administered to the complainant's loved one; however, the resident reported that he had not received the medication. The complainant further stated that review of the resident's chart did not show documentation that the medication was administered during that period.
On 12/10/2025 at 12:52 PM, review of Resident #91's clinical record revealed that the resident had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 12 out of 15 on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE], indicating that the resident was cognitively intact at the time of the alleged incident.
On 12/11/2025 at 7:15 AM, review of Resident #91's physician orders in the electronic health record revealed an active order dated 09/29/2025 for Oxycodone HCl 5 mg oral tablet, to be administered 5 mg by mouth every six (6) hours as needed for pain rated 5–10.
On 12/11/2025 at 7:28 AM, review of the controlled drug administration record provided by the pharmacy revealed that Oxycodone HCl 5 mg was removed from the narcotic supply on the following dates and times:
10/04/2025 (no time documented)
10/05/2025 at 8:15 AM
10/05/2025 at 1:56 PM
10/05/2025 at 9:00 PM
10/12/2025 at 9:50 AM
On 12/11/2025 at 7:39 AM, review of the resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) for October 2025 failed to show documentation that Oxycodone HCl 5 mg was administered to the resident on the above-listed dates, despite the medication being removed from the controlled drug supply.
On 12/11/2025 at 9:49 AM, during an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON), the surveyor asked about expectations regarding the administration and documentation of controlled substances. The DON stated that the nurse administering a controlled medication was expected to sign the pharmacy-provided controlled drug record to indicate removal of the medication from the narcotic supply and document the remaining count and then sign the MAR to indicate that the medication was administered to the resident. When informed of the discrepancy between the controlled drug removal record and the lack of documentation on the MAR, the DON stated that such practice was not acceptable. The DON further stated that all licensed nursing staff would be educated on proper documentation of controlled substances and that random audits would be conducted to prevent recurrence.
3a) On 12/10/2025 at 8:50 AM, review of Complaint #2613978 revealed that on 09/10/2025, a complaint was filed with the State Agency alleging that Resident #87 reported experiencing increased pain due to missed pain medication on multiple occasions, which reportedly interfered with the resident's ability to participate in therapy services.
On 12/10/2025 at 8:57 AM, review of Resident #87's clinical record revealed a MDS discharge assessment dated [DATE], which documented a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15, indicating that the resident was cognitively intact at the time of the complaint.
On 12/10/2025 at 9:34 AM, review of Resident #87's physician orders revealed an order dated 08/18/2025 for Oxycodone HCl 5 mg oral tablet as follows:
Give three (3) tablets by mouth every four (4) hours as needed for pain rated 7 to 10, and
Give two (2) tablets by mouth every four (4) hours as needed for pain rated 4 to 6.
On 12/10/2025 at 9:59 AM, review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) revealed that Oxycodone HCl 5 mg, two (2) tablets, prescribed for pain rated 4 to 6, was administered on the following dates and times when the documented pain level did not meet the ordered parameters:
08/28/2025 at 5:07 AM with pain level of 0
08/29/2025 at 7:33 PM with pain level of 0
08/30/2025 at 5:50 AM with pain level of 0
09/04/2025 at 7:31 PM with pain level of 8
09/05/2025 at 6:36 AM with pain level of 10
09/09/2025 at 6:02 AM with pain level of 8
09/12/2025 at 10:22 AM with pain level of 0
09/15/2025 at 5:35 PM with pain level of 7
Further review of the MAR revealed that Oxycodone HCl 5 mg, three (3) tablets, prescribed for pain rated 7 to 10, were administered on the following dates and times when the documented pain level did not meet the ordered parameters:
08/28/2025 at 00:04 AM with pain level of 0
08/31/2025 at 6:34 AM with pain level of 0
08/31/2025 at 10:00 PM with pain level of 5
09/05/2025 at 11:45 AM with pain level of 5
04/06/2025 at 8:16 PM with pain level of 6
09/09/2025 at 1:31 PM with pain level of 6
09/10/2025 at 6:00 PM with pain level of 5
09/11/2025 at 8:34 PM with pain level of 6
09/12/2025 at 00:37 AM with pain level of 6
09/18/2025 at 6:33 PM with pain level of 0
09/19/2025 at 6:49 AM with pain level of 5
On 12/10/2025 at 12:16 PM, during an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON), the surveyor asked about expectations regarding administration of pain medications. The DON stated that pain medications were to be administered strictly in accordance with physician orders and the prescribed pain scale parameters. When informed of the findings related to both under-medication and over-medication of Resident #87, as well as administration of pain medication when not clinically indicated, the DON acknowledged the concern and stated that the staff involved would be reeducated. The DON further stated that all nursing staff on the unit would receive reeducation regarding adherence to physician orders and proper pain assessment and medication administration.
3b) On 12/09/2025 at 12:57 PM, a review of Resident #71's Medication Administration Record (MAR) for November and December 2025 revealed that the following medications were administered outside of the physician ordered parameters:
Doxazosin Mesylate 4mg was ordered to be held for systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 110mmHg, however, the medication was administered on the following dates:
11/08/25 SBP of 104/73
11/11/25 SBP of 99/58.
12/08/25 SBP of 101/56
Losartan Potassium-Hydrochlorothiazide 100-25mg was ordered to be held for SBP less than 110mmHg, however, the medication was administered on the following dates:
11/09/25 SBP of 104/57
11/11/25 SBP of 99/58.
Nifedipine 60mg was ordered to be held for SBP less than 110mmHg, however, the medication was administered on the following dates:
11/10/25 SBP of 102/60
11/20/25 SBP of 83/56
12/05/25 SBP of 106/59
Carvedilol 25mg, was ordered to be held for SBP less than 110mmHg, however, the medication was administered on the following dates:
11/10/25 SBP of 102/60
11/14/25 SBP of 92/57
12/05/25 SBP of 106/59
Clonidine 0.1mg, was ordered to be held for SBP less than 110mmHg, however, the medication was administered on the following dates:
11/05/25 SBP of 106/72
11/09/25 SBP of 104/57
11/10/25 SBP of 102/60
11/20/25 SBP of 97/48
12/05/25 SBP of 106/59
Oxycodone 5mg was ordered on 10/27/25, for staff to administer three tablets as needed (PRN) for severe pain rated 7-10 and was discontinued on 11/07/25. The medication was administered on the following dates:
11/03/25 pain score of 5- medication administered.
11/04/25 pain score of 6-medication administered.
11/05/25 pain score of 5-medication administered.
11/06/25 pain score of 5-medication administered
11/07/25 at 12:33 AM, pains score of 5-medication administered.
11/07/25 at 06:31 AM, pain score of 5-medication administered.
Oxycodone 5mg was ordered on 11/07/25, for staff to administer three tablets PRN for severe pain rated 7-10 and was discontinued on 11/19/25. The medication was administered on the following dates:
11/10/25 pain score of 4-medication administered.
11/14/25 pain score of 4-medication administered.
11/17/25 pain score of 1-medication administered.
Oxycodone 5mg was ordered on 11/19/25 for staff to administer three tablets PRN for severe pain of 8-10 and was discontinued on 11/28/2025. The medication was administered on the following dates:
11/22/25 at 6:30 PM, pain score of 0-medication administered.
11/22/25 at 9:30 PM, pain score of 0-medication administered.
11/23/25 pain score of 0-medication administered.
11/24/25 pain score of 2-medication administered.
11/27/25 pain score of5-medication administered.
Oxycodone 5mg was ordered on 11/28/2025 for staff to administer two tablets PRN for pain rated 5-10. The medication was administered on the following dates:
12/04/25 at 3:03 AM, pain score of 1-medication administered.
12/04/25 at 6:08 AM, pain score of 0-medication administered.
12/04/25 at 1:11 PM, pain score of 3-medication administered.
12/06/25 pain score of 0-medication administered.
The November 2025 MAR included an order to offer non-pharmacological interventions including repositioning, food or drink, and back rubs prior to administering PRN medication and to document interventions. A review of records from 11/01/2025-11/30/2025 showed these services were not documented as offered prior to medication administration.
On 12/09/2025 at 1:26 PM, during an interview, the Director of Nursing (DON) explained that staff are expected to administer medications as ordered by the physician's parameters and document when medications are held if the order parameters are not met. The surveyor review Resident #71's MAR for November and December 2025 with the DON which showed medications were administered outside of the physician's parameters. The DON acknowledged the findings and stated staff education would be provided.