Finding Description
Based on observation, record review and interview with facility staff it was determined that the facility failed to obtain accurately documented informed consent prior to the use of the bed rails and updated bed rail assessments. This was evident of 2 (Resident #14 #16) of 2 residents reviewed for bed rails during an annual survey.
The findings include:
Bed rails also known as side rails are adjustable bars that attach to the bed. They vary in size, including full, half, and quarter lengths depending on their intended purpose. They can be used to prevent falls, help assist residents with movement, and provide a feeling of security. Bed rails also have potential risks associated with them, such as suffocation, entrapment, and psychological risks. A Resident or Resident's Representative should be provided with the risks and benefits along with a signed consent obtained before the use of bed rails.
1a) On 7/15/24 at 10:49 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #14's bed and noted 1/4 length bed rails up on both sides of the bed.
On 7/15/24 at 1:15 PM, the surveyor reviewed Resident #14 's medical records. The review revealed that Resident #14 was admitted to the facility in February of 2020 and had a past medical history of, but not limited to, difficulty in walking, muscle weakness, joint replacement, and vascular dementia.
Further review of Resident #14's medical record revealed a mobility care plan that stated, Resident #14 is at risk of self care deficit: bed mobility, transfers, hygiene, dressing grooming, feeling, toileting and locomotion on/off the unit. No interventions for bed rails were listed.
On 7/16/24 at 1:16 PM, the surveyor interviewed the Director of Nursing (DON). During the interview the DON described the process for bed rail use. She stated that nursing starts the bed rail assessment and the nurse would fill out an assessment form. She stated that therapies services also have input and their notes are uploaded and available. The DON stated that a consent for bed rails is also filled out before the use. The surveyor requested the facility's bed rail policy.
On 7/16/24 the surveyor reviewed the facility's bed rail policy. In the section titled use of bed rails (section 3) it stated; the use of bed rails or side rails (including temporarily raising the side rails for episodic use during cares) is prohibited unless the criteria for use of bed rails have been met, including attempts to use alternatives, interdisciplinary evaluation, resident assessment, and informed consent. (Section 8) stated; the bed rail assessment should be completed prior to use, reviewed and revised quarterly, and with significant changes in the resident(s) condition and/or changes in the type of bed rail being used.
On 7/17/24 at 7:08 AM, the surveyor conducted an interview with the DON. During the interview the surveyor requested bed rail evaluation/assessments and Resident #14's consent form for the use of bed rails.
On 7/17/24 at 9:32 AM, the survey conducted a follow-up interview with the DON. During the interview the DON stated that in 2020 the assessment form was on the same paper as the consent form. She further stated she found no other bed rail assessment completed for Resident #14 and further stated it is the expectation that bed rail assessments are completely quarterly. The DON confirmed that Resident #14 had a recent change of condition assessment done in June of 2024 and a bed rail assessment should have been completed at that time.
The surveyor next reviewed the consent form for bed rails for Resident #14, dated 2/28/20 with the DON. The signature of the representative was on the form however, neither box was checked that stated, I DO consent or I DO NOT consent .
1b) On 7/15/24 at 10:12 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #16's bed and noted the 1/4 length bed rails up on both sides of the bed.
On 7/15/24 at 2:08 PM, the surveyor reviewed Resident #16' medical records. The review revealed that Resident #16 was admitted to the facility in November of 2022 and had a past medical history of, but not limited to, muscle weakness, unsteadiness on feet, restlessness and agitation and dementia.
Further review of Resident #16's medical record revealed a fall care plan with multiple interventions to assist Resident #16 with mobility however, bed rails were not listed as an intervention throughout any of the care plans.
On 7/16/24 at 1:16 PM, the surveyor interviewed the Director of Nursing (DON). During the interview the DON described the process for bed rail use. She stated that nursing starts the bed rail assessment and the nurse would fill out an assessment form. She stated that therapies services also have input and their notes are uploaded and available. The DON stated that a consent for bed rail use is also filled out before the use. The surveyor requested the facility's bed rail policy.
On 7/16/24 the surveyor reviewed the facility's bed rail policy. In the section use of bed rails (section 3) stated; the use of bed rails or side rails (including temporarily raising the side rails for episodic use during cares is prohibited unless the criteria for use of bed rails have been met, including attempts to use alternatives, interdisciplinary evaluation, resident assessment, and informed consent. (Section 8) stated; the bed rail assessment should be completed prior to use, reviewed and revised quarterly, and with significant changes in the resident condition and/or changes in the type of bed rail being used.
On 7/17/24 at 7:08 AM, the surveyor conducted an interview with the DON. During the interview the surveyor requested bed rail evaluation/assessments for Resident #16 and the consent form for the use of bed rails.
On 7/17/24 at 9:32 AM, the surveyor conducted a follow-up interview with the DON. During the interview the DON provided assessments for bed rails used for Resident #16 dated 11/10/22 and 8/20/23. The DON reported no other bed rail assessments were found. The DON further stated it is the expectation that the bed rail assessment be completed quarterly. The DON confirmed that Resident #16 had a recent change of condition assessment done in June of 2024 and a bed rail assessment should have been completed at that time.
The surveyor next reviewed the consent form for bed rails for Resident #16, dated 11/10/22 with the DON. The signature of the representative was on the form however, neither box was checked that stated, I DO consent or I DO NOT consent .