Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure care plans were updated for placement of a new suprapubic catheter, pressure ulcer treatment and prevention, change in eating ability, and smoking for four of 31 residents (Residents #4, R #13, R #61, and R #301) and failed to schedule and hold quarterly care plan meetings with residents and families for five residents (R #4, R #60, R #51, R #3, and R #50) out of 31 residents in the sample. As a result of this deficient practice, the residents had the potential for unmet care needs.
Findings include:
1. Review of Resident #4's admission Record, located in the electronic medical record (EMR) under the Profile tab, revealed an initial admission date of 05/25/23, with a diagnoses of obstructive and reflux uropathy.
Review of Resident #4's Care Plan, located in the Care Plan tab of the EMR and dated 11/28/23, revealed, . [Resident #4] has an indwelling catheter .
Review of Resident #4's significant change Minimum Data Set (MDS), located in the EMR under the MDS tab with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 09/27/24, revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of four out of 15, indicating Resident #4 had severe cognitive impairment.
Review of Resident #4's Prog (Progress) Note tab of the EMR revealed a General Note, dated 11/22/24 at 1:42 PM, which indicated that hospice called and reported that Resident #4's urinary catheter had been discontinued and a suprapubic catheter had been placed.
Review of Resident #4's Care Plan, located in the Care Plan tab of the EMR, revealed no documented evidence that the care plan was updated to address the placement of the suprapubic catheter and discontinuation of the urinary catheter.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:12 PM, the MDS Coordinator (MDSC) acknowledged Resident #4 had a suprapubic catheter placed and no longer had a urinary catheter. The MDSC stated the suprapubic catheter should have been care planned. The MDSC stated the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) was responsible for updating the care plan.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:46 PM, the ADON reported she completed the nursing portion of the care plan and updated it with any changes. The ADON confirmed that the resident's care plan should have been updated to address the suprapubic catheter.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 5:20 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated she expected Resident #4's suprapubic catheter to be on the care plan, especially since the resident had a recent hospital stay for a urinary tract infection.
Review of Care Plan Notes, located in the Prog Note tab of the EMR, revealed three care plan reviews in 2024. They were dated 02/29/24, 05/28/24, and 08/13/24. All three meeting notes documented, Met with [Family Member] POA [power of attorney] via telephone to review care plan.
During an interview on 12/03/24 at 3:22 PM, Family Member (FM #1) stated he was the medical Power of Attorney (POA) and made medical decisions for Resident #4. When asked if he attended care plan reviews, FM #1 stated he used to be invited to the meetings but not for about a year. FM #1 stated he wanted to attend a meeting with the interdisciplinary team since he had difficulty reaching management at times.
2. Review of Resident #13's admission Record, located in the EMR under the Profile tab, revealed an initial admission date of 07/08/24, with a diagnoses of periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic right hip.
Review of Resident #13's annual MDS, located in the EMR under the MDS tab with an ARD of 07/15/24, revealed a BIMS score of 13 out of 15, indicating Resident #13 had intact cognition. Further review of the MDS indicated that Resident #13 was at risk for development of a pressure ulcer but had none.
Review of Resident #13's Care Plan, in the EMR under the Care Plan tab, revealed a focus area initiated on admission on [DATE], and revised 07/26/24, for potential/actual impairment to skin integrity of the sacrum related to impaired mobility and incontinence. Interventions at that time included using a draw sheet or lifting device to move resident, initiated 07/08/24; keeping skin clean and dry, initiated 07/30/24; and assessing skin weekly on shower day and document findings on a weekly skin assessment, initiated 07/30/24.
Review of a Wound Care note, dated 08/02/24, and located in the Misc tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #13 had developed a stage two pressure ulcer of the sacrum. A treatment of Medihoney was recommended. Review of the resident's care plan revealed the resident's care plan was updated to include the pressure ulcer and the treatment of Medihoney; however, there were no other interventions identified and implemented to help treat or prevent pressure ulcers. It was recorded that the pressure ulcer was resolved on 08/16/24.
Review of a Wound Care note, dated 08/23/24, and located in the Misc (Miscellaneous) tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #13 had developed a new, stage three pressure ulcer on the sacrum.
Review of Resident #13's Care Plan, in the EMR under the Care Plan tab, revealed interventions to encourage turning and repositioning in bed and to use a pillow to assist with positioning were initiated on 08/23/24, after the pressure ulcer re-developed.
Review of Resident #13's Physician Orders, dated 10/17/24 and located under the Orders tab in the EMR revealed orders for skin prep wipes to the left and right heels topically every day and evening shift for skin condition, to offload heels when in bed every shift , and for an alternating air mattress.
Review of Resident #13's Care Plan, located in the Care Plan tab of the EMR, revealed the care plan had been updated to include the skin prep to heels but not the alternating air mattress or floating of the heels.
Review of Resident #13's Resident Care Information document, located in a binder at the nurse's station, revealed a checkmark by No for wounds. Elevate heels on pillow when in bed, turn and reposition every two hours, and APM mattress were unchecked.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 10:23 AM, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA #6) stated she looked at the [NAME] section of the residents' EMR or at the Resident Care Information document located in a binder at the nurse's station to know what care needs residents had.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:12 PM, the MDSC stated that the CNAs looked at the [NAME] on the computer or at the Resident Care Information in the binders to know how to care for a resident. The MDSC stated measures to prevent pressure ulcers were expected to be on the Care Plan as were specialty mattresses. The MDSC stated the ADON was responsible for updating the care plan, and the ADON or nurses who knew the residents were responsible for updating the Resident Care Information.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:46 PM, the ADON reported she completed the nursing portion of the care plan and updated it with any changes, including pressure ulcer prevention. The ADON stated the nurses were responsible for updating the Resident Care Information, but sometimes she had to update it.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 5:20 PM, the DON stated nurses were expected to update the Resident Care Information when changes were noticed. The DON stated it was expected that new interventions to treat and prevent pressure ulcers were on the Care Plan so that future skin breakdown can be prevented.
3. Review of Resident #61's admission Record, located in the EMR under the Profile tab, revealed the most recent admission date was 07/15/24. Resident #61 had diagnoses of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and vascular dementia.
Review of Resident #61's Care Plan, in the EMR under the Care Plan tab and revised 08/08/24, revealed a goal, [Resident #61] will have stable weight 147 [pounds] +/- 5 [pounds] in the next 90 days. The care plan did not address what assistance Resident #61 required with eating.
Review of Resident #61's quarterly MDS, located in the EMR under the MDS tab with an ARD of 09/24/24, revealed a BIMS score of three out of 15, indicating Resident #61 had severe cognitive deficit. Further review of the MDS indicated that the resident required substantial/maximal assistance (helper does more than half the effort) to eat.
Review of Resident #61's most recent weight on 11/13/24, located in the Wts/Vitals tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #61 weighed 107 pounds.
Review of Task: GG - Eating, dated 11/04/24 to 12/03/24, and located in the Task tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #61 was dependent on staff (required the helper to do all the effort) for all meals documented as eaten except for five.
Review of Resident #61's Resident Care Information document, located in a binder at the nurse's station, revealed Resident #61 ate independently.
On 12/05/24 at 8:30 AM, the surveyor observed CNA #6 feed Resident #61 in their room.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 9:38 AM, the Registered Dietician (RD) reported that Resident #61 fed himself at the beginning of a meal but fatigued and needed assistance to finish. The RD stated she completed the care planning for nutrition. The RD stated she needed to edit the goal weight. She further stated it was from a past dietician and, while it may be the desired weight, it was unattainable at the time.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 10:23 AM, CNA #6 stated she looked at the [NAME] in the residents' EMR or at the Resident Care Information located in a binder at the nurse's station to know what care needs residents had. CNA #6 reported that Resident #61 needed staff to feed him.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:12 PM, the MDSC stated CNAs looked at the [NAME] on the computer or at the Resident Care Information in the binders to know how to care for a resident. The MDSC stated the ADON were responsible for updating the Care Plan, and the ADON or nurses who knew the residents were responsible for updating the Resident Care Information.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:46 PM, the ADON reported she completed the nursing portion of the Care Plan and updated it with any changes. The ADON stated the nurses were responsible for updating the Resident Care Information. The ADON stated assistance with eating went on the Resident Care Information and not on the Care Plan, since ADLs (activities of daily living) were not typically on the care plan.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 5:20 PM, the DON stated nurses were expected to update the Resident Care Information when changes were noticed. The DON stated the expectation was for feeding assistance to be on both the Resident Care Information sheets and the care plan so staff were aware of how to care for the residents. The DON stated the weight goal on the Care Plan was expected to be achievable.
4. Review of Resident #301's admission Record, located in the EMR under the Profile tab, revealed an admission date of 08/12/24.
Review of Resident #301's quarterly MDS, located in the EMR under the MDS tab with an ARD of 11/18/24, revealed a BIMS score of 11 out of 15, indicating Resident #301 had moderate cognitive impairment.
Review of the undated document titled, Smoking Residents, provided by the facility on 12/02/24, revealed Resident #301 was the only resident who smoked. The form recorded that smoking times were 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the smoking patio.
Review of Resident #301's Care Plan located in the EMR under the Care Plan tab and dated 08/20/24, revealed a focus area related to the resident being a smoker. Interventions included staff was to provide supervision while smoking. The Care Plan did not address resident specific abilities and how staff were to assist Resident # 301 smoking.
Review of Resident #301's Resident Care Information document, located in a binder at the nurse's station, did not include that Resident #301 smoked.
During a concurrent interview and observation on 12/04/24 from 4:04 PM to 4:20 PM, Activities Assistant (AA #1) stated she took Resident #301 out to smoke daily at 4:00 PM when she worked, [Resident #301] was allowed to smoke one cigarette, and their cigarettes were kept at the nurse's station. AA#1 stated Resident #301 needed assistance to go to the smoking area since it was in the assisted living area of the facility. AA#1 was observed assisting Resident #301 to smoke.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 10:23 AM, CNA #6 stated she looked at the [NAME] in the residents' EMR or at the Resident Care Information located in a binder at the nurse's station to know what care needs residents had. CNA #6 reported not knowing Resident #301 still smoked, where Resident #301 cigarettes were, or who currently assisted the resident to smoke.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 3:45 PM, the Social Services Director (SSD) stated nursing updated the care plans regarding smoking.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:12 PM, the MDSC stated CNAs looked at the [NAME] on the computer or at the Resident Care Information in the binders to know how to care for a resident. The MDSC stated the SSD updated the smoking portion of the care plan.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 4:46 PM, the ADON stated the facility never put information on the care plan regarding smoking other than safety measures. The ADON stated staff were verbally informed of what to do for residents who smoked.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 5:20 PM, the DON stated she expected the Resident Care Information and the care plan to contain all the necessary information so staff would know how to assist Resident #301 with smoking.
5. Review of Resident #60's admission Record, found in the electronic medical record (EMR) Profile tab, showed an admission date of 12/02/22, with diagnoses that included spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region, morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories, nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified, major depressive disorder, recurrent.
Review of Resident #60's quarterly MDS, with an ARD of 08/28/24, and located under the MDS tab of the EMR, revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 15 out of 15, which indicated the resident was cognitively intact.
During an interview on 12/02/24, at 1:10 PM, Resident #60 was asked about if they participate in care plan meetings and/or interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings. Resident #60 stated they had not attended or been invited to any such meeting.
6. Review of Resident #51's admission Record, found in the electronic medical records (EMR), Profile tab, showed a facility admission date of 04/30/22, with a diagnosis of Volvulus, acquired absence of other specified parts of the digestive tract, and type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy, unspecified.
Review of Resident #51's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 08/30/24, and located under the MDS tab of the EMR revealed Resident #51 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15 which indicated the resident was cognitively intact.
During an interview on 12/02/24 at 12:49 PM, Resident #51 was asked about their participation in care plan meetings and/or interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings. Resident #51 stated they had not attended or been invited to any such meeting.
7. Review of Resident #3's admission Record, found in the Profile tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #3 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses which included osteopathy after poliomyelitis, right lower leg, opioid dependence, uncomplicated, syncope and collapse.
Review of Resident #3's quarterly MDS, with an ARD of 07/11/24, and located under the MDS tab of the EMR, revealed Resident #3 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15, which indicated the resident was cognitively intact.
During an interview on 12/02/24 at 12:37 PM, Resident #3 was asked about their participation in care plan meetings and/or interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings. Resident #3 stated she had not attended or been invited to any such meeting.
During an interview on 12/03/24 at 4:38 PM, the SSD stated the facility had not maintained consistency in conducting care plan meetings. The SSD stated that the current process involved the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting separately to discuss resident needs, after which family members are contacted by phone to review the care plan information.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 3:50 PM, the MDSC stated the care plan calendar was provided to the SSD, the IDT met to review and update the care plan, and after the meeting, the SSD contacted the families to discuss the information.
8. Review of Resident #50's admission Record, located under the Profile tab of the EMR revealed Resident #50 was admitted to the facility on [DATE].
Observation of Resident #50 on 12/02/24 at 2:00 PM, revealed that Resident #50 was being assisted to eat by a family member. During an interview with Resident #50's family member on 12/02/24 at 2:27 PM, she did not recall being invited to attend quarterly care plan meetings.
Review of Resident #50's quarterly MDS, located under the MDS tab of the EMR, revealed that Resident #50's cognitive skills for daily decision making was severely impaired, and the resident was rarely/never understood.
Review of Resident #50's Progress Notes, located under the Progress Notes tab of the EMR, revealed that a care plan meeting was held on 02/08/24. The resident's responsible party attended the care plan meeting. Other participants who attended the care plan meeting were the Director of Nursing (DON), the Dietary Manager (DM), the Social Services Director and an activities staff member.
Further review of Resident #50's EMR revealed no documented evidence that a care plan meeting occurred after 02/08/24.
During an interview on 12/03/24 at 7:08 PM, the SSD stated the receptionist set up a care plan meeting time, and the meetings could be done in person or via telephone. The SSD stated she was unable to determine if a care plan meeting had occurred for Resident #50 since 02/08/24.
During an interview on 12/05/24 at 1:12 PM, the Director of Clinical Services stated that care plan meetings were scheduled quarterly, and staff from the interdisciplinary team should be present for care plan meetings.
Review of the facility's Care Plan Revision policy, reviewed 2024, revealed, . The comprehensive care plan will be reviewed, and revised as necessary, when a resident experiences a status change . Upon identification of a change in status, the nurse will notify the physician. The Interdisciplinary Team will discuss the resident condition and collaborate on intervention options . The care plan will be updated with the new or modified interventions. Care plans will be modified as needed by the MDS Coordinator or other designated staff member .
Review of the facility's Care Planning policy, revised September 2023, revealed, . The resident, the resident's family and/or the resident's legal representative/guardian or surrogate are encouraged to participate in the development of and revisions to the resident's care plan. Every effort will be made to schedule care plan meetings at the best time of the day for the resident and family .
NJAC 8:39-11.2(e)(f)(h)