Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, review of the administrator job description, review of the resident rights policy and interviews, the facility failed to be administered in a manner that enabled all residents to attain/maintain their highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. This had the potential to affect all 75 residents residing in the facility.Findings include: Review of the Resident Council Minutes dated 02/11/26 revealed residents want administration to be more present with the residents. Review of the administrator job description revealed the purpose of the administrator was to lead, guide, and direct the operations of the healthcare facility in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards and establish facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents period. Duties and responsibilities of the administrator include ensuring delivery of compassionate quality care and services across an interdisciplinary team approach as evidenced by adequate, and competent facility staff, employee turnover, general cleanliness, physical plant condition, and optimal residence functioning physically and psychosocially. Duties of the administrator include performing rounds to observe residents and ensure overall needs were being met (expectations were for the administrator to know the residents by name and site) with practices by walking around and making themselves available to employees at all levels by participating in an open door policy. Duties of the administrator include managing and minimizing facility risk through team approach to achieve desired outcomes in customer service, key performance indicators, and employee retention and other areas as identified. Additional tasks of the administrator were to treat all residents with dignity and respect. Promote and protect all resident rights; And establish a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures and complies with standards of business conduct, and state and federal regulations and guidelines. Expectations for the administrator included having the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public. The administrator must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family, and staff.Review of the facility policy titled Resident Rights reviewed and revised on 07/30/25 revealed all residents would be treated equally regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. The facility would ensure all direct care staff and indirect care staff members, including contractors and volunteers were educated on the rights of residents and the responsibility of the facility to properly care for its residents.Information provided to the State agency revealed the current administrator had a start date of 02/20/2025.Interview on 02/10/26 at 2:20 P.M. with the Administrator revealed the facility did have a corporate compliance hotline if the staff wanted to report anything anonymously.Interview on 02/11/26 at 10:50 A.M. with Corporate Human Resources (HR) #1199 revealed the facility had multiple complaints called in about the administrator in the past year. Corporate HR #1199 revealed the complaints would have been given to the prior Regional Director, RD #2099 [the building was sold and the change went into effect on 01/01/26]. Corporate HR #1199 was unable to confirm if there was ever any official disciplinary action taken on the administrator but believed there was verbal coaching but the verbal coaching would probably not be in the personnel file [personnel file of the administrator]. Corporate HR #1199 also revealed resident complaints would go to the administrator of the facility. When staff reported concerns related to the administrator, they would mention residents were affected by the complaint.Observation of the Corporate Compliance Poster on 02/11/26 at 1:54 PM listed the facility administrator as the corporate compliance officer. Upon dialing the listed number a message revealed anyone calling could leave a detailed message and remain anonymous if wanting. All concerns would be forwarded to the corporate compliance officer at the facility.Interview on 02/11/26 at 2:43 PM with the Administrator revealed she became the facility compliance officer January 1 (2026) when the new company took over and there had only been two complaints about her. However, the Administrator revealed she believed the complaints were actually about another staff member who looked like her. The Administrator stated if there were complaints about her, someone else would investigate and she would get an email follow-up with information from the investigation. During the onsite survey the following concerns were voiced by staff/residents/representatives who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation from the Administrator: a. Interview on 02/10/26 8:41 A.M. with Anonymous Employee (AE) #923 revealed they were fearful of losing their job if the Administrator found out they spoke with the state survey agency (SSA). The AE revealed since the Administrator took over, a lot of things had changed. Residents weren't happy, the atmosphere was affecting them. Everyone was afraid to advocate and bring up concerns and suggestions because of the fear of retaliation. If someone was brave enough to do so [voice concerns and issues] then you were retaliated against. The administrator was not friendly or approachable, this went for staff and the residents.b. Interview on 02/10/26 at 10:12 A.M. with Resident Representative (RR) #712 revealed the Administrator of the facility was not approachable. They had witnessed her [the Administrator] yelling at staff in an area and way that was not professional in a work environment, especially one of this kind; inside of the residents' home where people were visiting. RR #712 felt they do not have a voice to advocate for their family. The RR shared it would be nice if the Administrator communicated better with the families and there were some things they believed the Administrator had said that they felt were not professional or appropriate. RR #712 shared they feared if they brought these specific things up they would be retaliated against, or their family [the resident] would be treated differently. c. Interview on 02/10/26 at 10:30 A.M. with Employee #323 revealed there were concerns with the facility Administrator. Employee #323 had witnessed the Administrator be rude and condescending. The employee revealed there was a shift awhile back, she came onto the unit and was immediately demanding, yelling, threatening aides if they did not leave [leave the building on their day shift] and come back later [come back for afternoon shift, because they were short] then it was going to affect their pay checks. This was done in front of residents, staff, visitors, and it was not a good look, it was embarrassing for the facility. A lot of those aides have since left due to the threats and toxic environment. The way she comes, and yells startles the residents, they deserved a calm- safe environment. The Administrator was still rude to staff, not only staff but the residents as well, were affected. Facility employee #323 stated there were some residents who were fearful of the Administrator due to her demeanor [yelling and argumentative] and they voiced she showed favoritism towards other residents [not saying hello, not interacting, not even making eye contact or small conversations with the residents]. There was a fear of retaliation from management, this made it difficult to advocate for yourself or your residents because when you did, your job was hung over your head and you were scared.d. Interview on 02/10/26 at 3:24 P.M. with AE #1738 revealed several residents had voiced concerns related to the Administrator and these concerns were regarding favoritism, and resident/staff treatment. AE #1738 revealed the favoritism was obvious, and it was upsetting to see the residents feeling the repercussions of this. When residents had concerns, she [the Administrator} was not open to suggestions or even provide some one on one time to listen to the residents. AE #1738 stated the Administrator would become defensive and there was a lot of fear of retaliation from staff and residents (no specific situations identified).e. Interview on 02/10/26 at 4:50 P.M. with AE #193 revealed if someone felt comfortable enough to bring up concerns or suggestions to the Administrator, they weren't listened to, and they barely got to speak. The AE said it was her way or no way [the Administrator] and there was no team collaboration. AE #193 felt there was a lack of support from administration and this was an issue between her [the Administrator] and the staff, but also the residents. AE #193 shared the residents (no specific residents identified) didn't feel the Administrator cared for them or had a genuine interest in their well being, concerns, or ideas. f. Interview on 02/11/26 at 8:13 A.M. with AE #299 revealed the Administrator had been reported several times to corporate, and nothing seemed to happen, there was no follow-up. The AE revealed the compliance line poster did say the Administrator was the compliance officer so maybe that had something to do with it, but the AE was unsure. The Administrator had made scenes at the nurse's station on more than one occasion. Staff, visitors, families, and residents had been there to witness the Administrator make scenes at the nurses station. The AE provided an example when one day the Administrator had a concern about a medication cart, and instead of educating the nurse, ensuring the issue was corrected, the Administrator began screaming at the nurse, pulled out her cell phone [the Administrator's cell phone] and began taking photos of something, screaming about the situation. The AE stated the visitors were astonished. The situation was embarrassing, it was not a good look for [NAME] [the facility], it was not a good look for the staff, and it was not a good reflection of the care staff provide. The AE revealed the Administrator was unprofessional, there was no one on one conversation, no privacy, no warning, no education, just an embarrassing scene leaving the family and residents with several questions and concerns. AE #299 stated they had never witnessed something like this in healthcare or in any previous job. The Administrator was rude, and the AE revealed our residents were being directly affected by this, the residents do not feel safe to report concerns and issues to her [the Administrator]. The Administrator does not interact with the residents, no hello or good morning. Residents were concerned about favoritism she [the Administrator] displays towards other residents. Staff fears retaliation from management and this causes staff and residents to not be able to advocate for the residents. AE #299 does not feel the Administrator has the resident's needs, care, or interests prioritized.g. Interview on 02/11/26 at 8:30 A.M. with AE #623 revealed they felt a lack of support from the facility Administrator. Since they've worked at the facility they've watched employees be demoted, retaliated against for speaking up on behalf of the residents, and yelled at in front of residents and visitors. If the Administrator doesn't like you, your job is always on the line. Residents felt that she [the Administrator] didn't advocate for their best interest, they [the residents] felt that they no longer had a voice, she [the Administrator] would immediately shut them [the residents] down if they brought up any suggestions or problems they had. AE #623 did fear retaliation from the administrator, and they were sure other staff felt this way. AE #623 posed the question how do you advocate for the best quality care and quality of life of the residents when you are so fearful of losing your job?. The work environment is so toxic, this affects the residents, they can see it's tense, they feel the tension, they witness her [the Administrators] outbursts. h. Interview on 02/11/26 at 8:50 A.M. with Anonymous Resident (AR) #1522 revealed the new Administrator made it hard for staff to do their jobs which included aides, activities, nurses. Any issues or concerns reported to her [the Administrator] or requests from residents, the Administrator always turned them down, she didn't listen to us or take our concerns into consideration. We [the residents] rarely saw the Administrator, she had her favorite residents she saw and talked to. She [the Administrator] was nasty to staff; just recently she yelled at one of nurses in front of the staff and residents at the nurse's station and the resident thought she [the nurse] was going to quit. AR #1522 stated they would quit a job if they were treated like that, and the nurse was a good nurse, and cared about the residents. The resident stated watching and hearing the Administrator yell like that was scary. AR #1522 feared retaliation if they reported concerns about the Administrator and indicated this would be getting kicked out of the facility. Lastly, the resident stated things at the facility were much better before this Administrator came to the facility.On 02/11/26 at 9:20 A.M. AR #1522 was observed crying. The resident was approached and asked what was wrong and they reported they were really concerned something was going to happen to them now, and they might get kicked out because they spoke with the SSA. AR #1522 reported they were going to try to calm down, and they may go do something to distract themselves and relax.i. Interview on 02/11/26 at 9:37 A.M. with AE #199 revealed they felt the Administrator was unprofessional and would scream at staff in front of other staff members, visitors, and residents. The right way to do it would be moving to a private space, where residents and their loved ones or whoever were visiting with them would not overhear and witness the altercation. The times AE #199 stated they had witnessed the Administrator scream at staff, the environment didn't feel safe or comfortable. The Administrator made small remarks and comments about other peoples' work or their work ethic to other staff members, which was inappropriate since it wasn't with the applicable staff member, in private. There was a specific altercation a few weeks ago, a nurse pulled her mask down to take a drink of water, the Administrator screamed and yelled, belittled and berated the nurse; in front of visitors and residents and other staff. AE #199 shared they were fearful that speaking up, and advocating would result in retaliation from management.j. Interview with Resident Representative #192 on 02/11/26 at 2:03 P.M. revealed the atmosphere at the facility seemed tense. They had only heard of but not personally witnessed the Administrator yelling at staff members, and treating them poorly. Resident Representative #192 stated they had talked to the Administrator occasionally but more often than not she [the administrator] did not get with them regarding concerns, as they seemed to be forgotten about or brushed under the rug.k. Interview on 02/11/26 at 2:15 P.M. with AE #12 revealed the Administrator did not handle situations professionally. She would yell and raise her voice louder and louder. She [the Administrator] would speak to staff and residents poorly. The Administrator does not treat you like an equal, she was patronizing and condescending. There was an incident, with a nurse, [not wish to name] and the Administrator. Something happened and the Administrator began yelling at the nurse, in a public space, with staff, residents, visitors witnessing the situation. The nurse was never taken to a private area, instead she was belittled by the Administrator with several people seeing and overhearing the scenario unfold. AE #12 stated staff were fearful, residents said they were not comfortable, and families reported they were concerned, especially when they witnessed these situations more than once. There was a corporate compliance line you could call and file complaints. Although it was allegedly anonymous, her name [the Administrator] was at the bottom of the number as the compliance officer. We [staff] are hesitant for fear of retaliation. The employee stated the Administrator was not approachable; she doesn't interact with the residents at all. Several staff members have left employment with the facility due to treatment by the Administrator. AE #12 shared there had been many residents who have complained about the Administrator and how they were treated and how the Administrator doesn't interact with them. The residents have also shared they have witnessed the Administrator yell at staff as well as family members have said they witnessed altercations between the Administrator and staff, too.l. Interview on 02/11/26 at 2:30 P.M. with AE #414 revealed AR #982 had approached them and was concerned about the Administrator being present at the resident council meeting that was scheduled with the SSA because the SSA would be present and the residents couldn't speak freely about their concerns with the Administrator if she was in the meeting due to fear of retaliation. A Resident Council Meeting was held on 02/11/26 with the SSA staff present. The meeting was called to order by Resident Council President #54. At 3:10 P.M. the Director of Nursing (DON) and Administrator entered the dining room [where the resident council was being held]. Resident #49 stated their main concern was not have enough aides [certified nursing assistants]. Resident #54 agreed Resident #49 stated there were enough nurses. The DON and Administrator stated they would complete audits for staffing. At approximately 3:40 P.M. the DON and Administrator were asked by the resident council president to exit the dining room so the residents could speak with the SSA privately. Staff exited the dining room. AR #511 then stated they would like a new Administrator as residents believed the Administrator did not have their best interests at heart. The resident further shared they were told, when concerns were shared with the Administrator, the facility doesn't have enough money or provides numbers to them they don't understand so they can't advocate for themselves. AR #511 reported the Administrator cuts them off and doesn't do anything to help the residents. AR #511, AR #1522 and AR #205 shared when they bring up concerns, the administrator becomes defensive and there's no follow-up or change. AR #1522 stated the Administrator made them feel like crap. AR #205 stated they felt the Administrator treated residents differently and would yell at staff in front of other staff, residents and visitors. AR in the council meeting also reported they fear more good staff were going to continue to leave due to how the Administrator speaks to them as the facility has had some good staff already quit. The residents stated the Administrator makes it hard to keep good staff.m. Interview on 02/11/26 at 3:59 P.M. with AE #58 revealed they felt they were unable to report concerns without retaliation from the Administrator. Employee #58 stated they did see how certain residents were treated differently by the Administrator. Employee #58 revealed they were fearful of retaliation from the administrator if concerns were voiced.This deficiency represents non-compliance investigated under Complaint Number 2709902.