F 0689
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to
prevent accidents.
Level of Harm - Actual harm
Residents Affected - Few
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on
interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure resident safety to prevent accidents resulting in a
fall for one of three residents (Resident 1) when the facility van's wheelchair securement system (a safety
device installed in accessible vehicles used to keep a wheelchair in place during transport and also secure
the wheelchair user with safety straps) used to transport Resident 1 did not meet Code of Federal
regulations, Title 49, Part 38 (49 CFR S 38.23(d)(7), Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] Accessibility
Specifications for Transportation Vehicles), and the facility used three staff members (maintenance
supervisor [MS], central supply staff [CSS], and the maintenance assistant [MA]) that were not qualified
and/or were not trained to transport residents using the facility van: -The facility van lacked the required
seat belt or safety belt, specifically the shoulder harness (strap that goes diagonally over the shoulder,
across the chest, down to the lap) to secure a wheelchair user; - The maintenance supervisor (MS), central
supply staff (CSS), and the maintenance assistant (MA) transported residents in the facility van without a
certified nursing assistant certification, a requirement for a van driver; - The MA did not complete the
Facility Vehicle Driver Training Program and did not conduct and complete a Pre-Trip Inspection Report
prior to transporting Resident 1 using the facility van. The failures of transporting residents in the facility van
without necessary safety belts resulted in Resident 1's fall in the facility van on [DATE], sustaining a skin
tear and head injury, and had the potential to result in other residents' falls and injuries.Findings: Review of
Resident 1's face sheet (a summary document containing a resident's personal and demographic
information, including contact details and medical history), dated [DATE] indicated she was admitted to the
facility with diagnoses including dependence on renal dialysis (a treatment to cleanse the blood of wastes
and extra fluids artificially through a machine when the kidney or kidneys have failed) and difficulty in
walking. Review of Resident 1's physician order indicated an order, dated [DATE], Dialysis schedule on
Saturday [DATE] at [dialysis facility] in Watsonville. [The facility] will provide W/C [wheelchair] transport to
dialysis with pick up at 10:30 AM. Review of Resident 1's Change of Condition progress note, dated [DATE]
indicated, Per in house transport driver, resident fell during transportation going to dialysis . Resident noted
with 3 cm [centimeter, unit of measurement] x 2cm x 0.5cm Right shin skin tear. Review of Resident 1's IDT
note, dated [DATE], indicated, On [DATE], [Resident 1] returned to facility following scheduled dialysis
appointment. Per in-house transport driver, resident experienced a fall incident [in the facility van] during
transportation to dialysis, reportedly due to a seat malfunction within the transport vehicle. Incident
occurred prior to arrival at dialysis facility. Upon return to facility, resident was assessed immediately by
licensed nurse (LN) . MD ordered to send resident out to ER for further evaluation . Driver stated that the
resident fell from the transport chair due to an apparent seat malfunction. Resident verbalized she was
‘okay' at the time of the incident and expressed that she was comfortable
(continued on next page)
Any deficiency statement ending with an asterisk (*) denotes a deficiency which the institution may be excused from correcting providing it is determined that other
safeguards provide sufficient protection to the patients. (See instructions.) Except for nursing homes, the findings stated above are disclosable 90 days following the
date of survey whether or not a plan of correction is provided. For nursing homes, the above findings and plans of correction are disclosable 14 days following the date
these documents are made available to the facility. If deficiencies are cited, an approved plan of correction is requisite to continued program participation.
LABORATORY DIRECTOR'S OR PROVIDER/SUPPLIER
REPRESENTATIVE'S SIGNATURE
TITLE
(X6) DATE
FORM CMS-2567 (02/99)
Previous Versions Obsolete
Facility ID:
If continuation sheet
Page 1 of 4
Event ID:
056065
Printed: 05/15/2026
Form Approved OMB
No. 0938-0391
Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
AND PLAN OF CORRECTION
(X1) PROVIDER/SUPPLIER/CLIA
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
(X2) MULTIPLE CONSTRUCTION
056065
B. Wing
A. Building
(X3) DATE SURVEY
COMPLETED
11/14/2025
NAME OF PROVIDER OR SUPPLIER
STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
Santa Cruz Post Acute
1115 Capitola Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
For information on the nursing home's plan to correct this deficiency, please contact the nursing home or the state survey agency.
(X4) ID PREFIX TAG
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
(Each deficiency must be preceded by full regulatory or LSC identifying information)
F 0689
Level of Harm - Actual harm
Residents Affected - Few
proceeding with dialysis . Review of Resident 1's Emergency Department (ED) Physician Notes, dated
[DATE] indicated, [Resident 1] is an [AGE] year old F [female] who had a mechanical fall while being
transported to dialysis. She sustained a small skin tear to one of her lower extremities and struck her head .
Physical Examination . Head: Moderate tenderness to palpation [examination of the body by using touch] in
the left forehead area . she does note moderate to severe pain in the area Neck: Patient is complaining of
diffuse neck pain and on physical exam had midline neck pain so could not be clinically cleared and was
placed in a soft collar . The ED Physician Notes also indicated Resident 1's diagnosis was a closed head
injury [traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head with no break in the skull]. Review of Resident
1's Discharge Instructions Document, dated [DATE] indicated, You were seen in the emergency department
after a head injury . It is possible that you have a concussion . There is no imaging . that makes this
diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on symptoms. Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, and/or
nausea/vomiting . Review of Resident 1's Nurse's Note, dated [DATE] indicated Resident 1 complained of
headache, was given Tylenol (pain medication) 325 milligrams (mg, unit of measurement) two tablets.
Review of Resident 1's Medication Administration Record for [DATE] indicated Resident 1 received
Acetaminophen 325 mg two tablets as needed for mild/generalized body pain on [DATE] at 5:07 p.m.,
[DATE] at 8:52 a.m., and [DATE] at 9:36 a.m. During an interview on [DATE] at 2:43 p.m., the administrator
(ADM) stated another driver, not the regular facility van driver, drove Resident 1 to the dialysis center on
[DATE]. The ADM stated the facility had two staff members that could drive the facility van. During an
interview on [DATE] at 2:14 p.m., the director of nursing (DON) stated the drivers just drive and do not have
experience in patient care or assessment. She stated if the driver did not know what to do at that time, the
driver should have called 911. The DON also stated that after a resident falls, another option for the driver
would be to call the facility or speak to a nurse. During an interview on [DATE] at 12:26 p.m., licensed
vocational nurse A (LVN A) stated he did not remember the name of the staff member driving the van. LVN
A stated the staff member driving the van informed him that on their way to dialysis on [DATE], Resident 1
fell onto the floor of the van and hit her head. LVN A stated the staff member driving the van informed LVN
A that he asked Resident 1 if she was okay, Resident 1 replied that she was fine, and they continued to the
Resident 1's dialysis facility. LVN A stated when Resident 1 got back to the facility after having dialysis, she
had a skin tear on her knee and was given pain medication. He stated because Resident 1 had a head
injury, she was sent to a hospital emergency department. LVN A stated the staff member driving the van
was not a healthcare provider and was not qualified to make the determination whether the resident was
okay to go to dialysis. He stated the staff member driving the van should have at least informed the dialysis
facility about Resident 1's fall on [DATE]. During an interview and concurrent document review on [DATE] at
1:54 p.m., the maintenance aide (MA) stated he was asked to transport Resident 1 in the facility van.
Review of MA's text message from the marketing director (MD) dated [DATE] at 1:04 p.m. indicated, Please
take [Resident 1] tomorrow Saturday to dialysis. Drop off and pick up . [The ADM] told me to let you [the
MA] know. The MA stated he was not comfortable driving the resident because he had no experience
transporting residents before and he was not trained to drive. The MA stated he felt forced to do it because
he was told transporting residents would be added to his job description. He stated he was told if he did not
drive Resident 1, they would find someone else to do his job. The MA stated on [DATE] he did his best to
strap Resident 1 down with the straps they had in the van. He stated when he was driving on the highway,
he looked back and saw Resident 1's wheelchair doing a wheelie on its back wheels. The MA stated he
realized he did not have her strapped down the correct way. The MA stated when he stopped the
(continued on next page)
FORM CMS-2567 (02/99)
Previous Versions Obsolete
Event ID:
Facility ID:
056065
If continuation sheet
Page 2 of 4
Printed: 05/15/2026
Form Approved OMB
No. 0938-0391
Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
AND PLAN OF CORRECTION
(X1) PROVIDER/SUPPLIER/CLIA
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
(X2) MULTIPLE CONSTRUCTION
056065
B. Wing
A. Building
(X3) DATE SURVEY
COMPLETED
11/14/2025
NAME OF PROVIDER OR SUPPLIER
STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
Santa Cruz Post Acute
1115 Capitola Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
For information on the nursing home's plan to correct this deficiency, please contact the nursing home or the state survey agency.
(X4) ID PREFIX TAG
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
(Each deficiency must be preceded by full regulatory or LSC identifying information)
F 0689
Level of Harm - Actual harm
Residents Affected - Few
van along the way to the dialysis facility, Resident 1 came out of the wheelchair, fell forward, and bumped
her head against the fire extinguisher. The MA stated he panicked and asked if she was okay, but there was
a language barrier because he did not speak the language Resident 1 spoke. He stated he only secured
the back wheels and did not have Resident 1 strapped with a lap belt (belt stretched across the
passenger's lap and secure them in their seat). He further stated after dropping off Resident 1 at dialysis,
he called the facility to inform the nurse about Resident 1's fall. The MA stated the nurse told him he would
assess Resident 1 when she gets back to the facility from dialysis. The MA stated after Resident 1's fall, the
facility had shoulder straps on the side of the van installed. He said prior to Resident 1's fall, the van did not
have the strap that goes up and across a resident's chest. During an interview on [DATE] at 10:40 a.m., the
MA stated he did not perform an inspection or complete a form prior to transporting Resident 1 on [DATE].
The MA also stated after Resident 1's fall, he completed the driver training and was trained by the former
director of staff development (FDSD). He stated he did not complete any other driver training from another
staff member or DSD prior to driving the van on [DATE]. During an interview on [DATE] at 2:35 p.m. the
ADM stated he could not find the Pre-Inspection Report for Resident 1's trip to dialysis on [DATE]. During
an interview and concurrent record review on [DATE] at 1:14 p.m. with the contracted installer (CI) from a
mobility equipment service company, the CI stated he installed equipment for the facility's van on [DATE].
Review of the facility's invoice, dated [DATE] indicated three items were installed, including a three-point kit
belt system (seat belt that secures a person with straps across the chest and across the lap at three anchor
points, one above the shoulder and two at the hips). He stated prior to installing the three-point harness, the
facility van's securement system did not meet the regulations. The CI stated the van only had a lap belt and
did not have a shoulder belt. He stated vans require that the person using the wheelchair is secured with a
lap belt and an over-the-shoulder belt. He also stated that just having a lap belt is not as safe as having a
lap belt and shoulder belt. During an interview and concurrent record review on [DATE] at 3:21 p.m. the
former director of staff development (FDSD) stated she had experience driving a van for another facility.
The FDSD stated all drivers should be trained prior to driving residents in the facility van. She stated the
driver needs to inspect the van and complete a form each time the van is used. The FDSD stated the
resident's wheelchair needs to be secured at four points. She stated the resident also needs to be secured
by straps over the shoulder and lap, like a seat belt. The FDSD reviewed the Facility Vehicle Driver Training
Program forms for MS, CSS, and MA. She confirmed the Facility Vehicle Driver Training Program forms for
MS and CSS were undated. The FDSD stated she trained the MS and CSS, but she did not remember the
date. She stated she conducted a driver training and all three staff (MS, CSS, and MA) were present on
that day. The FDSD confirmed Facility Vehicle Driver Training Program form for MA was dated [DATE]. She
stated that she did not train the MA prior to that date. During an interview on [DATE] at 9:45 am, the
Payroll/Human Resources staff (PHRS) stated the Van Driver job description indicated the staff should be
certified nursing assistants (CNA). The PHR confirmed MS, CS, and MA were not CNAs. She also stated
the MA's termination date was [DATE]. During an interview on [DATE] at 1:24 p.m. the charge nurse (CN)
from Resident 1's dialysis facility (CN) stated dialysis staff was not informed of Resident 1's fall prior to
dialysis on [DATE]. The CN stated if dialysis staff was informed of a fall they would assess them and
monitor for orientation, pupil dilation, etc. She also stated dialysis staff would have assessed Resident 1 to
determine if they should call 911 for further evaluation. The CN stated if Resident 1 fell and hit her head,
she would have sent her to the hospital via 911 right away. During an interview on [DATE] at 4:02 p.m., the
CN stated she reviewed
(continued on next page)
FORM CMS-2567 (02/99)
Previous Versions Obsolete
Event ID:
Facility ID:
056065
If continuation sheet
Page 3 of 4
Printed: 05/15/2026
Form Approved OMB
No. 0938-0391
Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
AND PLAN OF CORRECTION
(X1) PROVIDER/SUPPLIER/CLIA
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
(X2) MULTIPLE CONSTRUCTION
056065
B. Wing
A. Building
(X3) DATE SURVEY
COMPLETED
11/14/2025
NAME OF PROVIDER OR SUPPLIER
STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
Santa Cruz Post Acute
1115 Capitola Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
For information on the nursing home's plan to correct this deficiency, please contact the nursing home or the state survey agency.
(X4) ID PREFIX TAG
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF DEFICIENCIES
(Each deficiency must be preceded by full regulatory or LSC identifying information)
F 0689
Level of Harm - Actual harm
Residents Affected - Few
FORM CMS-2567 (02/99)
Previous Versions Obsolete
Resident 1's dialysis flowsheet and progress notes and confirmed there was no documentation that
indicated dialysis staff was informed regarding Resident 1's fall prior to dialysis on [DATE]. Review of the
facility's Job Description for Van Driver, dated 8/2018 indicated an essential duty was to ensure the safe
transportation of residents to scheduled medical appointments or other approved activities, resident outing,
etc. The van driver job description also indicated, Must have successfully completed CNA training and
maintain all CE [continuing education] to maintain certification. Review of the facility's Vehicle Safety
Manual, revised [DATE] contained the following documents: Facility Vehicle Driver New Hire Checklist,
Facility Vehicle Driver Training Program, and Pre-Trip Inspection Report. Review of the Facility Vehicle
Driver New Hire Checklist (undated) indicated the following are required for facility vehicle drivers and must
be completed BEFORE driving facility vehicle: Must be a Certified Nursing Assistant; must be CPR
Certified; required Facility Vehicle Training Program must be completed. Review of the Facility Vehicle Driver
Training Program (undated) indicated, In order to become a certified facility vehicle driver you must
complete the Facility Vehicle Driver Training Program which includes the following: .- Vehicle Occupant
Protection and Wheelchair Securement- Facility Driver Safety Policy .- Accident Procedures- Vehicle
Maintenance Procedures and Pre-Trip Inspection Report- First Aid/Personal Protective Equipment for
Facility Vehicle. Review of the facility's Pre-Trip Inspection Report indicated, This report is to be completed
before each usage of facility vehicle and signed below after vehicle is returned to facility. Review of the AMF
[NAME] America Protektor Installation Manual (wheelchair securement system), dated 10/2022 indicated,
All persons who will install, use and/or maintain this product must read, understand and follow all warnings
and instructions provided in this manual . However nothing in this manual, and none of the safety devices
installed on the product, substitute for proper training, careful operation and common sense. The manual
indicated a common wheelchair securement and occupant restraint system contains the following and are
to be used as a complete system: retractor tie downs (securement strap that automatically tighten to secure
the wheelchair in place), occupant lap belt, occupant shoulder belt, user instructions. Review of the AMF
[NAME] America User Manual, dated 3/2025 indicated specific items should be inspected carefully on a
daily basis, including the functionality of the restraint system and floor and sidewall anchorages (fixed
points installed directly on the floor or interior walls of the vehicle. The manual also indicated the wheelchair
has rear securement points (where straps to secure the wheelchair should be attached) and front
securement points. It indicated, Once you have four straps attached, release the brakes on the wheelchair
and check for movement. Once secured the wheelchair should not move more than two (2) inches
front-to-back or side-to-side. Reapply the brakes. The manual indicated, This product is not designed for
use with only a pelvic securement [lap belt]. Always used only a lap/shoulder belt combination. The manual
also indicated, WARNING Failure to follow all the warnings and instructions in this manual can result in
product malfunction and loss of control of the vehicle - potentially causing an accident, severe personal
injury or death to the vehicle occupants, other motorists or pedestrians. According to the Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 49, Subtitle A, Part 38 (Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] Accessibility Specifications
for Transportation Vehicles), Subpart B - Buses, Vans and Systems, 49 CFR S 38.23(d)(7) indicated, Seat
belt and shoulder harness. For each wheelchair or mobility aid securement device provided, a passenger
seat belt and shoulder harness, complying with all applicable provisions of part 571 of this title [Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards], shall also be provided for use by wheelchair or mobility aid users. Such
seat belts and shoulder harnesses shall not be used in lieu of a device which secures the wheelchair or
mobility aid itself.
Event ID:
Facility ID:
056065
If continuation sheet
Page 4 of 4