395480
02/21/2025
Mahoning Operating LLC
397 Hemlock Drive Lehighton, PA 18235
F 0623
Level of Harm - Potential for minimal harm
Residents Affected - Some
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of clinical records, facility-initiated transfer notices, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to provide copies of written notice of facility-initiated hospital transfers of residents to a representative of the Office of the State Ombudsman for one out of five residents reviewed (Resident 56).
Findings include: A review of the clinical record revealed that Resident 56 was transferred to the hospital on September 17, 2024, and was readmitted to the facility on [DATE]. Resident 56 was also transferred to the hospital on September 28, 2024, and was readmitted to the facility on [DATE]. Although written notices were provided to the resident and resident representative of the facility-initiated transfers, there was no documented evidence the facility sent copies of written notices of these facility-initiated transfers to the representative of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. An interview with the social services director (SSD)on February 21, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM confirmed there was no documented evidence that copies of facility-initiated transfer notices for Resident 56 were sent to a representative of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The SSD further confirmed there was no evidence that copies were sent to a representative of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman during the months of May 2024 (for facility-initiated transfers in the month of April 2024), July 2024 (for facility-initiated transfers in the month of June 2024), August 2024 (for facility-initiated transfers in the month of July 2024), and October 2024 (for facility-initiated transfers in the month of September 2024). 28 Pa. Code 201.14(a) Responsibility of Licensee
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395480
395480
02/21/2025
Mahoning Operating LLC
397 Hemlock Drive Lehighton, PA 18235
F 0684
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of clinical records, select facility policy, and staff interview it was determined the facility failed to provide nursing services consistent with professional standards of quality by failing to ensure that licensed nurses accurately administered prescribed medication according to the physician's parameters for two out of 19 sampled residents. (Resident 75 and 11).
Residents Affected - Few
Findings include: According to the Pennsylvania Code, Title 49, Professional and Vocational Standards, State Board of Nursing, 21.11 (a)(1)(2)(4) indicates the registered nurse was to carry out nursing care actions that promote, maintain, and restore the well-being of individuals. The Pennsylvania Code, Title 49, Professional and Vocational Standards, State Board of Nursing, 21.145 Functions of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (a) The LPN is prepared to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound judgement based on preparation, knowledge, skills, understandings and past experiences in nursing situations. The LPN participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care in settings where nursing takes place. 21.148 Standards of nursing conduct (a) A licensed practical nurse shall: (5) Document and maintain accurate records. Review of the facility policy titled Medication Administration last reviewed by the facility on November 13, 2024, revealed that medications are administered as prescribed to all residents in a timely fashion and within prescribed parameters. Medications are administered in accordance with written orders of the attending physician. Prior to administering a medication to a resident, the nurse will verify: 1) The correct resident 2) The correct medication, dosage, and route, as per physician order 3) The correct time for the medication 4) Any special instructions are followed 5) Required parameter (s) are obtained prior to administration, as per order A review of the clinical record revealed Resident 75 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses to include diabetes (a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces) and chronic kidney disease (gradual loss of kidney function). A review of a quarterly Minimum Data Set assessment (MDS-a federally mandated standardized assessment process conducted periodically to plan resident care) dated January 15, 2025, revealed that Resident 75 had moderately impaired cognition with a BIMS score of 9 (Brief Interview for Mental Status-a tool within the Cognitive Section of the MDS that is used to assess the resident's attention, orientation, and ability to register and recall new information; a score of 8-12 indicates cognition is moderately impaired).
395480
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395480
02/21/2025
Mahoning Operating LLC
397 Hemlock Drive Lehighton, PA 18235
F 0684
Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm
Residents Affected - Few
A review of the physician's order dated January 4, 2025, revealed an order for Humalog injection (medication used to treat high blood glucose) 5 units twice a day and 8 units once daily, HOLD for BS<120 mg/dl (a blood sugar less than 120 mg/dl) for diabetes. A review of the physician's order dated January 19, 2025, revealed an order for Humalog injection 8 units in the morning, 12 units in the afternoon and 15 units in the evening, HOLD for BS<120 (a blood sugar less than 120) for diabetes. Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for January 2025, and February 2025, revealed Resident 75's Humalog was administered on the following dates two times outside of the physician ordered parameters: January 8, 2025: 5 units of Humalog administered at 7:45 AM despite a blood glucose level of 117 (below the prescribed threshold). February 10, 2025: 8 units administered at 7:34 AM with a blood glucose level of 102. (below the prescribed threshold). During an interview on February 21, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that nursing staff failed to follow the physician-ordered parameters and did not adhere to professional nursing standards during medication administration. A clinical records review revealed that Resident 11 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses of Parkinson's disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH enlarged prostate), and history of COVID-19. A physician order, initially dated February 17, 2025, was noted for Midodrine (medication to treat low blood pressure) 5 mg one tablet by mouth two times a day for hypotension (low blood pressure) with instructions to hold the medication if the resident's systolic blood pressure (measures pressure inside the arteries and is the top number of a blood pressure reading) is greater than 120 mm/Hg. According to the resident's February 2025 Medication Administration Record, nursing administered Midodrine 5mg tablet on February 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Further review of the MAR revealed that the medication was administered when Resident 11's systolic blood pressure was 132 mm/Hg, exceeding the prescribed threshold of 120 mm/Hg. During an interview on February 21, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed the medication was improperly administered, contrary to the physician's orders. The facility failed to adhere to professional standards of nursing care by not ensuring prescribed medications were administered according to the specific physician-ordered parameters for two residents. 28 Pa. Code 211.5 (f) (ix) Medical Records 28 Pa. Code 211.12 (c)(d)(1)(3)(5) Nursing services 28 Pa. Code 211.10(c) Resident care policies
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395480
02/21/2025
Mahoning Operating LLC
397 Hemlock Drive Lehighton, PA 18235
F 0695
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm
Based on review of select facility policies and procedures and clinical records, observations, and staff interviews, it was determined the facility failed to provide supplemental oxygen administration care consistent with professional standards of practice for three out of 19 residents sampled (Resident 2, 16, and 82).
Residents Affected - Some
Findings include: Review of facility policy entitled Oxygen Administration, last reviewed November 13, 2024, revealed that oxygen is administered under orders of a physician, except in the case of an emergency. Infection control measures performed during the administration of oxygen include change and date oxygen tubing and mask/cannula every two weeks and as needed. Change and date humidifier bottle every 72 hours and keep delivery devices covered in plastic bag when not in use. Observation of Resident 2 on February 19, 2025, at 10:57 a.m. revealed the resident was receiving oxygen via nasal cannula set (tube with two prongs placed in the nostrils to deliver oxygen) at 3.0 liters per minute (l/m) with humidification. The humidifier bottle, dated February 15, 2025, was empty, and the oxygen tubing was not dated as per facility policy. Observation of Resident 16 on February 19, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. revealed nebulizer tubing and mask in a clear bag on the resident's nightstand. The tubing was dated January 26, 2025-indicating that it had not been replaced for over 25 days, exceeding the recommended timeframe. Observations were confirmed by Employee 2, licensed practical nurse (LPN), on February 19, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Resident 82: On February 20, 2025, at 9:32 a.m., the resident was observed resting in bed while the oxygen concentrator was on. The nasal cannula was placed in a clear bag attached to the concentrator rather than applied to the resident. The oxygen tubing was also not dated. An interview with Employee 1, a licensed practical nurse, revealed the resident was being evaluated for discontinuation of oxygen therapy; however, a review of the resident's clinical records showed no physician order to withhold oxygen therapy, as a current order dated January 29, 2025, prescribed 2.5 liters/min via nasal cannula. Additional interview with Employee 1 on February 20, 2025, confirmed that Resident 82 was not receiving oxygen as prescribed and acknowledged the lack of a physician's order for discontinuation. Interview with Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and the Director of Nursing on February 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. confirmed that nursing staff failed to adhere to facility policies concerning oxygen administration and infection control practices. The Director of Nursing further confirmed that nursing staff failed to consistently provide oxygen therapy to Resident 82 in accordance with the physician's order. 28 Pa. Code 211.12 (c)(d)(1)(5) Nursing services
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395480
02/21/2025
Mahoning Operating LLC
397 Hemlock Drive Lehighton, PA 18235
F 0868
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Level of Harm - Minimal harm or potential for actual harm
Based on review of facility documents and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure the Medical Director or designee attended quarterly Quality Assurance Process Improvement (QAPI) Committee meetings for two of four quarters (April 2024 and January 2025).
Residents Affected - Few
Findings include: A review of QAPI Committee meeting sign-in sheets for the period of April 2024 through January 2025, revealed the Medical Director or designee was not in attendance at the quarterly QA meeting held on April 25, 2024, and January 30, 2025. Interview with the director of nursing on February 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM confirmed the Medical Director or designee failed to attend the facility's QAPI meetings on a quarterly basis. 28 Pa. Code 211.2 (d)(3)(4)(5)(6) Medical director. 28 Pa. Code 201.18 (e)(1)(3) Management.
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