Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: EVANS HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES, LLC, D/B/A EVANS HEALTH CARE
Judges: CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Fort Myers, Florida
Filed: Apr. 30, 2003
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Monday, May 19, 2003.
Latest Update: Dec. 25, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA ly
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Ke.
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION, ”
nog
Petitioner, . :
OF 156%
vs. AHCA NO. 2002045372
EVANS HEALTH CARE
ASSOCIATES, LLC d/b/a
EVANS HEALTH CARE,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
(“AHCA”), by and through its undersigned counsel, and files this
Administrative Complaint against EVANS HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES,
LLC d/b/a EVANS HEALTH CARE (“Evans Health Care”) pursuant to
Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2001), and
alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action: (a) to impose a $7,500.00 civil
penalty against Evans Health Care pursuant to Sections
400.102(1) (d) and 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2001), based
on three (3) “isolated” class II deficiencies cited against the
facility at a survey on or about June 17-20, 2002; and (b) to
assess costs related to the investigation and prosecution of the
case pursuant to Section 400.121(10), Florida Statutes (2001).
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2001).
3. AHCA has jurisdiction pursuant to Chapter 400, Part
II, Florida Statutes (2001).
4. Venue shall be determined pursuant to Rule 28-106.207,
Florida Administrative Code (2001).
PARTIES
5. AHCA is the regulatory agency responsible for
licensure of nursing homes and enforcement of all applicable
Florida laws and rules governing skilled nursing facilities
pursuant to Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes, and Chapter
59A-4, Florida Administrative Code.
6. Evans Health Care Associates, LLC, doing business as
Evans Health Care, is a Florida limited liability corporation
with a principal address of 400 Perimeter Center Terrace, Suite
650, Atlanta, Georgia 30346.
7. Evans Health Care is a 120-bed skilled nursing
facility located at 3735 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida
33901, having been issued license number SNF130470992 by AHCA,
8. Evans Health Care is and was at all times material
hereto a licensed skilled nursing facility required to comply
with Chapter 400, Part II, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 59A-4,
Florida Administrative Code.
COUNT I
EVANS HEALTH CARE FAILED TO ENSURE THAT EACH RESIDENT RECEIVED,
AND EVANS HEALTH CARE FAILED TO PROVIDE, THE NECESSARY CARE AND
PROPER SERVICES TO ATTAIN OR MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST PRACTICABLE
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE COMPEREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT AND PLAN OF CARE.
42 CFR § 483.25 (2001)
Rule 59A-4.1288, Fla. Admin. Code (2001)
CLASS II DEFICIENCY
ISOLATED
9. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates by reference
paragraphs one (1) through eight (8) above as if fully set forth
herein.
10. On or about June 17-20, 2002 AHCA conducted a survey
at Evans Health Care. An isolated class II deficiency was cited
against Evans Health Care based on the findings below involving
resident #4 and resident #6.
RESIDENT #4
Resident #4 was admitted to Evans Health Care on
or about April 12, 2002 with diagnoses of
debility secondary to hospitalization, lumbago,
chronic back pain, urinary tract infection and
osteoporosis. At the time of admission, Resident
#4 was triggered as a fall risk.
Resident #4’s pain control was fair at admission
and she was prescribed the following medications:
Zoloft (anti-depressant) 50 milligrams (“mg.”) by
mouth every day; Vioxx (analgesic) 50 mg. by
mouth every day, and OxyContin (narcotic
analgesic) 30 mg. by mouth every twelve (12)
hours.
The day after admission, on or about April 13,
2002, Resident #4 "fed herself a regular, full
diet” and her weight was 99.6 pounds.
Over the next few weeks, Resident #4 continued
with Zoloft 50 mg. by mouth every day, OxyContin
20 mg. by mouth every twelve (12) hours, Celebrex
200 mg. one (1) by mouth every day, Ativan (anti-
anxiety) 0.5 mg. by mouth every six (6) hours,
Vicodin ES (analgesic) one (1) tablet every four
(4) hours, and Duragesic (analgesic) 25 meg.
patch to be = applied every three (3) days.
Resident #4 also received Senokot S (a laxative),
two (2) tablets, due to constipation. There was
no documentation in the medical record showing
that Evans Health Care performed pain management
or evaluated Resident #4’s responses to all of
the pain medications she was receiving.
According to the nurses' notes and controlled
drug record, Resident #4 complained of unrelieved
pain almost daily, twenty-nine (29) out of
thirty-six (36) days, and told caregivers she was
unable to eat due to pain. Evans Health Care
Changed Resident #4’s diet to a high calorie,
full liquid diet.
In one (1) month, Resident #4’s weight dropped
from about 99.6 pounds to about 88.8 pounds,
indicating a significant weight loss of
approximately 10.84%.
Evans Health Care failed to care plan or care
plan adequately for the prevention of falls
despite Resident #4’s risk for falls. On
admission, Resident #4 triggered as a risk for
falls. Also, Resident #4 was assessed as needing
assistance with all activities of daily living
(“ADLs”).
Resident #4 fell on or about June 14, 2002. Evans
Health Care failed to send Resident #4
immediately to the hospital for evaluation. Three
(3) days later, on June 17, 2002, Evans Health
Care transferred Resident #4 to the hospital for
evaluation after she complained of severe pain.
An X-ray revealed a fractured hip.
The AHCA surveyor interviewed the staff nurse,
Director of Nursing Services, Care Plan
Coordinator and Nurse Consultant. They provided
no explanation regarding the lack of assessment
and care planning by Evans Health Care that
resulted in Resident #4 not reaching or
maintaining her highest practical, physical and
mental well-being.
RESIDENT #6
Resident #6 was admitted to Evans Health Care on
or about June 7, 2001. Resident #6 had been
identified as a fall risk on or about February
13, 2002. Since that time, Resident #6
experienced multiple falls and fractured his
patella. As of the day of the survey, Resident
#6 was still experiencing falls.
Resident #6 had been on Tylox, one (1) every six
(6) hours, since March 22, 2002 without any
assessment of pain or pain relief.
The AHCA surveyor interviewed Resident #6’s Unit
Manager, Care Plan Coordinator, Director of
Nursing Services, and Nurse Consultant. None of
the providers were able to provide the surveyor
with information on the lack of pain management
and the lack of interventions to prevent falls.
vill. Based on all of the foregoing, Evans Health Care
violated 42 CFR § 483.25 via Rule 59A-4.1288, Florida
Administrative Code (2001), by failing to ensure that each
resident received the necessary care and services to attain or
maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and
psychosocial well-being, in accordance with the comprehensive
assessment and plan of care.
12. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes,
(2001) the foregoing is a class If deficiency because it
compromised each resident’s ability to maintain or reach his or
her highest practicable Physical, mental, or psychosocial well-
being, as defined by an accurate and comprehensive resident
assessment, plan of care, and provision of services.
13. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8), Florida Statutes
(2001), the foregoing is an “isolated” class II deficiency
because it affected one or a very limited number of residents,
involved one or a very limited number of staff, or occurred only
occasionally or ina very limited number of locations.
14. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes, an
isolated class II deficiency warrants a fine of $2,500.00.
COUNT II
EVANS HEALTH CARE FAILED TO ENSURE THAT EACH RESIDENT RECEIVED
ADEQUATE SUPERVISION OR ASSISTANCE DEVICES
TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
42 CFR § 483.25 (h) (2) (2001)
Rule 59A-4.1288, Fla. Admin. Code (2001)
CLASS II DEFICIENCY
ISOLATED
15. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates by reference
Paragraphs one (1) through eight (8) above as if fully set forth
herein.
16. On or about June 17-20, 2002 AHCA conducted a survey
at Evans Health Care. An isolated class II deficiency was cited
against Evans Health Care based on the findings below involving
Resident #12 and Resident#15:
RESIDENT #12
A review of Resident #12's clinical record
revealed an admission date of August 17, 2001.
Resident #12’s diagnoses included Alzheimer's
Disease, Anxiety State and Intracranial
Hemorrhage.
A review of the hospital final summary report
dated July 25, 2001, revealed discharge diagnoses
of, among others, Multiple Infarction Dementia
and Subcortical Infarction with Left Hemiparesis
(weakness). The clinical record further revealed
that the resident was disoriented to time and
place, required assistance with transfers and
ambulation in his room and required supervision
for bed mobility.
On or about June 17, 2002 at 9:25 a.m., an AHCA
surveyor observed Resident #12 in his room in bed
asleep. He had an abduction pillow between his
legs.
On or about June 17, 2002 an AHCA surveyor
observed Resident #12 from 10:40 a.m. through
11:25 a.m. in the secured unit day room. The
surveyor observed the resident sitting in a high
back wheelchair with a lap tray. He was calm and
often had his eyes closed. At 12:45 P.M., the
resident was set-up for meal and was fed by a
staff member.
Resident #12’s care plan dated September 4, 2001
under “problem/strengths” revealed "Falls: Res
(resident) at risk for falls due to Alzheimer's
Disease, Dementia, unsteady gait and no safety
awareness." The care plan goal stated, "Res will
have no injuries from falls." The care plan
interventions included the following: (a) lap
tray; (b) observe for any sliding or any attempts
to remove the tray; and (c) when restless and
anxious, get him out of chair and ambulate if he
will.
A further review of the care plan revealed that
the resident fell and injured the back of his
head on September 21, 2001. The following
interventions were added to the care plan:
"Resident will stand, remind him to sit down;
Anti-tippers on chair."
Resident #12 was admitted to the hospital on
January 2, 2002 due to inability to bear weight
on his left leg. A review of the left hip x-ray
performed on January 2, 2002 revealed,
"Impression: Left pelvic fracture involving the
acetabulum (where the ball-shaped head of the
thigh bone articulates)." The X-ray also stated
that the left superior and inferior ramus are
fractured. The reason for this procedure was
"fall/hip pain.”
Resident #12 was discharged from the hospital and
readmitted to the facility on or about January 5,
2002. A Review of the care plan developed on
January 5, 2002 revealed, "Fx (fracture) of left
hip - bleeding to left side of head - on bed rest
x 6 wks (weeks). OOB (out of bed) for meals
only. Added to the current interventions in the
care plan developed on August 17, 2001, ‘to
address the risk for falls was, "two side rails
as enablers" to his bed. The physician ordered
bed rest and NWB (non-weight bearing) until his
next appointment.
A review of the nurse's notes dated January 14,
2002, nine (9) days after his readmission from
the hospital, revealed the resident was found on
the floor in his room. The nurse's notes stated,
"Resident was found with his legs crossed over
lying on his back, his side rails were up on both
side of his bed. It appears that he scooted to
the foot of the bed and fell. Resident c/o
(complaining of) pain at the R (right) side."
The resident was sent to the hospital the same
day after the physician was notified.
A review of the significant change Minimum Data
Set (MDS) completed on January 14, 2002 revealed
that the resident required total assistance with
all Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), which
include bed mobility and transferring. The x-ray
of the pelvis performed on the resident on
January 14, 2002 revealed, "Left acetabular
comminuted (crushed or broken into pieces)
fracture."
The resident was discharge from the hospital and
readmitted to the facility on January 17, 2002.
The resident was on a 5-pound Buck's traction and
the physician ordered bed rest. The care plan to
address the risk for falls was updated on January
17, 2002. It stated, "[o]bserve for attempts to
climb OOB-evaluate need for pain meds
(medications) when restless."
During an interview with the Director of Nursing
(“DON”) on June 20, 2002 at approximately 10:00
a.m., he stated that a low bed was added to the
resident's care plan on January 25, 2002. The
Buck's traction was discontinued on March 5, 2002
after a follow-up with the resident's orthopedic
doctor. A review of the physician's report dated
March 5, 2002 revealed under Findings, “healing
acetabular £x L (left); Satisfactory alignment."
The physician further documented, "May WBAT
(weight bear as tolerated) for transfers; does
not appear to be gait training candidate." The
resident was started on physical and occupational
therapy on March 6, 2002.
A further review of the nurses! notes revealed
the following incidents:
3/13/02 - The resident was found on the floor in
the day room. The nurse's note stated the
resident was "turned over in w.c. (wheelchair) on
left side." The nurse's note further stated the
resident denied pain on assessment; however, a "2
cm abrasion" of the scalp on the left side of his
head, and "2 cm abrasion" on his left knee were
noted. According to the nurse's note dated March
13, 2002 the resident's chair alarm and lap buddy
were in place at the time of this incident.
3/18/02 - The resident was found by the Certified
Nursing Assistant (“CAN”) sitting on the floor in
his room. The nurse's note stated, "Resident
sitting with back against bed near bottom of SR
(side rail) on that side of bed with part of
johnnie tucked into lower edge of that SR; 2 SR
were up when checked pt and call bell on bed.
Did not ring or call out."
3/21/02 - "lap tray removed for meals CNA states
they continued to pass trays, turned from food
cart to find res sliding down to floor against
wall."
4/1/02 - "Res noted with scratches to both side
of head. Origin unknown res unable to tell what
happen due to confusion."
4/4/02 - "Heard alarm immediately went into rm
(room) to find res out of bed holding onto side
rail with both hands. Socks on feet sliding this
nurse unable to hold resident; scratch on head
reopened.”
4/5/02 - “res noted with laceration .3 cm on L
5th digit. Origin unknown."
4/25/02 - "RF/U (follow-up) laceration to Rt
(right) index finger."
4/26/02 - "“Restlessness noted during the night.
Found resident with head at the foot of the bed."
5/5/02 - "sm (small) scratch noted rt (right) ear
apprx (approximately) .1 x .1 cm."
5/13/02 - "Resident sitting in w/c (wheelchair)
in hallway. Moderate amt. (amount) of blood
noted to tray. Site coming from L 3rd finger;
Origin of ST (skin tear) unknown."
5/13/02 - "Resident found on floor by CNA in rm.
Found lying on R side in front of closet. SR x 2
were still up on bed & alarm was unpinned &
laying in center of bed. Sm amt of bleeding
noted from R ear. ST & laceration, hematoma
(bruise) to head just above R ear; Band-Aid with
TAO (dressing) applied to both right elbow skin
tear and head abrasion."
A review of the nurse's notes completed by the
3:00 p.m. ~- 11:00 p.m. shift nurse, on May 13,
2002, revealed the resident complained of pain on
his right hip. The resident was sent to the
hospital emergency room after notifying the
physician. The resident was admitted for right
hip fracture.
A review of the resident's clinical record
revealed no documentation to indicate that the
resident's care plan to address his risk for
falls or accidents was revised after several
incidents in March, April and May 2002, to
prevent injuries. There is no documentation to
indicate that current interventions were reviewed
for effectiveness and alternative measures to
supervise the resident were attempted.
During an interview with the administrative staff
on June 19, 2002 at approximately 2:30 p.m., they
stated that the resident was on a one to one
supervision. However, after speaking with the
nursing staff, the DON verified that the resident
was not on one to one supervision. He stated
that the staff assigned to supervise closely
those residents at risk for falls were assigned
four (4) residents each (1 to 4 ratio). The DON
further stated that he could not find
documentation to indicate that Resident #12 was
included in this close supervision. There was no
explanation as to why the resident was found on
the floor by staff numerous times from March 13,
2002 through May 13, 2002.
RESIDENT #15
Resident #15 was admitted to the facility
December 17, 1998 with diagnoses including
Convulsions, Affective Psychoses, Hypertension,
Osteoporosis, and Diabetes Mellitus. During the
initial tour at 7:20 a.m. on June 17, 2002, this
resident was observed to be Sitting in a
wheelchair near the nurse’s station on the 100
Wing. A personal alarm was attached to the
resident's wheelchair but not clipped to the
clothing of the resident. During the next five
(5) minutes three (3) staff members were observed
to pass by this resident without noticing that
the personal alarm was not attached. At 7:25
a.m., a CNA approached the resident and asked the
resident what time she wanted to take a shower.
The CNA then walked away without attaching the
personal safety alarm.
The RAP (Resident Assessment Protocol) for falls
completed on September 25, 2001 stated: "Will
continue care plan as Res (Resident) has had fall
in last 31 to 180 days." The mps (Minimum Data
Set) completed on the same date coded this
resident as independent with no setup or physical
help from staff for transfers. The care plan of
October 2, 2001, addressed the problem: "Safety
deficit R/T (related to) Hx (history) of falls
and limited mobility in left hand, DX (diagnosis)
of Osteoporosis and poor safety awareness and
refusal to walk.”
Further documentation on the care plan addressed
a fall on October 24, 2001 with no injury when
the resident slid from her chair. On October 31,
2001, the approach of "encourage resident to ask
for assistance was added to the care plan."
The next fall occurred on November 2, 2001 and
was documented on the care plan as a fall in the
bathroom with no injury. No additional
approaches were added to the care plan as a
result of this fall.
The next fall occurred on January 11, 2002
without injury and the documentation revealed the
resident had “c/o (complained of) back pain x-ray
of spine ordered." The x-ray was entered as an
approach on the care plan for falls. The results
of x-rays taken of the lumbar spine on January
11, 2002 are as follows: "There are compression
deformities of T1l and T12." The T1ll and T12
deformities were characterized as "likely old."
No other fractures were present.
An entry on January 31, 2002 in the care plan
showed: "fall - slid from shower chair, no
injury." The approach added to the care plan to
address this fall was "Chair to be turned
'backwards' when exiting shower room. Velcro
straps around pt. (patient) while in shower chair
at all times."
A fifth fall was documented on the care plan on
February 12, 2002. The resident fell
transferring from the wheelchair to the bed but
incurred no injury. The approach added to the
care plan to address this fall was "cont.
(continue) to remind to ask for assist."
A sixth fall occurred on February 13, 2002. ‘The
documentation on the care plan stated: "found
sitting on floor ‘missed the chair'." The
approach added to the care plan as a result of
this fall was that therapy was notified, but that
the resident refused therapy.
A seventh fall occurred on March 6, 2002. A
nurse’s note dated March 6, 2002 stated: "At
9:00 A.M., patient was found lying on the floor,
face down. Resident complained that she was
hurting all over, had back Pains, and pain in (L)
(left) arm and knee...Resident stated that she
fell asleep while in the wheelchair and fell
over." The notes document that the resident was
transported to the hospital and returned to the
facility on the same day at 2:35 p.m.
"Diagnoses: Compression fracture L2 and ankle
sprain.” The resident received orders for Motrin
600 mg. (milligrams) 1 PO (by mouth) QID (4 times
a day).
As a result of the fall of March 6, 2002 the
facility added the following new approaches to
the care plan: (1) extenders added to wheelchair
brakes; (2) continue to remind resident to ask
for help; and (3) consult with physician,
resident, and family regarding chair alarm.
In a physical therapy evaluation performed on
March 11, 2002 the physical therapist stated:
"Resident at same functional level - self propels
w/c (wheelchair) and transfers to toilet by self.
C/O (complains of) pain in back from compression
fracture - pain medication. Possible chair alarm
to cue her not to get up by herself ..." A fall
assessment was completed on March 18, 2002 with
the resident determined to be at high risk. A
physician's order for bed and Chair alarm each
shift was obtained on March 20, 2002.
A significant change MDS was completed by Evans
Health Care on March 13, 2002, which documented
the resident as being independent in transfers
and having, moderate pain on a daily basis. The
quarterly MDS completed on June 5, 2002 also
coded the resident as remaining independent in
transfers and having moderate pain daily.
A review of the MAR (Medication Administration
Record) for the month of March revealed that the
resident was receiving two (2) Tylenol Extra
Strength Tabs, 500 mg. each, for Osteoporosis at
8:00 a.m. The pain medication was ordered on
July 21, 2001. This resident was also receiving
650 mg. of Tylenol on an as needed basis for
generalized pain as well as Motrin. According to
the nurse’s notes the resident complained of back
pain on multiple occasions in the days following
the fall. The MAR showed that the as needed
Tylenol was administered to the resident forty-
four (44) times during April and May. The nurses
documented back pain on twenty-seven (27)
occasions and pain or discomfort on the remaining
occasions as reasons for administering the
Tylenol.
A review of the clinical record revealed a
neurologist consultation on March 22, 2002. The
documentation did not reveal who requested the
consult (e.g., the facility, the resident or
family member) . The resident’s daughter
accompanied her to the consultation. The
neurologist stated the following in the
consultation report:
"Her daughter reports that she had
fallen several times years ago but that
this seemed to have stopped for awhile
and then over the last couple of months
she has fallen at least twice a month.
Daughter reports that she either falls
out of her chair or in the bathroom
when she transfers alone. She has hit
her head but has never lost
consciousness. No seizure activity is
noted though she has a history of
seizures. She has no aura. Daughter
has noted that she clearly does not
lock her wheelchair when she tried to
get out of it....She has a burning
sensation on her feet. She also
sustained lumbar fracture with non-
radicular low back pain. This was
associated with one of her falls..."
The neurologist also ordered the following plan:
"PLAN: I have written a note to the nursing home
that she should not be allowed to transfer
independently, particularly in the bathroom. She
now has an alarm on her wheelchair. She has
refused physical therapy and consequently there
is little else to offer, however she will start
Neurontin 100 mg. hs (hour of sleep) building up
to tid (3 times daily) over the next few days.
We will check an MRI brain to rule out any new
strokes other focal sources of her headache and
other complaints. Follow up one month."
A review of medication orders for this resident
revealed that the Neurontin had never been
administered as planned by the neurologist.
There was no explanation in the medical record as
to why this recommendation was not followed. A
review of the resident's care plan revealed that
the approach that the resident not be allowed to
transfer independently had not been added to the
care plan. This resident remained coded as
independent with transfers on the MDS of June 5,
2002. The record documented that the MRI had
been completed. No documentation appeared in the
record that the follow up in one month had been
done.
The AHCA surveyor interviewed the DON and asked
why none of the neurologist’s recommendations had
been implemented by the facility. The DON stated
he believed the attending physician did not want
to implement the recommendations. However, the
AHCA surveyor found no documentation in the
medical record verifieng the DON’s belief.
The AHCA surveyor observed the resident on three
(3) different occasions without her safety alarm.
The resident was observed without her alarm on
June 17, 2002. On June 18, 2002 the resident was
observed in bed but the safety alarm remained on
her wheelchair. On June 19, 2002 the resident
was observed in the hallway in a wheelchair
without the safety alarm attached to her
clothing.
17. Based on all of the foregoing, Evans Health Care
violated 42 CFR § 483.25(h) (2), via Rule 59A-4.1288, Florida
Administrative Code (2001), by failing to ensure that each
resident received adequate supervision or assistance devices to
prevent accidents.
18. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes
(2001), the foregoing is a class II deficiency because it
compromised each resident’s ability to maintain or reach his or
her highest practicable physical, mental, or psychosocial well-
16
being, as defined by an accurate and comprehensive resident
assessment, plan of care, and provision of services.
19. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8), Florida Statutes
(2001), the foregoing is an “isolated” Class II deficiency
because it affected one or a very limited number of residents,
involved one or a very limited number of staff, or occurred only
occasionally or ina very limited number of locations.
20. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes, an
isolated class II deficiency warrants a fine of $2,500.00.
COUNT III
EVANS HEALTH CARE FAILED TO ENSURE THAT EACH RESIDENT RECEIVED
SUFFICIENT FLUID INTAKE TO MAINTAIN PROPER HYDRATION AND HEALTH.
42 CFR $483.25 (4) (2001)
Rule 59A-4.1288, Fla. Admin. Code (2001)
CLASS II DEFICIENCY
ISOLATED
21. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates by reference
paragraphs one (1) through eight (8) above as if fully set forth
herein.
22. On or about June 17-20, 2002 AHCA conducted a survey
at Evans Health Care. An isolated class II deficiency was cited
against Evans Health Care based on the findings below involving
resident #14:
RESIDENT #14
Based on clinical record review and interview
with the DON and the Registered Dietician (“RD”),
the facility failed to provide adequate hydration
resulting in dehydration and a two (2) day
hospital stay for Resident #14.
Resident #14 was totally dependent on facility
staff for hydration and nutrition. The resident
was admitted to the hospital with dehydration,
urinary tract infection, and fecal impaction as
evidenced by an abnormal abdominal x-ray and
abnormal lab results of elevated Blood Urea
Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine.
Evans Health Care failed to develop or implement
a care plan for dehydration/fluid maintenance as
indicated by the Resident Assessment Protocol
(“RAP”) dated August 1, 2001.
Evans Health Care failed to implement the Bowel
Management Protocol documented on the medication
record. A review of the clinical record revealed
that Resident #14 was readmitted to the facility
on February 11, 2002 with diagnoses from the
hospital transfer form of "UTI" (urinary tract
infection) and Fecal Impaction. A review of the
nurse's note dated February 9, 2002 revealed that
the resident was “throwing-up” and the physician
order a "stat" lab (meaning do very soon). On
February 9, 2002 at 9:30 p.m., the physician was
notified by the facility that the resident
continued to have more episodes of “throwing-up”.
At 10:30 p.m. the resident was transferred via
ambulance to the hospital.
The attending physician documented the following
on the resident's History and Physical dated
February 10, 2002: “sent to the Emergency Room
where ‘'he/she' was found to be dehydrated with a
blood urea nitrogen of 51. She was also found to
have a urinary tract infection. . X-ray of the
abdomen showed evidence of feces in the colon.
The patient underwent a manual disimpaction."
18
A review of the resident's clinical record by the
AHCA surveyor revealed an annual assessment MDS
(Minimum Data Set) dated July 25, 2001 which
showed the resident as totally dependent on
facility staff for eating and had limited range
of movement of both right and left fingers and
wrist. The resident's quarterly assessment MDS
of January 9, 2002 and April 29, 2002,
respectively, continued to show resident as
totally dependent on facility staff for eating
with limited range of movement for both right and
left fingers and wrist.
The resident's RAP summary dated August 1, 2001
showed that the resident triggered for the
problem area of dehydration/fluid maintenance.
Evans Health Care decided not to care plan for
the problem and had the Dietary Department assess
the problem area. The RD assessment on September
13, 2001 revealed, "Labs returned - 9/10/01- BUN
~ 29 - elevated (on Lasix); Creatinine 6 .s
Will continue with current regimen. Encourage
fluids." Reference range for BUN is 7-17mg/dl
and Creatinine is 0.7-1.2mg/dl. Dehydration is
indicated when the BUN/Creatinine ratio is
greater than 25. Resident #14's BUN/Creatinine
ratio on September 10, 2001 was 48.
A review of the registered dietician note dated
February 2, 2002 revealed, "Labs of 1/30/02 show
BUN - 35 elevated - on Aldactone."
A review of Resident #14's January Medication
Record revealed no bowel movements by Resident
#14 for the following seven (7) consecutive days:
1/13/02; 1/14/02; 1/15/02; 1/16/02; 1/17/02;
1/18/02; and 1/19/02. A further review of the
January Medication Record revealed no
documentation of bowel movements on 1/29/02,
1/30/02, and 1/31/02. A review of the February
Medication Record revealed documentation of no
bowel movement on February 1 and 2, 2002, and no
documentation of bowel movement on February 3,
2002.
A review of the January and February Medication
Record for Resident #14 revealed the following
Bowel Management Protocol:
"NO BM DAY TWO GIVE 30 CC MOM."
"IF NO BM DAY THREE GIVE ONE 10 MG
DULCOLAX SUPPOSITORIES."
"IF NO BM DAY FOUR GIVE FLEETS ENEMA .
IF NO RESULTS CALL MD."
The January Medication Record contained no
documentation evidencing that the facility
implemented the Bowel Management Protocol from
January 13-19, 2002, the seven days the resident
did not have a bowel movement. Additionally, the
January and February Medication Records contained
no evidence that the facility implemented the
Bowel Management Protocol from January 29-
February 3, 2003 as evidenced by the lack of
documentation in the record as to whether the
resident had a bowel movement.
A clinical record review by the AHCA surveyor
revealed that a laboratory test was conducted on
February 6, 2002 with the following abnormal
results: BUN = 52H (high) reference range 7-
17mg/dl and Creatinine = 1.2 reference range 0.7-
1.2mg/dl. The BUN/Creatinine ratio on February
6, 2002 was 43. The laboratory tests results
conducted on February 9, 2002 were as follows:
BUN = 52H (high) reference range 7-17mg/dl and
Creatinine = 1.3H (high) reference range 0.7-
1.2mg/dl. The BUN/Creatinine ratio on February
9, 2002 was 40. Both the February 6 and 9
laboratory values were greater than the
BUN/Creatinine ratio of 25, which is indicative
of dehydration. Evans Health Care failed to
implement measures to ensure that Resident #14
received sufficient fluid intake to maintain
proper hydration and health.
The AHCA surveyor interviewed the DON and RD on
June 19, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. The interviews
confirmed that Evans Health Care failed to care
plan for dehydration/fluid maintenance between
July 25, 2001 and February 10, 2002, when
20
Resident #14 was hospitalized for Dehydration,
UTI, and Fecal Impaction. The RD said she is
given laboratory test reports to review on a
regular basis.
Resident #14 was readmitted to the facility on
February 11, 2002. Evans Health Care care
planned for dehydration at this time.
23. Based on all of the foregoing, Evans Health Care
violated 42 CFR § 483.25(3) via Rule 59A-4.1288, Florida
Administrative Code (2001), by failing to ensure that Resident
#14 received sufficient fluid intake to maintain proper
hydration and health.
24. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8)(b), Florida Statutes,
(2001) the foregoing is a class II deficiency because it
compromised Resident #14’s ability to maintain or reach his or
her highest practicable physical, mental, or psychosocial well-
being, as defined by an accurate and comprehensive resident
assessment, plan of care, and provision of services.
25. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8), Florida Statutes
(2001), the foregoing is an “isolated” Class II deficiency
because it affected one or a very limited number of residents,
involved one or a very limited number of staff, or occurred only
occasionally or in a very limited number of locations.
26. Pursuant to Section 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes, an
isolated class II deficiency warrants a fine of $2,500.00.
21
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, AHCA respectfully requests the following relief:
1) Make factual and legal findings in favor of
AHCA on Counts I, II, and III;
2) Impose a $7,500.00 civil penalty against
Evans Health Care pursuant to Sections 400.102 (1) (d)
and 400.23(8) (b), Florida Statutes (2001); and
3) Assess costs related to the investigation
and prosecution of this case pursuant to Section
400.121(10), Florida Statutes (2001).
NOTICE
Evans Health Care hereby is notified that it has a right to
request an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 120.569,
Plorida Statutes. Specific options for administrative action are
set out in the attached Election of Rights (one page) and
explained in the attached Explanation of Rights (one page). All
requests for hearing shall be made to the Agency for Health Care
Administration, and delivered to Lori c. Desnick, Senior
Attorney, Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan
Drive, Mail Stop #3, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308.
22
EVANS HEALTH CARE HEREBY IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE
FAILURE TO REQUEST A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF
RECEIPT OF THIS ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT WILL RESULT IN AN
ADMISSION OF THE FACTS ALLEGED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY AHCA. THE REQUEST FOR HEARING
MUST BE RECEIVED BY AHCA WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS FOLLOWING
RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT BY EVANS HEALTH CARE.
Respectfully submitted on this laa, day of February 2003.
de CO
Lori C. Desnick, Senior Attorney
Fla. Bar. No. 0129542
Agency for Health Care Administration
Building 3, Mail Stop #3
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 922-8854 (office)
(850) 921-0158 (fax)
23
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
— eee Se eet
I HEREBY CERTIFY that one original Administrative Complaint
has been sent by U.S. Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested,
(return receipt # Woe FS7S AGF QOS C F S53 ) to
Elizabeth Ann Mackewich, Administrator, Evans Health Care
Associates, LLC @/b/a Evans Health Care, 3735 Evans Avenue, Ft.
Myers, Florida 33901, and that a true and correct copy of the
Administrative Complaint has been hand delivered to Donna H.:
Stinson, BROAD and CASSEL, 215 South Monroe Street, Suite 400,
P.O. Drawer 11300, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, Attorney for
Evans Health Care Associates, LLC d/b/a Evans Health Care, on
this (Sal day of February 2003.
ches CD
LORI C. DESNICK, ESQUIRE
24
Docket for Case No: 03-001566