Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: SENIOR LIVING/LAKE MARY, LLC, D/B/A THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY
Judges: T. KENT WETHERELL, II
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Orlando, Florida
Filed: Aug. 29, 2005
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Wednesday, November 2, 2005.
Latest Update: Dec. 26, 2024
STATE OF FLORIDA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF FLORIDA,
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION, .
AHCA Nos.: 2005005629
Petitioner, 2005005631
v. Return Receipt Requested:
7002 2410 0001 4234 5377
SENIOR LIVING/LAKE MARY, LLC, 7002 2410 0001 4234 5384
d/b/a GABLES OF LAKE MARY, THE, 7002 2410 0001 4234 5391
Respondent. , QO S- Q l au
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
COMES NOW the Agency for Health Care Administration
(“AHCA”), by and through the undersigned counsel, and files
this administrative complaint against Senior Living/Lake Mary,
LLC, d/b/a The Gables of Lake Mary (hereinafter “The Gables of
Lake Mary”), pursuant to Chapter 400, Part III and Section
120.60, Florida Statutes, (2004), and alleges:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is an action to impose an administrative fine
of $45,000.00 pursuant to Sections 400.414 and 400.419(2) (b),
Florida Statutes, following the Moratorium imposed on June 17,
2005 (AHCA#2005004291), for the protection of the public
health, safety and welfare and a $500.00 survey fee pursuant
to Section 400.419(10), and 400.428(3) (c), Florida Statutes.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
2. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to Sections
120.569 and 120.57 Florida Statutes, Chapter 28-106, Florida
Administrative Code.
3. Venue lies in Seminole County pursuant to Section
120.57 Florida Statutes, Rule 28-106.207, Florida
Administrative Code.
PARTIES
4. AHCA is the regulatory authority responsible for
licensure and enforcement of all applicable statutes and rules
geverning assisted living facilities pursuant to Chapter 400,
Part III, Florida Statutes (2004) and Chapter 58A-5 Florida
Administrative Code.
5. The Gables of Lake Mary operates a 102-bed assisted
living facility located at 3655 W. Lake Mary Boulevard, Lake
Mary, Florida 32746. The Gables of Lake Mary is licensed as an
assisted living facility under license number 10007. The
Gables of Lake Mary was at all times material hereto a
licensed facility under the licensing authority of AHCA and
was required to comply with all applicable rules and statutes.
COUNT I
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE RESIDENT’S
BILL OF RIGHTS IN REGARD TO PHYSICAL ABUSE AND PRIVACY
Section 400.428(1), Florida Statutes
CLASS I VIOLATION
6. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
7. Based on observation, interview and reccrd review, the
facility failed to ensure that one sampled resident who died
on 6/9/05 (#3) in a sample of 11 was protected from physical
abuse (hitting and isolation) and that the privacy rights of
all residents in the facility receiving care and services from
nursing staff were protected.
8. Record review of the chart of resident #3 revealed the
resident lived on the Alzheimer's locked unit and nad a
diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. An interview with a local
law enforcement officer at 11 AM on 6/15/05 revealed that four
facility employees had been interviewed recently by law
enforcement about resident #3 being hit with a pillow in the
upper body region by staff member #1. The interview revealed
that employee #1 was suspended for 3 days by the facility
following the incident.
9. Record review at approximately 2:39 PM on 6/15/05 of
the personnel chart of staff member #1 revealed no record of
the incident involving resident #3 being struck by a pillow.
10. Interview with the administrator at 5:15 PM on
6/15/05 in his/her office revealed the administrator was aware
of the incident with the pillow between staff member #1 and
resident #3. The administrator stated that a staff member had
reported that staff member #1 was taking resident #3 back to
his/her room after a meal when the resident began crying out
in a loud tone of voice. The staff member stated resident #3
was struck in the upper part of the body with a pillow by
staff member #1 in an attempt to quiet the resident. The
administrator stated that staff member #1 was suspended from
work for 3 days. The Director of Nursing (DON) was made aware
of the incident. The administrator stated staff member #1
denied the incident occurred after he/she was confronted by
the administrator. The staff member who witnessed the
incident decided not tc report the incident to the abuse
hotline. The administrator and the DON also decided not to
report the incident to the abuse hotline. The administrator
could produce no documentation that the facility had
investigated the incident. The administrator would not give
the name of the staff member making the allegation of the
pillow incident. Staff member #1 continued to be employed at
the facility, and was observed working on the Alzheimer's unit
throughout the 2 days of the survey.
11. An interview with staff member #9 took place at 6:30
PM on 6/16/05 by telephone. The staff member stated that
staff frequently put resident #3 in his/her room alone and
closed the door when the resident was agitated and yelling
out. Staff member #9 also stated; that "things had changed
since the present DON was hired." The DON was indifferent to
residents. In one case, a resident was observed to cry
because the DON repeatedly refused to change the resident's
dressing-- kept putting the resident off until the resident
became so frustrated he/she began to cry. Staff member #9
also stated that another resident had very frail skin. A CNA
assigned to care for the resident did not take care in
transferring the resident out of bed. The CNA pulled the
resident out of bed by the arms, causing skin tears to the
forearms of the resident.
12. Observation of the second floor nurses’! station at
12:45 PM on 6/15/05 revealed the nurse practitioner on duty
with another facility staff person. A resident seated in a
wheelchair was observed receiving treatment to the lower body
area at this time. A small baby identified as belonging to
the nurse practitioner was observed in the exam room behind
the nurses' station. The nurses' station was observed to be
lecated across from an elevator in which people were observed
to be entering and exiting the elevator. Confidential
interview with a second floor resident at 3:15 PM on 6/15/05
revealed the resident believed his/her privacy was not being
protected. The resident stated that when the nurse
practitioner visited the facility once a week, the nurse
practitioner would not visit individual residents' rooms.
Residents had to go to the nurses' station for treatment as
the nurse practitioner had a baby and did not want to leave
the nurses' station. The resident stated that private health
issues had to be discussed at the nurses' station within
earshot of other residents and staff members. The interviewee
believed that his/her private health concerns were being
discussed openiy and these health concerns provided sources of
gossip for staff members and residents.
13. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Chapter 400.428(1), Florida Statutes (2004), herein
classified as a Class I violation, which warrants an assessed
fine of $5,000.00.
COUNT IT
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO ENSURE THAT NO MEDICAL OR
OTHER ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY RECORD HAS BEEN FRAUDULENTLY
ALTERED, DEFACED, OR FALSIFIED
Section 400.449(1), Florida Statutes
CLASS II VIOLATION
14. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
15. During the complaint investigation conducted on 6/14
through 6/23/05 and based on record review and interviews the
facility failed to ensure that no medical or other assisted
living facility record has been fraudulently altered, defaced,
or falsified.
16. The June 2005 bowel movement (BM) record for
resident #3 was not available for review during the complaint
investigation on 6/15/05 and 6/16/05. The administrator stated
on 6/15/05 at approximately 5 PM that s/he was sure s/ne had
seen it, but with so many people looking in the chart it might
have been misplaced and blamed law enforcement officer (who
took chart out of the facility) for the missing record.
17. The Lake Mary law enforcement officer stated on
6/16/05 at approximately 11 AM that upon review of resident
#2's record the June BM record was not available.
18. On 6/15/05 at approximately 1 PM the Adult
Protective Services investigator stated that during her/his
review, the June BM record for resident #3 was not available.
19. On 6/16/05 at approximately 4 PM a faxed June BM
record was received. The record documented that resident #3
had a small bowel movement on 6/1, 6/3 and 6/5 and an extra
large bowel movement on 6/8/05 during the 11-7 shift. The
administrator stated in a telephone interview on 6/20/05 at
approximately 9 AM that the faxed BM record was not the actual
record, but a recreation. S/he got together with the staff and
tried to recreate a record, based on their recollections, but
before s/he faxed it, forgot to make a notation on it to
indicate recreation. Further review of the fax record revealed
that only one signature (staff #1) appeared at the bottom of
the page, an indication that s/he recreated the document.
Staff member #3 stated in a telephone interview on 6/17/05 at
7:15 PM that when s/he saw the 6/05 bowel movement monitoring
sheet, it was full of zeros and that the administrator was
looking for the bowel monitoring sheet yesterday (6/16/05).
20. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Section 400.449(1), Florida Statutes, herein
classified as a Class II violation, which warrants an assessed
fine of $5,000.00.
COUNT III
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO ENSURE THAT IT PROVIDED THE
CARE AND SERVICES APPROPRIATE TO THE NEEDS OF A RESIDENT AND
DID NOT SEEK TIMELY MEDICAL INTERVENTION FOR A RESIDENT WHO
DIED UNEXPECTEDLY
Rule 58A-5.0182, Florida Administrative Code
CLASS I VIOLATION
21. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
22. During the complaint investigation conducted on 6/14
through 6/23/05 and based on record review and interview the
facility failed to ensure that it provided the care and
services appropriate to the needs of a resident and did not
seek timely medical intervention for a resident (#3), who died
unexpectedly after repeated voiced concerns from caregivers
regarding the resident's frequent complaints of constipation,
lower back and abdominal pain and fecal impaction.
23. Resident record review for sampled resident #3 on
6/14/05 at approximately 1 PM revealed the following:
24. Health assessment form 1823 dated 1/22/04 documented
resident #3 with a diagnosis of Dementia and needed
supervision with ADLs and medications. Further review revealed
a Florida DNR dated 12/26/03. An order dated 1/27/04 called
for Senokot one tablet every day at bedtime and MOM (Milk Of
Magnesia) with Cascara 5cc by mouth daily PRN (as needed) for
constipation, along with other medications.
25. Although the ARNP visited the facility every
Wednesday, no written evidence is available to indicate that
s/he was made aware of the resident's constipation.
ARNP notes documented that:
(a) dated 2/10/04 resident #3 was new to facility,
has history of left hip fracture, seizure disorder, dementia,
hypothyroidism, Arthrosclerotic heart disease, and probable
PVD, chronic bronchitis, DJD and osteoporosis. "Staff stated
that patient is very belligerent and often picks fights with
other residents". Per notations Respirdal 0.25 mg every
morning was added to her/his medication regimen.
(b) dated 3/3/05 treatment of a skin condition,
some purple areas that have scabbed over and are healing
(c) dated 4/20/05 "the family fears that s/he is
over medicated as seems to sleep whenever the visit, however
the staff vehemently denies this and stated that she does not
need a decrease in her meds as they fear if this happens she
will begin screaming and become very agitated".
(d) Facility note dated 12/2/04 documented that
"resident continent of bowel and bladder"
(e) Facility note dated 4/27/05 noted that the
daughter was notified that resident needed briefs, gloves and
wipes.
(£) Pacility note dated 5/6/05: "Resident
complained (c/o) lower back pain, no injuries noted. Resident
unable to describe, + BS (positive bowel signs). Physician
called x-ray of lower back ordered. Order dated 5/6/05" x-ray
lower back, c/o severe pain" X-ray report dated 5/6/05
documented degenerative changes, osteopenia and thoralumbar
scoliosis.
(g) Facility note dated 5/18/05:"Resident c/o
severe adb pain, abd x ray ordered .If - (negative sign)
Kristalate 20gm qd (daily) ordered. Order dated 5/18/05 "Abd
x-ray R/O (rule out) fecal impaction, if -, Kristalate 20 gm
qa"
(h) X-ray report dated 5/19/05 documented findings:
large amount of fecal material noted throughout the colon. The
bowel gas is non-specific. No free air or calculi. Impression:
Large amount of fecal material noted thought the colon".
26. No written notations were available to indicate what
actions were taken after the x-ray report was received by the
facility, no indications of who received it, if and how the
results were made known to the physician or ARNP and what
treatments if any were provided to the resident and the
resolution of the "severe abdominal pain" or communication
with the resident's responsible party.
27. The medical record clerk at Cyrus Diagnostic Imaging
stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 10:45 AM that the x ray
reports are sent to the place were the x-ray was taken, in
this case back to the facility. The DON (LPN) stated on
6/15/05 at approximately 5:45 PM that after the initial call
for the x-ray, s/he no longer had any involvement regarding
the issue. The follow up was left to whichever one cf the
other nurses received the report. Review of the Director of
Resident Care job description on 6/17/05 at approximately 4 PM
revealed position summary as "Coordinates and manages the
nursing program" and the #1 essential function as "Directly
oversees the delivery of care to residents to ensure
emotional, physical, psychological and safety needs are met
through all program services and activities”. The We_lness
Nurse job description documented that "Notifies physicians
and/or family members of any change in the resident's health
and provides proper documentation". Several unsuccessful
attempts were made to contact the other two nurses (LPNs), who
may have received the X ray report.
28. Continued record review revealed: Facility note
dated 6/9/05 @3:30 PM: "Received call from CNA that resident
had expired. “Upon arrival, this writer saw resident lying in
bed without any signs of life, family was present. CNA cleaned
resident of vomit, changed bed linen and resident gown". The
DON stated on 6/15/05 at approximately 5:45 PM that that s/he
was “this writer".
29. The administrator stated on 6/15/05 at approximately
4:30 PM that on 6/9/05 at approximately 3 or 4 AM received a
call from DON that informed her/him that while staff did
initial rounds resident #3 appeared fine. During the next
round 1 or 3 hrs later, resident did not look right. They went
back to check on resident (time not known) and resident had
vomited and were still breathing, called 911 and the medics
decided not to perform CPR since resident had a DNR.
30. The DON stated on 6/15/06 at approximately 5:45 PM
that s/he had worked that evening until 1 AM. S/he had just
gctten home, when she received a call from the facility that
the resident was dead. The resident death was very
unexpected, s/he stated, because the resident had been herself
during the day. S/he further stated that, per CNA, the
resident had been OK at start of shift (11-7). When doing
rounds again the two staff noted that resident was breathing
as if she was dying, and staff called 911. Several attempts
were made from 6/14/05 to 6/17/05, to contact staff #6, the
caregiver assigned to the secure unit on 6/9/05, to no avail.
31. A staff (#7) stated on 6/17/05 at approximately 1 PM
that on the night of 6/9/05 s/he was working on the second
floor of the facility, not the memory care unit. Unsure of the
time, but stated that the staff working the secure unit came
and got her/him because resident #3 was not well. When they
got to the resident's room, the resident had shallow breathing
12
and brown "stuff" coming out of the mouth and nose, sfhe then
called 911. S/he stated that they (the staff) did not perform
CPR because the resident had a DNR. S/he also stated thaz s/he
was aware that the resident had a constipation problem, but
seemed that whenever the nurses were informed their response
was always "I know, I know ".
32. The Lake Mary police report dated 6/9/05 documented
that the call to 911 was received at 3:22 and upon arrival,
the Lake Mary Fire Dept was there, "they advised that they
witnessed resident pass away after confirming the appropriate
DNR paperwork and appeared that she passed away of natural
causes."
33. Continued resident record review revealed Broward
Removal Services, Inc. documented that the body was removed
from The Gables of Lake Mary on 6/9/05 at 4:15 and indicated
the time of death as 2 AM.
34. The BM record form is inconsistent and contained
blank spaces therefore it is difficult to ascertain if there
was no BM or was it lack of documentation.
35. The BM records documented absent BM from 1/25/05 to
1/27/05, then again on 2/10/05 to 2/14/05 buz MOM was not
documented as given either time. The MOR documented that MOM
was given on 3/2 at 7 PM although, the March BM record
documented a "small BM" on 3/1 and 3/2/05. Again, BM record
documented absent BM on 5/4 to 5/6, 5/14 to 5/18 on, but MOM
13
was not documented as given. A large BM was documented on
5/19, extra large on 5/20, large on 5/21, medium on 5/22,
however the May MOR documented that MOM was given on 5/22 @
6:15 PM, although BMs were present that day and the prior
days. June 2005: Not available for review during facility
survey.
36. Medication Observation Record (MOR) review revealed
the inconsistencies with the BM log and the administration of
MOM. When surveyors inquired regarding a constipation policy,
the administrator, an RN, stated on 6/15/05 at approximately 5
PM, that a written policy was not available, but a nursing
standard was if there was no BM in three (3) days then there
was constipation and that was the standard used by the
facility. The DON stated on 6/15/05 at approximately 5:45 PM
that other alternatives to MOM were used sometimes, e.g.
increased water intake and warm prune juice, but these
palliative measures would not be documented.
37. On 6/16/05 at approximately 4 PM a Fax of the June
BM record was received. The record documented that resident
has a small bowel movement on 6/1, 6/3 and 6/5 and an extra
large on 6/8/05 during the 11-7 shift. The administrator
stated in a telephone interview on 6/20/05 at approximately 9
AM that the faxed BM record was not the actual record, but a
recreation. S/he got together with the staff and tried to
recreate a record, based on their recollections, but before
s/he faxed it, forgot to make a notation on it to indicate
recreation. Staff member #3 stated in a telephone interview on
6/17/05 at 7:15 PM that when s/he saw the 6/05 bowel movement
monitoring sheet, it was full of zeros and that the
administrator was looking for the bowel monitoring sheet
yesterday (6/16/05).
38. Monthly nursing summaries completed by RN's dated
from 12/04 to 5/05 documented that resident was incontinent of
bladder and bowel, however they make no reference regarding
the resident's bowel pattern, the complaints of abdominal
pain, the provision of x-rays and outcome of the x-rays or
communication with the physician. Nursing assessments were
not performed in accordance with the Nursing Standards of
Practice to include information collected from observation of
and interaction with the resident, the resident's record, and
any other relevant sources; the analysis of the information;
and make recommendations for modification of the resident's
care as any prudent RN would have done. Instead, per staff
interviews the "nurses don't respond". Phone interview with
an anonymous caller on 10/24/05 at 10:30 AM revealed the
person to be an employee of the facility. It was stated that
on the day of 6/8/05 Resident #3 was neglected. The resident
was in tremendous pain and crying. Resident #3 was taken to
the nurse who said s/he couldn't help because the ARNP was
already gone. The resident was taken back to the room without
1S
any assessment or treatment. The staff of the next shift took
the resident to the nurse again in the evening because
resident #3 was still crying and holding her belly in pain.
Again no assessment was performed and the physician was not
notified. The resident expired in the early morning hours of
6/9/05 with no care or services being provided by nursing
staff.
39. Staff #9 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 7 PM
that there were times when assigned to the secure unit.
Occasionally worked with resident #3, who complained of
constipation. When resident went to bathroom, would cry for
help and s/he would tell resident to push.
40. S/he recalled that staff #1 told ARNP to see
resident #3, but ARNP left without seeing the resident. Seemed
that like the ARNP does not have time for the residents now
that's/he brings baby to work.
41. Staff #12 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 6 PM
that sometime at end of April or beginning of May, staff # 3
called her because resident # 3 was complaining of lower back
pain and calling out for "the white one". When arrived at the
facility resident was screaming in pain, wanted back rub. S/he
asked staff #3 what was protocol for 911. Staff #3 stated that
the DON was called first for approval. The DON was called and
stated not send to hospital and not to call staff # 12 again.
Another staff (med tech) came to the resident's room and
stated the resident was not going out (to hospital) and that
resident was "impacted" and that if s/he stayed in bed "it may
come down". To her knowledge resident was given warm prune
juice and other meds (unknown) to help with the constipation
or CNA would manipulate feces and nurses would do it
sometimes.
42. Interview with staff member #3 was conducted by
telephone on 6/17/05 at 7:15 PM. S/he stated that resident #3
always yelled out a lot and that the resident stopped eating,
lost weight and s/he wondered why the resident was not eating.
S/ne observed a nurse trying to disimpact the resident in late
May or early June. S/he stated that the evening before
resident #3 died, s/he noticed that the resident's condition
was not right in that s/he felt limp. S/he brought another
staff (med tech) in to look at the resident and later their
observations were reported to a nurse (name unknown). They
were told by the nurse that the resident was "just impacted".
They (caregivers) felt that resident should have been sent to
the hospital. Whenever s/he approached the DON with concerns
about the resident, the DON stated that the family had to make
the decision about sending the resident to the hospital. When
asked why didn't s/he called 911, s/he stated that s/he would
be "chewed out" by the DON and it was the understanding that
the family had to be called first before calling 911 because
the family could sue the facility.
17
43. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Rule 58A-5.0182, Florida Administrative Code, herein
classified as a Class I violation, which warrants an assessed
fine of $10,000.00.
COUNT IV
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO ENSURE THAT THE RESIDENT’S
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND OTHER APPROPRIATE PARTY WERE
CONTACTED WHEN RESIDENT #3 EXHIBITED A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE
Rule 58A-5.0182(1) (d), Florida Administrative Code
CLASS I VIOLATION
44, AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
45. During the complaint investigation conducted on 6/14
through 6/23/05 and based on record review and interview the
facility failed to ensure that the resident's health care
provider and other appropriate party (resident's family,
guardian, health care surrogate, or case manager) were
contacted when the resident (#3) exhibited a significant
change, persistent constipation, abdominal and lower back pain
and x rays and repeatedly voiced concerns from the caregivers.
46. Resident record review for sampled resident #3 on
6/14/05 at approximately 1 PM revealed the following:
(a) Facility note dated 5/6/05: "Resident
complained (c/o) lower back pain, no injuries ncted. Resident
unable to describe, + BS (positive bowel signs). Physician
called x-ray of lower back ordered. Order dated 5/6/05 "x-ray
lower back, c/o severe pain"
(b) X-ray report dated 5/6/05 documented
degenerative changes, osteopenia and thoralumbar scoliosis.
(c) Facility note dated 5/18/05: “Resident c/o
severe adb pain, abd x ray ordered .If - (negative sign)
Kristalate 20 gm qd (daily) ordered. Order dated 5/18/05 "Abd
x-ray R/O (rule out) fecal impaction, if -, Kristalate 20 gm
qd." The medical record clerk at Cyrus Diagnostic Imaging
stated on 5/16/05 at approximately 10:45 AM that the x ray
reports were sent back to the facility. X-ray report dated
5/19/05 documented findings: large amount of fecal material
noted thought the colon. The bowel gas is non-specific. No
free air or calculi. Impression: Large amount of fecal
material noted thought the colon".
47. No written notations were available to indicate what
actions were taken after the x-ray report was received by the
facility, no indications of who received it, if and how the
results were made known to the physician or ARNP and what
treatments if any were provided to the resident and the
outcome of the condition and contact with the resident's
responsible party regarding the health condition changes and
X-ray results.
48. Although the ARNP visited the facility every
Wednesday, no written evidence is available to indicate that
s/he was made aware of the resident's constipation. ARNP notes
dated 2/10/04, 12/21/04 and 3/3/05 make no mention of concerns
regarding constipation. Note dated 2/10/04 "Presents to get
established with practice". Note dated 12/21/04 " Presents for
routine evaluation". Note dated 3/3/05 "Staff stated s/he has
had some scabbed areas to right face now for the last several
days ".
49. Monthly summaries dated from 12/04 to 5/05
documented that resident was incontinent of bladder and bowel,
however they make no reference regarding the resident's bowel
pattern, the complaints of abdominal pain, the provision of x-
rays and, outcome of the x-rays or communication with the
physician.
50. The DON (LPN) stated on 6/15/05 at approximately
5:45 PM that after the initial call for the x-ray, s/he no
longer had any involvement regarding the issue. The follow up
was left to whichever one of the other nurses received the
report.
51. Staff stated during telephone interviews that
resident #3 experienced constipation and often cried out in
pain and that the nurses were made aware of their concerns but
the nurses simply ignore them.
52. Staff (#7) stated on 6/17/05 at approximately 1 PM
that on the night of 6/9/05 s/he was aware that the resident
had a constipation problem, but seem that whenever the nurses
20
were informed their response was always "I know, I know”, so
you just let it be at that".
53. Staff #9 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 7 PM
that there were times when assigned to the secure unit.
Occasionally worked with resident #3, who complained of
constipation. When resident went to bathroom, would cry for
help and s/e would tell resident to push, was all s/he could
do.
54. Staff #12 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 6 PM
that sometime at end of April or beginning of May, staff # 3
called her because resident # 3 was complaining of lower back
pain and calling out for "the white one". Another staff (med
tech) came to the resident's room and stated the resident was
not going out (to hospital), and that resident was "impacted"
and s/he stayed in bed "it may come down".
55. Staff member #3 stated on 6/17/05 at 7:15 PM that
resident #3 always yelled out a lot and that the resident
stopped eating, lost weight and s/he wondered why the resident
was not eating. S/he observed a nurse tried to disimpact the
resident in late May or early June. S/he stated that the
evening before resident #3 died, s/he noticed that the
resident's condition was "not right in that s/he felt limp".
S/he brought another staff (med tech) in to look at the
resident and later their observations were reported to a nurse
21
(mame unknown). They were told by the nurse that the resident
was "just impacted”.
56. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Rule 58A-5.0182(1)(d), Florida Administrative Code,
herein classified as a Class I violation, which warrants an
assessed fine of $10,000.00.
COUNT V
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO ENSURE TO MAINTAIN A WRITTEN
RECORD, UPDATED AS NEEDED OF ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE
RESIDENT #3 NORMAL APPEARANCE OR STATE OF HEALTH
Rule 58A-5.0182(1) (e), Florida Administrative Code
CLASS II VIOLATION
57. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
58. During the complaint investigation conducted on 6/14
through 6/23/05 and based on record review and interview the
facility failed to ensure it maintained a written record,
updated as needed, of any significant changes in the
resident's (#3) normal appearance or state of health
(persistent constipation, abdominal and lower back pain) after
repeatedly voiced concerns from the caregivers for a resident
whe died unexpectedly.
59. Staff stated during telephone interviews that they
were all aware that resident #3 experienced constipation and
often cried out in pain and that the nurses were made aware of
22
their concerns but they were simply ignored. These interviews
were conducted by telephcne.
60. Staff #7 stated on 6/17/05 at approximately 1 PM
that on the night of 6/9/05 s/he was aware that the resident
had a constipation problem, but seem that whenever the nurses
were informed their response was always "I know, I know”, so
you just let it be at that".
61. Staff #9 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 7 PM
that there were times when assigned to the secure unit.
Occasionally worked with resident #3, who complained of
constipation. When resident went to bathroom, would cry for
help and s/he would tell resident to push, was all s/he could
do.
62. Staff #12 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 6 PM
that sometime at end of April or beginning of May, staff # 3
called her because resident # 3 was complaining of lower back
pain and calling out for "the white one" (It was common
knowledge among the staff, that the white one was staff #12).
Staff #3 contacted the DON regarding his/her concerns, who
instructed him/her not to send resident to the hospital.
Another staff (med tech) came to the resident's room and
stated the resident was not going out (to hospital), and that
resident was "impacted" and s/he stayed in bed "it may come
down".
63. Staff #3 stated on 6/17/05 at 7:15 PM that resident
#3 always yelled out a lot and that the resident stopped
eating, lost weight and s/he wondered why the resident was not
eating. S/he observed a nurse tried to disimpact the resident
in late May or early June. S/he stated that the evening before
resident #3 died, s/he noticed that the resident's condition
was not right in that s/he felt limp. S/he brought another
staff (med tech) in to look at the resident and later their
observations were reported to a nurse (name unknown) . They
were told by the nurse that the resident was "just impacted".
64. Monthly summaries dated from 12/04 to 5/05
documented that resident was incontinent of bladder and bowel,
however they make no reference regarding the resident's bowel
pattern, the complaints of abdominal pain or the concerns
voiced by staff.
65. Further review revealed that no written notations
were available to indicate that the nurses documented the
staff concerns regarding the resident's bouts of constipation,
cries for help and complaints of pain. The only notations
that make reference to pain are dated 5/6/05: "Resident
complained (c/o) lower back pain, no injuries noted. Resident
unable to describe, + BS (positive bowel signs). Physician
called x-ray of lower back ordered" and 5/18/05:"Resident c/o
severe adb pain, abd x ray ordered .If - (negative sign)
Kristalate 20gm qd (daily) ordered. Order dated 5/18/05 "Abd
24
x-ray R/O (rule out) fecal impaction, if -, Kristalate 20 gm
qa"
66. The administrator stated on 6/15/05 at approximately
4:30 PM that no further written documentation was available
and did not know why no notations were available.
67. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Rule 58A-5.0182(1)(e), Florida Administrative Code,
herein classified as a Class II violation, which warrants an
assessed fine of $5,000.00.
COUNT VI
THE GABLES OF LAKE MARY FAILED TO ENSURE THAT NURSING SERVICES
WERE AUTHORIZED BY A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER’S ORDER, RECORDED IN
NURSING PROGRESS NOTES AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PREVAILING
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE IN THE NURSING COMMUNITY
Rule 58A-5.030(8)(c), Florida Administrative Code
CLASS I VIOLATION
68. AHCA re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs (1)
through (5) as if fully set forth herein.
69. During the complaint investigation conducted on 6/14
through 6/23/05 and based on record review and interview the
facility failed to ensure that nursing services were
authorized by a health care provider's order, recorded in
nursing progress notes and in accordance with the prevailing
standards of practice in the nursing community: allowed the
performance of digital manipulation of feces (disimpaction) by
nurses without a physician's. order, did not document
disimpaction on nurses notes, did not administer a medication
25
according with the physician's order (MOM for constipation)
and allowed non-licensed staff to perform nursing duties
(manual disimpaction) .
70. Resident record review for sampled resident #3 on
6/14/05 at approximately 1 PM revealed the following:
(a) Health assessment form 1823 dated 1/22/04
documented resident with a diagnosis of Dementia and needed
supervision with ADLs and medications. Further review revealed
a Florida DNR dated 12/26/03. An order dated 1/27/04 called
for Senokot one tablet every day at bedtime and MOM (Milk Of
Magnesia) with Cascara 5cc by mouth daily PRN (as needed) for
constipation, along with other medications.
(b) Medication Observation Record (MOR) review
revealed the inconsistencies with the BM log and_ the
administration of MOM. When surveyors inquire regarding a
constipation policy, the administrator, an RN, stated on
6/15/05 at approximately 5 PM that a written policy was not
available, but a nursing standard was if there was no BM in
three (3) days then there was constipation. S/he also stated
that this was the standard used by the facility.
{c) The May BM record documented absent BM on 5/4
to 5/6, 5/14 to 5/18 on, but MOM was not documented as given.
A large BM was documented on 5/19, extra large on 5/20, large
on 5/21, medium on 5/22, however the May MOR documented that
26
MOM was given on 5/22 at 6:15 PM, although BM s were present
that and the prior days.
(d) The DON stated on 6/15/05 at approximately 5:45
PM that other alternatives to MOM were used sometimes, e.g.
increased water intake and warm prune juice, but’ these
palliative measures would not be documented.
(e) Monthly summaries dated from 12/04 to 5/05
documented that resident was incontinent of bladder and bowel,
however they make no reference regarding the resident's bowel
pattern.
(£) Staff #12 stated on 6/16/05 at approximately 6
PM that to her knowledge resident was given warm prune juice
and other meds (unknown) to help with the constipation or CNA
would manipulate feces and nurses would do it sometimes.
Anonymous caller on 6/24/05 at 10:30 am stated s/he had to do
stool removal for resident #3. S/he was trying to help
because the nursed didn't respond. Interview with staff member
#3 was conducted by telephone on 6/17/05 at 7:15 PM. S/he
observed a nurse try to disimpact the resident in late May or
early June.
71. Based on the foregoing, The Gables of Lake Mary
violated Rule 58A-5.030(8)(c), Florida Administrative Code,
herein classified as a Class I violation, which warrants an
assessed fine of $10,000.00.
27
SURVEY FEE
Pursuant to Section 400.419(10), Florida Statutes, AHCA
may assess a survey fee of $500.00 to cover the cost of
conducting monitoring visits conducted under Section
400.428(3) (c) to verify the correction of the violations.
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Agency requests the Court tc order the
following relief:
1. Enter a judgment in favor of the Agency for Health
Care Administration against The Gables of Lake Mary on Counts
I through VI.
2. Assess an administrative fine of $45,000.00 against
The Gables of Lake Mary on Counts I through VI for the
violations cited above.
3. Assess a survey fee of $500.00 against The Gables of
Lake Mary, pursuant to Section 400.419(10), and 400.428 (3) (c),
Florida Statutes.
4, Grant such other relief as this Court deems is just
and proper.
Respondent is notified that it has a right to request an
administrative hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 and
120.57, Florida Statutes (2004). Specific options for
administrative action are set out in the attached Election of
Rights and explained in the attached Explanation of Rights.
28
All requests for hearing shall be made to the Agency for
Health Care Administration, and delivered to the Agency Clerk,
Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, MS
#3, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
RESPONDENT IS FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT THE FAILURE TO RECEIVE A
REQUEST FOR A HEARING WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF RECEIPT
OF THIS COMPLAINT WILL RESULT IN AN ADMISSION OF THE FACTS
ALLEGED IN THE COMPLAINT AND THE ENTRY OF A FINAL ORDER BY THE
te Uoen
elson E. Rodney, Esq.
Assistant General CounSel
Agency for Health Care
Administration
Spokane Bldg., Suite 103
8350 N. W. 52™4 Terrace
Miami, Florida 33166
Copies furnished to:
Joel Libby
Field Office Manager
Agency for Health Care Administration
400 West Robinson Street, Suite $309
Orlando, Florida 32801
(U.S. Mail)
Jean Lombardi
Finance and Accounting
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
Assisted Living Facility Unit Program
Agency for Health Care
Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(Interoffice Mail)
29
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
foregoing has been furnished by U.S. Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested to Julie S. Fernandez, Administrator, The
Gables of Lake Mary, 3655 W. Lake Mary Boulevard, Lake Mary,
Florida 32746, Senior Living/Lake Mary, LLC, 10 Woodbridge
Center Drive, Suite 420, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095, and to
NRAI Services, Inc., 2731 Executive Park Drive, Suite 4,
Weg 1 Florida 33331 on this pm day of
7 , 2005.
cee pe
30
Docket for Case No: 05-003134
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Dec. 19, 2005 |
Final Order filed.
|
Nov. 02, 2005 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Nov. 01, 2005 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Sep. 19, 2005 |
Notice of Service of Petitioner`s First Set of Interrogatories, First Request for Production, and First Set of Admissions filed.
|
Sep. 08, 2005 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Sep. 08, 2005 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for November 8 and 9, 2005; 9:30 a.m.; Orlando, FL).
|
Sep. 06, 2005 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Aug. 30, 2005 |
Initial Order.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Notice of Appearance (filed by J. Fernandez).
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Election of Rights for Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Order of Dismissal without Prejudice Pursuant to Sections 120.54 and 120.569, Florida Statutes and Rules 28-106.111 and 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code to Allow for Amendment and Resubmission of Petition filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Amended Request for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Order of Dismissal without Prejudice Pursuant to Section 120.569, Florida Statutes and Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code to Allow for Amendment and Resubmission of Petition filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Revised Amended Request for Formal Administrative Hearing Regarding Administrative Complaint Dated July 7, 2005 filed.
|
Aug. 29, 2005 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|