Evidence/Findings:
Based on documentation review, and interview, for one resident death, the manager failed to provide written notification to the Department of a resident's death, which was unexpected, according to A.R.S. \'a7 11-593.
Findings include:
1. In documentation review, the Compliance Officer inquired on the death of R1, and was provided documentation of the recent death of R1.
2. In documentation review, a review of Department records revealed the Department was not notified of the death of R1.
3. In record review, R1's medical record (received personal care and medication administration services) included documentation of a medication order, dated October 5, 2023, for Metoprolol Succ ER 25 mg, take one tablet by mouth at bedtime for hypertension/AFIB, Hold for SBP (systolic blood pressure) less than 100 or HR (heart rate) less than 60. R1's record did not include documentation the caregivers followed the medication order and took blood pressure and pulse readings, per the order, during the months of October 2023 - April 2024, and did not immediately report abnormal vital signs to the Health & Wellness Director and the resident's physician. The resident's medication administration record (MAR) included documentation of abnormal vital signs as follows, with no indication of notification to the Health & Wellness Director and the resident's physician:
October 20, 2023: SBP 99, October 31, 2023: SBP 99,
September 4, 2023: SBP 99,
November 4, 2023: SBP 99, November 16 - 18, 2023: SBP 99,
December 2, 2023: SBP 99, December 10, 2023: SBP 94
January 8, 2024: SBP 93, January 15, 2024: SBP 99, January 30, 2024: SBP 99
February 2, 2024: SBP 99, February 4, 2024: SBP 89, February 12, 2024: SBP 99, February 19, 2024: SBP 98
April 13, 2024: SBP 88, April 14, 2024: SBP 88
4. In record review, R1's MARs revealed the following:
- September 2023 - R1 was administered Metoprolol on September 21 - 30, 2023; however, the facility had no documentation of R1's HR September 21 - 30, 2023, and of R1's SBP September 25 - 30, 2023.
- October Mar 2023 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on October 1 - 12, 16 - 19, 21 - 23, and 29 - 30, 2023; however, the facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored and documented on these days. On October 24, 2023, R1's SBP was 105, and HR was 84 bpm; however, the MAR indicated the medication was held (DNG - drug not given).
- November Mar 2023 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on November 5, 11, 16, 19, - 30, 2023; however, the facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored and documented on these days. The Metoprolol medication was administered on November 9-10; however, the facility had no documentation of R1's SBP or HR.
- December MAR 2023 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on December 1, 3 - 9, and 11 - 31; however, the facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored and documented on these days.
- January MAR 2024 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on January 1, 2024; however, R1's SBP and HR was not documented. The medication was administered January 4 - 7, 9 - 14, 16 - 29 and 31, 2024; however, the facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored and documented on these days. On January 30, 2024, R1's SBP was 99; however, the MAR indicated the medication was administered to R1, instead of being held.
- February MAR 2024 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on February 1, 3, 5 - 7, 9 - 11, 13 - 18, 20, 2024; however, the facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored and documented on these days. On February 19, 2024, R1's SBP was 98/69; however, the MAR indicated the medication was administered to R1, instead of being held.
- April MAR 2024 - R1 was administered the Metoprolol medication on April 6 - 12, 2024. The facility had no documentation R1's heart rate was monitored on April 6 - 11, 2024, and no documentation of R1's SBP reading, prior to the administration of the Metoprolol medication on April 6 - 11, 2024.
- A facility document titled, "Vital Signs History," included documentation on April 15, 2024, at 1:30pm R1's BP was 79/43. The record did not include documentation R1's BP was documented at 8:00pm; however, the MAR indicated R1 was administered the Metoprolol at 8:00pm.
- R1's medical record included documentation R1 required emergency medical services (EMS) on April 15, 2024: "... notified by resident services coordinator... to check vitals for resident... Systolic BP was below 80... BP was 79/43, pulse 125. Writer called 911 to have the resident further assessed. Upon arrival of paramedics, when checking ... BP, it was raised to 90/70, when having resident stand, BP dropped to 50/40. Paramedics advised resident to be taken to the nearest hospital... R1's .../POA insisted [R1] to be taken to a different hospital where... has an infectious disease specialist... The paramedic stated that as long as they were aware of the risks of a further drive, they would accommodate... Call 911, Emergency Room..."
4. A "Progress Note," dated April 19, 2024, documented, "The writer engaged in a conversation with O4... focused on the provision of care for R1 and ... most recent hospitalization. O4 deliberated on the fact that the resident deceased ... at the hospital..."
5. A review of R1's death certificate showed that R1 passed away at the hospital.
6. During an initial interview on April 25, 2024, E1 and E2 reported R1's death was unexpected. R1 appeared unwell on April 15, 2024 and was sent to the hospital where R1 passed away. E1 reported the facility was notified, by the family three days following the resident's death, and acknowledged the death was not reported according to A.R.S. \'a7 11-593. During the inspection conducted on September 12, 2024, E1 and E2 acknowledged R1's blood pressure medication orders were not followed consistently by the caregivers' administering the medication.
Summary:
No deficiencies were found during the on-site investigation of complaints 00131862, 00141416, and 00148865 conducted on October 28, 2025.