§483.20(f)(5) Resident-identifiable information. (i) A facility may not release information that is resident-identifiable to the public. (ii) The facility may release information that is resident-identifiable to an agent only in accordance with a contract under which the agent agrees not to use or disclose the information except to the extent the facility itself is permitted to do so.
§483.70(h) Medical records. §483.70(h)(1) In accordance with accepted professional standards and practices, the facility must maintain medical records on each resident that are- (i) Complete; (ii) Accurately documented; (iii) Readily accessible; and (iv) Systematically organized
§483.70(h)(2) The facility must keep confidential all information contained in the resident's records, regardless of the form or storage method of the records, except when release is- (i) To the individual, or their resident representative where permitted by applicable law; (ii) Required by Law; (iii) For treatment, payment, or health care operations, as permitted by and in compliance with 45 CFR 164.506; (iv) For public health activities, reporting of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, health oversight activities, judicial and administrative proceedings, law enforcement purposes, organ donation purposes, research purposes, or to coroners, medical examiners, funeral directors, and to avert a serious threat to health or safety as permitted by and in compliance with 45 CFR 164.512.
§483.70(h)(3) The facility must safeguard medical record information against loss, destruction, or unauthorized use.
§483.70(h)(4) Medical records must be retained for- (i) The period of time required by State law; or (ii) Five years from the date of discharge when there is no requirement in State law; or (iii) For a minor, 3 years after a resident reaches legal age under State law.
§483.70(h)(5) The medical record must contain- (i) Sufficient information to identify the resident; (ii) A record of the resident's assessments; (iii) The comprehensive plan of care and services provided; (iv) The results of any preadmission screening and resident review evaluations and determinations conducted by the State; (v) Physician's, nurse's, and other licensed professional's progress notes; and (vi) Laboratory, radiology and other diagnostic services reports as required under §483.50.
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Observations:
Based on a review of clinical records and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain accurate and complete clinical records for one of 15 sampled residents (Resident 6).
Findings include:
A review of the clinical record revealed that Resident 6 was admitted to the facility on February 12, 2025, with diagnoses that included acute kidney failure (a sudden loss of the kidney ' s ability to filter waste and balance fluids) and dementia (a condition involving the loss of cognitive functioning such as memory, reasoning, and judgment that interferes with daily life).
A weekly nursing skin review form dated September 4, 2025, documented that Resident 6 ' s skin was intact with no wounds noted.
A progress note dated September 8, 2025, stated that wound care was to see Resident 6 and that new orders were noted to continue applying skin prep (a protective barrier solution used to prevent skin breakdown) to both heels. Documentation reflected that the resident and the resident ' s representative were informed.
A subsequent nursing weekly skin review dated September 11, 2025, documented that Resident 6 ' s left heel had a DTI (deep tissue injury), defined as an area of persistent, non-blanchable discoloration (dark red, purple, or maroon) that may indicate damage to underlying soft tissue from pressure or shear.
A review of the electronic clinical record on October 28, 2025, revealed a tab titled " Forms " that contained a document titled " Wound Evaluation Flow Sheets Multiple Weeks, " dated September 8, 2025. This form contained 12 weekly wound evaluations documenting wound status, measurements, treatment, and care recommendations.
However, upon a subsequent review of the clinical record on October 29, 2025, the " Wound Evaluation Flow Sheets Multiple Weeks " document dated September 8, 2025, was no longer accessible for review within Resident 6 ' s electronic record.
During an interview on October 29, 2025, at 9:30 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the documentation had been accidentally deleted from Resident 6 ' s electronic medical record. The DON provided documentation showing that a service ticket had been opened with the facility ' s electronic health record vendor to restore the missing documents. The facility was unable to provide the deleted documentation to the survey team before the conclusion of the survey on October 30, 2025, failing to maintain a complete and accurate clinical record for Resident 6 in accordance with professional standards. The loss of the wound documentation prevented verification of the resident ' s wound progression, treatment interventions, and care outcomes, and therefore represented a failure to ensure the integrity and completeness of the clinical record.
28 Pa. Code 211.5(f)(ix)(x) Medical records.
28 Pa. Code 211.12(c)(d)(5) Nursing services.
| | Plan of Correction - To be completed: 01/02/2026
1. A ticket was put in to PCC to reactivate, Resident 6's, "Weekly Wound Evaluation Form" that was opened on September 8 , 2025. 2. An audit was completed on residents that are being treated for skin impairment to ensure the clinical records contain the documentation required, as in accordance with the professional standards of practice. 3. Education will be completed to licensed nursing staff on the importance of maintaining the clinical records in accordance with the professional standards of practice. 4. The DON/ designee will audit the wound documentation, weekly x 4 then monthly x 2, to ensure the clinical record contains the documentation as per the professional standards of practice. The results of the audits will be reviewed at QAPI for trends and the need for reeducation.
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