Dakota Alpha

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Dakota Alpha, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF801Jul 13, 2023

  Based on staff interview, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 nutrition and food services supervisor (#1) obtained the proper qualifications to serve as the director of food and nutrition services. Failure to ensure staff have the qualifications to carry out the functions of food and nutrition services has the potential to result in foodborne illness to residents, staff, and visitors. Findings include: During an interview on 07/13/23 at 12:36 p.m., the nutrition and food services supervisor (#1) confirmed they have not completed the necessary courses required for the director of food and nutrition services. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812May 30, 2024

  Based on observation, review of facility policy, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure food is prepared and stored in a clean and sanitary manner in 1 of 1 kitchen and 1 of 1 kitchenette (Resident Kitchen). Failure to ensure cleanliness of the kitchen, dishware, and food storage areas, to properly store raw and ready-to-eat foods and discard outdated food items has the potential to result in foodborne illness to residents, visitors, and staff. Findings include: Review of the facility policy titled Food Safety Requirements occurred on 05/29/24. This policy, revised 01/31/23, stated, . Food safety practices shall be followed throughout the facility's entire food handling process. Elements of the process include the following: . […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF584Jul 13, 2023

  Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure a safe and clean environment for 2 of 3 sampled residents (Resident #8 and #15) and 2 supplemental residents (Resident #4 and #9) with personal fans. Failure to clean personal fans does not provide a safe/clean environment and has the potential to place the residents at risk for illness. Findings include: Observations on 07/11/23 from 9:50 a.m. to 10:05 a.m., showed the following: * Resident #4 lying in bed with a tower fan (visible dust on the outside grate) blowing air directly toward the resident. * Resident #8 lying in bed with an oscillating stand fan (visible dust on the outside grate covering the fan blade) blowing air directly toward the resident. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF623Mar 16, 2022

  Based on record review, review of facility policy, and staff interview, the facility failed to provide the resident or their representative and/or the State Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman a written notice of transfer for 4 of 4 sampled residents (Resident #4, #6, #19 and #20) with a recent hospital transfer. Failure to provide a notice of transfer does not allow the resident and/or their representative to make an informed decision regarding their rights or inform the Ombudsman of the transfers. Findings include: Review of facility policy titled Transfer and Discharge Policy and Procedure occurred on 03/15/22. This policy, dated 12/31/19, stated, . If a resident is to be transferred . , Dakota Alpha will give the resident . written notice . […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF658Jul 9, 2025

  Based on observation, record review, policy review, and staff interview, the facility failed to provide medication in accordance with professional standards for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #5) observed during medication pass. Failure to ensure the facility's stock medication formulary accommodated physicians' orders and/or staff clarified orders to match the formulary stock medication supply resulted in Resident #5 and possibly other residents receiving an inaccurate medication dose and may result in unintended therapeutic results. Findings include: Review of the facility policy titled Administration of Medications occurred on 07/09/25. This policy, dated 07/01/25, stated, Procedure: Medications are administered . as ordered by the physician . […]