Foothill Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Foothill Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jun 1, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain kitchen sanitation in a safe and consistent manner to prevent food-borne illness. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 5/15/26 at 10:07 AM, the surveyor entered the facility's kitchen and conducted an interview with the Food Service Director (FSD) who stated the food in the refrigerators and freezers should be sealed in an air-tight wrap and labeled with a use by date. The FSD further stated the dietary staff were responsible for maintaining the nursing unit pantry inventory to ensure there were no expired items. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF814Mar 7, 2025

  Based on observation, interview, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure dumpster lids were kept closed and trash was not on the ground in the dumpster area. This failure had the potential to cause pest infestation or spread of infection affecting all 158 residents. Findings include: During an initial tour of the kitchen on 03/04/25 beginning at 10:42 AM, conducted along with the Dietary Manager (DM) and Regional Food Service Director (RFSD), the three trash and one recycling dumpster were observed. The recycling dumpster lid and the lid of the middle trash dumpster were open. The front trash dumpster was over-filled with trash preventing the lid from closing all the way. There was trash on the ground around all the dumpsters. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF697Jun 1, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of other pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to meet the professional standards of practice by not appropriately assessing and documenting PRN (as needed) pain medications. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #41) reviewed for unnecessary medications and was evidenced by the following: Reference: New Jersey Statues, Annotated Title 45, Chapter 11 Nursing Board, The Nurse Practice Act for the State of New Jersey states; The practice of nursing as a registered professional nurse is defined as diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential physical and emotional health problems, through such services as case finding, health teaching, health… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF881Jun 1, 2026

  Based on interviews, record reviews, and a review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to consistently implement an Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) (a program designed to improve clinical outcomes and reduce harm by promoting appropriate antibiotic use and monitoring prescribing practices). The facility did not utilize standardized infection surveillance criteria to determine whether antibiotic use was appropriate. This deficiency was identified in 3 of 6 residents reviewed for antibiotic use (Resident #61, #74, and #154) and was evidenced by the following: 1.) A review of the Infection Control Case List (ICCL) in the electronic medical record (EMR) for 5/2026 revealed Resident #61 had a right toe ulcer (RTU) (an open sore or wound on the toe resulting… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF656Mar 7, 2025

  Based on policy review, record review, and staff interviews, the facility failed to develop a person-centered comprehensive plan of care for one of 34 sample residents (Resident (R) 41) regarding a continuous blood glucose monitor; or measurable goals or objectives regarding behaviors for two of seven residents (Resident (R) 60 and R138) reviewed for psychotropic medications. These failures placed the residents at risk of unmet care needs pertaining to glucose management and behavior management. Findings include: 1. During an interview on 03/05/25 at 10:27 AM, R41 revealed she had diabetes. R41 stated she received insulin and the staff administered the insulin. […]