Highlands Rehabilitation and Healthcare

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Highlands Rehabilitation and Healthcare, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Feb 9, 2024

  Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store food items and maintain equipment in a safe and sanitary manner in the facility's main kitchen. Findings included: Initial tour of the facility's main kitchen on February 6, 2024, between 9:15 AM and 10:15 AM revealed the following: There was a significant amount of debris on top of the dishwasher. There was also a significant amount of dust accumulating on the ceiling above the dishwasher including where the clean dishes came out of the washer. A pipe just behind the dishwasher had an accumulation of dust and had a large piece of protective covering falling off the pipe. The dry storage room had a large bucket of rice with no date or expiration on the bucket. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Dec 9, 2023

  Based on observation, review of select facilities policies and procedures, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store food, prepare, and distribute food, and ensure temperature monitoring was in place to prevent the potential spread of food-borne illness in the facility's main kitchen. Findings included: The current facility policy entitled Food Preparation and Service, revealed potentially hazardous foods are cooled rapidly. This is defined as cooling from 135 F (Fahrenheit) to 70 F within two hours and then to a temperature of 41 F or below within the next 4 hours. The total cooling time between 135 F and 41 F should not exceed 6 hours. Proper hot and cold temperatures are maintained during food distribution and service. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Mar 26, 2021

  Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store and prepare food items in a safe and sanitary manner in the facility's main kitchen. Findings include: Initial tour of the facility's main kitchen on March 23, 2021, at 11:07 AM with Employee 1, dietary manager, revealed the following: A clear bag was identified on a shelf in the walk-in freezer containing what appeared to be frozen chicken. The bag was not labeled with the contents of the bag or a date to identify when the product should be used by. The walk- in cooler contained a tiered storage shelving rack. On the bottom of shelf of the storage rack was a pan containing several bags of coleslaw. Next to the pan of coleslaw was another pan with two bags labeled beef cubes. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF582Feb 5, 2026

  Based on clinical record review and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to provide the correct required notification to a resident whose payment coverage changed for two of three residents reviewed (Residents 109 and 114).Findings include: A review of the form Instructions for the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) CMS-10123, (a notice that informs the recipient when care received from the skilled nursing facility is ending; and how to contact a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) to appeal) revealed instructions that a Medicare provider must ensure that the notice is delivered at least two calendar days before Medicare covered services end. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF692Feb 5, 2026

  Based on a review of select facility policies and procedures, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to implement interventions to promote acceptable parameters of nutrition for three of six residents reviewed for nutritional concerns (Residents 1, 2, and 44). Findings include: The facility policy entitled, Weight Assessment and Intervention, last reviewed August 27, 2025, revealed that resident weights are monitored for undesirable or unintended weight loss or gain. Residents are weighed upon admission and at intervals established by the interdisciplinary team. Weights are recorded in each unit's weight record chart and in the individual's medical record. […]