Mount Ayr Health Care Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Mount Ayr Health Care Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Apr 14, 2026

  Based on observations, interviews, and policy review the facility failed to prepare, serve and distribute food in accordance with food service safety for general practices of mealtime service. The facility reported a census of 24 residents. Findings include: Observed during the initial kitchen visit on 4/11/26 at 9:10 AM the following:The Cook's Refrigerator had an incomplete temperature log with missing data for 4/8 and 4/10/26.The bottom of the upright freezer contained a milky white frozen substance and crumbs across the bottom. The freezer contained a 5 gallon container of ice cream on the top shelf and frozen meats on the bottom shelf. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Apr 9, 2025

  Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to maintain sanitary practices by failing to perform hand hygiene between touching non-food items and handling raw food in the kitchen. The facility reported a census of 34 residents. Findings include: On 4/08/25 at 8:25 AM, a kitchen observation revealed the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) opened several packages of raw pork chops, grabbed a can of cooking spray with her gloved right hand and sprayed the grill. She then grabbed a bottle of Olive Oil blend with the same hand and poured some on the grill. Afterward, she grabbed a pork chop in each hand, gloved right hand and ungloved left hand, and placed them on the grill. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF883Apr 9, 2025

  Based on clinical record review, staff interview, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and facility policy review, the facility failed to offer the recommended pneumococcal vaccine to 4 of 8 residents reviewed for vaccines (#06, #11, #23, and #29). The facility reported a census of 34 residents. Findings include: 1) The vaccine record of Resident #06 indicated the resident had not received or refused the appropriate pneumococcal vaccine. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) revealed an 8/14/50 date of birth. 2) The vaccine record of Resident #11 indicated the resident had not received or refused the appropriate pneumococcal vaccine. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Jun 27, 2024

  Based on observations, clinical record review, staff interviews, and facility policy review the facility failed to update the infection control policy and failed to maintain infection control practices for catheter cares for 1 of 2 residents reviewed (Resident #4). The facility reported a census of 33 residents. Findings include: 1. Review of the facility policy titled Infection Control Policy, revealed it was last reviewed and dated on 4/8/20 by Staff D and the Director of Nursing (DON). On 6/26/24 at 7:56 AM Staff A, the current DON/Infection Preventionist (IP) stated the infection control policies were reviewed annually at the first Infection Control Committee/Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF908Feb 10, 2022

  Based on observation, interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure the facility consistently maintained a clean environment in the kitchen. The facility reported a census of 25 residents. Findings include: During an observation on 02/07/22 at 12:30 PM, a fan blew on the dust-covered wiring, motor, and other electrical equipment on top of the 3 door refrigerator. The wall behind the motor of the refrigerator also contained a build-up of dust. The fan also circulated air throughout the kitchen. In an interview on 02/07/22 at 12:30 PM, Staff A reported maintenance put the fan on the refrigerator to blow on the motor and keep it cool, but had not removed the dust first. […]