NHC Healthcare - Bluffton

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at NHC Healthcare - Bluffton, in the surveyor’s own words.

• Immediate jeopardy, isolatedF689Jul 18, 2025

  Based on review of facility policy, record review, review of a police incident report, witness statements, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that Resident (R)1 received adequate supervision to prevent a successful elopement from the facility on 06/22/25 at approximately 3:15 PM. Specifically, R1 was found by 2 Samaritans, facility staff, and law enforcement outside of the facility. Per police incident documentation, R1 was found near a wooded swamp area near the facility's parking lot. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Nov 14, 2024

  Based on review of the facility policy, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure foods that are stored in the refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas were labeled, appropriately stored and sealed, and discarded after the manufacturer's expiration date. This deficient practice has the potential to increase foodborne illnesses. Findings Include: Review of the facility's policy titled, Refrigerator and Freezer Storage, dated ,d+[DATE] states Refrigerated and frozen foods will be stored properly for optimal product safety. 9. A) Foods will be stored in their original container or a NSF approved container or wrapped tightly in moisture proof film, foil, etc. Clearly labeled with the contents and the use by date. (Food Code ,d+[DATE].17). 10. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF761Nov 14, 2024

  Based on review of the facility policy, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure expired medication was removed from medication and treatment carts and properly label a medication bottle for 2 of 3 units reviewed for medication storage. Additionally, the facility failed to secure a medication cart for 1 of 3 units reviewed for medication storage. Findings include: Review of the facility policy dated [DATE], titled, Disposal of Medications and Medication Related Supplies, revealed, Unused, unwanted, discontinued, expired and non returnable medications should be removed from their storage area and secured until destroyed. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF638Oct 28, 2022

  Based on interviews, record review and document reviews, the facility failed to timely complete the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for Resident #1, Resident #4, and Resident #15; 3 of 5 residents reviewed for resident assessment. Findings include: A review of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Long-Term Care Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 User's Manual, dated 10/2019, revealed, 5.2 Timeliness Criteria In accordance with the requirements at 42 CFR (code of federal regulations) S483.20(f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3), long-term care facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs must meet the following conditions: Completion Timing: -For all non-Admission OBRA and PPS assessments, the MDS Completion Date must be no later than 14 days after the… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF740Jan 30, 2026

  Based on interview, record review, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure that Resident (R)6 received necessary behavioral health services in a timely manner. R6 consented to behavioral health services on 07/17/25, the facility did not acknowledge the consent/referral until 11/20/25. During this lapse of behavioral health services, R6 had several depressive and anxiety related symptoms, this non-compliance had the potential to place the resident at risk for further emotional distress, for 1 of 4 residents reviewed for mood/behaviors. […]