NHC Healthcare, Knoxville

In the surveyor’s words

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

• Actual harm, isolatedF600Mar 15, 2023

  Based on facility policy review, medical record review, interview, and observations, the facility failed to ensure 4 residents (Resident #30, Resident #75, Resident #31, and Resident #57) were free from abuse of 65 potential residents. Resident #30 grabbed Resident #75 and Resident #57 and pushed and choked Resident #31. Resident #57 struck Resident #30 in response to Resident #30's aggressiveness. Resident #75 and Resident #57 expressed being fearful of Resident #30, resulting in psychosocial harm for Residents #75 and #57. […]

• Actual harm, isolatedF760Apr 12, 2022

  Based on facility policy review, review of facility contracts and agreements, review of nursing student guidelines, medical record review, facility documentation review, review of hospital records, and interview, the facility failed to prevent a significant medication error for 1 resident (Resident #1) of 7 residents reviewed for medication errors. Resident #1 received 12 medications that were prescribed for Resident #4. The medication error resulted in Resident #1 experiencing [CONDITION(S)] (decreased heart rate) and chest pains. The facility's failure to ensure medications were administered to the correct resident resulted in a significant medication error and Harm for Resident #1. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Mar 15, 2023

  Based on facility policy review, observations, and interview, the facility failed to ensure kitchen staff wore protective beard coverings while preparing food observed for 2 of 2 staff members. The facility failed to maintain a sanitary kitchen environment as evidenced by undated food and food open to air observed in 1 of 1 dry storage rooms and failed to maintain sanitary kitchen equipment which had the potential to affect 100 of 102 residents. The findings include: Review of the facility policy, Hygiene & Safety Practices, revised 11/2017, revealed .partners shall wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets, beard restraints .that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF584Mar 15, 2023

  Based on facility policy review, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to provide a clean and homelike environment for 13 of 38 resident rooms. The facility failed to repair wallpaper in 8 of 38 resident rooms and in 5 out of 5 hallways. The facility failed to clean air vents on 5 of 5 hallways. The facility failed to replace ceiling tiles in 5 of 38 resident rooms. The facility failed to repair window seals which resulted in uncomfortable temperature levels in 5 of 38 resident rooms. The findings include: Review of the facility policy titled, NHC Knoxville Housekeeping Policy, dated 3/15/2023, showed .NHC expects to maintain our building in a manor [manner] that is clean, presentable for our patients and staff. Routine cleaning of patient rooms Daily. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Jan 21, 2021

  Based on review of Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, review of the facility's testing documentation, review of the facility's time, schedule and assignment sheets, review of employee screening logs, interview, and review of state and local health department guidance, the facility failed to follow guidance for staff working while infected with COVID-19 (transmissible Coronavirus that causes respiratory illness ranging from no symptoms to severe life-threatening illness) for 3 of 31 staff who tested positive for COVID-19, potentially affecting 80 residents in the facility. […]