Providence Valdez Medical Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Providence Valdez Medical Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF607May 15, 2026

  .Based on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to implement its abuse prevention screening process to ensure an employee with regular resident contact maintained a valid State of Alaska background check clearance before continuing to work in the facility. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure an individual who had direct contact with residents had a valid criminal history check conducted under 7 Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) 10.900-10.990. This resulted in 1 employee working (Assistant #3) at the facility without valid clearance from the Alaska Background Check program. This failed practice placed all residents (based on a census of 9) at risk for abuse, neglect or exploitation. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF609May 15, 2026

  .Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to: 1) Report an allegation of verbal intimidation/harassment, involving inappropriate sexual comments made by Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #4 to 1 Resident (#9), to the State Survey Agency immediately, or not later than 2 hours after the allegation was made/reported; and 2) Develop and implement an accurate reporting policy for allegations of abuse that aligned with regulatory requirements. Not reporting an allegation of abuse in an appropriate and timely manner placed all residents (based on a census of 9) at risk for future exposure to potential abuse. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF727May 15, 2026

  .Based on record review, interview, and observation, the facility failed to clearly designate one registered nurse to serve as the full-time Director of Nursing (DON) for the long-term care (LTC) unit. Specifically, the facility's leadership documents, Human Resources (HR) records, payroll records, staff identification, and administrative interviews identified conflicting roles for the Director of Clinical Services (DCS), the LTC Manager, and the newly hired DON. As a result, the facility could not demonstrate that one RN was consistently designated to serve as the full-time DON responsible for LTC nursing leadership and oversight. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF712Mar 6, 2025

  Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure physicians consistently assessed residents in person at least once every 60 days for all residents (based on a census of 7). This failed practice placed all residents at risk for delayed identification of changes in medical condition and unmet medical care needs. Findings: Record review on 3/5/25 at 10:00 AM of the facility's Physician Visits Non-compliance Flowsheets, undated, revealed multiple instances where residents exceeded the 60-day interval between physician visits: Resident #1 had a gap of 73 days between physician visits (7/9/24 to 9/20/24) and another gap of 109 days between physician visits (9/20/24 to 1/7/25). Resident #2 had a gap of 128 days between physician visits (7/9/24 to 11/14/24). […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF841Mar 6, 2025

  Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Medical Director(MD) fulfilled responsibilities for oversight and coordination of medical care in the facility. Specifically, the MD did not provide adequate oversight to ensure physician compliance with required visits. This failed practice placed residents at risk for unmet medical needs, delayed medical treatment, and diminished quality of care. Findings: Review of the facility's document titled Description of Medical Director Duties, undated, revealed: .Duties and Responsibilities: .The medical director is responsible for implementation of resident care policies and the coordination of medical care in the facility. […]