Waycross Health and Rehabilitation

In the surveyor’s words

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

• Actual harm, isolatedF689Dec 18, 2022

  Based on record review, interviews, and review of the facility policies, the facility failed to ensure soup was served at a safe temperature for one resident (R) (R#45) of 26 sampled residents. Actual harm occurred when R#45 sustained second degree burns to the left forearm and left side on 11/26/22. Findings include: Review of the facility policy titled Skilled Inpatient Services Personal Food Items, review date 12/4/21, revealed it is the intent of the center to provide education on safe and sanitary storage, handling, and consumption of food brought to patients by families and visitors. Guideline: The center should be responsible for assisting patients with reheating items as needed, assisting with feeding as needed. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Dec 18, 2022

  Based on observations and interviews the facility failed to maintain sanitary and clean conditions related to cross contamination on one of three hallways (B Hall) and in the laundry room. The facility census was 54 residents. Findings include: 1. An observation on 12/17/22 at 10:58 a.m. of Laundry Aide II sweeping the lint from under the dryer. After sweeping Laundry Aide II began folding clean linens without washing or sanitizing her hands. At 11:02 a.m. Laundry Aide II sat down and placed clean folded linens in the path of a fan with dust buildup. During an interview with Laundry Aide II on 12/17/22 at 11:06 a.m. she revealed that she washes hands when she first comes in and starts her loads. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF554Mar 20, 2025

  Based on observations, resident and staff interviews, record review, and review of the facility's policy titled Pharmacy Services: Bedside Storage of Medication, the facility failed to assess one of 29 sampled residents (R) (R48) for the ability to self-administer medications prior to leaving medications at the bedside. This deficient practice had the potential to place R48 at risk of unsafe medication use. Findings include: Review of the facility's undated policy titled Pharmacy Services: Bedside Storage of Medication revealed the Guideline section included, The Pharmacy supports bedside medication storage for patients who are able to self-administer medications upon the written order of the prescriber and when it is deemed appropriate in the judgment of the nursing center's… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF880Mar 20, 2025

  Based on observation, staff interviews, and review of the facility's policy titled Wound Care, the facility failed to ensure staff followed infection control processes during wound care for one of 10 residents (R) (R38) reviewed for wound care. This deficient practice had the potential to place R38 at risk of infection due to cross-contamination. Findings include: Review of the facility's policy titled Wound Care, reviewed 12/27/2024 revealed the Intent section stated, It is the intent of this center to provide guidelines for clean technique in providing wound care. The Guideline section included, . Perform hand hygiene. Put on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and first pair of clean gloves. Remove the soiled dressing and place into a bag at the bedside . […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF578Dec 18, 2022

  Based on record review, staff interviews, and review of policy Advanced Directives, the facility failed to obtain a Physician's signature for a Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) for Allow Natural Death (AND)/Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) consents for one of 26 residents reviewed, Resident (R) (R#44). Findings include: Review of policy titled, Advance Directives, with a review date of 12/4/2021, revealed the following: POLST - Physician's Order for Life Sustaining Treatment Procedure for periodically reviewing patient choices and preferences related to health care decisions after admission: A POLST that has been appropriately completed will be accepted and followed by the center. […]