Every finding on record at Argus of Colorado Inc

A recertification survey was completed on 2/7/24. One deficiency was cited.

Competency evaluation CFR(s): 484.80(c)(1)(2)(3) Standard: Competency evaluation. An individual may furnish home health services on behalf of an HHA only after that individual has successfully completed a competency evaluation program as described in this section. (1) The competency evaluation must address each of the subjects listed in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Subject areas specified under paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (iii), (ix), (x), and (xi) of this section must be evaluated by observing an aide's performance of the task with a patient or pseudo-patient. The remaining subject areas may be evaluated through written examination, oral examination, or after observation of a home health aide with a patient, or with a pseudo-patient as part of a simulation. (2) A home health aide competency evaluation program may be offered by any organization, except as specified in paragraph (f) of this section. (3) The competency evaluation must be performed by a registered nurse in consultation with other skilled professionals, as appropriate. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on interview and record review, the agency failed to ensure certified nurse aides (CNA) received the required observed competency evaluation in accordance with regulation prior to assignment of CNA services for 1 of 1 contracted CNA personnel records reviewed (CNA #5). Findings include: AGENCY POLICY According to the policy, "Home Health Aides Competency, Supervision and Assignment," revised June 2023 (in part): "Registered Nurses or other appropriate professionals must supervise the practice of Home Health aides. Competencies and skills are assessed prior to the delivery of services and at least annually. Newly hired home health aides will receive weekly on-site supervisory visits during the first 4 [four] weeks of employment. Documentation of these visits will be placed in the aide's personnel file." 1. Review of the personnel record for contracted CNA #5 revealed a hire date of 11/20/23. a) The agency failed to ensure CNA competency skills evaluation had been adequately assessed, observed and conducted by a registered nurse (RN) with a patient according to regulatory requirements. Review of CNA #5's personnel record revealed a written competency, completed by the CNAs contract employer, dated 11/19/23. However, the record revealed no documented evidence CNA #5 completed an observed competency assessment with a patient or pseudo-patient before the provision of care to agency patients. During an interview on 2/7/24 at 1:47 p.m., the director of nursing (DON) confirmed CNA #5 was contracted from a staffing agency. She stated she was not sure if the staffing agency or their agency completed the competency assessments for CNA #5. During an interview on 2/7/24 at 2:06 p.m., the administrator stated he contacted the staffing agency from which the agency contracted the services of CNA #5 and was provided documentation of the written competency the staffing agency completed with CNA #5. However, he stated the staffing agency informed him they do not complete the hands-on observed competency assessments for CNA staff. He further stated his agency did not complete the observed competency assessment for CNA #5. The administrator confirmed CNA #5 had not had an observed competency assessment completed prior to providing care and services to agency patients.