Every finding on record at Better Living Healthcare Services Inc

A recertification survey was conducted on 03/25/2026. The census was: Licensed and Certified Home Health Services: 33 Licensed Home Health Services: 0 Personal Assistance Services: 36 Abbreviations: Adm/DON/DC – Administrator/Director of Nurses/Disaster Coordinator DC – disaster coordinator EC - Environment Safety & Equipment Management HHA – home health agency

EP Testing Requirements CFR(s): 484.102(d)(2) §416.54(d)(2), §418.113(d)(2), §441.184(d)(2), §460.84(d)(2), §482.15(d)(2), §483.73(d)(2), §483.475(d)(2), §484.102(d)(2), §485.68(d)(2), §485.542(d)(2), §485.625(d)(2), §485.727(d)(2), §485.920(d)(2), §491.12(d)(2), §494.62(d)(2). *[For ASCs at §416.54, CORFs at §485.68, REHs at §485.542, OPO, "Organizations" under §485.727, CMHCs at §485.920, RHCs/FQHCs at §491.12, and ESRD Facilities at §494.62]: (2) Testing. The [facility] must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan annually. The [facility] must do all of the following: (i) Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community-based every 2 years; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct a facility-based functional exercise every 2 years; or (B) If the [facility] experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the [facility] is exempt from engaging in its next required community-based or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the actual event. (ii) Conduct an additional exercise at least every 2 years, opposite the year the full-scale or functional exercise under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section is conducted, that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, facility-based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the [facility's] response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the [facility's] emergency plan, as needed. *[For Hospices at 418.113(d):] (2) Testing for hospices that provide care in the patient's home. The hospice must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually. The hospice must do the following: (i) Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community based every 2 years; or (A) When a community based exercise is not accessible, conduct an individual facility based functional exercise every 2 years; or (B) If the hospice experiences a natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the hospital is exempt from engaging in its next required full scale community-based exercise or individual facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional exercise every 2 years, opposite the year the full-scale or functional exercise under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section is conducted, that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or a facility based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (3) Testing for hospices that provide inpatient care directly. The hospice must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan twice per year. The hospice must do the following: (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual facility-based functional exercise; or (B) If the hospice experiences a natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the hospice is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community based or facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional annual exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or a facility based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop led by a facilitator that includes a group discussion using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the hospice's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events and revise the hospice's emergency plan, as needed. *[For PRFTs at §441.184(d), Hospitals at §482.15(d), CAHs at §485.625(d):] (2) Testing. The [PRTF, Hospital, CAH] must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan twice per year. The [PRTF, Hospital, CAH] must do the following: (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise; or (B) If the [PRTF, Hospital, CAH] experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the [facility] is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community based or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an [additional] annual exercise or and that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, a facility-based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the [facility's] response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events and revise the [facility's] emergency plan, as needed. *[For PACE at §460.84(d):] (2) Testing. The PACE organization must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually. The PACE organization must do the following: (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise; or (B) If the PACE experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the PACE is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community based or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional exercise every 2 years opposite the year the full-scale or functional exercise under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section is conducted that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, a facility based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the PACE's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events and revise the PACE's emergency plan, as needed. *[For LTC Facilities at §483.73(d):] (2) The [LTC facility] must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least twice per year, including unannounced staff drills using the emergency procedures. The [LTC facility, ICF/IID] must do the following: (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise. (B) If the [LTC facility] facility experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the LTC facility is exempt from engaging its next required a full-scale community-based or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional annual exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or an individual, facility based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the [LTC facility] facility's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the [LTC facility] facility's emergency plan, as needed. *[For ICF/IIDs at §483.475(d)]: (2) Testing. The ICF/IID must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least twice per year. The ICF/IID must do the following: (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise; or. (B) If the ICF/IID experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the ICF/IID is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community-based or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional annual exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or an individual, facility-based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the ICF/IID's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the ICF/IID's emergency plan, as needed. *[For HHAs at §484.102] (d)(2) Testing. The HHA must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually. The HHA must do the following: (i) Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community-based; or (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise every 2 years; or. (B) If the HHA experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the HHA is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community-based or individual, facility based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Conduct an additional exercise every 2 years, opposite the year the full-scale or functional exercise under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section is conducted, that may include, but is not limited to the following: (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or an individual, facility-based functional exercise; or (B) A mock disaster drill; or (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (iii) Analyze the HHA's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the HHA's emergency plan, as needed. *[For OPOs at §486.360] (d)(2) Testing. The OPO must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan. The OPO must do the following: (i) Conduct a paper-based, tabletop exercise or workshop at least annually. A tabletop exercise is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. If the OPO experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the OPO is exempt from engaging in its next required testing exercise following the onset of the emergency event. (ii) Analyze the OPO's response to and maintain documentation of all tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the [RNHCI's and OPO's] emergency plan, as needed. *[ RNCHIs at §403.748]: (d)(2) Testing. The RNHCI must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan. The RNHCI must do the following: (i) Conduct a paper-based, tabletop exercise at least annually. A tabletop exercise is a group discussion led by a facilitator, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan. (ii) Analyze the RNHCI's response to and maintain documentation of all tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the RNHCI's emergency plan, as needed. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on record review and interview, the HHA failed to analyze the HHA’s response to and maintain documentation of all emergency events, and revise its emergency plan, as needed, for four of four calendar years (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026). This failure placed the HHA patients at risk of harm in the event of an emergency or disaster if the HHA's emergency plan was not effective. Findings included: Record review of the HHA's Emergency Preparedness manual included no evidence the HHA analyzed the HHA’s response to and maintained documentation of all emergency events, and revised its emergency plan, as needed, for calendar year 2023, 2024, 2025, and so far in 2026. An interview was conducted with the Adm/DON/DC on 03/24/2026 at 10:30 AM. The Adm/DON/DC stated she was the HHA’s DC. An interview was conducted with the Adm/DON/DC on 03/24/2026 at 2:15 PM. The Adm/DON/DC stated the emergency preparedness plan was activated for the winter storm that occurred in January 2026 and HHA nurses called to check on the HHA patients. The Adm/DON/DC stated the emergency preparedness plan had also been activated several times every year but the HHA did not document any of the actual emergency events or complete an internal review of its emergency preparedness plan after any of the actual emergency responses, even though she was aware it was required. The Adm/DON/DC further stated the only thing the HHA did was to have nurses call to check on patients but the HHA had forgotten to document the emergency events or complete an internal review afterwards. HHA policy was not followed because the HHA forgot to document and to follow the policy. HHA policy titled, “Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan EC.8” with a revision date of 07/02/2020 read in part, “… The Agency will analyze the Agency's response to and maintain documentation of… emergency events, assess staff knowledge of emergency procedures and revise the emergency plan, as needed… The agency will complete an internal review of the plan of the plan, policies, and procedures… after each actual emergency response to evaluate its effectiveness and to update the plan as needed…”

A recertification survey was conducted on 03/25/2026. The census was: Licensed and Certified Home Health Services: 33 Licensed Home Health Services: 0 Personal Assistance Services: 36 Abbreviations: Adm/DON/DC – Administrator/Director of Nurses/Disaster Coordinator CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services EC - Environment Safety & Equipment Management HHA – home health agency IM – information management iQIES - Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System OASIS - Outcome and Assessment Information Set QAPI RN – quality assessment performance improvement registered nurse

Encoding and transmitting OASIS CFR(s): 484.45(a) Standard: An HHA must encode and electronically transmit each completed OASIS assessment to the CMS system, regarding each beneficiary with respect to which information is required to be transmitted (as determined by the Secretary), within 30 days of completing the assessment of the beneficiary. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on record review and interview, the agency failed to electronically transmit completed OASIS (a standardized data set that measures the quality and outcomes of home health patients) assessments to the CMS system for all Medicare patients within 30 days of completing the OASIS assessment of the patient for 19.28% (48 of 249) of assessments transmitted during 12/31/2024-12/31/2025 and for 23.81% (10 of 42) assessments transmitted during 01/01/2026-03/19/2026. This failure prevented the agency’s patient data from being made available to CMS within 30 days of the OASIS completion date for analysis to identify agency performance levels in the provision of patient care. Findings included: During pre-survey activity on 03/19/2026: The surveyor reviewed the agency OASIS report titled, “HHA Error Summary by Agency” from IQIES (an internet-based system that includes survey and certification functions) for the period of 12/31/2024-12/31/2025. The report included 48 of 249 OASIS assessments (19.28%) with Error -3330 for OASIS assessments submitted more than 30 days of completing the OASIS assessment. The surveyor reviewed the agency OASIS report titled, “HHA Error Summary by Agency” from IQIES for the period of 01/01/2026-03/19/2026. The report included 10 of 42 OASIS assessments (23.81%) with Error -3330 for OASIS assessments submitted more than 30 days of completing the OASIS assessment, a 4.53% increase from the report dated 12/31/2024-12/31/2025. An interview was conducted with the Adm/DON/DC on 03/24/2026 at 10:30 AM. The Adm/DON/DC stated OASIS assessments were submitted by the HHA to CMS every 2 months and QAPI RN was responsible for submitting them. During an interview with the Adm/DON/DC on 03/24/2026 at 2:27 PM, the surveyor asked why 19.28% (48 of 249) OASIS assessments for dates 12/31/2024-12/31/2025 and 23.81% (10 of 42) OASIS assessments for dates 01/01/2026-03/19/2026 were submitted to CMS past 30 days of completion date. The Adm/DON/DC stated QAPI RN was sometimes delayed in submitting OASIS assessments to CMS because QAPI RN had been busy. The Adm/DON/DC stated agency policy was not followed because even though the Adm/DON/DC instructed QAPI RN to submit the assessments within 30 days, the QAPI RN was delayed in doing it. The Adm/DON/DC stated she wanted to change to a different QAPI RN but it wasn’t easy to change QAPI RN nurses. During an interview with QAPI RN on 03/25/2026 at 1:31 PM, the surveyor asked who was responsible for submitting OASIS assessments to CMS. QAPI RN stated she was responsible. The surveyor asked why 19.28% (48 of 249) OASIS assessments for dates 12/31/2024-12/31/2025 and 23.81% (10 of 42) OASIS assessments for dates 01/01/2026-03/19/2026 were submitted past 30 days of completion date. QAPI RN stated that sometimes it was an internet problem, and also that she wasn’t aware if they were submitted around 6:00 PM, if they would show as being submitted on the next business day because of time zone changes. Agency policy titled, “IM.7 Timelines” with a revision date of 08/01/2020 read in part, “… Procedure… OASIS data… will be transmitted via electronic communication software… to the CMS collection site within thirty (30) days of the M0090 [completion] date…”