Every finding on record at First Health Care Inc

An unannounced Initial and Emergency Preparedness survey was conducted by the Puerto Rico State Agency surveyors at Primary Home Care on October 02, 2024 (Event ID: 64276-H1) from 8:30 AM till 4:30 PM. As results of finding the facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR Part 484.102 Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Home Health Agency. However, seven (7) standard level deficiencies were cited as listed below:

Plan Based on All Hazards Risk Assessment CFR(s): 484.102(a)(1)-(2) §403.748(a)(1)-(2), §416.54(a)(1)-(2), §418.113(a)(1)-(2), §441.184(a)(1)-(2), §460.84(a)(1)-(2), §482.15(a)(1)-(2), §483.73(a)(1)-(2), §483.475(a)(1)-(2), §484.102(a)(1)-(2), §485.68(a)(1)-(2), §485.542(a)(1)-(2), §485.625(a)(1)-(2), §485.727(a)(1)-(2), §485.920(a)(1)-(2), §486.360(a)(1)-(2), §491.12(a)(1)-(2), §494.62(a)(1)-(2) [(a) Emergency Plan. The [facility] must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least every 2 years. The plan must do the following:] (1) Be based on and include a documented, facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach.* (2) Include strategies for addressing emergency events identified by the risk assessment. * [For Hospices at §418.113(a):] Emergency Plan. The Hospice must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least every 2 years. The plan must do the following: (1) Be based on and include a documented, facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach. (2) Include strategies for addressing emergency events identified by the risk assessment, including the management of the consequences of power failures, natural disasters, and other emergencies that would affect the hospice's ability to provide care. *[For LTC facilities at §483.73(a):] Emergency Plan. The LTC facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least annually. The plan must do the following: (1) Be based on and include a documented, facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach, including missing residents. (2) Include strategies for addressing emergency events identified by the risk assessment. *[For ICF/IIDs at §483.475(a):] Emergency Plan. The ICF/IID must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least every 2 years. The plan must do the following: (1) Be based on and include a documented, facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach, including missing clients. (2) Include strategies for addressing emergency events identified by the risk assessment. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to perform a facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO ( employee #) on 10/02/2024 at 1:30 PM it was noted that the facility failed to include a documented facility and community based all hazard approach risk assessment.

Homebound HHA/Hospice Inform EP Officials CFR(s): 484.102(b)(2) §418.113(b)(2), §460.84(b)(4), §484.102(b)(2) [(b) Policies and procedures. The [facilities] must develop and implement emergency preparedness policies and procedures, based on the emergency plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, risk assessment at paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and the communication plan at paragraph (c) of this section. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:] *[For homebound Hospice at §418.113(b)(2), PACE at §460.84(b)(4), and HHAs at §484.102(b)(2):] The procedures to inform State and local emergency preparedness officials about [homebound Hospice, PACE or HHA] patients in need of evacuation from their residences at any time due to an emergency situation based on the patient's medical and psychiatric condition and home environment. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to develop procedures to inform State and local emergency preparedness officials about patients in need of evacuation from their residences at any time due to an emergency situation based on the patient’s medical or psychiatric condition. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO (employee #1) on 10/02/202 at 11:00 it was noted that the EP failed to have written procedures not notify State and local emergency preparedness officials about patients in need of evacuation from their residences at any time due to an emergency as required under §484.102 (b)(2).

HHA- Procedures for Follow up Staff/Pts. CFR(s): 484.102(b)(3) §484.102(b)(3) Condition of Participation: [(b) Policies and procedures. The HHA must develop and implement emergency preparedness policies and procedures, based on the emergency plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, risk assessment at paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and the communication plan at paragraph (c) of this section. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:] (3) The procedures to follow up with on-duty staff and patients to determine services that are needed, in the event that there is an interruption in services during or due to an emergency. The HHA must inform State and local officials of any on-duty staff or patients that they are unable to contact. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to develop procedures to follow up with on-duty staff and patients to determine services that are needed, in the event that there is an interruption in services during or due to an emergency. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO (employee #) on 10/02/2024 was noted that the EP failed to provide written procedures to follow up on-duty staff and patients during an emergency.

Policies/Procedures-Volunteers and Staffing CFR(s): 484.102(b)(5) §403.748(b)(6), §416.54(b)(5), §418.113(b)(4), §441.184(b)(6), §460.84(b)(7), §482.15(b)(6), §483.73(b)(6), §483.475(b)(6), §484.102(b)(5), §485.68(b)(4), §485.542(b)(6), §485.625(b)(6), §485.727(b)(4), §485.920(b)(5), §491.12(b)(4), §494.62(b)(5). [(b) Policies and procedures. The [facilities] must develop and implement emergency preparedness policies and procedures, based on the emergency plan set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, risk assessment at paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and the communication plan at paragraph (c) of this section. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years [annually for LTC facilities]. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:] (6) [or (4), (5), or (7) as noted above] The use of volunteers in an emergency or other emergency staffing strategies, including the process and role for integration of State and Federally designated health care professionals to address surge needs during an emergency. *[For RNHCIs at §403.748(b):] Policies and procedures. (6) The use of volunteers in an emergency and other emergency staffing strategies to address surge needs during an emergency. *[For Hospice at §418.113(b):] Policies and procedures. (4) The use of hospice employees in an emergency and other emergency staffing strategies, including the process and role for integration of State and Federally designated health care professionals to address surge needs during an emergency. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure policies and procedures to facilitate the support of volunteers and other healthcare professionals in an emergency. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO on 10/02/2022 it was noted that the facility failed to stablished policies and procedures to ensure and facilitate the support of volunteers and other healthcare professionals in an emergency as required under §484.102(b)(5).

Primary/Alternate Means for Communication CFR(s): 484.102(c)(3) §403.748(c)(3), §416.54(c)(3), §418.113(c)(3), §441.184(c)(3), §460.84(c)(3), §482.15(c)(3), §483.73(c)(3), §483.475(c)(3), §484.102(c)(3), §485.68(c)(3), §485.542(c)(3), §485.625(c)(3), §485.727(c)(3), §485.920(c)(3), §486.360(c)(3), §491.12(c)(3), §494.62(c)(3). [(c) The [facility] must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with Federal, State and local laws and must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years [annually for LTC facilities]. The communication plan must include all of the following: (3) Primary and alternate means for communicating with the following: (i) [Facility] staff. (ii) Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local emergency management agencies. *[For ICF/IIDs at §483.475(c):] (3) Primary and alternate means for communicating with the ICF/IID's staff, Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local emergency management agencies. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to provide a method for sharing information and medical documentation for patients under the facility's care, as necessary, with other health care providers to maintain the continuity of care. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with CEO (employee #) on 10/02/2024 it was noted that the facility failed provide evidence of the Emergency Preparedness Communication Plan that included primary and alternate means for communicating with the facility staff, Federal, State, regional and local emergency management agencies under §484.102(c)(3).

Methods for Sharing Information CFR(s): 484.102(c)(4)-(5) §403.748(c)(4)-(6), §416.54(c)(4)-(6), §418.113(c)(4)-(6), §441.184(c)(4)-(6), §460.84(c)(4)-(6), §441.184(c)(4)-(6), §460.84(c)(4)-(6), §482.15(c)(4)-(6), §483.73(c)(4)-(6), §483.475(c)(4)-(6), §484.102(c)(4)-(5), §485.68(c)(4), §485.542(c)(4)-(6), §485.625(c)(4)-(6), §485.727(c)(4), §485.920(c)(4)-(6), §491.12(c)(4), §494.62(c)(4)-(6). [(c) The [facility] must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with Federal, State and local laws and must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years [annually for LTC facilities]. The communication plan must include all of the following: (4) A method for sharing information and medical documentation for patients under the [facility's] care, as necessary, with other health providers to maintain the continuity of care. (5) A means, in the event of an evacuation, to release patient information as permitted under 45 CFR 164.510(b)(1)(ii). [This provision is not required for HHAs under §484.102(c), CORFs under §485.68(c)] (6) [(4) or (5)]A means of providing information about the general condition and location of patients under the [facility's] care as permitted under 45 CFR 164.510(b)(4). *[For RNHCIs at §403.748(c):] (4) A method for sharing information and care documentation for patients under the RNHCI's care, as necessary, with care providers to maintain the continuity of care, based on the written election statement made by the patient or his or her legal representative. *[For RHCs/FQHCs at §491.12(c):] (4) A means of providing information about the general condition and location of patients under the facility's care as permitted under 45 CFR 164.510(b)(4). This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that include a method for sharing information and medical documentation for patients to maintain the continuity of care. Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO (employee #1) on 10/02/2024 it was noted that the facility failed provide a written method for sharing information and medical documentation for patients under the facility's care, as necessary, with other health care providers to maintain the continuity of care as required under §484.102(c)(4)-(5).

Information on Occupancy/Needs CFR(s): 484.102(c)(6) §403.748(c)(7), §416.54(c)(7), §418.113(c)(7) §441.184(c)(7), §482.15(c)(7), §460.84(c)(7), §483.73(c)(7), §483.475(c)(7), §484.102(c)(6), §485.68(c)(5), §485.68(c)(5), §485.727(c)(5), §485.542(c)(7), §485.625(c)(7), §485.920(c)(7), §491.12(c)(5), §494.62(c)(7). [(c) The [facility] must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with Federal, State and local laws and must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years [annually for LTC facilities]. The communication plan must include all of the following: (7) [(5) or (6)] A means of providing information about the [facility's] occupancy, needs, and its ability to provide assistance, to the authority having jurisdiction, the Incident Command Center, or designee. *[For ASCs at 416.54(c)]: (7) A means of providing information about the ASC's needs, and its ability to provide assistance, to the authority having jurisdiction, the Incident Command Center, or designee. *[For Inpatient Hospice at §418.113(c):] (7) A means of providing information about the hospice's inpatient occupancy, needs, and its ability to provide assistance, to the authority having jurisdiction, the Incident Command Center, or designee. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based upon an Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) survey performed on 10/02/2024 at 8:30 AM through 4:00 PM, to evaluate emergency preparedness requirements, it was determined that the facility failed to have means of providing information about the facility's occupancy, needs, and its ability to provide assistance Findings include: During the review of the facilities Emergency Preparedness Program with the CEO (employee # ) on 10/02/2024 it was noted that the facility failed to have written procedures of providing information about the facility's occupancy, needs, and its ability to provide assistance, to the authority having jurisdiction, the Incident Command Center, or designee.

An initial certification survey was conducted on October 01 through October 02, 2024 from 9:00 AM through 4:00 PM by the Puerto Rico State Agency surveyors at the Primary Home Care (Event ID: 64276-H1). As results of finding the facility was found in substantial compliance with 42 CFR §482. Requirements for Home Care with the following standard level deficiencies listed below: Survey Date: 10/01-02/2024 Survey Census: 8 patients Sample Size: 7

A review of all current medications CFR(s): 484.55(c)(5) A review of all medications the patient is currently using in order to identify any potential adverse effects and drug reactions, including ineffective drug therapy, significant side effects, significant drug interactions, duplicate drug therapy, and noncompliance with drug therapy. This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on initial certification survey, during the home visit (H.V) #2 with the registered nurse (employee #4) on 10/01/2024, it was determined that the facility failed to a review of all medications the patient is currently using to identify any potential adverse effects and drug reactions, including ineffective drug therapy, significant drugs interactions, duplicate drug therapy, and noncompliance with drug therapy. Findings include: 1. H.V #2 is an 84-year-old female admitted on 08/27/2024 for Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified. On 10/01/2024 at 11:34 AM, observations at home visit the registered nurse (employee #4) did not perform medication reconciliation to the patient, per policy: medication reconciliation will be performed on an ongoing basis.

Infection Prevention CFR(s): 484.70(a) Standard: Infection Prevention. The HHA must follow accepted standards of practice, including the use of standard precautions, to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable diseases. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on initial certification survey, during the review of policies and procedures with the Clinical Administrator (employee #1) on 10/02/2024, determined that the facility did not ensure that accepted standards of practice, including the use of standard precautions to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable diseases. Findings include: 1. During the observation of the infection control manual it was found that they did not have available policies and procedures for intramuscular and subcutaneous injection techniques, approved use of personal protective equipment (PPE), minimizing potential exposure and reprocessing, storage, transport, and usage/operation of equipment or equipment used for patient care.

Skilled services furnished CFR(s): 484.105(f) Standard: Services furnished. Skilled nursing services and at least one other therapeutic service (physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or occupational therapy; medical social services; or home health aide services) are made available on a visiting basis, in a place of residence used as a patient's home. An HHA must provide at least one of the services described in this subsection directly, but may provide the second service and additional services under arrangement with another agency or organization. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on initial certification survey, during the interview with the Clinical Administrator (employee #1) on 10/02/2024, determined that the facility failed to at least one of the services was provided directly by the facility. Finding Include: During the entrance conference performed on 10/01/2024 at 9:00 am it was asked to the Clinical Administrator employee #1 what services was provided directly by the facility, the employee #1 state that Registered Nurse (RN ) Service, the Home Health Aids Services (HHA/LPN), Physical Therapy Services, Occupational Therapy Services, Speech Therapy Service was provided by contract.