Every finding on record at Heritage Home Health Care, Inc

The Emergency Preparedness requirements were evaluated, in conjunction with the recertification survey, on 4/17/25. Standard level deficiencies cited. Abbreviations: AM = morning Pts. = Patients QA = Quality Assurance RN = Registered Nurse

Develop EP Plan, Review and Update Annually CFR(s): 484.102(a) §403.748(a), §416.54(a), §418.113(a), §441.184(a), §460.84(a), §482.15(a), §483.73(a), §483.475(a), §484.102(a), §485.68(a), §485.542(a), §485.625(a), §485.727(a), §485.920(a), §486.360(a), §491.12(a), §494.62(a). The [facility] must comply with all applicable Federal, State and local emergency preparedness requirements. The [facility] must develop establish and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness program that meets the requirements of this section. The emergency preparedness program must include, but not be limited to, the following elements: (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 all of the following: * [For hospitals at §482.15 and CAHs at §485.625(a):] Emergency Plan. The [hospital or CAH] must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness requirements. The [hospital or CAH] must develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness program that meets the requirements of this section, utilizing an all-hazards approach. * [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. * [For ESRD Facilities at §494.62(a):] Emergency Plan. The ESRD facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be [evaluated], and updated at least every 2 years. . This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on review of the Agency's Emergency Preparedness Plan and staff interview, it was determined the Agency failed to review and update its Emergency Preparedness Plan biennially. This has the potential to affect all Pts. that receive service from the Agency. Findings include: 1. The Emergency Preparedness Plan was reviewed on 4/14/25. As of 4/14/25, the Plan lacked a date to indicate when the Agency last reviewed and updated the Emergency Preparedness Plan. 2. During an interview with the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and the RN/Quality Assurance (Administrative Team) on 4/16/25 at 10:08 AM, the Administrative Team confirmed the Agency failed to review and update its Emergency Preparedness Plan biennially.

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 a review of the Agency’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and staff interview, it was determined the Agency failed to conduct the required testing of its Emergency Preparedness Plan. This has the potential to affect all Pts. that receive service from the Agency. Findings include: 1. The undated Emergency Preparedness Plan was reviewed on 4/14/25. The Plan lacked documentation that the Agency conducted or participated in a full-scale exercise, facility-based exercise, or activated the Agency's Emergency Preparedness in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 (as of 4/14/25). 2. During an interview with the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and the RN/Quality Assurance on 4/16/25 at 10:08 AM, the Administrative Team confirmed the Agency failed to conduct the required testing of its Emergency Preparedness Plan.

A recertification survey was conducted in conjunction with the evaluation of Emergency Preparedness requirements, on 4/17/25. Standard level deficiencies cited. Abbreviations: AM=morning PM=afternoon/evening Pt./Pts.=Patient/Patients %=percentage RN=Registered Nurse POC=Plan of Care SOC=Start of Care #=number E=employee MG=milligram(s) Tab(s)=tablets

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 the review of the Error Summary report and staff interview, it was determined in 4 of 320 assessments submitted for the last 12 months, the Agency failed to submit all reports timely, resulting in a warning. Findings include: 1. The Error Summary report for 3/1/24 to 3/26/25, was reviewed on 4/15/25. The report included error # -3330: 4 (1.25%) of the 320 submissions were submitted more than 30 days after the assessments were completed. 2. During an interview with the Administrator, the Director of Nursing, and RN/Quality Assurance on 4/15/25 at 1:45 PM, it was confirmed that the error occurred.

Plan of care must include the following CFR(s): 484.60(a)(2)(i-xvi) The individualized plan of care must include the following: (i) All pertinent diagnoses; (ii) The patient's mental, psychosocial, and cognitive status; (iii) The types of services, supplies, and equipment required; (iv) The frequency and duration of visits to be made; (v) Prognosis; (vi) Rehabilitation potential; (vii) Functional limitations; (viii) Activities permitted; (ix) Nutritional requirements; (x) All medications and treatments; (xi) Safety measures to protect against injury; (xii) A description of the patient's risk for emergency department visits and hospital re-admission, and all necessary interventions to address the underlying risk factors. (xiii) Patient and caregiver education and training to facilitate timely discharge; (xiv) Patient-specific interventions and education; measurable outcomes and goals identified by the HHA and the patient; (xv) Information related to any advanced directives; and (xvi) Any additional items the HHA or physician or allowed practitioner may choose to include. This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on clinical record review, interviews and observations during home visits, and staff interviews, it was determined in 2 of 7 (Pts. #1 and 2) clinical records reviewed, the Agency failed to ensure the medications in the POC were accurate. 2. Pt. #2 was admitted to home health services on 12/16/24 with the diagnoses of, but not limited to, Hypertensive Heart Disease With Heart Failure. The clinical record was reviewed on 4/15/25. The record included the POC with the certification period of 2/14/25 to 4/14/25 that contained "Ferrous Fumarate Oral 325...MG 1 Tab(s) Daily." A home visit was conducted on 4/15/25 with E#3. During the home visit, an interview was conducted with the Pt. and E#3, and the medication "Ferrous Fumarate Oral 325...MG 1 Tab(s) every other day." was observed, the bottle was dated 1/13/25. The Pt. and E#3 confirmed the change made to the medication. The POC was inaccurate. 3. The above findings were confirmed during interviews on 4/15/25 at 1:45 PM and 4/16/25 at 10:08 AM with the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and the RN/Quality Assurance. Findings include: 1. Pt. #1 was admitted to home health services on 1/20/25 with the diagnosis of, but not limited to, Localization – Related (Focal) (Partial) Symptomatic Epilepsy and Epileptic Syndromes with Complex Partial Seizures. The clinical record was reviewed on 4/15/25. The record included the POC effective 3/21/25 that contained: Levetiracetam Oral 1000 MG 1 Tab(s) by mouth twice daily, Levetiracetam Oral 1000 MG 2 Tab(s) by mouth daily twice daily; and Clobazam Oral 10 MG 1 Tab(s) by mouth daily at bedtime, Clobazam Oral 10 MG 3 Tabs(s) by mouth daily at bedtime. Both medications were recorded twice with 2 different dosages. A home visit was conducted with E #2 on 4/15/25 at 9:30 AM. During the home visit, an interview was conducted with the Pt. who presented a medication list from the Physician’s office. The medication list had Levetiracetam Oral 1000 MG 1 Tab by mouth twice daily and Clobazam Oral 10 MG 1 Tab by mouth daily at bedtime, the Pt. confirmed the dosages on the Physician’s medication list as what is taken. The POC effective 3/21/25 was inaccurate.

Name/contact information of clinical manager CFR(s): 484.60(e)(5) Name and contact information of the HHA clinical manager. This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on a review of the Agency's Pt. admission folder, observation and interview during home visits, clinical record reviews, and staff interviews, it was determined that in 7 of 7 (Pts. #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) clinical records reviewed, the Agency failed to provide the Pt./patient's representative information regarding the Director of Nursing (Clinical Manager). Findings include: 1.The Agency’s Pt. admission folder was reviewed on 4/14/25. The folder lacked the Director of Nursing's (Clinical Manager's) name, address, and phone number. 2. The following home visits were conducted on 4/15/25: Pt. #1. SOC 1/20/25. Pt. #2. SOC 12/16/24. Pt. #3. SOC 10/24/24 During the home visits, the Pt. admission folders were observed, and lacked the name and contact information of the Director of Nursing. Interviews were conducted with the Pt./patient’s representative, they were not aware of the name and contact information of the Director of Nursing. 3. The following clinical records were reviewed from 4/14/25 to 4/15/25: Pt. #1. SOC 1/20/25. Pt. #2. SOC 12/16/24. Pt. #3. SOC 10/24/24. Pt. #4. SOC 3/13/25. Pt. #5. SOC 2/27/25. Pt. #6. SOC 12/30/24. Pt. #7. SOC 11/7/24. The clinical records lacked documentation that the Pt./patient's representative was provided the name and contact of the Director of Nursing. 4. During interviews with the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and RN/Quality Assurance on 4/15/25 at 1:45 PM, it was confirmed the Agency failed to provide the Pt./patient’s representative with the Director of Nursing's name and contact information.