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Several state-licensed nursing homes in Iowa have been fined following inspections that revealed issues such as bed bugs, resident abuse, unexplained injuries, and medication errors. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducted these inspections, uncovering multiple violations across various facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Iowa nursing homes have been fined for various violations.
- Issues include bed bugs, resident abuse, unexplained injuries, and medication errors.
- The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducted the inspections.
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation Center
One of the largest fines, amounting to $6,250, was imposed on the Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation Center. The facility failed to adequately respond to a resident’s health issues caused by bed bugs. A female resident complained of itching skin and a rash on October 25, 2023. Despite confirming bug bites, the staff delayed providing lotions for several days. The room was eventually heat-treated and sprayed multiple times to eliminate the bugs. The facility’s nurse practitioner refused to see the resident due to the bed bug issue, and the clinical record did not mention any bed bug problems. The resident’s sister expressed concerns about the facility’s competence.
Lantern Park Specialty Care, Coralville
This facility was fined $500 for failing to investigate and report resident abuse related to missing narcotics. A registered nurse reported missing doses of Tramadol, an opiate pain killer, but felt the incident was not properly investigated. The home’s administrator was unaware of the missing medications.
The Penn Center, Delhi
The Penn Center was fined $500 for not adequately responding to a resident’s worsening respiratory issues. A male resident tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced dangerously low oxygen levels without staff contacting his primary care provider. He was eventually sent to a hospital emergency room and transferred to an intensive care unit.
Bettendorf Health Care Center
A proposed $7,000 fine was suspended for this facility, which failed to intervene when a resident’s condition deteriorated. A female resident’s leg was found swollen and bruised, and she was in severe pain. She was taken to an emergency room where doctors discovered broken bones in her leg. The staff could not explain how the injury occurred.
Bedford Specialty Care
This home was fined $500 for not reporting potential abuse of two female residents by a male resident who made sexual advances. One of the potential victims reported the incidents, but the male resident continued his advances. The director of nursing was unaware of the incidents until a separate issue arose.
The Gardens of Cedar Rapids
The facility was fined $500 for not completing background checks on a certified nurse aide before employment. The home allowed the aide to work despite not receiving a Division of Criminal Investigation report.
Opportunity Living, Rockwell City
This care facility for people with intellectual disabilities was fined $500 for not promptly identifying and responding to a potential sexual assault. A female resident was found bleeding after being bathed by a male employee. A hospital nurse reported the injury as a possible sexual assault, but no criminal charges were filed.
Chariton Specialty Care
This facility was fined $500 for not reporting an allegation of abuse. A resident reported that a certified nurse aide was physically rough with another resident, causing distress. The accused worker was allowed to complete her shift.
REM-Dalewood Drive, Marion
This care facility for people with intellectual disabilities was fined $2,000 for medication errors. A medication aide mistakenly gave eight medications intended for one resident to another. The resident was taken to a hospital emergency room and discharged five days later.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing continues to monitor these facilities to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Sources
- Iowa nursing homes cited for bed bugs, abuse, unexplained injuries • Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa Capital Dispatch.
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