LAUREL PLACE HEALTH & REHAB CENTER
LOCATED: 1901 SOUTH LAUREL STREET, HOPE, AR 71801

LAUREL PLACE HEALTH & REHAB CENTER was cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:

PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey submitted by DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES. The full report/survey can be found here.

FACILITY FAILED TO PROTECT EACH RESIDENT FROM ALL ABUSE, PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT, AND BEING SEPARATED FROM OTHERS.

LEVEL OF HARM –IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**

Complaint # (AR 529) substantiated, all or in part, in these findings.

Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents were free from staff to resident physical abuse as evidenced by the facility’s failures to ensure staff immediately reported an incident of abuse to the Administrator/Designee so an investigation could be immediately initiated and protection provided to prevent further potential abuse for 1 of 1 (Resident #1) who was cognitively impaired and alleged he was abused by Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN #1) This failed practice resulted in Immediate Jeopardy which caused or could have caused serious harm, injury or death to Resident #1, who was cognitively impaired and stated that LPN #1 put a towel in his mouth and tape over it; and had the potential to affect 21 residents who were cognitively impaired according to a list provided by Director of Nursing (DON) on 8/12/15. The facility removed the Immediate Jeopardy prior to the survey entrance date, however, all of the underlying deficient practices were not corrected. The Administrator was informed of the Immediate Jeopardy removed on 8/12/15 at 1:40 p.m.

A witness statement dated 8/5/15 at 11:00 a.m. documented by CNA #3, I was told Sunday 8/2/15 by (LPN #2) a nurse and CNA that a nurse (LPN #1) had put a sock and taped in resident mouth to keep him quiet because he was yelling out. CNA #1 stated the sock was out his mouth and that she removed the tape off the side of his mouth. She (CNA #1) said she asked resident what was on his mouth he said tape that the nurse put on his mouth because he was yelling. I reported it to the ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) what they said happened

On 8/11/15 at 10: 00 p.m., CNA #3 stated, I heard about it Sunday 8/2/15, I came back to work about 1:00 or 2:00 a.m., coming back from lunch break passing the nurse’s station. (LPN #2) said to me, ‘(CNA #3, CNA #3) let me tell you what your nurse did. She (LPN #1) supposed to put a sock in (Resident #1’s) mouth to keep him from yelling out. I said you for real?’ (CNA #1) was at the nurse’s station at this time also. (CNA #1) was talking about it, saying she saw something on the side of his face, saw it was a piece of tape and pulled it off said the sock was on the bed. (CNA #3) stated it was supposed to have happened Saturday (8/1/15). They (LPN #2 and CNA #1) were laughing about it, so I didn’t take it seriously, like maybe she (LPN #1) didn’t really do it. I reported it to (LPN #5) Monday, I texted it her on 8/4/15 at 9:45 p.m., when I was coming into work. She (LPN #5) said she would take care of it when she got to work. CNA #3 was asked why she waited till the evening of Monday 8/4/15 to finally report it? And CNA #3 stated, I had a lot going on. I really didn’t think about any more. CNA #3 was asked if she felt it was abuse and she stated, yes, ma’am. CNA #3 was asked, what have you been told to do when something like that happens? She stated, Report it as soon as we see it.

Personal Note from NHA-Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.

You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately.

We can help you and your loved one file a state complaint, hire a specialized nursing home attorney or help you find a more suitable location for your loved one.

Contact us through our CONTACT FORM located on our website here below or on the sidebar or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262.

You can make a difference even if your loved one has already passed away.